Kay Steven

Kay hails from Scotland and now lives in Northumberland. Kay's experiences of being a service user influences much of her work and commitment to both service users, carers and staff in the voluntary and statutory sector.

Kay's started her working life in pastoral and community development work. She then went on to train as a social worker and to complete a Masters in Voluntary Sector Studies.

Since 2001, Kay has worked on regional and national projects on developing dementia and advocacy services. She was a research and development worker at Northumbria University where she co-authored Hear what I say: Developing Dementia Advocacy Services and ran learning networks for dementia advocates and care home managers. Kay also worked with National Institute for Mental Health on the development and implementation of statutory Independent Mental Health Advocacy.

Kay is currently co-writing a book on dementia advocacy. Her other interests include volunteering with a Community Arts project, textiles and photography.