Kent celebrates dementia champions at 2026 awards and conference

People, organisations and community groups from across Kent were recognised for their outstanding support for people living with dementia at the 2026 Dementia Friendly Kent Awards on Wednesday 20 May.

Now in their eighth year, the awards celebrate those helping to make Kent a more dementia-friendly place to live. The event was organised by the Kent Dementia Action Alliance, in partnership with Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust and Kent County Council.

The afternoon’s special guest presenter was Scott Mitchell, husband of the late Dame Barbara Windsor who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, who joined guests to honour individuals and groups making a real difference to the lives of people affected by dementia.

The winners demonstrated exceptional commitment, compassion and innovation in supporting people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers.

Congratulations to our 2026 Dementia Friendly Kent Awards winners:

• Most Inspiring Care Provider Award – Care UK’s Invicta Court Care Home, Maidstone, recognised for delivering personalised dementia care focused on wellbeing, identity and meaningful experiences.
• Creative Health Award – Broadmeadow Integrated Care Centre, Folkestone, recognised for using arts, music and sensory activities to support people living with dementia.
• Dementia Friendly Intergenerational Initiative Award -  East Kent Colleges Sheppey Secondary School, recognised for bringing together students and older people through dementia-friendly community activities.
• Dementia Friendly Initiative Award - Dover Smart Project, recognised for creating an inclusive and creative community space for people living with dementia, carers and local residents.
• Individual Outstanding Contribution Award - Margaret Murray, recognised for 14 years of dedication organising dementia-friendly cafés and community events on the Isle of Sheppey.
• Community and Partnership Award – ADSS and Guru Nanak, recognised for delivering culturally sensitive dementia support within the Sikh community in Gravesend.
• Dementia Friendly Organisation Award - G4S Patient Transport, Margate, recognised for promoting dementia-friendly practices and training more than 1,000 Dementia Friends.

Dr Adrian Richardson, Director of Transformation and Partnerships at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “The awards are a powerful reminder of the compassion, commitment and community spirit that exists across Kent and Medway. With more than 26,000 people living with dementia locally, we remain focused on improving equity and quality in dementia diagnosis, ensuring more consistent access to assessment, care and support, and helping people receive the right help at the right time.

“It is inspiring to see so many individuals and organisations working tirelessly to support people affected by dementia with dignity, understanding and compassion. The people recognised this evening are helping to break down barriers, reduce isolation and create more inclusive communities where people can live well with dementia and feel truly valued. Their work is making a lasting difference to families and carers across our region.”

The awards formed part of a wider Dementia Conference held at the Orida Hotel in Maidstone, which brought together professionals, community organisations, people with lived experience and partners from across Kent and Medway.

The event provided an opportunity to share learning, strengthen collaboration and highlight innovative, person-centred approaches that are helping people to live well with dementia.

Dr Alison Carter, speaking on behalf of the Kent Dementia Action Alliance, said: “The conference and awards continue to shine a light on the incredible people and organisations across our county. We are proud to celebrate those who are helping to make Kent and Medway more understanding, inclusive and supportive for people affected by dementia.”

Speaking after the event, Diane Morton, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Kent County Council, said: “Our winners and nominees show the very best of Kent. Their compassion, dedication and kindness help people living with dementia feel understood, valued and supported. These awards are an important opportunity to recognise the many people who quietly make a difference every day.”

The Kent Dementia Action Alliance continues to work with partners and communities across the county to improve awareness, inclusion and support for people living with dementia and their carers. Together with Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust and Kent County Council, the alliance remains committed to reducing inequalities, improving access to compassionate, person-centred support and helping to create more dementia-friendly communities across Kent and Medway.