Living Well with Dementia works closely with other community groups to support older people and to spread awareness about dementia.
LWwD engages with the Arts Office DLR to devise creative programmes to enhance the lives of those living with dementia. Research shows that participatory art programmes show promise for improving older adults’ quality of life and well-being, from better cognitive function, memory, and self-esteem to reduced stress and increased social interaction.
In the past we have collaborated on several programmes including:
• ‘Taste & Soil, Tea & Toil’ which involved the creation of a living, growing installation in the Gallery in DLR Lexicon, Dún Laoghaire.
• ‘Framing the Senses’, a free and interactive programme of activities for carers of people living with dementia in local libraries.
• Multisensory art programmes in the Lexicon Library.
• Art at home programme
• Friday Friends Art Exhibition
• An Afternoon of Song
• The Festival of Inclusion Big Sing
LWwD is represented on the Age Friendly alliance DLR. The Age-Friendly Alliance sets out the vision, objectives, and actions to promote Age-Friendly supports and activities over the coming years so that older people can engage positively within their communities for as long as possible.
LWwD collaborates with local schools including the Transition Year programme in Mount Anville and the Run for Life campaign St Benildus. Dementia training programmes can also be delivered in schools.
Social Prescribing is about supporting the health and wellbeing of people by helping them to connect with local, community-based activities as well as national and online supports. The programme is for people that feel they need some support to mind their health and wellbeing or if they feel isolated, stressed, anxious or depressed. Using resources within the community may help you to feel more connected and it may support you in minding your mental and physical health. The Social Prescribing team in Southside Partnership work closely with Living Well with Dementia in identifying people who might benefit from our supports and services.
