On 7 March, the Irish Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, TD, celebrated the success of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)’s Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation Transition Year (TY) programme at an event in Our Lady's Hospice (OLH), Dublin. "Transition Year" is a one-year programme between Junior Cycle and Senior Cycle in Secondary School. Senator Fiona O’Loughlin, ASI CEO Andy Heffernan, ASI Head of Operations Siobhan O’Connor, OLH Director of Nursing and Care Services Mary Flanagan, ASI Community Engagement Manager Cathryn O’Leary and Director of The Dementia Services Information and Development Centre (DSIDC) Matthew Gibb joined the event, which took place ahead of Brain Awareness Week. Other staff members of The ASI, OLH, TY coordinators and students were also in attendance.
An innovative post-primary school programme, Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation, sponsored by ASI’s Corporate Partner’s Arthur Cox, aims to educate young people about dementia and the impact it has, not only on the person living with dementia but also its impact on the extended family and on carers. Over 2,400 students in 50 schools across 17 counties have engaged with the programme since its launch in 2022. The TY programme was created with the DSIDC at St James’ Hospital, Dublin. The project is an official Challenge Partner with An Gaisce, The President’s Award, which includes the added opportunity for Gaisce participants to fulfill challenge area requirements. For more information on the Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation TY programme, click here.
Pictured: Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD and Senator Fiona O'Loughlin celebrates TY programme success with ASI Staff, TY Students and Liz Cox from Arthur Cox
