Alzheimer's Society wins prestigious PR award

The Alzheimer's Society last night won the prestigious PR Week award for best campaign in the not for profit sector.

Dementia - not in my Street? won the award for its ability to use the storyline to raise the profile of the disease and help and support offered by the Alzheimer's Society.

Neil Hunt of the Alzheimer's Society says,

'The storyline allowed us to combat the stigma of dementia and to raise awareness of the fact that dementia affects more people than you might think. We estimated that 14 million people in the UK have a close friend or relative affected by the disease.

'The Society provides a huge range of information, advice and support services for people with dementia and those who care for them. We can also help people who are worried about their memory.

'At the height of the Coronation Street Storyline, the helpline received record number of calls and this legacy is still continuing. After his dramatic exit, stars such as Johnny Briggs and Pauline Fleming continue to help the Society draw attention to this important cause.

'Dementia is not talked about enough. We expect the number of people with dementia to double in the next 50 years. which is why it is so important to bring this disease to the forefront of the media spotlight. Coronation Street has been an excellent opportunity to bring the topic of dementia to everyone's street and into everyone's living room. By raising awareness we hope more people will understand the disease and that the government will be motivated to properly plan for the future.'