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Journalists to be recognised for writing on dementia

DJAJournalists writing about dementia are to be recognised for the first time by an awards scheme set up to celebrate people helping those with the condition.

The Alzheimer’s Society has announced its inaugural Dementia Journalism Awards as part of its wider Dementia Friendly Awards, which have been run for the past two years.

The award are designed to recognise journalists from national and regional media in England and Wales who demonstrate best practice in reporting dementia in a sensitive way, helping to highlight issues and tackle stigma and common misperceptions.

Separate categories are open for regional and national journalists to enter.

Crtieria for entries includes:

  • Have a main focus on dementia
  • Give a voice to people affected by dementia (the person with dementia, carer, partner or family member), for example including a testimony
  • Depict dementia and its impact (e.g. emotional, physical or financial) in an authentic and accurate way
  • Be engaging, well researched, fair and responsibly written
  • Display originality and creativity in the story telling
  • Avoid sensationalism, clichés and stigmatising terminology

Entries may also:

  • Challenge stigma, stereotypes and common misperceptions about dementia
  • Contribute to and promote the ‘Dementia Friendly’ agenda
  • Lead to further media coverage or help influence policy, cultural, attitudinal or behavioural change to benefit people affected by dementia

To be eligible for the award items must have been published within the past year – during or after October 2015 up to end of July 2016. An article or a series of articles can be submitted.

Closing date for entries is 1 August and more information can be found here.