A first-of-its kind dementia hub on the Isle of Wight is celebrating after winning a prestigious national award.
Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight was named winner of the Dementia Care category, at this year’s Markel Third Sector Care Awards.
Now in its 11th year, the Markel Third Sector Care Awards are organised by Care Management Matters (CMM), and developed in conjunction with the National Care Forum, a membership body representing not-for-profit organisations operating in the care sector.
Recognising hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence
The awards recognise the hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence of everyone working in the not-for-profit sector who is making a positive difference to people’s lives, whether they are supporting children or adults.
Entries to the 2026 awards will be opening later this year and local people working for a not-for-profit organisation can register their interest to find out more now.
Parklands Dementia Resource Centre
The accolade was given to Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight for the opening of the Parklands Dementia Resource Centre in Cowes, which is the first and only dementia hub on the Isle of Wight where people can get the support they need, five days a week.
Services offered
The service holds a daily Wellbeing Club and Community Café, and provides services for families and carers, including Citizen’s Advice support sessions, Isle of Wight Age UK Dementia Care Navigators Drop-in sessions, and health and wellness services.
There are rooms for visiting professionals in a sociable, non-threatening environment. Hairdressing, podiatry and wellbeing with qualified practitioners, supported by trained volunteers, are all available.
Bennett: We dedicate this award to all our supporters who helped us to open our doors last year
Commenting on their success, Maggie Bennett at Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight said,
“We’re incredibly proud to win a Markel Third Sector Care Award and to have had the opportunity to be among so many inspiring individuals and groups who make up the not-for-profit care sector.
“Launching Parklands in Cowes has been a huge achievement for us all, with the support of so many community partners and our amazing volunteers. We’re thrilled to be recognised for our work so far, which offers something brand new to the Island community and a unified approach to dementia care that is rare in the UK.
“We dedicate this award to all our supporters who helped us to open our doors last year, and who continue to help us to expand our range of services to people with dementia on the Island.”
Held at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham, the award ceremony was hosted by actress and television presenter Sally Lindsay and brought together esteemed leaders in health and social care from across the UK to learn about and applaud the diverse work of the winners and finalists.
Galjaard: It’s an honour to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions
Neil Galjaard, the divisional managing director at Markel, stated,
“Each year, we are humbled and inspired by the dedication, resilience, and compassion of those working in the third sector – the Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight truly embodies this and it’s inspiring to see their journey.
“The Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight are a skilled and compassionate team of both staff and volunteers who have come together with the local community and local businesses to create a safe, fun and welcoming place for people to thrive and live well. Offering countless activities and a range of therapeutic and wellbeing services all in one place. People are valued and heard and are truly at the heart of everything. We were overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion that shone through and the education about Dementia for the local community and further afield.
“At a time when their work is more vital than ever, it’s an honour to recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals in the not-for-profit sector. Sharing their stories is essential to showcase the incredible difference they make every day, and the Markel Third Sector Care Awards serve as the perfect platform to accomplish this.
“Now in its eleventh year, we are immensely proud to partner with CMM again to support these awards. The awards remain free to enter, with complimentary tickets for the ceremony, ensuring barriers for entry are removed and that we can celebrate the best in the third sector.
“The winners of the Markel Third Sector Care Awards exemplify this commitment, going above and beyond to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Congratulations to DNS for their exceptional work. Your dedication and influence to supporting others is truly inspiring—thank you for all that you do!”
Next year’s event
Entries to next year’s awards will be opening later this year for anyone working in the not-for-profit sector who is making a positive difference to people’s lives.
Anyone can enter themselves or nominate someone else in one of the categories – no matter what their position in an organisation. More information on the benefits of entering and winning the awards can be found on the Why Enter? page.
A key supporter to the care sector
Markel is widely recognised as a key supporter to the care sector through the provision of specialist insurance, legal, tax and consultancy capabilities.
One such service the company provides to the sector is its specialist care consultancy, Markel Care Practitioners, which exists to provide support across a range of issues such as risk management, inspection preparation and continuity planning.
Those wishing to find out more about the Markel Third Sector Care Awards, or looking to register their interest for this year’s entry window, can do so via the website.
News shared by Tia on behalf of Markel Care. Ed
