Supporting Diversity Award for volunteers impacted by dementia
Edie Mayhew and her carer and partner of 31 years Anne Tudor have been awarded the Outstanding Achievement by a Volunteer: Supporting Diversity Award for their volunteer work for Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria and raising awareness about younger onset dementia.
Edie Mayhew (left) and Anne Tudor (right) received a Volunteer Award for their work for Alzheimer's Australia Vic.
Ms Mayhew was diagnosed with dementia five years ago, at the age of 59. On receiving a diagnosis the couple became involved with Alzheimer’s Australia Vic and they have been tireless advocates for people living with younger onset dementia.
The Volunteer Awards, handed out by Victorian Minister for Health Jill Hennessy, celebrate and honour the remarkable work performed by volunteers across Victoria’s public healthcare sector.
The couple is delighted to have received the award and Ms Mayhew says “If talking about my story helps others to understand more about dementia, especially those in influential positions, then I will continue to do so.”
“We do not hear the voices of people living with dementia enough and I thank Alzheimer’s Australia Vic for providing these opportunities for me to support Edie and for us to contribute and make a difference,” Ms Tudor says.
“As Edie’s carer and partner, I am brimming over with pride in the way that she has accepted her diagnosis and is committed to helping others, by talking openly about what it is like to live with dementia.”
Ms Mayhew and Ms Tudor are members of the Alzheimer’s Australia Vic and the Younger Onset Dementia Reference Group, providing feedback on the development of programs and resources, and have shared their story to media and politicians.
Through speaking at regional, national and international events they have reached many to increase understanding and reduce stigma of dementia.
“Edie and Anne have made an extraordinary contribution towards increased public awareness of dementia,” says Maree McCabe, chief executive officer of Alzheimer’s Australia VIC.
“Sharing such a personal story takes incredible courage and they have been prepared to do whatever they can to support other people impacted by dementia and the LGBTIQ community.
“By drawing attention to dementia-related issues they have helped shape how state and federal governments support people living with dementia,” Ms McCabe says.
