Dementia gong for caring Ade - The Worcester Observer

Dementia gong for caring Ade

Worcester Editorial 23rd Nov, 2019   0

A WORCESTER man who encourages university students to show their support for those living with dementia has been honoured with a major award.

Ade Couper was presented with the Outstanding Mentor Award for Foundation Degrees for the University of Worcester at the University’s award ceremony.

The caring mentor is the Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side co-ordinator for Worcestershire and was nominated by his students for the award.

Ade was praised for his support of students studying health and social care courses at the University who also take on work placements as Side by Side volunteers at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.




The students work predominantly with people living with dementia who were in hospital because of incidents not related to dementia, such as falls or illness.

Ade, who has been working at Alzheimer’s Society for three years, said he was delighted with the honour and praised student volunteers for their amazing work.


“Hospital can be boring, scary and isolating for those of us without dementia and even more so for those living with dementia, especially when you don’t know where you are or maybe why you’re there,” he said.

“Side by Side student volunteers spend 20 hours a week volunteering in the Worcestershire Royal Hospital, visiting and talking to patients with dementia, helping to stimulate the brain. They would also draw, play cards, listen to music and even run pampering sessions.”

Side by Side is a new service from the Alzheimer’s Society which helps people with dementia carry on doing the things they love.

“Just because a person is diagnosed with dementia, it doesn’t mean they stop wanting to take part in their favourite activities,” Ade said.

“Whether your favourite hobby is going to the football, watching a movie or having a mooch around the shops, whatever it is, Side by Side can help you stay involved with your community.”

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can call Ade on 07885228891, the Side by Side line on 0300 222 5706 or e-mail [email protected] for more.

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