On Thursday 5th September 2024, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Services (ADSS) made history by sweeping three top honours at the prestigious Kent Charity Awards 2024. The organisation has been named Kent Charity of the Year, Disability Charity of the Year, and received the highly coveted Trustee of the Year award—an unprecedented achievement in the awards history.

No other charity has ever secured all three significant awards, marking this as a defining moment for ADSS and the Kent charity sector. The accolades recognise the charity’s ground-breaking work in providing compassionate support to individuals and families affected by dementia, as well as the tireless dedication of its leadership.

A Historic Triple Win for ADSS

ADSS’ recognition as Kent Charity of the Year is a testament to its unwavering commitment to improving the lives of over 26,000 people in Kent living with dementia. Through innovative services, including dementia cafés, memory clinics, and carer support programmes, ADSS has become a lifeline for thousands of families.

The Disability Charity of the Year award highlights ADSS’ tireless advocacy and its impact on people with dementia, widely recognised as one of the most challenging disabilities. The charity’s work goes beyond care, empowering individuals to live well with dementia and supporting carers with practical, emotional, and financial resources.

ADSS’s Chair of Trustees, Sam Barton, earned the title Trustee of the Year for his visionary leadership and longstanding commitment to the organisation. Under his guidance, ADSS has expanded its reach, raised awareness on a localised scale, and secured vital funding to support its transformative programmes.

The prestigious Kent Awards 2024 nomination process began in early March, with final submissions closing at the end of April. During the judging phase, an esteemed panel visited the ADSS Wellbeing Centre, where they experienced firsthand the exceptional care and support provided to individuals with dementia. Their visit left a lasting impression, culminating in ADSS Wellbeing being honoured with an award in September. This comprehensive six-month journey highlights the dedication and excellence demonstrated throughout the process.

Dina Henry, judging panel and CEO of CAF Bank was proud to express that “ADSS provides an outstanding service to support people through their day clubs offering a warm and caring environment. We listened to the wonderful choir and watched some of the activities taking place and could see how much fun those taking part were having. The team’s dedication was evident, and ADSS makes a positive difference not only to those with dementia but also to their families. The energy and passion from the team was immense and their desire to support even more people was fantastic”.

A Legacy of Support and Innovation

In response to the triple win, ADSS Chairman Sam Barton said, “We are incredibly grateful to receive this recognition from the Kent Charity Awards. It is a testament to the hard work, passion and perseverance of all the staff and volunteers at ADSS, and I am delighted for the entire team. We are supporting more people living with dementia than ever before, but there is still so much more to do and so many more people to reach. These awards will help us to continue raising awareness and support our mission that everyone living in Kent gets the support they need to live the life they want”.

Looking Ahead 

As ADSS celebrates its historic victory, the charity remains focused on the future. With the increasing number of dementia diagnoses, the charity plans to expand its services, invest in more innovative therapies, and continue its advocacy for dementia-friendly policies across Kent.

With these accolades, ADSS aims to inspire more support for its life-changing work and further strengthen its presence in the region. The charity also invites new volunteers, partners, and donors to join its cause and help make Kent a national leader in dementia care.