‘Busy and Successful’ DEEDS ‘One Stop Shop’ on Dementia at Foyleside

A ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on Dementia coordinated by the Old Library Trusts DEEDS project (Dementia Engaged and Empowered, Derry and Strabane) in partnership with the Western Health & Social Care Trust  marked World Alzheimer’s Day at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday, September 21 with over 16 stalls from relevant services in attendance showcasing education, information, awareness, technology, events, one to one caring and family support to individuals and families experiencing Dementia in their lives.

The successful event was held to raise awareness of the services that are available in the Derry and Strabane area and was the third successful events held over the week. There were stalls from DEEDS, Age and Dementia Friendly Derry and Strabane District Council, the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia NI, Praxis Floating Support, Carers Support WHSCT, Learning Disability and Dementia Nurse; E-Care Well (UU), Falls Prevention, CARE Project, Gable and the Millennium Forum’s Access Programme for Dementia.

Speaking at Foyleside and opening proceedings on Thursday morning, the city and district’s Deputy Mayor Jason Barr encouraged anyone experiencing Dementia in their lives to contact DEEDS so they could assist them in making the right choices for their loved ones. He said:

‘I was delighted to mark World Alzheimer’s Day by attending this DEEDS event in partnership with the WHSCT which brought together the many dementia help and support groups that exist in our Council area under one roof.

‘A dementia diagnosis is life-changing for both the individual and their support network of family and friends, however, there are many excellent resources available locally to help manage the condition and allow everyone impacted to get the most out of life.

‘I would encourage anyone living or experiencing the impact of dementia to make contact with Sinead at DEEDS to learn more about making the right choices and accessing the resources available.’

Delighted with the success of Thursday’s event, the Old Library Trust’s Sinead Devine (DEEDS Co-ordinator) described the event as a very successful two-hours ‘one stop shop’ where all the stalls were exceptionally busy.

‘Marking World Alzheimer’s Day, we were absolutely delighted with the turnout. All stallholders said they were active with questions from members of the public looking for information. It was also great to see the city and district’s Deputy Mayor Jason Barr come along and show his support. The council recently passed a unanimous motion to support dementia awareness training for council staff so it great to see the Councillor Barr highlighting the ‘One Stop Shop for Dementia reinforcing Council commitment to a Dementia friendly City and district.’

‘Today, people got an opportunity to talk to experienced professionals and ask questions pertinent to their own personal situations.’

Sinead stressed that everyone should look for the early signs of dementia among their older family members and loved ones, adding: ‘Maybe you have noticed a loved one with memory issues. Or have a family member with a recent diagnosis and need to know what support is out there. Maybe you are caring for someone with dementia and need support for yourself. I sincerely hope Thursday served as an ideal opportunity to see what services are available to you and your loved one. There is help out there. Please don’t feel alone’.

Anyone looking for further information should contact Sinead at 02871 373870 during working hours, Monday-Friday.

The Deputy Mayor Jason Barr and George McGowan, Project Director, Old Library Trust pictured at one of the ‘One Stop Shops’ on infomration on dementia during Thursday’s event at Foyleside Shopping Centre. On left is eCareWell staff Tara Harkin and Katie McGuinness.
WORLD ALZHEIMER’S DAY. . . .The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jason Barr pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered Derry and Strabane) ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry. The event, to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, organised by the Old Library Trust/DEEDS and saw numerous stalls, well attended by passers-by who saw experts in line to give advice on dementia and how it affects our everyday lives. Photo includes representatives from OLT, Foyleside Shopping Centre, WHSCT and other community groups. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered Derry and Strabane) ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry, are from left, George McGowan, OLT, Deputy Mayor Jason Barr, Fergal Rafferty, Foyleside Shopping Centre and Ciara Burke, DCSDC.
The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jason Barr speaking at the start of Thursday’s DEEDS (Dementia Engaged and Empowered Derry and Strabane) ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry. The event, to mark World Alzheimer’s Day, organised by the Old Library Trust/DEEDS and saw numerous stalls, well attended by passers-by who saw experts in line to give advice on dementia and how it affects our everyday lives.
The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Jason Barr pictured at one of the many ‘One Stop Shops’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday to mark World Alzheimer’s Day (September 21) in the city and district. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Group pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre, are from left, Jenny Gibson, WHSCT, Emma Green, Dementia NI, Eilish Brown, Old Library Trust and Foyle MLA Sinead McLaughlin.
The Deputy Mayor in converstion with some of the professional staff at the ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside on Thursday morning.
The Old Library Trust’s Sabrina Lynch in conversation with Shelagh McMahon and Evelyn Collins during the DEEDS/OLT’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday.
Marking World Alzheimer’s Day at Foyleside Shopping Centre on Thursday during the DEEDS/OLT’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia are, from left, Howrad Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society, the Deputy Mayor Jason Barr and Sabrina Lynch, Old Library Trust.
Maire Ni Dhuarcain pictured with the Old Library Trust’s/DEEDS Sabrina Lynch and Eilish Brown at Thursday’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside.
Pictured at Thursday’s DEEDS/Old Library Trust’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia at Foyleside Shopping Centre are, from left, Ciara Burke, Age Friendly Co-Ordinator, DCSDC, Majella Magee andRachel Twells, Western Health and Social Care Trust.
The Deputy Mayor Jason Barr at the Care (Collective Approach to Rural Exclusion) stall at Thursday’s ‘One Stop Shop’.
WORLD DEMENTIA DAY. . . . .Marking World Dementia Day at the DEEDS/OLT’s ‘One Stop Shop’ for information on dementia, held at Foyleside Shopping Centre yesterday morning are Sabrina Lynch, Old Library Trust, Creggan and Howard Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society. (Photo: Jim McCafferty Photography)