After Dementia Millennium Awards get Royal seal of approval

The scheme was run by the Alzheimer's Society in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland - Action on Dementia and Carers UK and was funded by the Millennium Commission with money from the National Lottery. Its aim was to enable carers who had looked after a loved one with dementia, to rebuild their lives, their confidence and their social networks.

Marion Langton cared for her mother for four and a half years. She was given an award to produce a booklet entitled 'Have you seen my daughter?' full of hands-on advice and help for carers who have no support from family or friends.

She says:

'The Award has changed my life, I can't put it any other way. I now get out, go to university and have met new friends. I have new confidence, when people I know bump into me in the street, I don't have to talk about all the sadness with Mum, instead I can tell them something positive about my Award. People seem to be delighted for me and very impressed, which makes me feel so much more confident.'

The projects ranged from support groups organising outings, talks or monthly get-togethers to more unusual activities such as morris and maypole dancing classes, a roving slide show of Sheffield and an illustrated account of the history of lawn tennis.

Chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, Neil Hunt says:

'The After Dementia Millennium Award scheme has been a huge success and I am delighted its achievements can be celebrated as part of our 25th anniversary year. The scheme has given former carers the chance to take up old hobbies once more and to discover new talents and interests. The impact of the Awards has been deep and widespread and will last for many years through the friendships made and skills learned.'

Princess Alexandra, who is patron of the Alzheimer's Society, will meet with carers and former carers at a celebratory lunch at the Cafe Royal near Piccadilly Circus on Thursday 13 May 2004. A display of Award projects will also be on show.

Notes for editors

• The ADMA scheme was launched in September 2001 and will in end in June 2004.
• One hundred and thirty projects involving 260 individuals received an Award, with a total value of £820,000.
• Individuals could apply for between £2,000 and £4,000 and a group for up to £10,000.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
• Our website address is: http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/