Halesworth Dementia Carers’ Fund shortlisted as a Finalist for National Dementia Care Award
Suffolk charity recognised by the Journal of Dementia Care for its outstanding support of unpaid carers across the Blyth Valley
Halesworth, Suffolk — The Halesworth Dementia Carers’ Fund (HDCF), a registered charity (No. 1170477) supporting people living with dementia and their carers in Halesworth and the Blyth Valley area of Suffolk, was nominated for a prestigious national award by the Journal of Dementia Care.
HDCF is delighted to announce that they are a finalist in the Respite and Carer Support Award category, which recognises organisations and individuals that offer meaningful respite and support to unpaid carers. The award ceremony will take place on 30th April 2026.
Nicky Kelly, Chair of Trustees at HDCF, said: “To be a finalist in this category, means a great deal to everyone involved with HDCF, our trustees, volunteers, and the wider community who make this work possible. The people we support are often caring around the clock, with very little recognition or respite. To be acknowledged on a national stage is a wonderful tribute to them, and to everyone who has helped build what HDCF has become.”
Being a finalist for this prestigious award reflects the very real difference HDCF makes in the lives of local families. One carer, whose mother attends the Day Centre and other groups that the charity runs, shared:
“My husband and I care for my 94-year-old mother, who has dementia along with other health issues. It’s a full-time commitment, and I can’t begin to express the relief and support that HDCF provides us. The opportunity for respite is invaluable, it allows us precious time to recharge, focus on our own wellbeing, and for me personally, to spend time painting again.
My mum absolutely loves attending the Day Centre. She feels safe, secure, and stimulated, and is always greeted with genuine warmth and kindness from every volunteer. She feels part of the community and has made friends there, something that was missing from her life before. Prior to attending, she was socially isolated and deeply affected by depression; the change has been remarkable.
The variety of activities offered, from singing and exercise to yoga, the Memory Café, and her time at the Day Centre, brings her so much joy and purpose. For us as carers, the chance to connect with others who understand our situation has also been an enormous comfort.
HDCF has made a profound difference to all our lives. We’re so grateful for the compassion, care, and sense of community they bring to families like ours.”
About the Award
The Journal of Dementia Care National Dementia Care Awards celebrate excellence across the dementia care sector. The Respite and Carer Support Award specifically honours those who provide genuine, impactful relief for unpaid carers, including emotional, practical, and peer-based support, and who can demonstrate clear improvements in carer wellbeing and resilience. The 2026 ceremony takes place on 30th April.
About HDCF
The Halesworth Dementia Carers’ Fund was established to provide practical and emotional support to those living with dementia and the unpaid carers who support them across Halesworth and the wider Blyth Valley area of Suffolk. Through its Day Centre programme, Memory Café, and a range of community-based activities including singing, exercise, and yoga, HDCF offers a vital lifeline to carers and their loved ones in this largely rural part of the county.
HDCF’s work is driven by a small and dedicated team of trustees and volunteers who understand that sustainable care at home depends on carers being supported, heard, and given the opportunity to rest and recharge. The charity’s programmes are designed to be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the specific challenges of caring in a rural community.
ENDS
For media enquiries, please contact:
Nicky Kelly, Chair of Trustees
Halesworth Dementia Carers’ Fund (Charity No. 1170477)
Email: info@halesworthdementia.co.uk
Tel: 07990 199632
Website: www.halesworthdementia.co.uk
Notes
1. The Halesworth Dementia Carers’ Fund is a registered charity in England and Wales, No. 1170477.
2. The Journal of Dementia Care National Dementia Care Awards recognise outstanding practice across the UK dementia care sector. The 2026 award ceremony takes place on 30th April 2026.
3. High-resolution images and additional background information are available on request.
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Click the button above to make a one off or regular donation, or if you would like to set up a page for a fundraising event. All donations are very gratefully received and go towards providing all our groups and activities and towards paying for our respite care. We are extremely grateful for every donation, large or small.