PICTURES: 'ONE STOP DEMENTIA SHOP' AT FOYLESIDE

Other events this month include a documentary film about dementia, and a special lighting up of the Guildhall in the DEEDS colour purple.

This month's event was held to raise awareness to the services that are available in the Derry and Strabane area which included WHSCT Memory Service, Age and Dementia Friendly Derry, the Alzheimer’s Society, Praxis Floating Support, Carers Support WHSCT, GP Social Worker Service, Falls Prevention, the CARE Project, and Millennium Forum’s Access Programme for Dementia.

The Deputy Mayor, Darren Guy attended event which took place last Friday and hailed the success of such information days across the Council area.

The Deputy said he was delighted to be asked to come along and support such a worthwhile campaign at Foyleside that raises awareness during World Alzheimer’s Month.

"Great credit to all at the Old Library Trust for coming up with an event like this and following on in the great success of last year.

Members of the public, when passing, were able to speak to some of the experts in the field and get information making them aware of the services that are available in the north-west to help them in coping with dementia among their family."

Speaking after Friday’s ‘One Stop Shop’, the Old Library Trust’s Sinead Devine called for anyone out there who may be worried about their own memory or about a loved one or who are looking after someone with dementia to come along to such events.

"We said to those who attended - maybe you have noticed a loved one with memory issues; or have a loved one with a recent diagnosis and need to know what support is out there.

Maybe you are caring for someone with dementia and need support for yourself. We can support and guide you and Friday was an ideal opportunity to see the services available to you and your loved one."

On Tuesday September 24 in partnership with Foyle Film Festival, there is a sold-out screening of ‘Don’t Forget to Remember’ a documentary film by Ross Killeen.

The film follows the artist Asbestos as he learns to cope with his mother’s fading memories.

"While the memories are fragile, the essence of their bond remains steadfast."

In collaboration with Asbestos, the film opens an honest conversation about the delicate nature of memory.

Through the artist creating a piece of artwork, we establish that even though Alzheimers brings difficult elements, we can
never truly lose a loved one if we hold on to our collective memories.

USE THE ARROWS OR 'NEXT' TO BROWSE THROUGH THE FULL GALLERY

Front right is George McGowan, Project Director, Old Library Trust. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)