About us
‘Say it with a Smile’ is a registered charity (1203759) supporting people diagnosed with dementia and their loved ones.
We started in 2023 in Watford and have since expanded our reach into the surrounding areas of Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
We are based at the Lord-Lieutenant's Charity Hub, located at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden Park. 
AIMS
- To ease the feelings of loneliness and anxiety following a dementia diagnosis by providing reassurance and support.
- To break down the stigma associated with dementia.
- To bring smiles to those diagnosed, their carers and families.
All our events and courses are supported by our incredible team of volunteers
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Chrissie |
"Smile is a unique charity. It is an all-welcoming, safe environment where everyone can feel part of one great and happy family. Worries are left at the door at activities - whether its a musical themed session, a simple walk or even a game of bingo. I truly love being part of this big, special family. It helps me to appreciate life!" |
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Kim |
"Having learnt a lot about dementia care the hard way, it's such a pleasure to volunteer at Smile charity courses and events, to share my experience and support others. It makes such a difference for people beginning the journey to feel supported instead of isolated." |
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Margaret |
"The Smile family has supported me through the really bad times and I am now able to offer that friendship and support to others travelling the same road." |
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Sam |
"I love volunteering for Smile. I enjoy meeting people, listening to their stories, and helping them feel connected and heard. Seeing people smile and knowing that a simple chat can make a difference to someone’s day is what makes volunteering so rewarding for me!" |
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"One of the major things I enjoy about being part of the Smile family is meeting people, chatting with them and hearing their stories." |
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Diane |
"I volunteer because I genuinely believe that 'Say it with a Smile' can improve people's lives. Not only with dementia advice but most importantly with enjoyment and friendship. As a volunteer I feel valued and appreciated. I also have made new friends and it has made my own life less lonely and more purposeful." |
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Barry |
"One of the best things about volunteering for the say it with a smile charity is helping guests and carers, no matter how they feel when they arrive, is seeing them leave with smiles on their faces." |
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Hannah Say,
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Our Trustees
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Sheree WillisI decided to become a Trustee due to caring for my dad who was diagnosed with dementia in 2017. After my father’s passing, I felt there was a void that needed filling. That’s when I decided to join 'Say it with a Smile'. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with the Smile members, so much so that I decided to become a trustee. It’s a very rewarding experience and it makes me happy to make our Smile family happy! |
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Simon FowleMy wife suffered from dementia before she passed away. If we had had the benefit of all that Smile does for carers and their loved ones, I could have done so much more for her. I am determined to help others in the same situation as we were in, to try and improve the quality of their lives together. The team at 'Say it with a Smile' are just so wonderful and I can think of no better way of helping than through being a Trustee. Anything I can do will be in memory of my beloved wife, June. |
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Anja Kueppers-McKinnonI am so delighted to be one of 'Say it with a Smile's' trustees. I have watched this wonderful charity grow and have seen what a huge and positive difference it makes to people who are living with Alzheimer's, their partners and their carers. Both my husband's and my own family have been affected by this disease and I am so aware of how important a loving support network is, like the one offered by Smile. I bring my skills as a journalist and communications professional to support the Smile team in any way I can.
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Tracy PetzingI was honoured to be asked to be a Trustee for Say it with a Smile. My own family has experienced at close hand the devastating effects of dementia and how difficult it is for the families with loved ones who have this terrible disease. I have worked with Hannah for many years and have watched how this charity has grown and become such a huge part of the community. I am proud to be part of the team and grateful to be able to give something back with my knowledge of accounts and human relations to grow the charity further.
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Mark BeveridgeI am a Chartered Accountant and experienced CFO with more than 40 years' experience in finance, governance, strategy and risk management. Over recent years I have become more actively involved in community and not-for-profit organisations. I started out as a trusted adviser and mentor to the CEO of a growing Parkinson's charity. I serve as a Governor within the Saracens Multi Academy Trust, supporting a school serving a community facing significant social and economic challenges. I am also Secretary of my local swimming club. I came across Smile through my wife, who has been a volunteer for a couple of years, and have been amazed by the hard work of the team and the positive impact on those suffering from the condition and their carers. I was delighted to accept the invitation as trustee, to add my support to such a worthwhile cause.
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If you would like to contact any of our Trustees please email:
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Rebecca SandersonSmile Counsellor
I first became involved with Say It With a Smile through The Memory Steps course, at a time when my mum was awaiting assessment and diagnosis for dementia. The course was immensely supportive; it gave me confidence that, as a family, we had the right tools to care for my mum and to look after ourselves. Because of that guidance, the last few months of her life were filled with moments of joy rather than fear and dread.
I chose to offer my counselling services because I could see how much this kind of support is needed, and I wanted to give something back for the peace of mind Say It With a Smile gave me. Knowing you are not alone, that there are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive people walking alongside you feels like becoming part of a much larger, extended family.
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Natasha YemmSmile Occupational Therapist
I have worked as a qualified Occupational Therapist for 30 years. I have specialised in dementia care for the last 22 years. I work in an NHS memory diagnostic service and in my spare time I provide contracted workshops with dementia charities, including 'Say it with a Smile '. I enjoy working holistically providing support and education to families who are supporting people who have been diagnosed with dementia.
I chose to offer my counselling services because I could see how much this kind of support is needed, and I wanted to give something back for the peace of mind Say It With a Smile gave me. Knowing you are not alone, that there are friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive people walking alongside you feels like becoming part of a much larger, extended family.
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Teresa PaschalySmile Support Coordinator
I am deeply passionate about the profound difference this charity makes every single day. I have had personal experience of dementia, and I truly believe that this charity understands what families need. What sets Smile apart for me is their entirely holistic approach to dementia care. Hannah, Smile's inspirational CEO, and her team recognise that emotional support, social connection, and genuine joy are just as vital as practical advice. Through this unique approach, Say it with a Smile replaces isolation with a true sense of belonging. I volunteer because I want to actively contribute to that vision, bringing my own empathy and experience to help ensure that no one has to face dementia alone.
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Supported by
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