As a business we are proud of our Tees Valley roots and committed to giving back to the community. That’s why so many of our staff immerse themselves in volunteering and charitable work.
Rachael Hart, a member of our Mental Health team, is a devoted and knowledgeable solicitor who has dedicated many hours of her time outside of work to raising awareness of dementia, particularly for the Alzheimer’s Society, which operates a Dementia Friends and Dementia Champions initiative.
Rachael has a personal connection to this cause, having seen first-hand the difficulties faced by her family when her Grandfather was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia. More recently, her Grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She became aware of the local initiative, Dementia Friendly Middlesbrough, at a networking event and realised that this was something she wanted to be involved in.
Through her work in the Mental Health team, Rachael is well-versed in the struggles faced by clients with dementia, and the importance of helping them. She regularly represents clients who have been detained under the Mental Health Act, and this has helped drive her ambition to make a real difference for those suffering with dementia in the North East.
Rachael became a Dementia Friend in March 2016 and undertook further training to become a Dementia Champion in May 2016. This means that she is able to run ‘Dementia Awareness Sessions’ to those wishing to make a difference by becoming a Dementia Friend themselves.
Rachael said: “With my busy work schedule I am only able to volunteer every few months, but I am always honoured to do so. Alzheimer’s Society contact me whenever a Dementia Champion is required to deliver a session, and this is typically within the Teesside area.
“I believe that being involved with this initiative is so important, both to the individuals learning about this tragic condition, and also to the clients walking through the door here at Punch Robson. It is crucial that they can be safe in the knowledge that they are entrusting their legal affairs to a solicitor who is both understanding of and qualified to deal with their unique circumstances and situations.”
Here at Punch Robson we are proud of Rachael’s efforts to grow awareness of dementia in the North East; she’s making a valuable contribution and reassuring our clients that we, as a business, truly care for them.
If you would like some advice from our experienced Mental Health team, call 01642 754050 or email at enquiries@punchrobson.co.uk.
