Free Dementia Awareness Event Coming to Carrigaline
The Health Service Executive (HSE) South West is hosting a free dementia awareness event at the Carrigaline Community Complex on Wednesday, September 30, from 7 pm to 9 pm, addressing the growing public health footprint of dementia across Cork communities.
- Event Details: The free public awareness session takes place on Wednesday, September 30, at the Carrigaline Community Complex from 7 pm to 9 pm.
- Epidemiological Scope: More than 64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland, with the vast majority residing in community settings rather than institutional care.
- Clinical Leadership: The evening features presentations from advanced nursing and geriatric medicine experts alongside local community alliances.
Public Health Scope and Community Impact
More than 64,000 people are living with dementia in Ireland, and this number continues to grow. Because most individuals diagnosed with the condition live at home, dementia increasingly touches the daily lives of families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, customers, and community members. HSE South West is addressing this clinical reality by collaborating with the South Cork City and County Dementia Inclusive Alliance. This local working group comprises community members and representatives from local agencies working to strengthen dementia-inclusive practices across Carrigaline, Kinsale, and Bandon.
When communities understand the underlying cognitive challenges and feel equipped to respond appropriately, it makes a profound difference in daily living. Early awareness and practical support systems help individuals stay connected, engaged, and confident within their local neighborhoods.
Expert Facilitation and Clinical Leadership
The upcoming information session will be facilitated by Bernadette Horgan Edmead, dementia care co-ordinator. Guest speakers include Gemma McCarthy, an advanced nurse practitioner with the Integrated Care Programme for Older Persons (ICPOP), and Dr. Tim Dukelow, a consultant geriatrician with ICPOP.
Dr. Tim Dukelow outlined the clinical rationale behind community-level education:
When communities understand dementia and feel equipped to respond, it can make a profound difference to people’s daily lives. Early awareness and practical support help people to stay connected, engaged and confident in their own communities.
Training Opportunities and Future Engagement
The event forms part of ongoing public health initiatives to support the development of dementia-inclusive communities across Cork. Beyond the initial awareness session, the evening will include detailed information on follow-up dementia awareness training. Individuals, local businesses, community groups, clubs, and local services will have structured opportunities to register their interest in attending training dates during 2026.
HSE South West invites members of the public and local service providers to attend the session at the Carrigaline Community Complex to help build sustainable, knowledgeable support networks for patients and families managing cognitive decline.