The Inspirational Person Living with Dementia Award
Robert Nichols, Bluebird Care Milton Keynes
Robert is a truly remarkable individual whose compassion, resilience and selflessness make him highly deserving of recognition. Despite living with dementia, he provided unwavering love and support to his partner throughout her journey with MND, showing exceptional patience, kindness and understanding every day. He remained a source of comfort and strength during incredibly difficult circumstances. Robert has continued to face his own challenges with dignity, courage and remarkable positivity. His warmth, humour and determination are an inspiration to those around him and demonstrate the very best of human kindness and devotion.
The Dementia Care Employer Award
Oakeshott House, Morar Living
This outstanding, award-winning care home team delivers exceptional dementia care with unwavering compassion, dignity, and dedication. At the heart of their success is a highly respected manager who has progressed through the ranks over 30 years, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and genuine commitment to her role. Her leadership is defined by integrity, humility, and a determination to achieve the very best outcomes for residents. She leads by example, consistently going above and beyond while fostering a culture of kindness, excellence, and continuous improvement. Her passion inspires those around her, empowering the entire team to provide person-centred care of the highest standard every day.
The Gables Residential Care
This highly recommended team consistently delivers exceptional dementia care, placing compassion, dignity, and person-centred support at the heart of everything they do. They work tirelessly to ensure every resident feels valued, respected, safe, and understood, recognising each person’s unique history, preferences, and needs. Through outstanding teamwork, professionalism, and genuine empathy, they create a warm and supportive environment where residents can thrive, and families feel reassured and involved. Their commitment to continuous improvement, excellence in care, and collaborative working sets them apart. By going above and beyond each day, they make a meaningful and lasting difference to the lives of those they support and the wider care home community.
The Dementia Care Home Worker Award
Kelly Field, Little-Brooke Ltd
Kelly demonstrated an exceptional, winner-worthy level of warmth, passion, and dedication throughout the judging interview. She provided compelling evidence of a truly person-centred approach, consistently promoting choice, independence, dignity, and respect for every resident. Kelly spoke passionately about the importance of listening carefully to residents and their families, tailoring support to individual preferences and needs, and ensuring each person feels valued and empowered. She highlighted meaningful resident engagement through regular meetings, activities, and opportunities for feedback. Drawing on 28 years of care experience, Kelly spoke with genuine pride about both the people she supports and the team she has nurtured and developed.
Debra Clark, Brookdale House
Debra demonstrated an outstandingly compassionate and person-centred approach throughout the judging interview, consistently placing residents’ wellbeing, independence, and individual choices at the heart of her practice. She provided strong examples of empowering residents to maintain their skills and confidence by encouraging them to do as much as possible for themselves, while ensuring support was tailored to their unique preferences and routines. Debra emphasised the importance of building trusting relationships with residents and their families, actively listening to feedback, and learning from those she supports.
The Dementia Community Care Worker Award
Sally Ann Eeles, Right at Home Weybridge and Richmond
Sally does not always realise the positive impact she has on the lives of her clients. Her kindness, compassion, and genuine interest in their wellbeing mean that many clients see her as a trusted friend rather than a career. She builds strong, meaningful relationships and takes the time to understand each individual’s needs and preferences. Sally is passionate about promoting independence and consistently encourages clients to do as much as they can for themselves. Through her patient and supportive approach, she empowers people to maintain their confidence, dignity, and skills, helping them live as independently and fulfilling as possible.
Kali Williams, Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale
Kali lights up the room the moment she enters. She has a natural ability to make people feel valued, respected, and truly special. Her warm and compassionate approach helps build meaningful relationships with both clients and their families. Kali demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of dementia, recognising that every individual’s experience is unique and personal. She takes the time to understand each person’s needs, preferences, and life story, ensuring care is tailored to them.
The Dementia Frontline Leader Award
Tracy Davidson, HC-One, Thorn Springs Care home
Tracy is a passionate and inspirational leader who firmly believes that, with the right mindset, strong values, and a dedicated team, exceptional outcomes can be achieved. She empowers, motivates, and supports those around her to deliver outstanding dementia care while championing excellence and best practice across all aspects of service delivery. Committed to making a positive difference beyond her organisation, Tracy actively collaborates with local communities, businesses, and schools to raise awareness and understanding of dementia. She encourages meaningful engagement that enriches the lives of people living with dementia, fostering inclusive, supportive, and compassionate environments.
Jo Bullingham, Macc Care
Jo is a passionate and dedicated leader who is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of people living with dementia. She strives to deliver exceptional, person-centred care and firmly believes in the potential of every individual. Jo empowers her team to grow in confidence, celebrates their achievements, and fosters a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous development. She understands that the small, everyday moments shared with residents can have the greatest impact, creating meaningful experiences that enhance wellbeing and quality of life. Jo is enthusiastic about sharing success stories, innovative ideas, and best practices to inspire others.
The Dementia Registered Manager Award (Residential)
Zippy Magana, Coxwell Hall and Mews
Zippy is an outstanding example of person-centred care in practice. Her dedication, compassion, and genuine commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia make her a true inspiration to those around her. Highly knowledgeable and always willing to share her expertise, she consistently demonstrates the values and behaviours that underpin exceptional care. What truly sets Zippy apart is her positive attitude and her ability to find joy and beauty in every aspect of her work. Her enthusiasm is infectious, motivating colleagues to approach their roles with the same passion and purpose. Through her kindness, professionalism, and unwavering focus on the individual, Zippy creates meaningful experiences and has a lasting impact on residents, families, and her team alike.
Nicola Bale, Westlands Residential Home- Regal Care Trading Ltd
Nicola is a wonderful example of how empowering colleagues and growing together as a team can create a positive, supportive, and high-performing environment. She understands that when people feel valued, trusted, and encouraged, they are able to reach their full potential and contribute to exceptional outcomes. Through her collaborative approach, Nicola fosters a culture of mutual respect, continuous learning, and shared success. She supports those around her to develop their skills and confidence while promoting strong teamwork and open communication. Her commitment to working alongside her colleagues creates a safe and nurturing environment where everyone can thrive, enabling the team to consistently provide the highest standard of person-centred care and support.
The Dementia Registered Manager Award (Community)
Amy Birch, Everyday Care and Support
Amy is a highly motivated and outcome-focused individual who consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence in all aspects of her work. She actively seeks opportunities to improve processes, enhance service quality, and achieve positive outcomes for both colleagues and service users. Amy takes a proactive and thoughtful approach to problem-solving, using feedback, reflection, and continuous learning to drive meaningful improvements. She is dedicated to making a positive difference and ensuring that service users receive the highest standard of support and care. With a strong work ethic, keen attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Amy makes a valuable contribution to team objectives and organisational goals.
Louise Jelibi, Your Health Group
Louise Jelibi consistently demonstrates outstanding leadership and professionalism in managing a large staff team and a significant number of service users. She effectively balances complex responsibilities while ensuring the smooth delivery of high-quality care and support. Louise sets clear expectations, leads by example, and is committed to maintaining exceptionally high standards across all aspects of the service. She fosters a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork, encouraging staff to perform at their best. Her dedication, strong organisational skills, and focus on achieving positive outcomes for service users make her an invaluable leader.
The Dementia Friendly Business Award
HMP Holme House
This was one of the most illuminating and thought-provoking conversations we have experienced. Gaining a deeper understanding of the role of the modern prison officer, and learning how people living with dementia within the prison system are supported with dignity, compassion and without judgement, was both humbling and deeply inspiring. The commitment shown to providing person-centred care, understanding and emotional support in such a unique environment highlighted exceptional professionalism, humanity and dedication to the wellbeing of those in their care.
The Globe Stockton, Stockton Council
Josh’s recognition of the memories, stories and connections held within bricks and mortar was truly heartwarming and incredibly powerful. His understanding of how meaningful familiar places, objects and shared experiences can be for people living with dementia highlights the importance of preserving identity, belonging and a sense of connection. The way he values the emotional significance of these spaces demonstrates genuine compassion and insight. This community is incredibly fortunate to have such a valuable, inspiring and meaningful resource that helps people continue to feel connected to their past, present and the people around them.
The Dementia Friendly Community Project Award
Lesley Tart, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council
Lesley is a dedicated and highly respected professional whose passion and commitment have played a vital role in creating a more dementia-friendly community across Stockton-on-Tees. She has worked tirelessly with a diverse range of local organisations and businesses, including taxi companies, banks, and independent retailers, to raise awareness and improve understanding of dementia. Lesley strongly believes that greater dementia awareness within businesses can have a transformative impact on the lives of those affected. By promoting inclusive and supportive environments, she helps ensure people living with dementia can remain connected, active, independent, and engaged in their communities while reducing isolation and improving accessibility.
Sophie Fishwick, District Musicians CIC
Sophie is a compassionate and highly person-centred professional whose passion for music has made a profound difference to the lives of people living with dementia and memory loss. During lockdown, she dedicated her time to visiting individuals who were isolated, performing music and singing in their gardens to bring comfort, connection, and joy. These visits provided valuable sensory stimulation, often encouraging recognition of familiar songs and meaningful engagement. Inspired by the positive impact of this work, Sophie has continued to support individuals and families ever since. Her kindness and talent have also brought comfort to families during end-of-life care, a privilege she deeply values.
The Creative Nutrition Award
Richard Glover, Ashbourne Lodge
It was lovely to talk to Richard he demonstrated a highly innovative, person-centred and dignified approach to nutrition and hydration for people living with dementia, delivering measurable improvements in wellbeing, strength and hydration through creative meals, personalised plans and meaningful resident engagement across the service.
Daiva Curlauskiene, Ebury Court Care Home
Daiva has worked as a chef for 24 years and was appointed Head of Kitchen in February 2024. Passionate and creative, she develops nutritious, person-centred meals for residents with dementia, focusing on hydration, smaller frequent meals and fortified foods. She improves menus with dietetic input, enhances independence, and engages residents daily.
Oliver Jackson, Long Stone Manor, Care UK
Head Chef Oliver Jackson builds strong relationships with residents, learning their preferences and involving families in seasonal menus. He accommodates individual needs, creating tailored IDDSI meals that support dignity, inclusion and improved nutrition. He promotes fresh, sustainable cooking, resident-led menus and innovation, sharing best practice across homes to improve mealtime experiences.
The Activity Coordinator Award
Ying Yee (Sam) Ng, Mercia Grange, Mercia Grange, Care UK
Sam has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and compassion in dementia care, making a lasting difference to the lives of residents, families, and colleagues. Her unwavering commitment to person-centred care ensures that every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and understanding. By championing evidence-based practice, leading meaningful training initiatives, and embracing innovative approaches, she has significantly enhanced resident wellbeing and quality of life. Sam actively engages residents, families, and staff in inclusive decision-making, fostering a supportive and collaborative care environment. Her dedication to continuous improvement, research, and excellence in dementia care has had a profound and far-reaching impact across the wider care community.
Robert Speker, Springdene Care Homes
Robert is widely recognised for his exceptional dedication to enhancing the lives of residents through meaningful, person-centred activities that promote wellbeing, independence, and social connection. His creativity, compassion, and genuine warmth are evident in every aspect of his work, enabling residents to remain engaged, valued, and empowered. Robert consistently develops innovative and inclusive opportunities that reflect individual interests, preferences, and life experiences, ensuring each resident can participate with confidence and dignity. Through his positive attitude, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to excellence, he brings joy, purpose, and companionship to daily life while inspiring colleagues to deliver outstanding, resident-focused care.
The Intergenerational Activity Award
Beacon Buddies, ADSS
The nominees demonstrate an exceptional breadth of expertise in both Dementia Care and Early Years Care, enabling them to understand, support, and respond to the diverse and often complex needs of individuals across generations. Their unique intergenerational approach creates meaningful connections between young children and older adults, fostering engagement, understanding, and mutual enrichment. Through carefully designed activities and compassionate support, they stimulate conversation, encourage positivity and joy, evoke treasured memories, and promote emotional wellbeing. Their work has a lasting impact on everyone they support, creating opportunities for connection, learning, healing, and personal growth. A truly innovative and inspiring intergenerational organisation.
ZooLab UK
The nominees have created a truly unique intergenerational initiative that continues to grow across the country, enriching the lives of both older people and children. What sets them apart is not only the innovation of their work, but their profound understanding of its impact across generations. Their sensitivity to the emotional, social, and personal benefits experienced by every participant is remarkable. No one is overlooked; every individual is valued, included, and empowered. Their approach goes beyond being person-centred—it is soul-centred, rooted in kindness, compassion, and thoughtful care, creating meaningful connections that leave a lasting legacy.
The Dementia Nurse Award
Helpline and Clinics team, Dementia UK
This was a highly contested category, reflecting the exceptional quality of nominations received. The Admiral Nurse team distinguished themselves not only through their unwavering commitment to dementia care excellence and best practice, but also through their innovative use of technology to enhance support and extend their reach across the wider community. Their dedication to engaging with underserved and hard-to-reach groups was particularly impressive. The team demonstrated a deep commitment to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility, ensuring that people living with dementia, alongside their families and supporters, can access the care, information, and support they need. Their passion, creativity, and person-centred approach make them truly outstanding.
Alex Morton, The Old Rectory
Alex is an exceptional advocate for residents, families, and staff, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to person-centred care in everything he does. He firmly believes that those receiving and delivering care should have a genuine voice in shaping services, ensuring that residents, families, and colleagues are valued as true partners and co-producers. Through his compassionate leadership, Alex fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and collaboration, where every individual’s experiences, preferences, and perspectives are heard and acted upon. His dedication to empowering others and continuously improving care creates a positive and supportive environment that benefits the entire community. Alex’s passion, integrity, and commitment make him truly outstanding.
The Admiral Nurse Award
Diana Okoukoni, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Foundation
Diana is a truly inspirational Admiral Nurse whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism shine through in everything she does. Her passion for supporting people living with dementia and their families is exceptional, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make a meaningful difference in their lives. Diana combines expert knowledge with genuine kindness, providing reassurance, guidance, and unwavering support during some of the most challenging times families can face. Her ability to listen, empathise, and advocate for those in her care is remarkable. Outstanding in every respect, Diana is a credit to her profession and an invaluable source of strength and hope to those she supports.
Shelley Cooper, York and Scarborough NHS Trust
A remarkable Admiral Nursing professional, Shelley consistently demonstrates compassion and a strong commitment to improving the inpatient care experience. She approaches everything she does with enthusiasm, integrity, and dedication, making a positive difference to both patients and colleagues alike. Well done, Shelley
Northamptonshire Admiral Nurse Team, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
A wonderful Admiral Nursing service, which through Sophie’s leadership has driven growth and meaningful change. We were impressed by the energy, commitment, and dedication shown in reaching diverse communities, as well as the influential work across Northamptonshire to improve services for people living with dementia and their families. Well done.
The Admiral Nurse service – Telford and Wrekin, Shropshire community health NHS Trust
Cheryl is an exceptional Admiral Nurse whose inspirational leadership has helped create and sustain a truly outstanding service. She leads with compassion, inclusivity, and a clear commitment to excellence, ensuring that people living with dementia, their families, and her team receive the highest standard of support.
The Dementia Trainer & Workforce Development Award
Lisa Wiles, Kinly Care
Lisa consistently embodies the 6Cs in every aspect of her work, demonstrating compassion, care, courage, communication, competence, and commitment. She treats every resident with dignity, respect, and unconditional positive regard, ensuring they feel valued and understood. Recognising that all behaviour is a form of communication, she responds with empathy, patience, and understanding, always promoting choice, independence, and person-centred support. Her passion for delivering outstanding care is evident in her hands-on approach and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for those she supports. Through her leadership, kindness, and unwavering commitment, she makes a lasting difference every day and is truly deserving of this recognition and achievement.
Emily Hitchens, Somerset NHS Foundation
Emily is a passionate advocate for truly person-led dementia care, always ensuring that the individual remains at the heart of every decision and interaction. She recognises the privilege of supporting people living with dementia and approaches her role with empathy, respect, and compassion. Her hands-on leadership, ability to listen, adapt, and respond to changing needs creates meaningful and positive experiences for those in her care. By identifying gaps in support and working collaboratively with hospitals, NHS teams, ambulance services, and other professionals, she drives improvements in care pathways and outcomes. Her dedication, innovation, and commitment make a lasting difference to residents, families, and colleagues alike.
The Outreach Award
Nationwide Clinics Programme and Dementia at Work Team, Dementia UK
This exceptional and innovative national programme sets a benchmark for excellence in dementia support through its outstanding reach, impact, and collaborative partnership working. By integrating specialist clinical dementia support within a non-clinical, high-street environment, it removes barriers to access and creates a welcoming, community-based service that is both unique and highly effective. The programme delivers significant, measurable outcomes for individuals and families affected by dementia, underpinned by robust evaluation, evidence-based practice, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. Its success demonstrates a highly scalable model of best practice in dementia outreach, with considerable potential for replication and adoption across communities nationwide.
YPWD
YPWD has an outstanding, inclusive, and impactful approach to community engagement. The team has delivered culturally sensitive dementia awareness and support across diverse communities, significantly improving understanding and reducing stigma. Their strong partnerships and innovative programmes demonstrate exceptional reach and meaningful impact. Keep up the good work.
The Supporting People with a Learning Disability & Dementia Award
Chosen Care Group Limited
This service demonstrates an outstanding holistic, person-centred approach to supporting individuals, with a strong focus on maintaining independence, dignity, and existing skills. Thoughtful and creative reasonable adjustments are consistently implemented, enabling residents to continue participating in meaningful activities with clear purpose and personal value. A commitment to innovation is evident through international learning, including a visit to Japan to explore approaches that support healthier ageing and improved quality of life. Insights gained have been successfully applied to enhance outcomes for residents. The service also effectively links physical health and behaviour management, leading to improved outcomes for one resident and inspiring a wider proactive health monitoring initiative.
Christian Whiteley-mason, Strong Life Care
Christian demonstrated an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia and learning disabilities. He highlighted the innovative work he has led to reduce unnecessary medication use, optimise staffing approaches, and create meaningful opportunities for residents to take on purposeful roles, including garden management and community-based activities. Residents are actively involved in shaping their environment through co-produced projects, such as decorating and improvement plans. Strong partnerships with local community groups further enhance quality of life and social inclusion. The home benefits from a dedicated team culture, evidenced by excellent staff retention, no agency staff usage for four years, ongoing charitable fundraising, and a highly skilled workforce that delivers truly person-centred care.
The Living Well with Dementia: Co-production & Partnership Award
The Residents & Team, Bramley Court Care Home
Bramley Court has created an inspiring model of dementia care where every resident is valued, heard and empowered. Their belief that dementia is part of a person’s story, not their identity, is reflected through personalised care, meaningful choices and a strong sense of community. Through innovation, research, and opportunities for connection and independence, Bramley Court demonstrates exceptional compassion, creativity and commitment, ensuring people living with dementia continue to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.
The Creating Spaces for People Living with Dementia: Developer Award
Richard Key, Ebury Court Care Home
Richard has proudly continued the legacy established by his father, who founded the home 46 years ago. Now, with his own son working within the service, it has become a remarkable three-generation family business built on strong values, dedication, and a genuine commitment to quality care. Richard spoke with passion, humility, and authenticity about the home and the culture he has helped to nurture. His enthusiasm was infectious, making it impossible not to be inspired by the exceptional environment created for residents. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with Richard. He should be immensely proud of the positive and lasting impact this home continues to have on people’s lives.
Boutique Care Homes
Tom and Rebecca spoke with genuine warmth, pride, and ambition about their organisation and the difference their work makes. It was clear throughout their presentation that people are at the heart of every design decision, with a strong commitment to creating environments that truly meet individual needs. They demonstrated a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt, actively incorporating feedback to continually improve their designs. Their deep understanding of the significant impact that the physical environment can have on wellbeing, independence, and quality of life was evident. This person-centred approach, combined with innovation and responsiveness, ensures that the spaces they create deliver meaningful and lasting benefits for those who use them.
The Diversity & Dementia Award
CCG Dementia Team, Chosen Care Group Ltd
The CCG Dementia Team at Chosen Care Group Limited is a highly deserving winner, recognised for its outstanding commitment to delivering truly person-centred dementia care. The team excels in embracing and celebrating cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity, ensuring that care is tailored to each individual’s unique background, preferences, and needs. Through innovative and inclusive approaches, they empower people living with dementia and their families to remain actively involved in decisions about their care. Their focus on enhancing communication, promoting independence, and improving wellbeing has created a positive and supportive environment. The team’s dedication, compassion, and creativity have made a meaningful impact across a richly diverse community.
Comfort Care Services
Comfort Care Services UK is highly commended for delivering gold-standard, deeply inclusive dementia care that places people and their individual needs at the centre of all practice. The service demonstrates excellence through the provision of multilingual, accessible resources and culturally responsive environments that ensure every person feels understood, respected, and supported. Innovative design approaches are thoughtfully combined with strong health and community partnerships to enhance care delivery. Targeted interventions have led to measurable improvements, including extended independence and enhanced quality of life for people living with dementia. Their commitment to continuous improvement, inclusion, and person-centred practice sets a strong benchmark for outstanding dementia care provision.
The Assistive Technology for People Living with Dementia Award
Anwar Kajee, Country Court
During the interview, Anwar not only shared how he and his team developed an innovative solution to support people living with dementia, but also clearly outlined the journey and roadmap that led him to where he is today. He demonstrated strong adaptability and continuous growth in his service, showing a genuine commitment to learning, improving, and developing a more effective and responsive support offering.
Earzz Limited
Prad and his team have developed a product that shifts the focus away from reactive systems towards proactive intervention. Their solution tracks patterns in behaviour and emerging trends and supported by evidence-based case studies enables more timely, informed interventions that can meaningfully improve outcomes for residents.
The Innovative Spaces Within Residential Care: Design Award
Gorsey Clough Nursing Home
Gorsley Clough is an exemplary home that enables people living with dementia to maintain dignity, independence, and a strong sense of purpose. The service has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment programme, thoughtfully designed to create purposeful, dementia-friendly spaces that enhance comfort, safety, and orientation. The environment actively promotes meaningful engagement and is underpinned by forward-thinking technology and innovation. Through a combination of creative, evidence-based design and a deep understanding of dementia care, the home supports non-pharmacological approaches that reduce distress and enhance wellbeing. This holistic model provides a rich, stimulating, and person-centred experience, significantly improving the quality of life for those who live there.
Long Stone Manor, Care UK
Long Stone Manor has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to innovation in dementia care design, creating environments that are both thoughtful and deeply meaningful. Their approach consistently reflects a strong focus on enhancing the lived experience of residents, ensuring that spaces are not only functional but also supportive of wellbeing, orientation, and independence. Every aspect of their design is carefully considered to make a positive difference to those living in the home, as well as their families and visitors. This dedication is evident in the calm, engaging, and person-centred environments they have created, which significantly improve quality of life and promote dignity for all.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Diane Smith, Independent
Diane Smith is recognised for her exceptional dedication to improving the lives of people living with dementia. Through her commitment to learning, compassionate support of her mother, volunteer work, and contributions to dementia research, Diane has transformed personal experience into meaningful advocacy, positively impacting individuals, families, professionals and the wider dementia community.
Susie Hooker, Romford Care Home
Susie has devoted more than three years to enhancing the lives of our residents, generously giving her time and energy on a voluntary basis. Her boundless creativity, compassion, and unwavering belief that “anything is possible” create meaningful opportunities for everyone. Together with her therapy dog, she brings happiness, comfort, companionship, and lasting positive memories every single day.
The Outstanding Contribution to Dementia Award
Dr Jacqui Hussey, YPWD
Dr Jacqui Hussey stood out for the scale, impact and evidence behind her work. After a career in the NHS spanning almost four decades, she co-founded a charity 14 years ago that has transformed support for younger people living with dementia and their families. Her leadership has delivered measurable outcomes, including halving carer stress levels and reducing antipsychotic use from 15% to just 2%. Crucially, she has translated this success into robust evidence that is now helping to inform future care models and commissioning decisions. Throughout, she has remained deeply person-centred, combining innovation, compassion and humility with a clinician’s commitment to improving lives.
Childhood Dementia Scotland, De Montfort University on behalf of Childhood dementia Scotland
Childhood Dementia Scotland stood out for the remarkable speed of change they’ve achieved in just 18 months, giving a voice to families who had felt invisible for years, building a framework that reaches from regional services to government, and training clinical teams across Scotland and beyond, all driven by a lived understanding of how lonely this journey can be and a bold commitment to the research that could change the course of these conditions for good. Keep up the amazing work.
The Dementia’s Unsung Hero Award
Emma Palfreyman, Cedar Court Nursing Home
Emma is committed to creating opportunities for people to connect, share experiences, and develop a genuine sense of belonging. She prioritises providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered. Emma treats everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect, recognising and celebrating the unique strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences each person brings.
Tanya Miller, Jewish Care
It was a pleasure to speak with Tanya, who spoke so warmly and passionately about the residents she supports. The way she describes them is truly inspiring and reflects the deep respect and care she brings to her role. Her compassion, resilience, and dedication to improving lives are evident in her everyday practice. She consistently advocates for better care and opportunities, inspiring positive change and making a meaningful impact on individuals and families.