Annual Dinner 2022 charity: Alzheimer’s Society – Insurance United Against Dementia

This year’s Airmic Annual Dinner is being held in association with Alzheimer’s Society and its ‘Insurance United Against Dementia’ campaign.

The event for Airmic members, partners and guests – which has now sold out – is due to take place at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane, London, on 6 December.

The Insurance United Against Dementia campaign (IUAD) is an Alzheimer’s Society movement created and championed by 13 leaders across the insurance industry. So far, the movement has raised over £7 million to provide people with help for today and hope for tomorrow.

“Statistics tell us that around half of those working in insurance could be affected in some way by dementia,” said Sonal Henderson, Development Manager, Insurance United Against Dementia.

“Many of us will know from personal experience that dementia is a truly devastating condition that strips away people’s memories and connections to the world. It has a huge impact, not just on the 900,000 people currently living with the condition, but also their families, friends and colleagues,” she continued.

“This number is projected to rise to 1.6 million people living with dementia by 2040. Dementia devastates lives and there currently is no cure for the condition. Alzheimer’s Society believes that 209,600 people will develop dementia this year, that is one person every three minutes,” Sonal added.

The campaign funds research into technology, care and the cure for dementia, alongside the provision of vital support services for people affected by dementia in our society today.

The industry supports the campaign through its charity of the year partnerships, taking part in various campaign events such as the Insurance Day of Giving, treks and runs, raising awareness of dementia and the support services available, and making personal contributions through annual donations.

“Since the campaign launched in 2017, the industry has come together to raise over £7 million. It has been staggering to see the response from people who have felt empowered to do something about a condition which leaves so many of us feeling helpless,” Sonal said.

“People living with dementia continue to be impacted by the effects of isolation, with many now having increased symptoms of memory loss and anxiety, all of which can lead to more complex care needs. IUAD is fundraising for the vital support services that Alzheimer’s Society runs, such as its brilliant Dementia Advisers, and also funds crucial research into better diagnosis and treatments,” she added.

Chair of Airmic, Tim Graham, commented: “Few colleagues across the risk and insurance industry, and the businesses that we all support, can not have experienced the devastating effects of Dementia.

“I did last year, with the loss of my mother after a courageous 10-year fight. Dementia will be the 21st century’s biggest killer and risk to UK health, and as we all know, there is presently no cure or effective treatment.

“IUAD is a tremendous organisation, which aims to raise £10 million of critical funding to fight back against this disease. I would like to thank everyone in advance for joining me to support its wonderful fundraising efforts.”