On 14 November 2023, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) launched Mahon Point Shopping Centre in Co. Cork as the first dementia-inclusive shopping centre in Ireland. In a major step towards creating a positive and welcoming environment for people living with dementia and their families, ensuring inclusivity for all, The ASI teamed up with Mahon Point Shopping Centre to roll out the first dementia-inclusive shopping centre in the country. The event garnered significant national and local media attention.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Head of Operations at The ASI, Siobhan O’Connor, said: "This is a huge step forward in our quest to create a dementia-inclusive shopping centre; we’re so grateful to the Mahon Point Management Team and its tenants for taking the brave steps to become the first of its kind in Ireland. We hope that more centres will follow their shining example and join Mahon Point to create an Ireland where people with dementia and their families can carry out their daily lives securely." The ASI welcomed the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy at the launch, along with service users and their supporters and volunteers.
As part of the ‘Creating a Dementia Inclusive Shopping Centre Programme’, Management and staff at Mahon Point Shopping Centre, together with staff members from each of the stores, received Dementia Awareness training so that they will have the knowledge and skills to create a welcoming, enjoyable, and safe shopping experience for people living with dementia their family members and carers. The training was on areas including: What is Dementia? Signs and Symptoms, Communication, and Creating a Dementia Inclusive Community. Mahon Point will be the first shopping centre in Ireland to be awarded the Dementia Inclusive Community Friends of ASI accreditation and to display the emblem. 63% of people with dementia in Ireland live at home, in the community. For more information about the #FriendsOfASI initiative, please contact friendsofasi@alzheimer.ie
