Margaret-Anne Tibbs received her award at 11 Downing Street — recognition of 13 years dedicated to transforming the lives of people living with dementia.
23 April 2026· News
We are so proud to share that our founder, Margaret-Anne Tibbs, has been named a winner of the 2026 Times Sternberg Active Life Award.
Margaret-Anne received her award today at a reception at 11 Downing Street, a moment that felt both unexpected and deeply deserved. The award, created by Sir Sigmund Sternberg in partnership with The Times, celebrates the outstanding contributions of people to their community and to public life made after their 70th birthday.
For those of us at Tibbs, and for everyone who has found hope, support and connection through our community, this recognition means everything.
Thirteen years of putting people first
When Margaret-Anne founded Tibbs Dementia Foundation 13 years ago, she was driven by a simple but transformational belief: that dementia care should put the person, not the condition, at the centre.
That belief has shaped everything Tibbs has become. From the way we talk about dementia, to the support we offer individuals and families, to the community we have built together — it all starts with seeing the whole person first.
Over 13 years, Tibbs has grown into what many in our community describe as a beacon of hope. A place where people living with dementia, and those who love and care for them, can find real, practical support, and know they are not alone.
What this award means to our community
The Times Sternberg Active Life Awards were established in 2008 to shine a light on people who continue to give back, lead and inspire well into later life. To be recognised among that group is something Margaret-Anne did not see coming — and that, in many ways, says everything about her.
She has never done this work for recognition. She has done it because she believes, with everything she has, that people living with dementia deserve better — more understanding, more connection, and more hope.
This award belongs to every person who has walked through the Tibbs door, shared their story, or reached out when things felt hard. It belongs to our volunteers, our partners, and our team. And it belongs to Margaret-Anne — who made all of it possible.
We would love to hear what Margaret-Anne and Tibbs has meant to you. Share your thoughts in the comments, or come and find us on Facebook and Instagram.
