THE RUTH POLLEN AWARD 

 Many of you will know Tony Pollen, our committee member, and that he has served the Branch well for a number of years. His dear wife Ruth was diagnosed with pre senile dementia in her 40's and the long and painful process of her decline was so difficult for Tony and his family to bear. However, the quality of their care has been an example to us all, particularly when one realises that the support available in our area specifically for the younger person with dementia is so limited.

 We have now passed the first anniversary of Ruth's death and the Branch Committee felt that this was not only the right time to create something in memory of her, but also an opportunity to celebrate the devotion which carers bring to the work of looking after those with dementia.

 Consequently, we wish to announce that the first Ruth Pollen Award will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Branch in the Spring of 2009. The award will consist of £200 together with a certificate, and will be given annually to a carer, care worker, service provider or volunteer in the field of dementia care, and who has been nominated by two members of the Alzheimer's Society.

 There will be a simple questionnaire to fill in, which will serve as the nomination, and this should be submitted to the Branch Committee who will make the final decision about the recipient. It will not be possible for Members of the Committee to be nominated.

Carers for those with dementia are "the salt of the earth"! Not only do they, through their devotion, save the nation millions of pounds per year, but they are examples to us all of loving and selfless care which displays the best of the human spirit. The Committee is glad to have this opportunity of celebrating such service and hopes that it will also be the means of showing society at large how great the needs are of those with dementia.

Nomination forms can be downloaded here.