Birches relaunch monthly family support meetings at Dundalk centre

The Birches Alzheimer Day Care Centre is relaunching its monthly dementia family support meetings.

They continued online during the pandemic but felt that those living locally, whose loved ones are living with Alzheimer Disease or another form of dementia, might need a reminder that the 'in person' group meetings are there for those who require some extra support.

They take place on the last Thursday of the month at 7pm at The Birches Day Care Centre on the Priorland Road, with the February meeting being held this Thursday.

Meanwhile, local second level schools are being encouraged to sign up for "Creating a Dementia-Inclusive Generation" - a Transition Year Programme in collaboration with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI).

Studies show nearly one third of young people will know someone living with dementia.

It involves an e-learning programme with five modules of self-directed learning on the Moodle platform including Growing Older; The Brain; Brain Health; What is Dementia and Perceptions of Dementia.

The 'Peer Educator' programme sees TYs facilitating dementia awareness sessions for their fellow students.

This can be tailored to the individual needs of each school with varied levels of engagement, with certificates for successful completion of the programme.

There's also an opportunity for participants to fulfill the challenge area requirements of An Gaisce.

Fundraising is also a key part of the overall programme, with each TY class being encouraged to engage with one of ASI's events like Denim Day for Dementia (March) and Tea Day in May.

Schools interested in signing up should contact the North Louth branch at The Birches (042) 935 1388 or by emailing thebirchesdundalk@alzheimer.ie or communityengagement@alzheimer.ie

The National Helpline 1800 341 341 is manned by trained volunteers and operates from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.