Dementia Carers Campaign Network marks 10 years of advocacy in Ireland

The Dementia Carers Campaign Network (DCCN) marked a significant milestone as they celebrated their 10th Anniversary at an event in Dublin yesterday.

Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler TD joined The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s (The ASI) DCCN in honouring the advocacy group’s decade-long commitment to advocating for those caring for people living with dementia.

The event, hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste at The Mansion House, highlighted the impactful work of the DCCN since its inception in 2014.

The DCCN is a group of people who have experience caring for and supporting a person living with dementia.

The group says it aims to be a voice of, and for, dementia carers in Ireland and to raise awareness of issues affecting families living with dementia.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste said: “I am proud to welcome the Dementia Carers Campaign Network to the Mansion House to mark their incredible achievement of 10 years of advocacy work.

“Family carers are amazing people who support those for whom they care, and wider society in many ways.

“The Dementia Carers Campaign Network and The Alzheimer Society of Ireland must be congratulated for ensuring the voice of those who care for people with dementia is to the forefront of policy and practice.

“It is an honour to celebrate with them today.”

Minister of State Mary Butler TD said: “I am delighted to join the Dementia Carers Campaign Network as they celebrate 10 years of impactful advocacy work.

“Carers are at the forefront of dementia care in Ireland and over this past decade, the Dementia Carers Campaign Network has become a powerful voice for those caring for people living with the condition.

“I congratulate The Alzheimer Society of Ireland in working with people affected by dementia in such a meaningful manner and I am proud that my work and the work of the Department can be informed by the lived experience of dementia.

“I remain committed to supporting the ongoing development of dementia supports across Ireland.”

Helena Quaid, Chair of the DCCN, said: “It is a privilege to be part of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network; I am so proud of my fellow members, past and present, whose hard work and dedication has helped to bring the voice of dementia carers and supporters in Ireland to the forefront.

“Dementia is a family condition, our lives are impacted by caring for our loved ones, and dementia policy and supports must recognise that.

“The anniversary celebration was a wonderful way to honour the past, and to look to the future, as the DCCN remains committed to raising awareness of the issues facing dementia carers in Ireland.”

Clodagh Whelan, Advocacy Manager at The ASI, said: “The Alzheimer Society of Ireland was founded by carers, and through the ongoing work and development of the Dementia Carers Campaign Network, the organisation has ensured that the voices of dementia carers continue to be heard and valued.

“Their experience is honoured and amplified, and their needs input directly in policy development.

“It is not easy to share private and sensitive details of your family’s life, but in doing so the DCCN members have challenged stigma, and most importantly driven increased funding for dementia supports.

“All of us at The ASI are immensely grateful for their commitment and their generosity in sharing experience.

“We believe that by resourcing both the Dementia Carers Campaign Network and the Irish Dementia Working Group we can ensure the lived experience of dementia is at the heart of dementia policy and practice in Ireland.”

For more information about The ASI and its services, visit alzheimer.ie