Haringey community groups and individuals recognised with awards for supporting people with dementia

News – 18 June 2026

On Monday 15th June at Alexandra Palace, 10 local groups and an individual were presented with special awards by the Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Dawn Barnes to recognise their contribution to tackling loneliness and soc
Loneliness Awareness Week 2026 Award Winners Singing for The Brain at Alexandra Palace pictured with the Mayor of Haringey

Now in its third year, and part of Haringey’s annual Loneliness Awareness Week programme, the celebration awards and ceremony were established by the Haringey Reach and Connect service, which is delivered by Public Voice and Mind in Haringey.

This year’s theme is ‘Giving Loneliness A Voice’, and this truly reflected the innovative and compassionate work of this year’s award winners. By building positive social connections and reducing loneliness, they have showcased the assistance, care and help they have provided to people living with dementia and their carers.

Haringey Reach and Connect supports residents age 50+ to live happier, healthier lives. Many of our referrals involve people experiencing loneliness or social isolation, so we developed Loneliness Awareness Week in Haringey to reduce the stigma of talking about it and to inspire conversation and communication. These Awards recognise the valuable, innovative work being done in our community and celebrate the joy of togetherness and connection!
— Ashley Grey, Community Connector

The award winners are: Café Palais at Alexandra Palace, Cypriot Centre Dementia Friendly Groups, Hilldene Court Memory Café, Home Instead, Kissing it Better Calendar and Online Carers Events, Park Theatre Dementia Friendly Programme, Sensing A Place - Hands on Heritage for People Living with Dementia, Singing for the Brain, Ted Meyer, The Unpaid Carer Shanty Crew (North London).

Following the awards a week of activities took place across Haringey to highlight the importance of talking about loneliness and reducing the stigma that surrounds it, whilst encouraging people to support each other. The events are listed in the Kissing it Better’s Haringey Calendar, with most taking place on a regular basis in Haringey.

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