Projects from across Scotland have been recognised for their commitment shown in providing care

The leading projects that support people with dementia in Scotland have been announced.

Scotland’s Dementia Awards, a partnership between Alzheimer Scotland, NHS Education for Scotland and the Scottish Social Services Council, today (Monday 22 July) announced the finalists of the eighth annual awards. Finalists are all now in the running for awards which recognise their dedication to supporting people living with dementia and their families and carers.

Judged by a panel of social service, third sector and health professionals, alongside people living with dementia and carers, the awards celebrate the inspirational achievements of those outstanding people making a difference to support people living with dementia, their families and carers across health, social service and community settings.

With five categories, Scotland’s Dementia Awards recognise the innovative and ambitious projects making a difference to people living with dementia, including: Best Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, Best Community Support Initiative, Best Educational Initiative, Best Hospital Care Initiative and Best Care Home Practice Improvement.

Henry Simmons, Alzheimer Scotland’s chief executive, said: “Scotland’s Dementia Awards celebrate the people and projects working tirelessly to improve care and support for people living with dementia and their families throughout our communities and across the health, social care and education sectors.

“On behalf of our awards partners, I want to thank everyone who entered the awards. It has been our honour once again to see so many tremendous creative and innovative collaborations taking place. Many of these initiatives are significantly developing and improving practice, ensuring that the rights of people with dementia and their families to receive the best possible quality of care and support are being delivered. Others are helping to break down and tackle social barriers, unifying our communities and creating a dementia-friendly Scotland. We look forward to celebrating the work of all our finalists and winners in September.”

The awards will culminate in a ceremony staged during World Alzheimer’s Month on 18 September at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow. Tickets to attend the event are available now.

Through the celebration of good ideas, shared practice and meaningful partnership working, Scotland’s Dementia Awards demonstrate dementia policy at work in a sustainable way, as well as providing an opportunity for professionals and communities to showcase the creativity, innovation and dedication taking place across communities to help make a difference to the lives of people with dementia and their families.

Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today. There are 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and it is now estimated that 20,000 people every year will be diagnosed with the condition by 2020.