Empowering lives: The PALZ UK story

Posted on: 16 February 2024 in 2024

In the complex landscape of dementia, finding solace and support is often a challenging quest. However, within the heart of Shropshire, there exists a haven known as PALZ UK – a creation born from the compassionate vision of Liz Holdsworth (nee Condict) (BA Hons Sociology 1966). In this blog, we delve into the story of PALZ UK, exploring its origins, its impact, and the unwavering dedication of its Chair, Liz Holdsworth.

Liz takes no credit for the idea of PALZ. Credit goes to an amazing lady in Australia, called Cathy Roth. Her husband John, a surgeon, after a successful career, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Cathy sought a place where John’s brain would be kept active with other bright people also experiencing dementia. There was nothing, so, in 2017 they set up PALZ Global and began in Australia.

The format was that there would be talks by high-quality speakers in a work-type environment with participants attending with supporters – spouses, other family members or friends, or indeed on their own.

After Liz stayed with the Roths following her husband’s passing, she was both impressed and amazed by the absence of a similar initiative in the UK.

Speaking about the charity Liz said: "Upon returning to the UK, work commenced, and in March 2018, the first meeting occurred at the Shropshire Education & Conference Centre, drawing about 40 attendees.

The group has gone from strength to strength with speakers including the CEO of Shropshire Council, Our Lord Lieutenant, and our High Sheriff and subjects as diverse as ‘Medicine in war zones’ by a Cardiologist and former Lt Colonel in the TA and ‘My life in the Criminal world’, given by a retired judge.

Many speakers have donated their time, for which we are so grateful. The feedback (which can be seen in full on the website). The two main benefits of the PALZ group are:

1. The mental and social stimulation and fun on the day

2. The firm and supportive friendships which are formed with people who are on the same journey. Maybe we only truly understand what others are going through if we are on the same journey. One of the wives of participants has said that from friends and family, she gets sympathy, but from fellow supporters at PALZ, she gets empathy.

All are welcome; the only limitation is that the person has dementia from whatever cause. There is no charge or membership fee. We ask for donations and, for several talks have been generously sponsored by local businesses.

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the families of participants who have died. Two families directed all funeral donations to PALZ. In July 2020, PALZ applied to become a UK-wide charity, receiving confirmation of success within eight days. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and its aftermath, PALZ UK is now eager to expand groups throughout the UK.

However, now we are very keen to develop groups throughout the UK and are looking for those inspirational people who, having been touched by dementia, either personally, or professionally, are prepared to come forward to set up a group in their area.

Full support is there from the ‘mother ship’. There is a start-up pack on the website www.palzuk.org.uk, and we are prepared either to come to you or pay for you to come to us to see how our group operates. Some funds will be available to kick-start a group.”

If you would be interested in finding out more please contact Liz Holdsworth, Chair PALZ UK on 07880602383 or email info@palzglobal.org.uk.

You can read more about Liz’s journey here.