On 6 November, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI), in partnership with Frascati Centre, launched Dublin’s first dementia-inclusive shopping centre. Jack Chambers T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, officiated the launch, marking a significant milestone in The ASI’s mission to make Ireland’s towns and cities more inclusive. As part of the initiative, Frascati Centre staff will complete ASI workshops on dementia awareness, communication strategies, and creating supportive environments for people living with dementia and their families. Frascati Centre is now the first in Dublin to earn ASI’s dementia-inclusive community friends accreditation, and only the second in Ireland – following Mahon Point Shopping Centre in County Cork, accredited in 2023.
Minister Chambers said: “At the heart of this initiative is a simple but powerful idea: that everyone deserves to feel welcome, understood and supported where we live, shop and connect with our local community. The Government remains deeply committed to helping people live well with dementia, and creating inclusive, compassionate spaces like this is a vital part of that commitment. When communities come together to make everyday environments more accessible, we nurture a culture of care, dignity and belonging for all." Head of Operations and Community Engagement at The ASI, Siobhan O’Connor, said: "We hope other shopping centres will follow Frascati Centre’s shining example and help build a society where people with dementia and their families can live with dignity, understanding and compassion.”
Viv Gaine, Frascati Centre Director, said: “At Frascati, our customer safety, security and well-being is of key importance, and hence our engagement with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland for our management teams and store staff to undertake this valuable training and understanding of the needs of some of our customers.” The dementia-inclusive shopping centre initiative is part of The ASI’s “Friends of ASI programme” which encourages individuals, businesses and services to help create communities that are supportive, and inclusive for people with dementia and their families. For more information, please visit alzheimer.ie or email friendsofasi@alzheimer.ie
