Trust's involvement of people with dementia praised
The way in which a local healthcare trust involves and works with people with dementia, and other memory conditions, has been nationally recognised.
Recovery College NHFT has been named as a finalist in the Dementia Involvement Awards 2024, run by the Alzheimer's Society, which showcase the best examples of involvement and co-production with people with lived experience of dementia.
The awards also offer an opportunity to share and learn from 'those who do it well' and provide inspiration for the future of involvement.
Over 100 'truly inspiring' nominations were received from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, highlighting the incredible efforts and dedication of individuals committed to involving people with dementia.
Matthew Carter, Operational Manager for Recovery College, and Pete Middleton, Recovery College Peer Trainer, attended the event in London and said they were thrilled to be nominated and that it was testament to everyone involved with the college.
The awards judges heard that Matthew is a: supportive and enthusiastic enabler who truly embodies the spirit of involvement.
Votes were made at the event for the overall winner who was Laura Wright who supports football fans with dementia to attend matches at Wolverhampton Wanderers. But Matthew said being a finalist was a fantastic achievement.
Matthew said: "It was fantastic to be a nominated finalist for the 2024 Alzheimer's Society Dementia Involvement Awards; it highlights the important work that the Recovery College team do every day to support those with lived experience to co-produce and co-deliver courses and how this can inform and support others in their recovery journeys. Pete Middleton is an inspiration to so many is his work for those with Dementia both within NHFT and nationwide."
Pete said: "My perspective and input, as a person living with dementia, is always welcomed and seriously considered. Recovery College allows me to work as equal partners in creating and presenting useful, interesting and uplifting material that gives both service users and professionals practical knowledge and skills to improve and maintain our wellbeing and improve our lives."
Recovery College NHFT, part of Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, offers a range of different courses to help people support themselves, and others, to understand health conditions and help with recovery.
Courses are free, and available for anyone in Northamptonshire who is 18 years old or over, and who is a current or previous NHFT service user, their family and friends, carers, members of partner organisations, and NHFT staff. Those who have been referred to NHFT or are waiting to access NHFT services are also welcome to attend courses alongside those who support them.
Find out what courses are on offer, and other information about how to register and enrol, on the Recovery College NHFT webpage or email recovery.college@nhft.nhs.uk or call 03000 270470 (phone lines are open 9am-4.30pm Monday-Friday).
Pictured (l-r) Pete Middleton and Matthew Carter at the awards.