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Lewy Buddies UK is a community-led organisation created to support anyone affected by Lewy body dementia.
We were set up by Esther Boyd and Richard James, both of whom have personal experience of caring for a loved one living with Lewy body dementia. Both had independently worked to increase access to support - Esther with a mailing list and monthly online support group meetings, Richard with the private Facebook support group - before combining their efforts to set up Lewy Buddies UK. |
Meaningful support for anyone in the UK affected by Lewy body dementia. |
Mission, vision & values
Our visionA future where everyone affected by Lewy body disorder is informed and welcomed into a UK-wide community of individuals helping and supporting one another.
Our missionTo improve access to the most relevant, meaningful information and support for anyone affected by Lewy body dementia.
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Our valuesLed by lived experience
The shape of our activities will always be guided by genuine, lived experience of people affected by Lewy Body dementia. In this together
We believe we all have a role to play, that each of our insight and personal experience could be a lifeline for someone else going through a similar situation. Honest at all times
We are honest and open about the realities of living with, or alongside Lewy body dementia. We'll also be open and up front about other services available that could be of help. |
Our team
Richard James (Director)Richard has worked in a range of senior fundraising and communications roles within the charity sector for more than a decade. His mum received a diagnosis of LBD in late 2020, before her death in 2025.
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Our board of trustees
Esther Boyd (Chair)Esther is a retired architect and community activist living in Birmingham. She cared for her husband who was diagnosed with LBD in 2011 up until his death in 2019.
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Lynne Snowball (Treasurer)Lynne is a retired accountant with extensive board experience, who lives in the North-East of England.
She cares for her husband at home, who was diagnosed with LBD in 2020. |
Debbie DurrantFollowing a long management career within Public Health (NHS), Debbie is now self-employed. Debbie's mum was diagnosed with LBD early 2021, and now lives in full time care.
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Linda BuchananLinda had a long career in paediatric nursing before retiring. Her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, before a further diagnosis of LBD. He sadly died sixteen months after his LBD diagnosis in 2019.
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Why we exist
In 2022 we ran a survey of members of the Facebook support group to find out about the experience of finding and accessing support for people affected by Lewy body dementia in the UK. 83 people responded, giving a clear snapshot of the state of support and providing the motivation to change the situation.
said there wasn't enough specialist support for people living with LBD and their families
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thought there should be a specialist organisation supporting people affected by LBD
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said the most useful support would be advice and tips around living with or alongside LBD
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Join the Buddy DirectoryThe Buddy Directory is a secure online nationwide database of all our members. Join for free today.
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Your guide to Lewy bodiesWatch, read and download our plain language guide to the different conditions caused by Lewy bodies.
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Get involved
Join our mailing listSign up to our mailing list to be the first to hear news, updates and developments as we continue to develop our services.
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Make a donationHelp our efforts to provide meaningful, relevant and practical support to people affected by Lewy body dementia.
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