The whole town is getting on board.

Plans to make Bantry a dementia-friendly community are continuing apace, with a series of free sessions for businesses taking place in the coming weeks.

According to the World Health Organisation, a dementia-inclusive community (or society) is one where people with dementia and their carers and families experience no stigma and discrimination “and fully enjoy participation, inclusion, empowerment, respect, dignity, equality, freedom, accessibility, independent living, and quality of life”.

The town already runs a monthly Memory Cafe, which provides a warm, welcoming, and relaxed place where locals can meet others living with dementia or cognitive impairments, as well as health and social care professionals over tea and coffee.

Now the Bantry Business Association and Bantry Age Friendly are hosting a free Dementia Awareness Training session aimed at increasing awareness among local business owners and employees.

The session is open to all and takes place at 6pm on Monday, March 13th, and Monday, March 27th, 2023 at Bantry Primary Care Centre.

Another session will run on Tuesday mornings, March 14th and 21st at Bantry Council Offices.