Behind The Scenes - Trish Dobbs (Right Minds)

Trish Dobbs is the driving force behind the Right Minds dementia peer support group in Bridlington, working quietly but powerfully behind the scenes to build a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for people living with dementia and their care partners. As a volunteer host, Trish dedicates over 10 hours each week to planning meetings, organising outings, fundraising, and raising awareness of the group's work. Her passion stems from lived experience—after losing her husband Roy, who had dementia, she chose to remain an active volunteer, sharing her energy, empathy, and personal insight to help others navigate the same journey.

Her impact reaches far beyond the monthly meetings. Trish has helped shape Right Minds into a vibrant and empowering group—designing a logo and mascot, creating a brand identity, and even dressing up as “Frenchy” from Grease to raise funds and smiles. She advocates fiercely for the voices of people with dementia, regularly contributing to NHS and council partnership meetings, and has already influenced changes in the East Riding Dementia Action Plan through her honest and compassionate testimony. She also supports unpaid carers through her training and lived experience, meeting individuals when they need a listening ear or practical advice.

Trish is constantly looking for ways to enhance the wellbeing of group members, whether through organising day trips, promoting outdoor activities, or connecting people with research and inclusion opportunities. Her ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and heard is at the heart of her impact. As one care partner put it, “Trish is an angel... always there for everyone in the group, whether it’s to laugh with, to help out, or a shoulder to cry on.”

Behind every smile, moment of calm, or act of courage at Right Minds is Trish's unwavering presence and belief in the power of peer support. She not only uplifts those around her but ensures that professionals across health and care sectors truly listen to people with dementia. Her work may take place behind the scenes, but the difference she makes is front and centre in the lives of so many.

With thanks to event partners HEY Smile Foundation, Hull CVS, City Health Care Partnership (CHCP), East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Hull City Council