Hartlepool shortlisted for national dementia award

Hartlepool resident Eric Hughes who is living well with dementia, Hospital of God Director David Granath, and manager of The Bridge Laura Robinson show their support for dementia with Alzheimers Society forget-me-not flowers

The town has been nominated for the Dementia Friendly Community of the Year at the Alzheimer’s Society Awards 2017 in London.

It is in recognition of the work of charity Dementia Friendly Hartlepool and The Bridge, a dementia care and support service in Hartlepool town centre run by the Hospital of God.

David Granath, Hospital of God’s Director said: “We are delighted that Hartlepool has been nominated for Dementia Friendly Community of the Year.

“Dementia Friendly Hartlepool, The Bridge, and so many other partner organisations have striven to remove the stigma and taboo that those living with dementia and memory loss, and to provide a central resource in Hartlepool that people can unite around.

“We are over the moon to see our efforts recognised in this way.”

The Bridge, located at the Gemini Centre on Villiers Street, was established by the Hospital of God and Hartlepool Borough Council to support the 1,200 people in the town who are living with dementia and memory loss.

It is said to be the only known centre of its kind anywhere in the country by bridging the gap between all dementia support services currently available and providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for people diagnosed of where to get help.

Attending tonight’s awards ceremony presented by Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Angela Rippon will be The Bridge user Eric Hughes and his wife, manager Laura Robinson manager and occupational therapist Caroline Ryder Jones.

Eric, who lives with dementia, said: “The Bridge has literally given me my life back. Previously I was mostly housebound unless my wife was off work.

“Being shortlisted for the community award is fantastic recognition for dementia care in Hartlepool.”