Versha Sood Mahindra awarded BEM for services to community cohesion and people with dementia
Versha Sood Mahindra, Improvement and Development Manager for Dementia at the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board, has been awarded Order of British Empire Medal (BEM) for her services to community cohesion and people with dementia in Cardiff.
With more than 20 years’ of experience in the field, Versha has consistently championed partnership working and co-production with people living with dementia, their caregivers and healthcare colleagues.
In her current role with the Cardiff and Vale Regional Partnership Board, Versha oversees a significant programme of work funded by Welsh Government and her efforts translate dementia strategy into tangible outcomes, showcasing her dedication to fostering positive change.
The recognition comes as a testament to Versha's remarkable leadership and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and fostering community well-being. Versha has previously been awarded the Residential Care Practitioner Award at the Wales Care Awards and was a National Care Awards finalist for her work in dementia care.
Speaking of her award, Versha said: "When the envelope from the Cabinet Office came, it was a truly jaw-dropping moment and took quite some time to sink in.
“Being recognized by His Majesty is an absolute honour and I am delighted. This makes me rededicate myself to helping those less fortunate, whether through my profession or through charitable activities and social work."
Before joining the RPB, Versha served as the National Dementia Care Lead at BUPA, where she managed a diverse portfolio of care facilities including dementia villages and care homes.
Versha's commitment to community service goes beyond her professional achievements. Versha is an active member of various charitable organizations, including being the Ambassador for Alzheimer’s Society, a Governor for Eastern High School and Cardiff Women's Aid, where she serves as a trustee leading on safeguarding efforts and on well-being. Her commitment to community service aligns with her core values. Versha also is a co-lead of Ethnic Minority Research Advisory Group (EMRAG) in University of South Wales where she is a visiting fellow too. She is also a member of South Wales Police’s independent advisory group (Ethnic Minority) and an Independent Member of the Housing Support National Advisory Board.
Versha also helps organizing multi-cultural and inter-cultural events as a partnership between the Hindu Cultural Association and the national Welsh museums, to name a few.
In 2018, Versha won the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award for her work to organise multi-cultural events with the goal of bringing together communities from different faiths and backgrounds. In 2017, she was jointly awarded the Self Development award at the Ethnic Minority Welsh Women Achievement Association Awards, which is held every two years to identify female role models.
In her personal life, Versha cherishes time spent with her husband, siblings, mom, parent-in-laws, creating a warm and supportive family environment.
Versha said: “At home, my husband Aditya Mahindra has been a steadfast support in carrying out the charitable work. It would have been impossible to juggle all these activities without his very active participation. At work, my line manager Chris Ball has been an incredible leader empowering me.”
Cardiff and Vale UHB’s CEO, Suzanne Rankin, and Chair Charles ‘Jan’ Janczewski, said: “On behalf of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, we extend a huge congratulations to Versha for being awarded a BEM.
“We are incredibly proud of Versha for her passion and dedication to supporting people living with dementia, improving healthcare outcomes and fostering community cohesion.
“This is very much a testament to her contributions to the NHS and communities across Wales.”