Kim Elizabeth Williams (née Anthony) 1958-2024

Both in and out of work, Kim was a person with great warmth and humour who loved the Arts and was a regular attender at music festivals. Her family, friends and colleagues are struggling to come to terms with the sad news of Kim's untimely and premature death. She had only recently retired and had far too short a time enjoying life and revelling in her young granddaughter. 

Kim spent her career working within older persons' mental health services. She had a monumental impact upon the lives and careers of many people. The words "dedicated" "inspirational" "formidable" and "supportive" have been used about her constantly since her death.

Kim completed her undergraduate degree at UCL and began her clinical training at The Institute of Psychiatry in 1980. She went on to work on an MRC funded research project developing a new, computerised cognitive assessment before taking up a post at Guys Hospital in the first CMHT for older people, which inspired many subsequent service developments. She later moved to South Wales where she spent most of her career working clinically in the South Wales Valleys and nationally across Wales on services for older people. She was recognised for her integrity, honesty, tireless energy, generosity of knowledge and dedication to what was morally and ethically right. Her contributions to policy and service development at a national level include informing Health Ministers, influencing Welsh Government and being instrumental in the development of the Matrics Cymru and other policy implementation guidelines. She used every opportunity available locally and nationally to advocate for older people and make sure that they were on the agenda; for example she was an active member of the National Psychological Therapies Management Committee.

Kim was a devoted Clinical Psychologist, passionate about improving the lives of older people, their families and friends. She led by example, with a clear set of values and standards that she instilled in every member of the team, upholding the highest level of care for patients and those around them. She was a pillar of support for aspiring psychologists, often seeing potential in someone who needed an opportunity to blossom. She was also a dedicated colleague to qualified psychologists, supporting them to grow and develop in whichever way they wanted, often over many years. As a manager, she was kind, compassionate, flexible, and always there. She knew what to say and always had time for you no matter how busy she was. She was viewed by all as the leader who knew everything.

Her support extended far beyond the world of psychology, and many heartfelt messages have come from across the disciplines that worked with Kim over many decades. They all share a sentiment of describing her as endlessly supportive, knowing that she was there for everyone regardless of professional background. 

Despite all of the above, Kim never acknowledged how far and wide her influence went and never took the spotlight herself. She would not have known how important and influential she was.  The legacy she has left is tremendous and will continue for many more decades to come.