An innovative project geared to helping people living with dementia has taken top honours at a prestigious national award ceremony.

Lanarkshire Mosque & Muslim Community Project triumphed in the Best Dementia Friendly Community Initiative at Scotland’s Dementia Awards. The event showcases creativity, innovation and dedication making a real difference to the daily lives of people living with dementia and their families.

The Lanarkshire project was developed following Motherwell becoming recognised as Scotland’s first dementia-friendly town centre in 2012. A spectrum of shops, services and businesses signed up to support people with dementia, their families and their carers.

NHS Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire Council, Alzheimer Scotland, Princes Royal Trust Lanarkshire Carers Centre and other partners have been working closely and the approach has since been rolled out across North Lanarkshire.

The Lanarkshire Mosque & Muslim Community Project extends the ethos of the original approach. Objectives include raising awareness about dementia, improving communication between the Muslim community and service providers and reducing the stigma of the illness.

Representing partners involved, Arlene Crockett, of Alzheimer Scotland, said: “This award is the result of strong joined-up working between all agencies – and the community.

“The project is an emerging movement for change, based on partnership working with a strong sense of community ownership.”

Janice Hewitt, Chief Accountable Officer for North Lanarkshire Health and Social Care, said: “We are delighted with this recognition – it’s testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Indeed, our mission is to provide the right support at the right time and in the right place.”