Dementia Friendly Kent Awards

The Dementia Friendly Kent Awards 2026 were held on Wednesday 20 May 2026 at the Orida Hotel in Maidstone. The award ceremony was led by the Kent Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), a partnership between us, the Kent and Medway NHS Mental Health Trust (KMHT), and local partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The Dementia Friendly Kent Awards have been held every year since 2014 to recognise the efforts of individuals or groups building more inclusive communities for those affected by dementia. The awards are judged by individuals with lived experience of dementia and their caregivers, ensuring a true representation of grassroots impact.

This year’s awards were presented by Scott Mitchell, husband of the late Dame Barbara Windsor. Scott is a leading public advocate for the UK government’s Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Goals programme (formerly known as the Dementia Mission), which promotes progress in diagnosis, treatment, care and support. This includes initiatives such as the Dementia Trials Accelerator, led by Health Data Research UK and the UK Dementia Research Institute, to help more people take part in dementia clinical trials.

Awards catagories and winners

Most Inspiring Care Provider

Winner: Invicta Court (Care UK)

This award recognises care services that provide exceptional emotional, practical and person centred support for people living with dementia. These finalists show leadership in best practice, strong community connection and a deep commitment to dignity, identity and
wellbeing.

Creative Health Award

Winner: Broadmeadow

This award celebrates creative approaches that make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia. These finalists demonstrate how arts, culture and sensory experiences can unlock confidence, comfort and connection. Their work shows that creativity is not just enjoyable – it can be a powerful tool for supporting identity, emotional expression and quality of life.

Dementia Friendly Intergenerational Initiative

Winner: East Kent Colleges (EK Colleges)

This award celebrates projects that bring generations together, creating empathy, connection and shared joy.These finalists show how younger and older people can support, learn from and inspire each other through meaningful, inclusive activities.

Dementia Friendly Initiative

Winner: Dover Smart Project

This award shines a light on small, community led groups making a big difference. These finalists show how local spaces, volunteers and grassroots creativity can reduce isolation, bring people together and build dementia friendly communities from the ground up.

Community and Partnership Award

Winner: ADSS and Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara

This award recognises powerful partnerships that have brought organisations, communities and expertise together to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. The finalists show how collaboration – rooted in trust, cultural understanding, and shared purpose - can break down barriers, widen access, and create meaningful and lasting change.

Dementia Friendly Organisation Award

Winner: G4S Patient Transport

This award recognises organisations that have embedded dementia awareness into their culture, practices and community engagement. These finalists demonstrate leadership, compassion and practical action to ensure people living with dementia feel supported, understood and included.

Individual Outstanding Contribution

Winner: Margaret Murray

This award honours exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. These finalists have shown extraordinary commitment, compassion and leadership – often quietly, tirelessly and without seeking recognition.