Kent County Council (KCC) and Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust are pleased to announce the launch of the 2025 Dementia Friendly Kent Awards, now in their eighth year.

The awards celebrate outstanding individuals, groups, and organisations that are helping to make Kent and Medway a more dementia-friendly place to live. From schools and voluntary groups to local businesses, care providers and health professionals, the awards recognise the many people who go above and beyond to support those affected by dementia.

Led by the Kent Dementia Action Alliance (DAA), the awards bring together Kent County Council, Kent & Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, and a wide network of local organisations and communities committed to improving the lives of people living with dementia.

Dr Alison Carter, speaking on behalf of the Kent Dementia Action Alliance, said: “We’re thrilled to launch our 8th Dementia Friendly Kent Awards and look forward to recognising the many unsung heroes who make such a difference across the county. Having Scott Mitchell join us this year will make the event even more special, his advocacy and personal connection to the cause continue to inspire so many.”

Nominations now open

Anyone can nominate an individual, group or organisation.

Nominations are open until 31 January 2026.

To submit a nomination, visit: www.kent.gov.uk/dementiafriendlyawards

If you need support to complete a nomination, please email: jo.evans@kent.gov.uk

2025 Award Categories

• Most Inspiring Dementia Care Provider Award
• Individual Outstanding Contribution to Dementia Award
• Dementia Friendly Organisation Award
• Community and Partnership Dementia Award
• Local Dementia Friendly Initiative Award
• Dementia Friendly Intergenerational Initiative Award
• Creative Health Award

Diane Morton RMN, Kent County Council (KCC) Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care & Health, said: “Having worked in the Kent Dementia Action Alliance as a carer before retraining as a nurse in 2017, I fully appreciate the extensive dementia support already provided across Kent. I have met so many extraordinary people working selflessly to improve the lives of residents with dementia across the county.

“Every year, exceptional individuals and organisations go above and beyond to make sure people living with dementia feel valued, supported and understood. The Dementia Friendly Kent Awards are a wonderful opportunity to thank them, celebrate that compassion, and inspire others to act in their own communities. I encourage anyone who knows someone making a difference, through a group, workplace or simple act of kindness, to put them forward for an award.”

Working together for a dementia-friendly Kent

Dr Afifa Qazi, Executive Medical Director and Consultant Psychiatrist at Kent and Medway Mental Health Trust, added: “Dementia touches the lives of around 24,000 people in Kent and Medway, and it can be incredibly isolating, not only for those living with the condition, but also for their families and carers.

“Through the Dementia Action Alliance, our goal is not just to help people survive but to ensure they feel included, supported and able to live well. By working together across our communities, we are creating environments where understanding and inclusion are the norm. Recognition like this reminds us that progress doesn’t only happen in hospitals or council offices; it happens in everyday moments of kindness, connection and shared commitment to supporting those affected by dementia.”

Source and picture credit: Kent County Council
Picture credit: Sabine van Erp