18th March 2024

To be in the same room as several hundred of the UK's most respected social care providers was a remarkable experience.

Members staff and volunteers at Alzheimer's Support's day clubs are celebrating after winning a prestigious national award.

The four clubs, Sidmouth Street in Devizes, Mill Street in Trowbridge, Old Silk Works in Warminster and Scots Lane in Salisbury, won the Dementia Care award at the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards.

They received their award at a ceremony hosted by actor and presenter Sally Lindsay. It was watched in real time by members, staff and volunteers at Sidmouth St Club, who threw their own awards party to watch as events unfolded on a live stream. 

Judges said they were impressed by the club team's commitement to providing group activities in an informal, loving atmosphere. They applauded the genuine friendship between members, colleagues and volunteers, and the atmosphere the teams create. Although the staff are highly experienced in dementia care, judges praised how they do not dwell on the condition, other than as part of the fuller understanding of the individual's preferences, character and background. 

Grant Newton, head of day care at Alzheimer's Support, who attended the award ceremony with Mill Street Club manager Sharon Cooper, said: "To be in the same room as several hundred of the UK's most respected social care providers was a remarkable and humbling experience. For our day clubs to then win the national award for dementia care was so special. So many people at the event were commenting on what we do and asking how we go about it.

"The hard working and inspirational teams that run our day clubs in Wiltshire are very much deserving of this recognition. They bring much-needed respite to their communities, serving not only those with dementia but the families struggling to cope. I am very proud to be part of that team."

 

More about day care at Alzheimer's Support

Happy Birthday Scots Lane Club