British musician ‘Naughty Boy’ announced as newest ambassador for Dementia UK
The GRAMMY-nominated artist joins a growing number of ambassadors at Dementia UK.
Shahid Khan, otherwise known as ‘Naughty Boy’, has joined Dementia UK as the charity’s latest celebrity ambassador.
Shahid, whose mother is living with dementia, is supporting the charity which is the only national charity caring for families through dementia specialist Admiral Nurses.
Naughty Boy poses as Jay Gatsby to raise awareness of Dementia UK’s Time for a Cuppa campaign
The GRAMMY-nominated artist joins a growing number of ambassadors for the charity including actors Jim Broadbent, Phyllis Logan, Judy Parfitt and Lorelei King and athlete Adelle Tracey, all of whom have personal experience of dementia in their family.
Following on from his starring turn as Jay Gatsby in Dementia UK’s celebri-tea photoshoot earlier in the year, Shahid took part in a new awareness raising film for the charity. The ‘Lives on Hold’ video explains how life for carers of people living with dementia is similar to living in lockdown for many months, and even years. Shahid appeared alongside Dementia UK ambassadors, supporters, staff and Admiral Nurses themselves to raise awareness of the needs of people with dementia as lockdown eases.
Hilda Hayo, Chief Executive and Chief Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK, explained: “We are so pleased that Shahid is joining our growing roster of celebrity ambassadors.
“With his personal experience of dementia, he will allow us to speak to a younger audience who may be struggling with the effects of dementia on their family.”
Talking about his new role, the musician and songwriter said: “I’m so proud to announce that I’m an ambassador of Dementia UK and I hope that I can use my profile to raise awareness of the cause and the charity.
“With my mum’s ever-changing condition and the pressures this places on the wider family, I understand how beneficial an Admiral Nurse would be.”
He continues:
“I’m learning about dementia all the time so I’m hoping that the relationship will be mutually beneficial and I’ll be able to find out more from the amazing Admiral Nurses at the charity, so that I can provide my mum with the best care possible. In fact, I have already called Dementia UK’s Helpline which I know will continue to be a vital source of support for me as my mum’s condition develops.”
Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through its Admiral Nurse service. When things get challenging or difficult for families, Admiral Nurses work with them, understanding their unique situation and providing strategies to help them cope. The Nurses work across a range of care settings within the community, care homes, hospitals and hospices. Some Nurses also work on Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline – the only nurse-led helpline in the country which is available to anyone with any questions or concerns around dementia.