Dementia and autism bus delivers powerful experience in Tandragee

The Virtual Dementia Tour and Autism Reality Experience mobile bus paid a visit as part of a health and wellbeing event organised by the Southern Health Trust in partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council for Positive Ageing Month which runs throughout October.

During each session on the bus, participants were given vision-distorting glasses, thick gloves, and spiky insoles while listening to loud, disorienting background noise to mimic sensory deprivation, confusion, and physical impairment.

This experience was designed to allow more people to understand the issues that dementia and autism can bring, and in turn, it is helping more people to adapt and improve the level of care provided.

Deputy Lord Mayor, Alderman Lavelle McIlrath praised the health and wellbeing initiative after personally visiting the showcase.

“This was a fantastic event, where the Southern Health Trust and ABC Council have come together to highlight the various organisations that are available to provide support to people in the community,” said the Deputy Lord Mayor.

"It is also great to see the focus on dementia and autism, which as we know, affects so many families and this bus experience will help give people a better understanding, which is so important when it comes to providing care.”

To find out about events happening in the community during Positive Ageing Month, go to www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/PAM