27 November: A decade of hard work and dedication: The Irish Dementia Working Group celebrates ten years of impactful advocacy During November, the Irish Dementia Working Group (IDWG) celebrated 10 years of influential and impactful work, at an event kindly hosted by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) at their premises in Co. Dublin. The advocacy group were joined by Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD, Irish TV presenter Miriam O'Callaghan and actors Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O’Brien. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) staff and supporters also attended the celebrations. The gathering saw Minister Butler present the members of the IDWG who graduated from the ‘Rights Made Real’ course, which was commission-funded by IHREC.
President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins also sent a letter congratulating the IDWG on a decade of advocacy. Established with the support of The ASI and initially made possible by The Atlantic Philanthropies, the IDWG is a group of people living with dementia who advocate for better services, supports, and policies in Ireland. Overseen by The ASI’s Advocacy, Engagement and Participation Officer, Saoirse Kelly, the IDWG has become a powerful force for change, giving a voice to people living with dementia and fostering a more inclusive society. In the past decade, the IDWG has made significant strides in amplifying the lived experience of people with dementia. Through their work, they have brought the voice of the person with dementia to the forefront, ensuring that people with dementia can continue to actively participate and contribute to society.
Pictured: TV's Bryan Murray and Miriam O'Callaghan with Members of the Irish Dementia Working Group
