Stansted Airport wins Inclusive Dementia Community Business award
Stansted Airport has been officially recognised for the way it handles passengers with dementia.
The Inclusive Dementia Community Business award acknowledges the hub’s dedication to easing the travel experience for people with dementia, helping to reduce anxiety and ensuring a smoother journey for them and their families.
To achieve this accreditation, the airport worked with partners including the Stansted Access For Everyone Forum (SAFE), airlines, ground handlers and special assistance provider ABM.
Together, they introduced several initiatives to create a more dementia-friendly environment:
Stephanie Putt, Stansted’s accessibility manager, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised by Essex County Council as an Inclusive Dementia Community Business.
“We know that travelling can be a stressful experience for anyone, but for people living with dementia, it can be even more challenging.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team and business partners, and our commitment to making London Stansted a welcoming, accessible place for all our passengers.”
Carl, a 44-year-old from Essex who has been living with early-onset dementia for a few years, frequently travels through Stansted and said the changes had made a big difference.
“Travelling can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I’ve found that London Stansted has made things much easier for me,” he said.
“The staff are always understanding and patient, and the clear signs make it easier to get around without feeling lost or anxious.
“I recently had an experience at the airport where I felt a bit confused, and a staff member noticed and approached me to offer assistance.
“This interaction really highlighted how the airport has trained its staff to recognise the signs of someone living with dementia and provide the support they need.
“The quiet spaces are a great touch, too – they help me relax before my flight. It’s clear that the airport is making a real effort to be inclusive, and it’s reassuring to know that I can travel with confidence.”
Essex County Council’s Inclusive Dementia Communities programme, supported by the Alzheimer’s Society, encourages organisations, businesses and communities to take proactive steps to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
Mark Neville, the Alzheimer’s Society community development co-ordinator for Essex, said: “This is a fantastic achievement, and making public spaces more accessible and improving understanding is vital in supporting people living with dementia and their families.
“London Stansted’s commitment to becoming an Inclusive Dementia Community demonstrates their dedication to improving the travel experience not just for people living with dementia but for all their passengers, visitors and staff.”
Stansted also recently received the highest rating from the Civil Aviation Authority for its service to passengers with reduced mobility and disabilities.
