Inspirational Keighley Charity visits Downing Street

Keighley Charity celebrated at Downing Street

The work of a Keighley Charity has been recognised this week at an event at 10 Downing Street.

Representatives from local charity Dementia Friendly Keighley journeyed down to London on Monday after being nominated by local MP Robbie Moore as Local Charity Champions for Keighley.

The group received a tour of the Houses of Parliament before attending the Local Charity Champions Event at 10 Downing Street, hosted by Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society and Minister for Equalities The Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP.

Dementia Friendly Keighley was set up to support people with dementia and their carers by raising awareness and understanding of the condition.

By making Keighley a ‘Dementia Friendly Town’. the group hopes to change the way people think about dementia and enable people to be more helpful.

The group runs a number of clubs and activities across Keighley for people living with dementia, including a coffee club for patients and their caregivers, an “Arts for the Brain” program  to help those living with dementia maintain their mental and creative faculties and the Brown Cow Social Group which provides a safe and supportive space for people living with dementia to socialize and connect with others.

Readers can learn more about Dementia Friendly Keighley and volunteer for the group by visiting: https://dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk 

Readers can Donate to Dementia Friendly Keighley by visiting: https://dementiafriendlykeighley.org.uk/donate/ 

Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sport, Gambling and Civil Society, Stuart Andrew said:

"As Minister for Civil Society, I see the best that this country has to offer, and the selflessness and hard work of charity champions is something we can all be proud of. Across the country, the support, kindness, and effort of charity champions cannot be underestimated.

During difficult times, local charities have been a lifeline for many across the country. Sacrificing their time and energy for the greater good, often without recognition, charity champions are the beating hearts of our communities. Their tireless work cannot go unnoticed.:

Robbie Moore MP said:

"From raising awareness and understanding about dementia to providing a range of tailored clubs and activities for those living with the condition, Dementia Friendly Keighley work tirelessly to support people across our community living with dementia, including supporting friends, caregivers and the loved ones of those with the condition.

It was therefore an honour to invite the group to 10 Downing Street to celebrate their incredible work this year, where they met with a number of other brilliant charities from across the UK and the UK’s Minister for Civil Society The Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP..

We’re proud to have organisations like Dementia Friendly Keighley in our community, and I want to take this opportunity to thank all of our local charities who work tirelessly to make a positive difference across Keighley and Ilkley. Your dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and as your MP I will continue support you in every way that I can."