A number of dementia friendly community workshops will be hosted by the ABC Council to mark International Day of Older Persons.
Two workshops will take place on Tuesday, September 26, from 10am–12noon and Wednesday, October 18, from 7pm-9pm in the Tommy Makem Arts and Community Centre, Keady. Lunch/supper will be provided.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Gareth Wilson said: “With an ageing population, dementia is becoming a bigger issue for society, so it is important that we look at how we can raise awareness about the condition and consider how we as a community respond to it. Many people may not understand or recognise the symptoms of dementia.
“These workshops are a great way to improve awareness and understanding so that people living with dementia, their families and carers can continue to be supported in their local communities by availing of goods, services and companionship delivered by skilled staff equipped to provide the most excellent customer service to meet the needs of everyone in our community.”
Participants will develop their knowledge of dementia and increase confidence and skills to help relate, communicate and support someone living with it.
The workshops will include dementia awareness; what dementia means, the facts, various types of dementia and how the brain can be affected; visual perceptions and communication; the do’s and don’ts, Alzheimer’s Society Services and signposting.
The interactive workshops aim to help people understand what it may feel like to live in the shoes of a person with dementia.
The training will help ensure that people with dementia feel understood, valued and able to contribute to their community.
The workshops are open to everyone, including interested individuals, businesses, community and voluntary sector groups, service providers and carers provide a great opportunity for people in the area to unite and avail of an exciting opportunity to help improve services and create a dementia friendly community.
Places are limited, to reserve a place at the workshop contact call Ciara Burke on 028 3752 9626 or email Ciara.burke@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk outlining which workshop you would like to attend and if you have any special dietary requirements.
Alzheimer’s Society is also available for anyone affected by dementia and there are lots of ways which they can help. Call your local office which covers the Armagh area on 028 8775 3812 or the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/DAW.
The workshops have been funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and organised in partnership between The Alzheimer’s Society, Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Closing the Gap, and the Southern Health & Social Care Trust (SHSCT). This programme of activity to help create age friendly communities is part of a continued drive to establish Keady, Derrynoose, Carrigatuke and the surrounding areas as Good Neighbourhoods for Ageing Well across the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area.
