Alzheimer’s Society has launched its first awards to celebrate commitments from communities to improve the lives of people with dementia and their carers.
The Dementia Friendly Awards, sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group, have been established to mark the national challenge on dementia.
A key part of this challenge was to deliver dementia-friendly communities that would enable people with dementia to enjoy a better quality of life.
Since the start of the challenge, 70 local Dementia Action Alliances have been created where organisations join forces to make improvements in their areas and 41 communities have signed up to Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia-friendly recognition process.
Here in the South West, MPs , businesses, universities and local authorities are just a few of the organisations joining forces and taking actions.
Some of the good work includes setting up cafes, singing and activity groups, becoming a Dementia Action Alliance, attending Dementia Friends awareness sessions and much more.
To celebrate all that has been achieved an award ceremony will be held in May 2014. Entries are now open and will close on Friday, March 28.
The categories are:
- Local Initiative
- Regional Initiative
- National Initiative
- Voluntary Organisation
- Business
- School/College
- Dementia Friends Champion
Debbie Donnison, regional area manager for Alzheimer’s Society in the South West said: ‘In just under two years, since the inception of the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia, amazing progress and a huge amount of work has been undertaken by groups and individuals to deliver dementia friendly communities which is to be applauded.
‘Alzheimer’s Society’s report last September showed people with dementia felt trapped, isolated and let down by their communities but making small changes can make a huge difference.
‘Dementia friendly communities are places where people with dementia are understood, respected, supported, and confident they can contribute to community life. We would like to celebrate the progress and commitments already made and encourage others to follow suit by holding these awards. Please nominate those who have been working tirelessly for people living with dementia and carers in your area.’
Entries should be submitted online via Alzheimer’s Society website.
For more information on Dementia Friendly Communities and the official recognition process log on to the Dementia Friendly Communities website or to find out more on how to become a Dementia Friend and Friends Champion log on to www.dementiafriends.org.uk
(from a press release)
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