Belfast city hall lights up blue and green for dementia awareness

Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging residents to confront dementia this Dementia Awareness Week (15-21 May).  At the City Lights supper event in City Hall last night (18^th May), hosted by Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Guy Spence, charity staff and volunteers provided information about dementia and how to live well with the condition. 

Alzheimer’s Society encouraged people to confront dementia by raising awareness through the lighting up of city hall, use of the big screen and a workshop with a creative writer where we asked: “What would you say to dementia if you could confront it?”

This year’s Dementia Awareness Week the charity is helping people to face up to dementia and share their worries about the condition which affects 5,000 people in Belfast.

Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Guy Spence, who chose Alzheimer’s Society as one of his charities of the year to support, said:

“It was wonderful to be able to host this rewarding event as part of Dementia Awareness Week.  Dementia is feared by many but as people are living longer this condition is going to affect the majority of us in some way.  This year’s dementia awareness week is urging people to confront dementia head on and to ask for support and information from services like Alzheimer’s Society.’

Adele Doherty, Operations Manager for Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland said:

“It was wonderful to have so many people join us at this event in Belfast.  By openly talking about dementia we hope to tackle the many myths and misunderstandings about the condition and get across that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.

“The sooner you face up to dementia by coming to us for information and support, the sooner you can get the right treatment, support and advice to tackle it.

“Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia and there are lots of ways we can help you. Call our National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW.”

The charity is also asking Belfast residents to confront their concerns by addressing dementia directly in a letter or sharing their thoughts and experiences at alzheimers.org.uk/DAW or on social media using #DAW2016.

One of the poems written during workshop:

Dear Dementia,

I wish I didn’t have you.

I think you are trying to isolate me

and my choices are shrinking.

But I can sing,

I can dance and play.

You’ve stolen my memory

but I’m here to stay

with the help and support

coming my way.

New friends, ideas and some tea…

People just keep on surprising me!

Anon