Raising the Roof on Dementia Awareness
At Makers Construction, we believe that the strength of our business is not only in the quality of our work but in the character and commitment of its people. One clear example of this in action is Simon Hollier, Roofing Surveyor and passionate advocate for Dementia awareness.
While Simon is well known for his expertise on roofing refurbishment projects across the UK, he is also making a significant impact far beyond the construction site. In his own time, Simon serves as a Community Link Volunteer and Dementia Friend Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, helping raise vital awareness and understanding about Dementia in local communities. Recently he has joined the Dementia Friend volunteers panel to help shape the future of the initiative.
Simon has embraced role that goes far beyond his day job, a role rooted in empathy, education, and meaningful connection. Drawing on the insights gained through his own family’s Dementia journey, he now actively engages with individuals, families, and organisations to challenge misconceptions, open conversations, and provide practical understanding around Dementia. His goal is clear; to help break down the stigma often associated with the condition and inspire others to become more Dementia friendly. Through his voluntary role, Simon is helping to shape more compassionate and inclusive communities where those living with Dementia, their carers and families feel included, supported, and understood.
“As someone who has seen the effects of Dementia first-hand, I wanted to be part of the solution,” Simon explains. “Becoming a Community Link Volunteer and Dementia Friend Ambassador allowed me to help others understand the condition, and more importantly, how small changes in our attitudes and actions can make a huge difference. We can’t change the destination, but we can change the journey”.
Through the Dementia Friends initiative, Simon delivers FREE information sessions that encourage people to think differently about Dementia and take simple steps to support those affected. The sessions help people understand the symptoms of Dementia and how we can all make a difference. These sessions are offered via community groups, sports centres, workplaces and even within the construction industry. This reflecting Simon’s belief that awareness has a place everywhere. Simon has delivered Dementia Friend sessions to Space Building Surveyors of Birmingham and Vivid Homes based in Portsmouth.
As a Community Link Volunteer, Simon also supports the Alzheimer’s Society by connecting people to local services, events, and resources. Whether it’s signposting support for carers or working alongside other community groups this goal is to ensure no one faces Dementia alone. As well as raising awareness, Simon has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Society to help fund vital research. A combination of his own fundraising events and supporting Alzheimer’s Society events including memory walks, running and cycling events.
Read more about Simon’s personal journey so far on the Alzheimer’s Dementia Friends website via this link: www.dementiafriends.org.uk/WEBNewsStory?storyId=a0BVg0000035GTpMAM
To book your FREE Dementia Friend information session and join the growing 3.7 million Dementia Friends in the UK, email s.hollier@makers.biz
To learn more about Dementia Friends visit www.dementiafriends.org.uk or for more information on the work by Alzheimer’s Society, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk