New Coffee ‘n’ Chat programme launched to help People Living with Dementia

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain has today announced the roll out of Coffee ‘n’ Chat events in four Dublin City Council Parks in association with Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

The launch took place today in Herbert Park, Dublin 4 at the Lolly & Cooks café.

Coffee ‘n’ Chat is a social program designed to help people living with dementia to meet with others and have fun. The objective of these events is to alleviate isolation and empower those living with dementia to live their lives to the fullest. It will additionally assist family carers to connect with and support one another. 

The program involves Park cafés providing a meeting space for people living with young-onset dementia (under 65) and early-stage dementia, and their carers. They can engage in social activities in the café and in physical activities or walks within the park setting.

There will be a series of pop-up 'Coffee ‘n’ Chat' Clubs in Parks across the city of Dublin to ensure that people are reached in their own communities. The events also aim to bring dementia services into public spaces, thus lessening the stigma around dementia.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin Emma Blain said “One of my priorities, as Lord Mayor of Dublin, has been dementia awareness, and to make Dublin a more dementia inclusive city. Bringing dementia cafes to our parks and public spaces was one of my key initiatives, and I am thankful to the Parks Department and ASI for helping to make this happen.  I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact these will have on those living with dementia, their carers and the wider community.”

The Dublin City Council Parks team said, “The Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape team is delighted to support the Coffee ‘n’ Chats initiative by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland at helping people living with dementia, and their carers, to socialise in our tearooms and enjoy the calming setting of Dublin City parks which provide a sanctuary from the often overwhelming pace and noise of urban life.” 

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland said, “We created our new ‘Coffee ‘n’ Chat’ series of social events because we know how beneficial it is for people living with dementia, their carers and families to participate in social engagement and connect with others going through similar experiences. Reaching people living with young onset and early-stage dementia in their own communities and providing opportunities that will enhance their quality of life is just one of the many ways we are trying to help empower people living with dementia to live their lives to the full.” 

*** Photos for the launch will be syndicated by Fennell Photography ***

ENDS

Notes to the Editor:

The event dates are as follows (all will be 10.30am to 12noon):

•           Herbert Park – Ballsbridge – Wednesday 23rd July (always on fourth Wednesday of each month)

•           Albert College Park – Ballymun Road, Glasnevin – Wednesday 6th August (always on first Wednesday of each month)

•           St Anne’s Park – Raheny – Wednesday 13th August (always on second Wednesday of each month)

•           Palmerstown Park – Dartry (near Rathmines) – TBC

•           More Park events will be announced shortly