Sarah Williams-Martin, from Bath, has been selected as one of three finalists in the Dementia Friends Champion of the Year category at the national Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Awards.
As an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends Champion, Sarah has demonstrated extraordinary drive and commitment creating more than 700 Dementia Friends, as well as encouraging others in the local area to become Dementia Friends Champions.
Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative with the aim of increasing awareness and understanding of dementia.
Dementia Friends Champions are volunteers who help tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that often surrounds dementia.
By taking part in an information session, delivered by a Dementia Friends Champion, people can learn a little more about dementia and the simple actions they can take to help people in their local communities.
There are currently more than 2.5 million Dementia Friends changing the way the world thinks and acts about dementia.
Sarah founded and leads the Bath and North East Somerset’s Dementia Action Alliance which has helped over 200 businesses and organisations to better understand dementia and take steps to become more dementia-friendly.
Organisations involved include Bath and North East Somerset Council, the Royal United Hospital, the University of Bath, Bath College, schools, churches, local councillors and MP’s to name but a few.
As a direct result these organisations have committed to improve the lives of local people living with dementia.
Organisations interested in meeting Sarah to discuss how they can become more dementia-friendly can get in touch via email to: [email protected]
Alzheimer’s Society’s annual Dementia Friendly Awards recognise, celebrate and promote the inspirational achievements of those uniting to making a real difference to people living with dementia.
Sarah Williams-Martin said: “I am so honoured to have been nominated for this award. I’m humbled that so many people took the time and effort to complete a submission.
“I am hoping that the work I started will be a catalyst for change and that Bath and North East Somerset will be a dementia-friendly county for future generations.”
There are eight categories, with awards for Organisation, Community, Trailblazer, Dementia Friends Champion and Outstanding Contribution.
The 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.
An Alzheimer’s Society spokesperson said: “Our annual Dementia Friendly Awards are growing each year with more and more nominations.
“The variety and quality of submissions really demonstrate the success and commitment across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to build dementia-friendly communities which bring about positive change for people affected by dementia at a local level.
“People with dementia have the right to live a life they want and continue to do the things they enjoy – but often people with dementia don’t feel included in their communities and face isolation.
“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 hope that these awards continue to inspire people to get involved in their own community. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck!”
Winners of the England and Wales awards will be revealed at the awards ceremony taking place in London on Thursday 22nd November.