Accessibility

Meet the Team

We’re a group of people who understand what it’s like to care for elderly relatives—because we’ve been there ourselves. At Carents, we come together to support mid-life adults navigating the ups and downs of caring for loved ones.

Combining our professional skills with personal experiences, we offer practical advice, resources, and a friendly community. Our goal is to make your carenting journey a bit easier and let you know you’re not alone. Get to know us and see how we’re working to support carents like you.

Dr Jackie Gray – Founder

Jackie is a GMC registered medical doctor, dually qualified as a GP and a Public Health Specialist

Her 30 plus year career has been devoted to helping patients, improving population health and tackling inequalities.   She has worked as an NHS GP, an NHS Consultant in Public Health, a University Lecturer in Epidemiology & Public Health and Director of a Specialist Health and Care consultancy. 

Having relinquished her GP role to help her own father during his final years, Jackie experienced multiple shortfalls in traditional support services for older adults and their families.

In 2020, combining her lived experience and professional expertise, she founded The Carents Room with the aim of filling gaps in support and improving outcomes for those affected by longevity.  

A Fellow of the Faculty of Public Health, Jackie continues her work as an independent Specialist in Epidemiology & Public Health alongside her role as Founder of Carents. 

Adam Dunlop – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Adam brings a wealth of executive, marketing and communications experience.  With a career spanning over 30 years, he has worked in various senior leadership roles in large multi-national organisations including Procter & Gamble, the new leading University in the UK – Northumbria University and a change and management consultancy for public & private sector clients. 

 As CEO he leads the ‘business’ side of the Carents social enterprise. Adam’s mother lived and struggled with dementia for many years so he fully understands the challenges carents and older adults face and is committed to improving the future for others in similar circumstances. He has supported the start-up of The Carents Room from the very beginning.

Anne Brooks – Health Liaison officer

As a  GP Practice Manager for over 25 years, Anne has significant experience of working within the NHS and the challenges that brings.

As a carent for her mother with Alzheimers and -subsequently -her frail aunt, she has experienced the difficulties of juggling a family, work commitments and the carenting role and fully appreciates how isolating and draining that can be.

Having semi-retired, Anne fully supports the aims of the Carents Room and is keen to ensure that anyone in a carenting situation is aware of the support offered by both Carents.co.uk and The Carents Lounge, ensuring that support organisations, particularly within the healthcare sector, are able to signpost carents to us.

Sarah-Elizabeth Daly – Director of Digital and Social Media

With award-winning experience in digital engagement for organisations like the BBC and Penguin Books, Sarah brings her passion for connecting people online to the Carents team. She has a proven track record of harnessing the power of digital platforms to create impactful online experiences that engage and inspire audiences.

As the Director of Digital and Social Media at Carents, Sarah oversees all aspects of digital engagement, from The Carents Room to The Carents Lounge. They are dedicated to ensuring that carents have access to vital information and a supportive community 24/7. By cultivating a safe and welcoming digital space, Sarah helps carents come together during emotionally challenging times, fostering connections that alleviate feelings of isolation.

Having witnessed their mother navigate the complexities of caring for her parents and in-laws, Sarah understands the unique challenges that carents face. Anticipating their own future role as a carent, they are deeply committed to making the caregiving experience better for all. This personal connection fuels their dedication to Carents’ mission, driving them to create innovative digital solutions that empower and support the carent community.

Jana Meier – Head of Partnerships

Jana brings over 13 years of experience in health and social care, specialising in partnership development, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Her expertise includes working with public and private health and social care clients, including the NHS, where she has contributed to innovative solutions that improve service delivery and outcomes.

Drawing from both professional and personal experiences, Jana understands the unique challenges faced by carents. Having seen firsthand the pivotal role her mother played in caring for her father and grandparents, she is deeply connected to the caregiving journey. This personal insight fuels her passion for ensuring carents have access to the resources, partnerships, and services they need to thrive.

As Head of Partnerships at Carents, Jana is responsible for fostering and nurturing strategic collaborations that extend the platform’s reach and impact. She focuses on identifying growth opportunities, developing innovative partnerships, and ensuring carents and their loved ones benefit from accessible, high-quality support.

Jana is inspired by the resilience and dedication of carents and is particularly passionate about advocating for their needs. Through her work at Carents, she is committed to ensuring the platform remains a trusted ally for those navigating the complexities of caregiving, offering meaningful solutions to make their journeys more manageable and rewarding.

Lucy Murray-Wake – Executive and Research Assistant

Fresh out of University with a BSc degree in Geography, Carents found Lucy: The opportunity to utilise skills for a quest of personal value, coordinating such a valuable and secure ‘place’ she wishes had existed 4 years ago had existed for her own mother.    

The role of Executive and Research Assistance can encompass the compilation of Carents Room website content (Inc Carenting Around the World) to the identification of areas needing targeted outreach support through GP and Pharmacy campaign mapping.

Lexi – Welfare Officer

She comes with wet nose, usually pinned to the ground. A quiet and calm personality – unless there is a ball somewhere close. Lexi is everyone’s favourite team member, she provides support when things get stressful, is always willing to share lunch, snacks or anything else vaguely edible. Lexi was a founding member of the team and enjoys the office as well as home working – both of which come with regular walks.