Lena O’Connell

Regional Carer Engagement Lead – North West England

I joined tide a year ago as a Carer Engagement Lead. In this role my priority is to work with carers and former carers to facilitate their engagement with tide, ensuring that carers’ development needs are identified and met though tide’s Carer Development Programme. It is also my responsibility to provide practical, psychological and emotional support to carers and former carers when they are representing tide and sharing their story at conferences, meetings, education and research projects.

About Lena…

I am currently completing a post-graduate degree at the University of Liverpool. My research project is focused on dementia care supported by assistive technologies. I am also looking at the role voluntary or Third Sector organisations are currently playing in the delivery of social care in general, and dementia care in particular. Through my research activities and a past voluntary role as a befriender to people living with dementia and carers I have become aware of the multitude of challenges faced by family carers, among them being recognised as experts by experience and individuals with their own rights, such as the right to have a carer’s assessment and the right to receive support.