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DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM? DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?

could THE STORY OF MY MUM'S DEMENTIA CARE CHANGE EVERYTHING

Will you help us be heard and drive change?  

Share Gill's story to amplify our message.


This is a powerful account of her fight to get the correct level of dementia care for her Mum, Kath, a spirited former Northern pub landlady. It highlights a struggle faced by thousands. Join us in demanding better care, greater support and the respect every family deserves. 


Together, we will not be ignored.

Our Purpose

Our goal is to raise awareness on the human impact of a flawed dementia care system and prompt policy changes well before the government’s 2028 reform, by which time too many people and families will have already suffered. This initiative aims to inspire action, influence policymakers and show people they are not alone in their journeys. 

How it Started

After her mother Kath died, following a long dementia journey, Gill sought to regain a sense of normality.

During lunch with her friend Yvonne, Gill casually remarked that she could write a book about everything that had happened. That offhand comment, fuelled by a few cocktails, sparked the idea of creating a script for a play or screenplay, to honour Kath and raise the importance of holding Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare as well as Finance.

With no prior experience in scriptwriting, Gill and Yvonne transformed this challenging chapter of Gill's life into a compelling script inspired by Kath's life and legacy. The result is punchy, emotional and steeped in nostalgic music, featuring gritty Yorkshire dialect and humour. At its core, it delivers a powerful message and serves as a heartfelt call to action.

THE SCRIPT

The story centres on Kath, a once vibrant and witty Sheffield pub landlady who, after retiring is diagnosed with dementia.


Her daughter, Gill, faces the daunting task of navigating a fragmented and complex social care system, grappling with endless bureaucracy and repeated agency failures to secure the correct level of care for Kath over a gruelling seven-year battle and save the family home from being sold to cover extreme care fees. Pushed to the brink, Gill ultimately takes her fight to Westminster.


The script is gritty, infused with Yorkshire humour, and set to a soundtrack from the pub jukebox of the 1970s and beyond.


Above all it serves as an authentic portrayal of the struggles many families face daily.

Work in progress

Sheffield Theatres: Development Funding

The Playhouse, Sheffield Crucible Theatre: Invited Audience Read-through

The Playhouse, Sheffield Crucible Theatre: Invited Audience Read-through

The support included the expertise of a brilliant dramaturg, who instilled confidence in Gill and Yvonne to believe in their project and helped refine the script. This guidance led to an overwhelmingly positive response to the presentation they delivered at the conclusion of their week-long development residency. 

The Playhouse, Sheffield Crucible Theatre: Invited Audience Read-through

The Playhouse, Sheffield Crucible Theatre: Invited Audience Read-through

The Playhouse, Sheffield Crucible Theatre: Invited Audience Read-through

The response to the read-through with an invited audience was truly phenomenal, exceeding all expectations. The feedback provided a powerful testament to the significance and impact of the story. The reviews confirmed the value of the message and the pressing need for it to be heard. The depth of the responses has only strengthened Gill and Yvonne's resolve to share the work widely using every possible avenue.

Play Readthrough Review

The Playhouse, Sheffield Crucible Theatre: Invited Audience Read-through

Play Readthrough Feedback

''An important drama inspired by true events which addresses concerns affecting us as individuals and as a society. The script takes us on an occasionally harrowing yet also joy filled journey through the life of an ordinary Yorkshire family forced to endure challenges which increasing numbers of us will face in the future. This play is a must see.'' Audience Member

Play Readthrough Feedback

Do You Know Who I Am? Podcast

Play Readthrough Feedback

How did the play affect you emotionally?

''I cried and laughed.''


What do you think are the main themes of the play?

''David versus Goliath.''


What was good about the play?

''It's earthy uncompromising position.''


How could the play be improved?

''Not much more needs to be done - possibly a bit more exposition. I am very convinced that its power would be greatly enhanced with a screenplay version.''

Do You Know Who I Am? Podcast

Do You Know Who I Am? Podcast

Do You Know Who I Am? Podcast

Gill and Yvonne embarked on an entirely new experience, working with a professional podcast specialist to produce a compelling four-episode podcast series. This factual and hard-hitting series delves into critical issues, shining a spotlight on the crucial need for individuals and families to secure Lasting Power of Attorney for both Health and Welfare as well as for Financial matters. Through their podcast, Gill and Yvonne aim to raise awareness and provide invaluable insights, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Podcast Review

Do You Know Who I Am? Podcast

Do You Know Who I Am? Podcast

''Now I’m not one for listening to podcasts….in fact, I’m a bit embarrassed to say, this is the first time I’ve ventured! Once I started to listen to Gill and Yvonne, I went on a bit of a podcast binge, they really grabbed me. I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing and appalled by what Gill and her mum had to go through. I feel a bit ashamed too, as to the state of our public services. Passed from pillar to post, left to find things out through painful experience, one catastrophe after another. I think it really hit home because my Dad is in his eighties and lives on his own. The very same could happen to our family. I’ve never really considered things to this extent - and I too can hear Mam and Dad saying ‘they’re not taking this house’.  Thanks to Gill and Yvonne we are now sorting out POA. I’ve been able to explain things to Dad far easier, having listened to the story. A story with a very serious message, but delivered with humour. Real people telling a real story. I wish Gill and Yvonne all the luck in spreading the story far and wide. I loved listening, learned loads and smiled along the way. I’m now far better informed and much better prepared for something which hopefully never happens.'' LH

Listen HERE

On Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible Podcasts

Gill and Yvonne discuss Gill's journey advocating for the proper care for her mother, Kath, the process of writing the script and the challenges posed by the politics of a failing care system. They also address the bureaucratic red tape that creates significant obstacles for those caring for a loved one with dementia, and the need to hold Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare. Please note the discussions contains some strong language. 

Click Here

OUR SUPPORTERS


  • SHEFFIELD THEATRES As supported Artists we thank you for your continued help and use of rehearsal/writing space which is really appreciated, and also the friendly Crucible Cafe!


  • SOUND MEDIA James Marriot Thank you for brilliantly recording our 'Do You Know Who I Am?' Podcast


  • RADIO SHEFFIELD  Thank you to Paulette Edwards for letting us guest on your show and spread the word!


  • FROG AND PARROT SHEFFIELD Thank you for providing us the space to write the script in a very appropriate pub setting!


  • COUCH SHEFFIELD Thank you for a welcoming environment when working on our script!










Get in touch AND HELP US MAKE A CHANGE

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We'd love to hear from you

If you would like to help us to drive the script forward whether as Actors, Agents or Investors we would love to hear from you.


We are also keen to hear about peoples own experiences of dementia social care, let’s come together to share our stories, support one another and work towards making meaningful change for the better.

Your voice and insights are invaluable, and together we can shine a light on issues that really matter.


Thank you, we will respond to you as soon as we can. 

Ifilosemymarbles

Special thanks to our supporters

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