New cafe for people living with dementia opened in Ringsend

Minister for Special Education and Inclusion Josepha Madigan TD launched a Dementia Café and Tranquillity Garden at Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre (RICC) on Wednesday, February 15.

In partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland (ALS), the cafe and garden aim to provide a much needed social outlet, not only for local residents with dementia, but also for relatives and carers, while facilitating access to information and support.

Along with the Dementia Café, RICC’s new tranquillity room and sensory gardens are also available to those who need support.

The objective and expected outcomes of RICC and ALS would be to benefit the proposed service users by tackling the isolation faced by older people, particularly people with dementia and their carers and families.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Active Retirement Group, youth service, Sheila Flitton from Banshees of Inisherin, and Geraldine Plunkett, Age Friendly Ambassador.

The sensory gardens are currently open to the community and are very well utilised by local groups such as a crèche, afterschool program, youth services, play therapists, and families that have children with special needs.