Dementia care scheme nominated for ‘Excellence in Community Award’

Myos House in Scunthorpe has been shortlisted in the ‘Excellence in Community Award’ category at this year’s Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards.

The awards bring local organisations together to celebrate their success and showcase talent within the region. With over 14 categories, the awards evening is set to be held at Grimsby Auditorium on Friday 13 May.

The ‘Excellence in Community Award’ requires businesses to demonstrate a commitment to its customers and give evidence of being a good neighbour. They must also show they have a proactive plan to engage with and develop a sustainable local community.

Myos House opened in September 2021, bringing much needed support for those living with a dementia diagnosis. It is made up of 25 two-bedroom apartments and complies with the ‘Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation’ (HAPPI) principles.

The design allows those living with dementia to stay with their families for as long as possible, avoiding an unsettling move to residential care.

Andy Shearman, whose family member lives at the scheme commented: “Myos House helps residents to maintain their independence and dignity. It has enabled my mum to have her own safe space, she is now a lot more social and the community spirit has improved her mood, she is a totally different person.

“The carers are fantastic, they are always available and go the extra mile to ensure mum is comfortable. They treat the residents as though they were their own family, it’s lovely to see.

“The best thing is that we know mum is safe and we rest easy knowing mum is happy there.”

More than £3million of funding was provided by Ongo for Myos House, with an extra £1million from Homes England and approximately £300,000 from North Lincolnshire Council.

Helen Wright, Tenancy Services Manager at Ongo said: “This is a great honour and achievement for our team, those who have helped to make Myos House a reality, and our wonderful tenants living there.

“Since opening it has been a privilege to welcome people inside and to see them enjoying the fantastic facilities in place. Every inch of the building has been considered and we are so proud of the difference it has, and will continue to make.

“We are looking forward to the awards and are keeping our fingers crossed.”

In total Myos House has been nominated for three awards in four months, and is recognised as a flagship project throughout the country.

Also nominated within the same category is Nunnys Farm and Grimbarians CIC, both based in Grimsby.

To find out more about Myos House or Ongo community projects, follow them on social media or head to their website: www.ongo.co.uk.

For more information on the Northern Lincolnshire Business Awards, go to: www.nlincsba.co.uk.