In November 2021, the Dementia: Understand Together campaign partnered with the IRS group of local radio stations across Ireland to help create awareness of dementia.
The partnership highlighted:
• personal experiences of people who have been affected by dementia
• the importance and value of hobbies, social connection and community for people who are
living with dementia
• the supports that are available for people who are affected by dementia and
• the helpful actions that people in local communities can take to help create a dementia-inclusive community.
The IRS and campaign partnership encompassed 13 local radio stations, who together reach out to over 990,000 weekly listeners and 1.2 social media followers. As a collective, over a period of three weeks, through 60-second content pieces, "stings", interviews and social media messages the campaign raised awareness for dementia and inspired local communities to take actions for dementia.
Interviewees included people with dementia, family carers and former carers as well as local community champions, who focused on one specific theme during the interview “Supporting the person with dementia to keep up hobbies and interests”. Together they highlighted the importance of staying socially connected and talked about the things we can all do as friends, family, neighbours, clubs and colleagues to support a person in doing so.
The practical nature of the conversations, with personal experiences and helpful tips and resources for those who want to ensure people with dementia can stay socially active and included, led to positive feedback from stations, participants and listeners alike.
