Working Together for a Dementia Inclusive West Cork

Working Together for a Dementia Inclusive West Cork

A free public information evening to help build a Dementia Inclusive Community will take place on Tuesday, 10 March at Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty from 6pm–8.30pm.

The West Cork Dementia Inclusive Project, in partnership with the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign, is inviting residents, businesses, community groups, and clubs across Clonakilty to learn about the practical steps we can all take to help build a Dementia Inclusive Community. The event is free to attend and is designed to engage the wider community in the West Cork Dementia Inclusive Project, which signposts supports to people living with dementia and their families across Bantry and Clonakilty.

The evening will be led by Sinead Crowley, newly appointed Dementia Inclusive Project Worker for West Cork. Attendees will hear from dementia experts and local service providers, who will speak about dementia; how it can affect people and the supports available in the West Cork area. Representatives from community organisations will also be there to share information, advice, and practical ways the community can work together to create a more inclusive environment for people living with dementia.

The event will offer practical guidance on small, everyday actions that can make a meaningful difference to people with dementia and their families.

Sinead Crowley, Dementia Inclusive Project Worker, said: “This event brings the Clonakilty community together to learn more about dementia and the small, meaningful steps we can all take to support our friends, neighbours, and customers who may be living with the condition. With greater understanding and awareness, we can help people with dementia feel connected and supported in their community.”

Dr Tim Dukelow, Consultant Geriatrician HSE South West, said: “'Increased awareness and community support can significantly improve quality of life for people living with dementia. This highly informative evening will increase awareness, improve knowledge, and highlight the many supports available locally.”

Dr Emer Shanley, CHN Manager West Cork, said: “Creating a Dementia Inclusive Community is something we can only achieve by working together, and events like this play an important role in building that shared understanding. When people know more about dementia and feel confident in how to support someone living with it, it strengthens the fabric of our community. I’m delighted to see such strong collaboration across West Cork and I encourage residents, businesses, and community groups to get involved and learn how small actions can make a big difference.”