A dementia day care centre which expanded into East Lancashire earlier this year have been named finalists of the national Alzheimer’s Society awards, recognising high quality care and support for families affected by dementia.

The Filo Project, which expanded into Rossendale in January and has plans to go into Hyndburn, Pendle, and Blackburn, is a finalist in the Professional Excellence (organisations) award category, which recognises those who have provided personal care to support people living with dementia.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Filo Project founder Libby PriceThe Filo Project founder Libby Price (Image: The Filo Project)

The Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Awards, taking place on Friday, April 28, honours organisations and individuals across the country who do life-changing work with, and for, people living with dementia.

The organisation currently supports around 350 clients in East Lancashire, Devon, and Somerset.

In many of the locations they operate, dementia day care options and transport are very limited, so the Filo Project’s presence and inclusion of transport offers a lifeline.

A day at the Filo Project is personalised to each group’s interests and abilities and is informed by years of collective experience in dementia day care and research and offers a cost-effective alternative to dementia day centres and residential care.

Libby Price, The Filo Project co-director, said: “Dementia and memory loss can be difficult for families to manage, and quality care can be hard to find, but people can still live well with dementia.

"Good quality care, support and treatments easing symptoms can help people lead active lives, boost their memory and self-esteem, and maintain a meaningful, good quality of life.

Lancashire Telegraph: Clients of The Filo ProjectClients of The Filo Project (Image: Hannah Maule-Ffinch)

“A Filo day is unique and like a day out with friends, where clients grow in confidence, feel empowered and experience stabilised or even improved dementia symptoms.

“We’re delighted The Filo Project is in the finals of the national Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Awards.

"Whatever the outcome on the day, this speaks to the commitment, skill and enthusiasm of our hard-working hosts and colleagues, and the tangible impact of a Filo day.”

The winners of the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Awards will be announced on Friday, April 28.