Kent Dementia Action Alliance, consisting of Council members and colleagues in health, businesses and the voluntary sector, is working to make Kent a better place for people living with dementia.
The aim is to make Kent more inclusive of people with dementia, reduce stigma and increase awareness and understanding of the condition. Kent’s Dementia Champions have delivered over 1,150 training sessions, with more than 15,000 Dementia Friends trained in Kent and almost 5000 people becoming Dementia Friends by completing the Alzheimer’s Society’s online training.
There are now more than 20,000 people in Kent all helping to establish a dementia friendly community, and to recognise the contribution these people are making, Kent Dementia Action Alliance has announced it will be holding for the first time this year its very own Dementia-Friendly Awards.
Nominations are now being sought for local heroes who have strived to improve the lives of those living with Dementia in Kent, and local people are urged to have their say.
The seven award categories are:
Kent’s most inspiring person living with dementia
This award celebrates someone living with dementia who has worked hard to make a difference in their own or other people’s lives.
Kent’s dementia volunteer award
A recognition award for the outstanding volunteers we have in Kent working with people with dementia. It’s open to any of our exceptional Kent residents who volunteer their time in order to enhance the lives of people living with dementia.
Medway’s dementia volunteer award
A recognition award for the outstanding volunteers we have in Medway working with people with dementia. It’s open to any of our exceptional Medway residents who volunteer their time in order to enhance the lives of those living with dementia.
Kent’s best local community involvement initiative
This award celebrates any project initiated and/or supported by members of the local community, including those living with dementia, in order to benefit those living with dementia, their family and/or carers.
Kent’s best organisational initiative
This award recognises a change within an organisation made in order to benefit those living with dementia, their family and/or carers. Any organisation private, voluntary or public sector of any size can apply for this award.
Kent’s best partnership project
This award recognises any multiagency project, showing joined up thinking and partnership working, designed to benefit those living with dementia, their family and/or carers.
Kent’s best intergenerational initiative
This award celebrates any project promoting intergenerational work, actively working with people living with dementia and raising awareness among the younger generation.
KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Graham Gibbens comments:
“KCC recognises the excellent work that is happening in Kent to make communities more inclusive of dementia and help people living with dementia lead more happy and fulfilled lives.
“These awards will celebrate the achievements of the volunteers, projects and organisations which go above and beyond to benefit those living with dementia, their families and carers.
“Step by step these achievements are changing people’s perceptions about the condition and transforming the way people act, talk and think about dementia. As more and more people become involved in making their local communities dementia friendly, we expect that this wonderful work will only continue.”
Graham GibbensKent County Council
To make your nomination....
Visit www.dementiafriendlykent.org.uk/awards and fill out the application form with your nomination. Upon completion, email the form to tracey.schneider@kent.gov.uk
Alternatively, phone 03000 415 483 for paper versions of the nomination forms.
Make sure you include your name and phone number and select which category/categories you are entering your nominee into.
All finalists will be invited to a ceremony at County Hall on October 2nd 2015.
Details published on Kent County Council's Media Hub
