All welcome to dementia awareness event in Carrigaline

HSE South West is inviting members of the public, local businesses, community groups, clubs and services to attend a free Dementia Awareness evening in Carrigaline on Wednesday, 30 September, from 7pm to 9pm.
The event will take place at Carrigaline Community Complex, P43 TK70, and forms part of ongoing work to support the development of dementia inclusive communities across Cork.

HSE South West is working with the South Cork City and County Dementia Inclusive Alliance, a local working group made up of community members and representatives from local agencies, to strengthen dementia inclusive practice in Carrigaline, Kinsale and Bandon.

The evening will be facilitated by Bernadette Horgan Edmead, Dementia Care Co-ordinator, with guest speakers including Ms Gemma McCarthy, Advanced Nurse Practitioner with the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP), and Dr Tim Dukelow, Consultant Geriatrician, ICPOP.

Dr Tim Dukelow, Consultant Geriatrician said:
“When communities understand dementia and feel equipped to respond, it can make a profound difference to people’s daily lives. Early awareness and practical support help people to stay connected, engaged and confident in their own communities.”

Bernadette Horgan Edmead, Dementia Care Co-ordinator, HSE South West said:
“Our work in HSE South West is rooted in partnership. By collaborating with local groups and organisations, we can build environments where people living with dementia feel understood, supported and able to remain active in their own communities.”

The evening will also include information on follow up dementia awareness training, with opportunities for individuals, businesses and community groups to register their interest in training dates during 2026.
More than 64,000 people are living with dementia in Ireland, and this number continues to grow. Most people with dementia live in the community, meaning dementia increasingly touches the lives of families, friends, neighbours, colleagues, customers and community members.

Editor’s Note:

The South Cork City and County Dementia Inclusive Alliance works alongside the Dementia: Understand Together campaign, led by the HSE in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Age Friendly Ireland, Age & Opportunity, the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre and Healthy Ireland. The campaign encourages individuals, communities and organisations to take action to make Ireland more dementia inclusive.
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