Our Team
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 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:
- Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes before the start of the session as our team may still be setting up the room and activities and cannot guarantee your safety
- If you are picking up a loved one after a session please ensure you arrive in good time. At the end of the session the team need to focus on tidying up, put tables and chairs away and a debrief. They also often have other groups to facilitate and may need to leave swiftly.
- The Tibbs community is build on respect and care for each other. We expect this to be reflected by all who attend our groups and activities. Our staff and volunteers will always do their best to offer the support you need and they in turn expect to be treated with respect.
- Tibbs Dementia Foundation takes a zero tolerance approach to any abuse.
Our Trustees
Neil Harris
Tustee, Chair of Trustees
I’m honoured to begin a new chapter as Chair of Trustees at Tibbs Dementia Foundation – a local charity that makes an incredible difference in the lives of people living with dementia and their families.
My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to public service, governance, and community. With over 25 years’ experience in public audit and regulation – including senior leadership roles at the Financial Reporting Council and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – I’ve worked across complex systems to drive sustainable change.
I’m equally passionate about giving back to the community I call home. From leading governance at Bedford Girls’ School and the Harpur Trust to mentoring young people through Bedford Giving, I’ve always believed in the power of local action to improve lives.
I’m excited to work with the Tibbs team to support their mission and ensure that those affected by dementia in Bedfordshire continue to receive the care, connection, and support they need.
Jenny Tomlinson
Trustee
Jenny has been involved with Tibbs Dementia Foundation (TDF) since 2011 when her late husband was given a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia.
They enjoyed many Tibbs activities where they both felt valued, supported and accepted. Jenny set up and continues to facilitate ‘Still Caring’ a support group for carers whose loved one is a resident of a care home.
After her husband’s death Jenny was approached by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to be the Carer Representative on the Dementia Intensive Support Service (DISS) to advise and represent the carer’s perspective as DISS became established.
Richard Gallivan
Trustee
Janet Herbert
Trustee
I have lived in Bedford for the last thirty plus years in which time I have raised three children, worked as a Maths teacher and Accountant for both a local bus company and a recruitment agency. I have also served as Treasurer for my children’s school PTAs and a local rowing club.
I qualified as a Chartered Accountant after leaving University and as a Maths teacher during a career break to raise my children.
Now retired, I enjoy traveling, keeping fit, and being an active grandmother. I discovered Tibbs Dementia Foundation around the time my mother-in-law was diagnosed with dementia, and their positive, can-do approach immediately resonated with me. I believe that exercise and good nutrition are key to a happy, healthy life, and I’m proud to support such a valuable charity.
John Clements
Trustee
I have experience of Dementia from a young age, when my lovely Nan was diagnosed with this condition. She lived with us in our family home, and I was part of this journey from the age of 8 age and well into my adulthood.
My career background is both in Banking / finance and music, having worked in sales, financial advice, legal matters and planning as well as being in senior management roles.
Outside work interests have included being a member of Rotary Club, Chairperson and Treasurer in a large local Art Society, performing solo music at residential homes to help with mental health, and support people with additional needs, and being part of various music bands.
Since retiring from financial services, as a Pianist, I run a successful small business, teaching classical Piano students of all ages, and I also compose music
I am passionate about helping others, and I am delighted to volunteer as a Trustee and be part of the amazing Tibbs dementia foundation.
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.
