Short stories wanted for second ‘Come Sit Awhile’
By Daniel O'Neill
“Reading poems and short stories as well as reminiscing can offer comfort and joy to those with dementia.”
Those were the words of the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Joe Carroll as he spoke about the new 'Come Sit Awhile' initiative which aims to get local writers to share their short stories with people with dementia and their carers.
This will be the second volume of ‘Come Sit Awhile’ following a very successful debut.
The project is run by Cork County Council and Arts Service.
The top three stories as well as a shortlist of additional stories will be added to the collection of dementia-friendly readings that are published as part of the Library and Arts Service Age Friendly programme. Copies will then be available to borrow from branch and mobile libraries across Cork later this year.
The county mayor said: “Our libraries are well placed at the heart of our communities to help provide access to information for those suffering with dementia and their carers.
“The first volume of 'Come Sit Awhile' was very well received by those in the community, carers and medical professionals. I have no doubt that this next edition will be just as special and successful,” he said.
Today there are 64,000 people in Ireland living with dementia, and by 2045 it’s expected to rise to 150,000. There are approximately 11,000 new diagnosis's each year and 60,000 family caregivers nationally.
Six in ten of people living with dementia want to stay active and be included in the community as much as possible, which is why programmes like these are so important.
The Cork County Council Library and Arts Service has a variety of Age Friendly Programmes through its branches and mobile libraries that give people the chance to meet for chats, talks and workshops.
Submissions for 'Come Sit Awhile' should be a maximum of 800 words and be easy to follow with a clear beginning, middle and end.
Stories that evoke positive memories and support reminiscing are particularly welcome.
Entries must be accompanied by an entry form which is available from your local library or by emailing corkcountylibrary@corkcoco.ie.
Submissions should be posted to Cork County Library, Carrigrohane Road, Cork T12K335 or emailed to corkcountylibrary@corkcoco.ie. The closing date is 28 March.