Sarah Russell
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Having previously worked as a Dementia Specialist for over 20 years with both Alzheimer’s Society and Carers in Bedfordshire, Sarah has developed a broad knowledge and working experience of the challenges of dementia.
As a former Development Officer Sarah has extensive experience of creating and building projects to support both carers and people living with dementia.
She continues to facilitate, support and attend groups on a weekly basis as well as representing Tibbs at fundraising and awareness raising events.
Margaret-Anne Tibbs
Co-founder and Dementia Specialist
Margaret-Anne was a Social Worker in South Africa before working for many years as a dementia-specialist Social Worker in Bedfordshire. She later set up the Bedford branch of Alzheimer’s Society and also worked as a dementia trainer & writer – publishing two text books for Social Workers and contributing individual chapters & articles. She continues to play an essential and hands on role within the charity leading our specialised talking group for people with dementia- Clear Voices and sharing her expertise and extensive knowledge of dementia at Support for Memory service and writing regular blogs for our newsletter.
Jeni Melia
Co-founder and Music Therapist
Jeni, our lead Music Therapist, has led and expanded Music 4 Memory services since 2008, and oversees all of our music therapy services.
In collaboration with various community groups, Jeni organises & arranges all our external performances.
Clare Copleston
Operations Manager
Clare Copleston is the Operations Manager at Tibbs Dementia Foundation, bringing over 25 years of expertise in mental health and dementia services. With a rich background as a qualified trainer and lecturer in mental health studies, dementia, and health and social care, Clare has spent her career empowering individuals and communities through knowledge, compassion, and support.
A published author in the field of dementia and wellbeing activities, Clare is deeply committed to preserving dignity and promoting meaningful engagement for those living with dementia. Her work is driven by a belief in the power of kindness and a passion for enabling individuals and unpaid carers to live with purpose, resilience, and joy.
Our Team
Our team of experienced support workers facilitate our groups. They have a background in dementia in different professional settings and have a wide experience.
Our Client manager is the first point of contact, providing ongoing, personalised, information and support to ensure that all feel welcome and appropriately supported as they join our community.
Our Well- Being specialist brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our community, leading our drive to provide a holistic approach which places individual well-being at the heart of all we do.
The community is supported by a small and dedicated team led by the Office Manager who ensure that safety, security and efficiency underpins everything we do.
Our team work hard to ensure that everyone receives a warm welcome and that we create a relaxed, supporting and safe environment. In return our staff and volunteers expect to be treated with dignity and in a respectful way. For everyone attending our services and activities to adhere to the ethos of Tibbs and the systems, and structures we have in place.
If you are attending our groups:
Our Volunteers
Our services would not be possible without our amazing team of over 60 committed, trained volunteers – who do everything from running groups, supporting service-users, counselling, accountancy & record keeping, publicity, fundraising, playing music, making refreshments… to everything in between!
Almost all of our volunteers have personal experience with dementia – either through caring for someone with dementia or through previously working in this field – and thus they are highly attuned to the specific needs of the members of our community.
