Nominate your Dementia Hero

Individuals and organisations in Devon who have gone the extra mile to support people affected by dementia over the past year could be recognised at a prestigious national awards ceremony.

Nominations are now open for Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Heroes Awards 2021 which will be hosted by Alzheimer’s Society supporter and TV presenter, writer and journalist Richard Madeley in May.

The awards, which are sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare, will take place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday 20 May during Dementia Action Week (17-23 May) and will showcase the stories of people doing outstanding things during the pandemic – Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia heroes.

Derek Dodd, Alzheimer’s Society’s Area Manager for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Lockdown has been tough for all of us. But imagine how much worse it would have been if you couldn’t understand why it was happening: why you no longer saw your loved ones; why your carers stopped visiting or why they wore masks. Tragically, this was reality for tens of thousands of people living with dementia in the UK. And it was also the reality for carers, who were left unable to visit their loved ones, or without precious respite.

“Throughout the pandemic, individuals, groups and organisations have shown incredible support for people affected by dementia. We want to recognise these dementia heroes. The awards will recognise the inspirational achievements of those who care for people with dementia, those finding innovative solutions in research, and the campaigners and media fighting for the rights of people with dementia.

“Since the pandemic began, Alzheimer’s Society has helped huge numbers of people affected by dementia get the support they need, from speaking to one of our Dementia Advisers, to accessing information and advice on our website. Our services have been used nearly three million times since lockdown began in March 2020, showing that people affected by dementia need us now more than ever.”

Nominations close on Friday 5 March. It’s quick and easy to nominate your dementia hero. Just visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaheroawards

For more information about Dementia Action Week visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/DAW