In October 2023, Touchstone’s Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Dementia Service received Alzheimer Europe’s Anti-Stigma Award. The award recognises an “outstanding initiative aimed at combating stigma and promoting a positive image of dementia and people living with dementia”.
The team also presented their work during the Networking Dinner of the 33rd Alzheimer Europe Conference in Helsinki.
Ripaljeet Kaur, the service’s manager, says: “We are so honoured to be recognised by Alzheimer Europe for our work raising awareness and breaking down barriers surrounding dementia within BME communities. It is so important that families can access specialist support that meets their language, cultural, and religious needs at some of the most difficult times in their lives. We are proud to have been able to share this work with colleagues across the globe and put our Leeds-based service on the international map. We hope this recognition strengthens our ability to make positive changes far and wide for people in BME communities affected by dementia.”
Arfan Hanif, Touchstone’s CEO, says: “The whole Touchstone team are very proud of our BME Dementia Service for receiving Alzheimer Europe’s prestigious Anti-Stigma Award. The work that Ripaljeet and Gurbinder do is completely invaluable. Throughout their ten years in action, the service has blazed a vital trail in this field, directly supporting those living with dementia in BME communities and advocating for improved specialist support across healthcare systems.
It has been a privilege to watch the service go from strength to strength, delivering this important work with dedication, passion, expertise, and insight. I know this award will support the service to continue making a difference in Leeds and far beyond.”
For more information about this service and their award, please visit .
