AN “exceptional and deeply personal commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia” has led a county manager to be nominated for the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2026.
Kelly Reeves, service manager for charity Age UK Wyvern’s dementia wellbeing service, has been highlighted in The Dementia Carer or Team category.
She said: “I’m incredibly honoured and grateful to have been nominated.
“It really means a lot to be recognised for work that I am so passionate about.
Kelly Reeves has been nominated for the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2026 (Image: Age UK Wyvern)
MORE: How to nominate for the awards
“Supporting people living with dementia and their families is something very close to my heart, both personally and professionally.
“At Age UK Wyvern I lead a team providing emotional and practical support to people living with dementia and their carers across Worcestershire.
“Our service focuses on promoting independence, wellbeing and person-centred support following a dementia diagnosis while also helping families feel informed, supported and less alone throughout their journey.
“Alongside my professional role I also raise awareness of dementia through my personal social media platform, Alz_daughter, where I share mine and my mum’s story following her diagnosis of young onset Alzheimer’s disease.
“Through this platform I aim to challenge stigma around dementia and show that people can still live well following a diagnosis.
“I’m particularly passionate about promoting the power of music in dementia care as music continues to be such an important way for me to connect with my mum and bring happiness, emotion and meaningful moments into her life.
“I graduated from the University of Worcester in September last year with a postgraduate certificate in person-centred dementia studies.
“I was also honoured to receive a highly commended recognition from the Association for Dementia Studies Hennell Award for the dementia awareness training I have written and am now delivering as part of my role with Age UK Wyvern.
“For me this nomination is incredibly meaningful on a personal level because it reflects the passion, dedication and advocacy I have put into improving dementia awareness and support, both professionally and through sharing my own mum’s journey publicly.
“I feel proud to be able to use both my personal and professional experiences to help challenge stigma and promote more positive attitudes towards dementia.
“I’m also fortunate to lead a passionate team at Age UK Wyvern who share the same values of person-centred care and supporting people living with dementia to feel seen, valued and empowered.”
The nomination said: “Kelly demonstrates an exceptional and deeply personal commitment to improving the lives of people living with dementia.
“Her passion is rooted in her lived experience as a daughter to her mum who is living with advanced dementia.
“Through this Kelly has become a powerful advocate for living well with dementia, challenging stigma and changing perceptions.
“By sharing meaningful moments, particularly the impact of music and connection in her relationship with her mum, her videos have reached hundreds of thousands of people.
“Many individuals have shared how her content has helped them feel less alone, offering comfort, hope and a new perspective during a difficult time.
“Kelly further extends her impact through her volunteer role with Alzheimer’s Research UK as a media and communications volunteer.
“She contributes to national awareness efforts, using her voice and lived experience to influence how dementia is understood more widely.
“Professionally, Kelly leads a dementia wellbeing service with compassion, innovation and a strong person-centred ethos.
“She empowers her team to deliver high-quality, relationship-based support that enables people living with dementia to remain independent and live fulfilling lives.
“What sets Kelly apart is her ability to combine professional expertise with authentic lived experience.
“Everything she does is underpinned by a genuine belief that people living with dementia deserve dignity, joy and opportunity.
“She is truly deserving of recognition for her unwavering commitment and the difference she continues to make.
This year’s county awards have been launched by Newsquest which runs the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Kidderminster Shuttle and Redditch Advertiser.
There will be a black-tie dinner for all the finalists at the Bank House Hotel in Bransford on Thursday, September 3.
Closing date for nominations is Sunday, June 28.
Nominations are needed for The Health Care Employer, The Child & Adolescent Health Care and The NHS Hero accolades plus nine other categories.
They are The NHS Team of the Year, The Palliative/End of Life Award, The Care Home Worker or Team Award, The Good Nurse Award, The Dementia Carer or Team Award, The Mental Health Award, GP Practice of the Year Award, The Domiciliary Care Worker or Team Award and Oral Health Care Professional of the Year.
For more details visit www.worcesternews.co.uk/health-and-social-care-awards.
