A Sikh temple in Bradford has clinched an Alzheimer’s Society award for its work to improve the lives of people with dementia.

The Bolton Road Gurdwara project is aimed at raising awareness of dementia in the Sikh community and tackling stigma through the use of tailored workshops, courses, lectures and a website in Punjabi and English.

Physical changes have also been made at the Gurdwara to make access easier for people with dementia.

The success of the project was recognised at the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Awards which were presented at a star-studded ceremony at Westminster Hall, London, hosted by its ambassador Angela Rippon and chief executive officer Jeremy Hughes.

The awards were also attended by the society’s supporters, including actresses Linda Bellingham and MPs Jeremy Hunt, Hazel Blears and Nick Hurd.

Dr Rajinder Singh and Dr Bhajneek Grewal, who received the award on behalf of the Gurdwara from Hazel Blears, said: “Receiving the award is a huge surprise, but a great honour to know that the work we have been doing in Bradford has been recognised at a national level.

“Recent publicity has led to other Gurdwaras from across the country contacting us so we hope that this will be the start of spreading dementia awareness through our Sikh network.”

Bradford Dementia Friendly Communities Project, which is backed by Bradford Council and Dixon’s Allerton Academy were also nominated for awards.

For more information go to alzheimers.org.uk or to become a dementia friend and friends champion log on to dementiafriends.org.uk