LGBT Alzheimer’s suport group recognised with special award
The Alzheimer’s Society has honoured the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Support Group for their “outstanding contribution to people with dementia and their carers.”
The group provides a dedicated support helpline across the UK for anyone who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender and who is, or who has been, caring for someone with dementia.
700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia and more than half have Alzheimer’s disease.
In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society. This will rise to 1.7 million people by 2051.
Neil Hunt, Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive said:
“It’s difficult enough to live with dementia. But if you also have to cope with discrimination, stereotyping and difficulty in accessing services because of your sexual orientation or sexual identity, it’s easy to end up feeling isolated, alone and desperate.”
The LGBT Support Group has built awareness of dementia at various national and European events, including at Pride in London and Brighton.
The Alzheimer’s Society William Brooks volunteer award was accepted by Pat Byrne, Roger Newman and Bruce Graham on behalf of the LGBT Support Group at a ceremony at the Society’s AGM in Warwick last month.
