Dementia support initiative holds Cork info evening

The people of Cork city are being called upon to join a growing movement towards creating a more supportive environment for people living with dementia.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) needs the help of communities, businesses, and individuals in Leeside to get involved in its Friends of ASI initiative.

Currently, there are 7,509 people living with dementia in Cork, with an estimated 64,000 people living with the condition across Ireland.

The Friends of ASI initiative is designed to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for people living with dementia and their loved ones through education, awareness, and local action.

Leading the initiative is Siobhan O’Connor, Head of Operations & Community Engagement at the ASI, who highlighted the importance of community involvement.

She said: “As a native of Cork, I understand the power of community and the difference small actions can make in the lives of those affected by dementia.

“A dementia-inclusive community is one where people living with dementia feel understood, respected, and supported. Friends of ASI is about transforming awareness into meaningful action,” added Ms O’Connor.

As part of the initiative, the hosted an information evening last week at Cork Constitution FC in Ballintemple where it invited people from the community to learn about the initiatives and supports the organisation offers.

For anyone interested in getting involved in the initiative, there are a number of ways to do so such as volunteering at a local event, participating in or promoting dementia-awareness community training, or supporting local Sporting Memories initiatives, Alzheimer’s Tea Day and Memory Walk. Secondary schools can also get involved through the ASI’s Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation Youth programme.

Breda Twohig, Southern Operations Manager at the ASI said: “Dementia can be extremely isolating for people living with dementia and their families and community support is crucial. The importance of creating a network of care and inclusion cannot be overstated. It helps people feel supported, empowered, and improves their quality of life. The Cork city community’s involvement in Friends of ASI is key to making this possible.”

The Friends of ASI programme includes training, awareness, education, and services. The initiative is working alongside the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign. Dementia: Understand Together is a national partnership between the ASI, HSE, Age Friendly Ireland, Age & Opportunity, Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, and Healthy Ireland.