Watch: Mid Ulster Alzheimer’s Society host afternoon tea in Cookstown

The Alzheimer’s Society in Mid Ulster recently held an Easter, ‘Afternoon Tea’ in Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown for people with dementia, their carers, local community groups and statutory organisations.
Martin, Bridget  and Elish at the Alzheimers Society Mid-Ulster Branch Easter Vintage tea party.INMM1315-347Martin, Bridget  and Elish at the Alzheimers Society Mid-Ulster Branch Easter Vintage tea party.INMM1315-347
Martin, Bridget and Elish at the Alzheimers Society Mid-Ulster Branch Easter Vintage tea party.INMM1315-347

The event raised awareness about the services the Alzheimer’s Society provides, including dementia support, advocacy, helpline, side-by-side befriending and activity groups.

The tea dance was organised by the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Service staff and Side-by-Side Befriending Service who are based in Cookstown and cover the whole of the mid Ulster area. The event was attended by 60 people including representatives from the local Health and Social Care Trust and service users.

The dementia support service provides independent information and support and signposting of services to people with dementia and their carers.

The side-by-side befriending service helps people with dementia keep doing the things they love and try new things with the support of a volunteer.

Dementia support worker, Mona McGlade was delighted with the success of the event saying “Social outings like this are very important. It can be difficult for people with dementia and their carers to find social activities to do together.”

As one carer said “We really enjoyed the tea party. The food was delicious and there was a great atmosphere. It was a very enjoyable afternoon out for us.”

The event included afternoon tea, a photo booth, a sweet cart, hand massage and a reminiscence stand which included a vast range of artefacts from several years ago. Music was also provided by The Crawleys and several danced the afternoon away.

Martin, Bridget  and Elish at the Alzheimers Society Mid-Ulster Branch Easter Vintage tea party.INMM1315-347Martin, Bridget  and Elish at the Alzheimers Society Mid-Ulster Branch Easter Vintage tea party.INMM1315-347
Martin, Bridget and Elish at the Alzheimers Society Mid-Ulster Branch Easter Vintage tea party.INMM1315-347

Adrian Friel Services Manager for the Northern Locality said on the day “Dementia is a lonely journey it can be a frightening experience for the person who has the diagnosis and also for the wider family. However, it doesn’t have to be like this. We have services in the Mid Ulster area which can offer you Support and understanding. If anyone is going through the dementia journey alone there is no need Alzheimer’s Society is here to support you. Please contact Mona.”

For information and support on dementia please contact Mona McGlade on 028 8676 5888, mona.maglade@alzheimers.org.uk visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.