Kelly Bleasdale, Senior Manager for EDC, an activity based dementia support charity, received the coveted Inclusive Dementia Community Award 2025/2027 from Melanie Williamson, the Integrated Dementia Commissioner from Essex County Council.
The Inclusive Dementia Community (IDC) scheme is overseen by Essex County Council. Organisations sign up to become IDC accredited. Before they can receive the award, they are tasked to produce an action plan, which sets out some of the things they have done to support clients who may be affected by dementia. This plan is regularly reviewed and is re-submitted annually for accreditation.
The action plan contains four sections which are people, places, procedures and other and sets out what the organisation has done and are planning to do in conjunction with the Alzheimer’s Society to be more inclusive of people living with dementia,
Kelly Bleasdale from EDC says “We are very proud to have received this award and we will continue to focus on improving the quality of life for both the person experiencing dementia and their loved ones/carer. For over 15 years we have helped thousands of people to navigate their dementia journey, bringing purpose, enjoyment and hope to their lives.
We work closely with families throughout Essex to ensure that their family members are enabled to live at home for as long as possible. We provide care for people living with dementia whilst also providing respite, emotional support and education for their main caregivers.
EDC provides support through both our One2One ‘Memory Companion’ service and our communal activity centres in Bradwell in Braintree and Sandon, Broomfield, Springfield and Writtle in Chelmsford.
As a charity, we also feel it is important to spread the word about dementia and educate people with regards to breaking down stigmas and fears. We aspire, to look at a partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society to give the opportunity for loved ones/carers to receive the support and understanding, surrounding the effects that dementia can have on a person.”
