A Toxteth youth ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society won a prestigious Dementia Hero Award.
Adbulwase Sufian, 19 whose grandmother lives with dementia, has helped raise awareness of the UK's diverse dementia community by developing a Yemeni heritage app. As communication with his grandmother became challenging he approached House of Memories, an app for people with dementia and their carers and gave it a focus on supporting Yemeni elders with dementia.
Following over two years collaborating with Connecting with Yemeni Elders Heritage Project (YEHP) and National Museums Liverpool, this became a new bi-lingual addition to the My House of Memories app. He first came up with the idea aged 15.
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Abdulwase told the ECHO: "There’s a lot of dementia sufferers in my community. They’re not able to connect with the app unless their own cultures are involved in it. Connecting with YEHP raised awareness of dementia across the community and reached Mosque leaders, elders groups, Arabic networks and primary and secondary schools.
"It helps promote understanding and signposts to wider dementia services and support networks. The app allows the young and the elder generation to come together as one".
Abdulwase explained the app contains hundreds of digital objects, photographs, music and film, and is available in English and Yemeni Arabic. For example images of people in traditional Yemeni dress, Yemeni villages and more.
Alzheimer’s Society research shows 900,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2025 one million people in the UK will be living with the condition with many more carers, partners, families and friends affected.
Dementia deaths rise yearly and 225,000 will develop dementia this year, one every three minutes. With many facing dementia alone the Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone affected to know whoever they are, whatever they’re going through, they can turn to them for practical advice, emotional support and guidance for the best next step.
Abdulwase added: "I didn’t really expect I’d get the award, this special award. The other two contenders were fabulous, their projects were fabulous. I didn’t expect it. I’m lost for words.
"It’s important for someone to celebrate such an event. Because my grandmother has dementia, I’m celebrating for her. The reason this project is happening is because of her. I was inspired because of my grandmother".
CEO at the Alzheimer's Society Kate Lee said: “I’m really proud of our winners. It’s been inspiring to hear the stories of people, groups and organisations going the extra mile. Every single nominee deserves a platform in recognition of their hard work and commitment to helping and involving people living with dementia.
"One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. We won’t rest until people living with dementia and their carers live more fulfilled and less fearful lives, free from stigma and inequality.
"We can’t do it alone, that’s why change makers like our Dementia Heroes are so vital".
Almost 200 guests attended the event sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare at The Grand Hotel, Birmingham hosted by Good Morning Britain host Marverine Cole in April. The event saw 11 winners from England, Wales and Northern Ireland received awards
Marverine said: "I’m truly honoured to be in the room with such incredible people who are dedicating their lives to helping others dealing with the condition. ‘My and my husband’s side of the family have witnessed the effects of dementia, on the person living with it and their carers.
"I deeply understand the adversity people are going through. These awards are set to be a magnificent celebration of selfless people from across the UK".
Abdulwase concluded: "If you’ve got an idea, always inspire and never stop. Just keep forcing yourself through.”
You can download the app at National Museums Liverpool website HERE and for information visit Alzheimers Society HERE
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