Swinton charity Dancing with Dementia has received the King’s Award 2024 for their outstanding Voluntary Service for the community.
The group will receive the highest award a local voluntary groups can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
The charity is one of 281 social enterprises and voluntary groups selected for the prestigious award.
The Dancing with Dementia charity has been a vital service to the community in Salford, and has been able to prolong the lives of people living with dementia, while supporting their family, friends and carers through music and dance.
The charity has been essential in helping anyone who feels lonely or isolated.
The group launched in 2015 with a trial event at Swinton Grand Palais before officially opening in February 2016, and by the March 2020 the charity had more than 100 guests coming to the events.
Lesley Fisher came up with the idea when her sister was diagnosed with vascular dementia and wanted to do something to help.
She said: “I couldn’t help medically but maybe I could help with the social aspect. I loved dancing and spoke to a friend who was a dance teacher.
“Her Mum had passed with Dementia and knew the isolation and the trauma of the condition for all the family.”
Lesley said: “On a personal level the founding of Dancing with Dementia has given me a lifeline to share experiences with others on the same journey.
“The support that is given and shared has made many of the journeys by our guests easier knowing they are not alone and their feelings are understood and the empathy that is shared is almost tangible.”
She continued: “We share great joy of shared memories and create new memories and new friendships.
“Volunteering has opened many opportunities and we have met some truly amazing people on the way, it has been nine years of growing within the community, I am so proud of what we have achieved.”
The charity hosts six events a month reaching more than 300 guests.
Currently the charity also works with and supports three hospital dementia units at Salford Royal, Bolton, Royal and the Woodland Hospital in Little Hulton.
It provides comfort blankets, twiddle muffs, toiletries, gifts for raffles, soft toys for sensory work and craft items.
The awards were announced to coincide with the King’s birthday.
Representatives form Dancing with Dementia will receive a crystal award and certification from Diane Hawkins, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester later this summer.
Two volunteers from Dancing with Dementia will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s award.
More information about the charity and its incredible work can be found here.
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