Dementia Campaigner to be Honoured at the Palace of Westminster
Nicolas Kee Mew, from Hainault, Essex is one of only 25 individuals to be recognised at the Palace of Westminster with the prestigious British Citizen Award (BCA) in recognition of their extraordinary endeavours. The British Citizen Award in partnership with One Stop, is now in its eighth year and recognises exceptional individuals who positively impact their communities, charities, and individual cause.
Nicolas will be honoured on 7th July 2022 with The British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving at the Palace of Westminster and will receive the coveted Medal of Honour. As a legacy of his achievements, Nicolas will be invited to use the post-nominals, BCAv.
Originally from Mauritius, Nicolas has worked hard to have a better life since becoming a British Citizen. Starting as a cleaner in a care home in 2015, Nicolas was the youngest UK Care Home Manager. For the past 16 years he has worked in social care and care of the elderly. Nicolas is passionate about his staff and supports them 100% with their own mental health and is a big advocate for LGBTQ. In 2014, Nicolas appeared in the skills for care campaign to encourage young people to join the care sector and on the Care for others campaign by the Department of Health and Social Care to share experiences during the pandemic.
Nicolas has raised £5,000 for charities such as Alzheimer’s Research UK and cares for people with dementia and is keen to help more, so is undertaking a PHD in the subject he is passionate about. In addition, Nicolas is a Trustee for Wanstead & Woodford Migrant Support and has run 9 marathons for Alzheimer’s Research and Alzheimer’s Society and even when marathons were cancelled due to lockdown he ran a virtual marathon, raising £700.
Nicolas is the youngest trustee of Age UK Enfield and is a volunteer for the China Exchange Charity. He has also won awards in sector specific areas such as National Dementia Inspiring Leader in 2017 and the Dementia Care Awards in 2019. Nicolas has created various virtual community groups, one being the Hainault, Barkingside & Chigwell community Group and also a dementia group on Facebook for support for families and friends of those living with dementia. Nicolas is passionate about making a difference and despite his own studies, volunteering, support groups and full time role as a care home manager, he gives 100% to everything he does.
“This year’s medalists have reminded us of how many amazing people are supporting our communities, especially during these challenging times. At One Stop we serve many communities across the country, and we know how important voluntary work is to support those in need. We’re proud to be partnering with the BCA again and to play a small part in helping each medallist to be recognised. Our congratulations go to all honourees”, said Jonny McQuarrie, from BCA partner One Stop.
The Medal presentation will be hosted by TV news presenter Naga Munchetty, and attended by BCA Patron Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon, Lord Dholakia. The British Citizen Award was established in 2015 to recognise exceptional individuals who work tirelessly and selflessly to make a positive impact on their communities and society. The BCA recognises true community heroes who would otherwise likely be overlooked.
