Gaisce – The President’s Award welcomes The Alzheimer Society of Ireland as new Challenge Partner

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland has been officially announced as a new Challenge Partner with Gaisce – The President’s Award. 

Challenge Partners support and involve young people to participate in one or more Gaisce Challenge Areas, allowing Gaisce participants to use relevant activities to count towards achieving their Award. 

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland facilitates Gaisce participants to meet either the Personal Skill or the Community Involvement challenge areas through involvement in the ‘Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation’ Programme. The programme offers Gaisce participants the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia in their communities as well as developing their own skills through peer-education and community work. 

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is the national leader in advocating for and providing dementia-specific supports and services. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland envision an Ireland where people on the journey of dementia are valued and supported. Their mission is to advocate, empower and champion the rights of people living with dementia and their communities to quality support and services. A national non-profit organisation, the ASI is person-centred, rights-based and grassroots led with the voice of the person with dementia and their carer at its core.  

Today there are almost 64,000 people with dementia in Ireland and for every person with dementia, three others are directly affected. Within the next 20 years, figures show that the number of people with dementia will rise to 113,000. 

Speaking about the announcement, Gaisce – The President’s Award CEO Yvonne McKenna said: 

“We are delighted to welcome The Alzheimer Society of Ireland as a Challenge Partner and are honoured that they are joining us in helping young people achieve their Gaisce Award through their ‘Creating a Dementia Inclusive Generation’ Programme. This programme will help create valuable awareness among all age groups, not just the young people taking part, but also through teachers, parents, neighbours and friends and ultimately make a difference in the lives of those impacted by dementia.” 

National Community Engagement Manager Jamie Sherlock said: 

 “This is the first year The Alzheimer Society of Ireland applied to become a Gaisce Challenge Partner and we are thrilled to be chosen to offer support to students in gaining their Gaisce award. This is a wonderful opportunity to educate our young people about brain health and dementia, help reduce the stigma and work together in making communities more dementia inclusive. We are very much looking forward to working with the students throughout the year and to help them in achieving their full potential, it\’s a fantastic partnership.”   

The ASI also operates the AlzheimerNational Helpline offering information and support to anyone affected by dementia at 1800 341 341. open six days a week Monday to Friday 10am–5pm and Saturday 10am–4pm on 1800 341 341. For more information visit www.alzheimer.ie or email Jamie Sherlock communityengagement@alzheimer.ie / 0860442964 

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