COMMUNITIES in Bantry and Clonakilty are strengthening their commitment to becoming more dementia inclusive following a successful public meeting hosted by the West Cork Dementia Inclusive Project.

The event at Fernhill House Hotel, Clonakilty, brought together individuals, community organisations, businesses and emergency services to share knowledge, build connections and explore practical ways to better support people living with dementia and their families.

Progress of the Dementia Inclusive initiative in Bantry was outlined by Evie Finlay and Ger Reaney, with a keynote address by Dr Brian Carey, Consultant Geriatrician of Bantry General Hospital.

A panel of dementia specialists, service providers and representatives from community organisations shared insights and practical advice on how communities can continue to develop supportive and inclusive environments for people living with dementia.

Sinéad Crowley, Dementia Inclusive Project Worker for West Cork, said: ‘This initiative brings the Clonakilty community together to deepen understanding of dementia and to highlight the small but meaningful steps we can all take to support our family, friends, neighbours, customers and visitors.’

She added: ‘West Cork has a strong sense of community spirit and with increased awareness we can continue building environments where people living with dementia and their carers feel connected, understood and supported.’

Upcoming initiatives include the relaunch of the Fuchsia Café, a dementia-friendly social space introduced on the night by Dementia Care co-ordinator, Bernadette Edmead, awareness training scheduled for April and an awareness and wellness workshop planned for May.

Local organisations and community groups participated including Clonakilty Community Resource Centre, Tidy Towns, the Men’s and Women’s Sheds, Clonakilty & Dunmanway Credit Union, Cork College of FET – Clonakilty and West Cork Development Partnership.

Dr Emer Shanley, CHN Manager West Cork, said: ‘Creating a Dementia Inclusive Community is something we continue to build together. Events like this help strengthen shared understanding and encourage collaboration across services, businesses and communities. I encourage residents, organisations and local businesses to get involved and learn how small actions can make a meaningful difference.’

The West Cork Dementia Inclusive Project, initially focused on Bantry and Clonakilty, continues to work with communities, services and local organisations to raise awareness, promote understanding, and support practical actions that help ensure people living with dementia and their families feel included and supported in everyday community life.

For more information please contact Sinéad Crowley at [email protected].