Event at a Glance
A dementia awareness evening is being hosted in Carrick-on-Shannon on October 1, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The free event will take place at the Landmark Hotel and is open to everyone—individuals, families, community groups, businesses, services, and clubs alike. The gathering is organized by a local working group of community members in collaboration with the HSE and Breffni Family Resource Centre, as part of an ongoing effort to make Carrick-on-Shannon a more dementia-inclusive town.
Why This Matters
Across Ireland, more than 64,000 people are living with dementia, and the numbers are expected to rise. Most people with dementia live in the community, supported by families and local services. While Leitrim already has inclusive organisations, there is significant potential to build on these foundations. This awareness evening aims to equip attendees with practical, everyday actions that help people with dementia participate in community life as independently as possible.
What to Expect
The evening will be facilitated by a member of the local Working Group. Guest speakers will explore dementia-friendly communities and brain health, sharing insights and practical tips. Speakers include Dr. Catherine Dolan from the Psychiatry of Old Age, Memory Assessment & Support Service (Sligo/Leitrim), and Teresa Keegan, Dementia Advisor for Sligo/Leitrim with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Sharon Richardson, Project Manager for the Implementation of the Dementia Strategy at the HSE, will facilitate an interview with Laura Dunlop, who is living with dementia. The format promises informative talks, real-world examples, and opportunities to engage with the speakers and fellow attendees.
What You Will Learn
- Understanding dementia and brain health and why early action matters.
- Practical steps for creating dementia-inclusive services, shops, clubs, and workplaces.
- How to support friends, neighbours, customers, or group members living with dementia.
- Ways to connect people with dementia to community activities while preserving independence.
Voices from the Community
Maria Farry, a community member of the Working Group, reflects the personal motivation behind the event: “My family is one of many families living in Carrick-on-Shannon who have been impacted by dementia. We as a community can do a lot to ensure our services and businesses are inclusive for those living with dementia, this alone can have a significant positive impact on the individual and their families.”
Get Involved
Whether you’re a business owner, a club committee member, a service provider, or a concerned neighbour, your participation can help make a tangible difference. Attendees will have the chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with local organisations already working to support dementia-friendly communities. If you’d like to contribute to this work beyond the evening, consider joining the Working Group or reaching out to Breffni Family Resource Centre for involvement and resources.
Event Partners
The dementia awareness evening is a collaborative effort between local community representatives, Breffni Family Resource Centre, and the HSE, with input from The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. This partnership underscores the shared commitment to ensuring that Carrick-on-Shannon remains a welcoming place for people with dementia and their families.
