Dementia Hero Awards to raise awareness of assistive technology for people with dementia

A health technology provider is working closely with Alzheimer’s Society to raise awareness of the importance of assistive technology that can help to improve the engagement and involvement of people affected by dementia within their communities, and their own health and care provision.

The Dementia Hero Awards, coordinated by Alzheimer’s Society, and the Outstanding Achievement category are supported by the health and care technology provider, Tunstall Healthcare, to help recognise and celebrate the involvement and participation of people affected by dementia in activities and projects, focusing on engagement within their own communities.

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research & Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, adds: “It means a lot that Tunstall Healthcare has sponsored the Dementia Hero Awards for the second year running. Having the support of such a major global business that supports so many vulnerable people is incredible and highlights the importance of raising awareness of the impact that dementia can have on the people affected by it.

“We are looking forward to announcing the winners of the Awards with Tunstall at our ceremony in April.”

The finalists of the Outstanding Achievement category in the Dementia Hero Awards 2023 have been announced and the winners will be awarded at a ceremony taking place on 28th April 2023.

Gavin Bashar, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Tunstall Healthcare, says: “We at Tunstall feel very privileged to once again sponsor the Dementia Hero Awards with the Alzheimer’s Society.

“Most of us have experienced the way dementia changes people’s lives, and these awards are about recognising those who show strength and compassion, and determination to make a difference.

“2023 is our second year working closely with the team to deliver these awards, and we are in awe of the individuals, groups and organisations who continue to work to make the world a better place for those living with dementia.”

The finalists who have been shortlisted for the Outstanding Achievement category include: Dementia NI, Eamonn Dobbyn, Paul Harvey and Tim Little, and Tony Hall.

Previous winner of the Outstanding Achievement category, Paul Harvey, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 2019, and was presented with the award for his song, ‘Four Notes’ which received significant media attention in 2020 and was later recreated by The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.

The song also entered the UK Top 40 music charts with all the proceeds from single sales going to the Alzheimer’s Society and Music for Dementia. Composed using four random notes selected by Paul’s son Nick, it received more than 83,000 engagements and was viewed more than 2.1 million times on Twitter.

Recently, UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI’s) revealed the 94 winners of the Innovate UK Young Innovators Awards.