Dementia Friendly Kent Awards

The Dementia Friendly Kent Awards 2023 recognises the work of individuals or groups who work with those who have dementia.

This year, the awards ceremony took place on 19 May 2023 at the County Showground in Detling, as part of a Kent Dementia Showcase event. All awards winners were judged by people affected by dementia and their supporters.

The Dementia Friendly Kent Awards have been running since 2014 and are organised by the Kent Dementia Action Alliance in association with Kent County Council and, from this year, the NHS.

Award categories and winners

Most Inspiring Dementia Care Provider Award

Winner: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services (ADSS)

This award recognises a care service that delivers significant emotional and practical benefits for people living with dementia and their families. This service will be able to demonstrate engagement with national and local dementia best practice initiatives which enhance the quality of their care. Feedback from those receiving care and support from this service will be very positive.

Symone Salwan - Outstanding Contribution to Dementia Award

Winner: Wendy Richley

This award recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution through practical and measurable actions to improve the quality of life of people living with dementia in our county. They will also have inspired others to follow their example through collaborative and supportive ideas and practice.

Dementia Friendly Organisation Award

Winner: Kent & Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust

This award recognises an organisation or business that has raised awareness of dementia through their internal teams and external contacts and has made specific improvements to benefit people affected by dementia who use their service. They will be able to describe what they did and the successes they have achieved.

Community and Partnership Project Award

Winner: Valley Park Decaf & Wrinkly Network

This award recognises those who have worked collaboratively with another organisation, community group or business to succeed in a project or initiative that has improved the lives of people living with dementia. They will be able to demonstrate how they approached partnership working, what they did, and how the project or initiative has succeeded.

Most Dementia Friendly Community Award

Winner: Oasis Academy Dementia Group

This award recognises the valuable work that dementia friendly community groups have achieved in the last 2 years. It may include supportive adaptations made through COVID-19 and how the group succeeded in reaching out or kick-started successful initiatives after COVID-19 restrictions ended. The group will be able to demonstrate measurable success for projects they have undertaken to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

Find out more about all those who were nominated for the Dementia Friendly Awards.