Wolverhampton dementia group win national award
A UNION of organisations striving to transform the lives of people with dementia has won national praise for its work.
Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance walked away with the Dementia Friendly Community of the Year accolade after beating competitors from across the country.
It comes after the team spent the past 12 months calling on communities to learn more about the condition.
Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance co-ordinator Susan Eagle said: “The award recognises our hard work but there’s a lot more to come.
“We all felt absolutely thrilled when we realised we’d won because we’ve all worked really hard to help make life better for people of all ages who are affected by dementia.
“No matter how big or small your organisation, we can all do our bit and we’re so proud of all the members because it’s just a great example for everybody.”
The Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance is made up of organisations across the city working to improve the lives of people with dementia, as well as their carers.
It was announced as the winner of the accolade at Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Awards in London last week.
Organisations were commended for coming together to inspire more than 13,000 to become 'dementia friends', who have pledged to raise awareness of the condition and needs of patients.
Lee Allen, services manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Wolverhampton, said: “This year’s awards celebrate individuals, organisations and communities leading and inspiring a change that will transform the lives of people with dementia forever, challenging misunderstandings, changing attitudes and taking action.
"It is amazing that Wolverhampton Dementia Action Alliance has won and it is a testament to its tremendous dementia-friendly work.
“The level of nominations received this year was truly phenomenal and there were some exceptional stories heard at the awards ceremony.
"There are now over 330 Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Communities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, ensuring people with dementia are empowered to live a life they want.
"We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you are going through, you can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support, help and advice.
"All the finalists and winners at the Dementia Friendly Awards have demonstrated how we can unite against dementia and support those affected by the condition.”
