Premiership rugby club scoops national Dementia Friendly Award

Worcester Warriors were celebrating success at a prestigious awards ceremony that took place in London on Thursday 22 November, hosted by Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Angela Rippon.

The Gallagher Premiership outfit was named 'Dementia Friendly Organisation of the Year - Small & Medium' for their pioneering efforts to ensure people affected by dementia remain active members of their community – and continue to enjoy the delights of rugby after a diagnosis.

The accolade recognises a range of ground-breaking dementia initiatives introduced at the Warriors’ Sixways home. These include a Tackling Dementia Sports Café, a safe place on matchdays for vulnerable people to watch the side in action and Warriors Disability and Inclusion Lead Simon Northcott’s appointment as the club’s first Dementia Friends Champion.

Commenting on the award, Simon said:

‘We’re absolutely amazed to have won but I really should dedicate our award to rugby fans who are affected by dementia. We're so proud and this is great recognition for everybody that we work with, both within in the club and externally.

But more importantly it’s great for all the people who are living with dementia that turn up every week, because without them we wouldn’t be doing what we are doing so I want to say thanks to those guys.’

Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive Jeremy Hughes paid tribute to the Midlands club. He said:

‘This year’s Awards celebrate individuals, organisations and communities which form part of a dementia movement that will transform the lives of people with dementia forever – by challenging misunderstandings, changing attitudes and inspiring action. 

The Warriors’ success is testament to their tremendous dementia-friendly work and demonstrates how all of society can unite against dementia.’ 

Find out more about the Dementia Friendly Awards.