The large group that attended the Dementia-Inclusive Community Event which was hosted by The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and Mallow Chamber of Commerce at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) — with the Mallow Chamber of Commerce — hosted a Dementia-Inclusive Community event in The Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, on 25th January. The event encouraged people, businesses, services and community groups to create a more accessible environment for people living with Dementia.
People with dementia are among the most marginalised and can often face social exclusion and stigma. To address this issue, Dementia Inclusive Communities, an initiative of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Friends of ASI, invites community members and people living with dementia, to make their communities more dementia-inclusive.
There was an excellent turnout at the event, which featured speakers such as The ASI Head of Operations and Community Engagement, Siobhan O’Connor, National Community Engagement Manager, Cathryn O’Leary, The ASI Dementia Adviser for North Cork, Amy Murphy, and Chair of The Irish Dementia Working Group Dr Kevin Quaid.
The most important part of any Dementia-Inclusive Community is taking action; an action plan will be developed, with significant input from the local Friends of ASI, to identify what the priorities should be.
The ASI is pleased to have the support of the Mallow Chamber of Commerce. Mallow Chamber is committed to actively engaging in all Friends of ASI Mallow initiatives and promoting them to its members.
Head of Operations and Community Engagement at The ASI, Siobhan O’Connor, said: “At The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, we firmly believe in overcoming the stigma surrounding dementia, ensuring that individuals with this condition feel heard, understood, and valued so they can thrive in their communities. It’s fantastic to see Mallow embrace our mission. We’re extremely grateful to Mallow Chamber of Commerce for their support and all who attended.”
Estelle Varney of Mallow Chamber of Commerce said: “We are so pleased to support The Alzheimer Society of Ireland as we strive to make Mallow a more inclusive, supportive and understanding place for individuals living with dementia. The importance of creating dementia-inclusive communities cannot be overstated.”
Chair of The Irish Dementia Working Group, Dr Kevin Quaid said: “Events like this help shine a light on dementia which affects so many people in Cork and across Ireland. It is so important that people living with this condition feel safe and supported in their communities. My dream is to see every village and town in Ireland become dementia inclusive.”
This was the third ASI-led dementia-inclusive event in Cork, following the successful dementia-inclusive evening in Macroom in April 2023. In November, The ASI launched Mahon Point as the first dementia-inclusive shopping centre in Ireland.
In August, the Minister of State at the Department of Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, officially opened The ASI’s new Dementia-Specific Day Centre in the St. Mary’s Centre in Mallow.
An estimated 7,509 people live with dementia in Cork, and 63% of people with dementia live in the community in Ireland.
To learn how you can help to make Mallow Dementia-Inclusive, please contact Laura Curtin at friendsofasi@alzheimer.ie or 086 8537043.
