Drogheda Alzheimer’s has taken a significant first step on the journey to make Drogheda a Dementia Inclusive community.

Ann, Gerry and Noel from Tredagh Lodge Day Care Centre took the opportunity together with Drogheda and District Chamber CEO Hubert Murphy, to present training certificates to the first 18 people from 12 local businesses/organisations to embrace this programme.

Following its launch this summer, the first workshop hosted by Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland was held in the Drogheda Library on September 9^th and the feedback from the 18 attendees was extremely positive.

The comments included: “provided a real understanding of Dementia”, “changed my perspective and showed the importance of how one interacts” and “highlighted how we can help people with Dementia and their families to continue to have active lives in the community”.

The Drogheda a Dementia Inclusive programme is all about building awareness and knowledge of dementia. It includes training, education, and services and is focused on creating a more nurturing and accepting environment for people living with dementia.

“Our vision is that businesses and organisations locally participate in this programme so that together we can truly make a difference for sufferers living with dementia in our community. It is completely free and involves a short training course which we plan to run at regular intervals next year.

“Our next workshop is in Drogheda Library on Wednesday January 29th and we are now asking people to sign up,” the organisers stated.

Make sure your business and organisation is involved, email Ann Shortt at Ann.shortt@alzheimer.ie to book a place on the course.

“We now have 12 businesses/organisations that are accredited, and they proudly display their Dementia Inclusive Community sticker.  Through the workshop planned on January 29th and others in 2025, we want to add many more to this community.”

 In addition, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland have a Dementia Inclusive Transition Year programme to educate teenagers about Alzheimer’s disease and remove its stigma. They are already running this programme in a number of local schools and are always interested in hearing from others who may wish to be involved. Again, contact Ann Shortt for details.

 The group met representatives from DDS4OP, Louth Local Development, Hickey’s Pharmacy, Maher’s Total Health Chemist, Mosney Village, Drogheda Credit Union, Boyds Stores, The Moorland Café, Relish Café and Peter Street Pharmacy with Louth CC and Drogheda United FC to be recognised in the coming weeks.