Source: City of Coventry
Our adult social care services are celebrating after three colleagues and partners were recognised in the National Dementia Care Awards for 2025, held last week in London
The colleagues are all a part of the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH).
Ruth Chauhan won her category of “Inspirational person with dementia” for her work at CDPH.
Ruth is a key member of the CDHP, and as a person living with a dementia, she really does show that you can live well with dementia.
As well as delivering services through Amba Care Solutions, a company set up by Ruth and her husband Jay, she also dedicates her time to the hub, running two very successful sessions.
On a Monday, she runs Meaningful Moments whereby for people with dementia and at the same time a session for carers.
Her target group is people from the Asian communities, to try and make our services more accessible to a wide range of people.
Ruth is also a member of the CDPH ‘Culturally Inclusive’ group where the aim is to reach out to underserved communities, she volunteers her time and expertise whenever it is needed.
Ruth has also provided dementia training to some of our partners including the Police, Fire Service and Lions Club of Coventry Godiva.
Ruth said: “It was an honour just to be nominated – thanks April Ross. I couldn’t quite believe it when they announced my name as the winner. This award is for everyone who overcomes the difficulties that come with a cognitive impairment.
“If I can inspire just one person to believe that by embracing a ‘new normal’ you can overcome anything and make a difference, then all the challenges I face every day are worth it.”
Terri Hallinan, who is the manager of a residential care home for people with Dementia (Eric Williams House) was shortlisted for the Registered Manager in Dementia Care award, Terri was nominated for her excellent leadership skills and dedication to enhancing the lives of people with dementia under her care. The nomination highlighted Terri’s commitment to creating a culturally inclusive environment. Terri said: “It was such a joy to be shortlisted and to attend a night filled with celebration and inspiration. Being surrounded by so many passionate people reminded me just how powerful kindness, dedication, and teamwork can be in making a real difference every day.
Shashi Prasad (Lions Club for Coventry Godiva) was also shortlisted for the Diversity and Dementia award, which recognised Shashi’s role as chair of the Culturally Inclusive sub-group which sits under the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH) work.
Shashi’s role is integral to raising awareness of dementia in global majority communities, seeking to break down stigmas around dementia. This group’s work was publicised in a worldwide Common Age report. Shashi has worked with the Council to create dementia awareness videos in different languages as part of raising awareness.
Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “This is wonderful news. Coventry really does have many amazing people working in care or as carers or engaging with care services. There is so much love and joy in the services I witness every day, which proves you can live to your potential, whatever your circumstances. Congratulations to Ruth, Terri and Shashi.”