Top Midlands lawyer works with academics on human rights for people living with dementia

Academics researching human rights for those affected by dementia are working with one of the Midlands’ top legal experts on Court of Protection issues for vulnerable people.

Annabel Kay, who works in the Wills and Estates team at Thursfields Solicitors, is working with Professor Dawn Brooker and her team at the Association of Dementia Studies, at the University of Worcester.

Annabel specialises in deputyship work for those who have lost mental capacity through trauma or clinical negligence and who have been awarded extensive damages.

She advises both adults and children clients wanting to make applications to the court on multiple issues ranging from statutory wills and recouping the deputy bond, to welfare orders and end of life hearings.

Annabel, who is head of Court of Protection and vulnerable client services at Thursfields, said: “I have been collaborating with two academics at the University of Worcester in the last academic year.

“I have contributed to the module on citizenship and empowerment on their post graduate qualification in dementia care, and have spoken about human rights and whether these are upheld for people with dementia in UK society.

“I have also contributed to the module on dementia and health care and end of life care.

“Both modules tackle a number of thorny subjects head-on, including breach of rights, capacity and suicide, capacity and eating disorders.

“I love this collaboration, as I enjoy doing anything which sparks discussion, confronts difficult issues and raises awareness.”

Professor Brooker at the University of Worcester said: “We’ve been really impressed with Annabel’s contributions, as it benefits our research and teaching to have input from a lawyer who deals with real world issues about dementia.”

Details about the Post Graduate Certificate in Dementia Studies can be viewed here: https://www.worcester.ac.uk/courses/person-centred-dementia-studies-pg-cert