Awards Celebrate Dementia Services

Health Minister Edwin Poots presented the Northern Ireland Dementia Excellence Awards at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast, on Friday.

The awards are a celebration of innovation and good practice. They are designed to recognise organisations and individuals who have worked to improve the quality of life of people with dementia. The awards are run by the Dementia Services Development Centre and made up part of the programme for their ‘Dementia 2012’ seminar.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Poots said: "I would like to congratulate the winners of each award. It is a mark of how highly regarded you are within your chosen profession that you have received these awards today. Your contribution and commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia has been deservedly recognised and rewarded."

The awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the important work undertaken to support people with dementia. The winners and nominees are involved in both small and large scale activities that have made a difference to the lives of people with dementia.

Minister continued: "You have undoubtedly earned the praise and recognition, and this stands for all those nominated for awards today. Indeed, for all the dedicated staff working out there who strive to provide better services and a better quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in our society."

The NI Office of the Dementia Services Development Centre operates as a branch of the Dementia Services Development Centre, whose aim is to promote awareness and high standards of care for people with dementia. They have been supported by both the Department and by Atlantic Philanthropies for the last three years. An agreement to continue this support for a further three year period has recently been agreed.

Minister Poots said: "The Dementia Services Development Centre, and its Northern Ireland Office, has brought great expertise and knowledge on the world of dementia to our province.

"I am therefore very pleased to announce that my Department, along with Atlantic Philanthropies, have agreed to support the Northern Ireland Office for a further three year period. I know that they will continue to make a significant impact on the way we deliver services for people living with dementia in Northern Ireland."

(GK)