I am 61 years old and I live in Annan. I am supported by Key community support staff and have been for over 20 years. I am not married and do not have children.

I live independently in a little bungalow. I have lots of good friends and enjoy the company of my support workers. I know all about their lives!

I love arts and crafts and love giving my creations out to people on Christmas and their birthdays. I have taken part in lots of swimming and power walking competitions. I have received lots of medals over the years!

I have been an adviser and researcher on two research projects at the University of Stirling. Both projects try to help people with a learning disability and dementia.

The first project was called Life Through a Lens. We wanted to know what things could help people with learning disabilities and dementia to live well that wasn't pills or medication. I learnt how to use a camera and take photos. We shared our findings at the IASSID conference in Glasgow and organised our own one at the University of Stirling. I co-wrote an article and my part was about photovoice and how we used the camera in research.

The Alzheimer Society gave us money for this work.

I am now working on the Stand By Me research project to learn more about couples with a learning disability when one partner has dementia. I enjoy attending Stand by Me meetings because they give me a voice. Dunhill Medical Trust funded this project which finishes in 2023.

In my spare time, I love to go on holidays (but not hot places!). I have my own mobility car which I like to share with my friends and visit different places. I really enjoyed going on a caravan holiday with my friends.

Publications

Watchman K, Mattheys K, Doyle A, Boustead L, Rincones O. Revisiting Photovoice: Perceptions of Dementia Among Researchers With Intellectual Disability. Qualitative Health Research. 2020;30(7):1019-1032. doi:10.1177/1049732319901127