Alzheimer's Society London wins Afiya Award as dementia in London's BME community rises

The Afiya Awards aim to act as a catalyst to encourage the next generation of BME leaders in health and social care.

Paul Burstow MP, Minister of State for Care Services said:

'The Afiya Awards are a timely opportunity to recognise the valuable contribution made by individuals and organisations working to improve the health and wellbeing of BME communities. I am delighted to support this inaugural event.'

There are currently 12,000 people with dementia from BME communities in the UK. In 2007, 7,600 of those were in London and the figure is predicted to rise to 13,100 in 2017. Under Owolade's leadership, Alzheimer's Society London is leading the way in developing services to meet their needs. The post is supported by a generous donation from City Bridge Trust. Areas of focus include tackling low levels of dementia awareness, attitudes/stigma and the barriers of discrimination and inappropriate service provision that exclude BME people from the information and support they need to live well with dementia. Together the team deliver 174 information and support services to over 6000 people with dementia and their carers across the capital.

Owolade saw off tough competition from nominees including Yasmin Surti, National adviser on ethnicity for a Department of Health project, and Yvonne Coghill OBE, national lead for the NHS breaking through initiative.

She says,

'I am delighted to receive this award and honoured given the calibre of the other nominees in the category. I believe passionately that all sections of society have a right to access high quality health and social care services. This is something that is integral to my work across London at Alzheimer's Society.'

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
•  Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. By 2021 a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk