The North West’s premier theatre will host a special event on Wednesday 17th May as part of Dementia Awareness Week.
This event is organised by a local partnership that includes Alzheimer’s Society, NI Deed and WHSCT and will bring organisations as well as members of the public together to raise awareness about living with dementia.
The Millennium Forum has already been leading the way as a Dementia Friendly theatre; in 2014, the venue was the first theatre in Ireland to stage a specially adapted performance of its Christmas pantomime and, last year, this offering was developed to form the ‘Sing Song Sessions’ which took the panto cast to various centres across the city, enabling people living with dementia to enjoy an afternoon of live music.
Lisa Heaney, Box Office Manager at the Millennium Forum says:
“We are delighted to be hosting this hugely important event. Since staging our first Dementia Friendly panto show in Dec 2014, we have been working closely with local organisations including Deed, OLT and the Alzheimer’s Society to develop this aspect of our annual programming. As a fully accessible theatre, we believe that everyone should experience a theatrical performance.”
Heather Lundy, Dementia Friendly Community Manager at Alzheimer’s Society said:
“It is wonderful that people affected by dementia can be confident that support is available throughout Derry~Londonderry as the event at Millennium Forum showcases. Following a diagnosis of dementia it is vital that people access information and support to live well and plan for their future. Staying connected to our local communities is so empowering and I am delighted that this event is being hosted by Millennium Forum who have been working tirelessly since 2014 to provide Dementia Friendly performances of some of their most iconic shows and raise awareness amongst staff and patrons.”
Registrations to attend the event can be made by emailing sabrina@olt.ie or calling 02871 373870.
The Dementia Friendly performance of the Millennium Forum’s panto, Jack & the Beanstalk takes place at 4pm on Sunday 10th December. For more information, contact Lisa Heaney, Box Office Manager, on 71 272779 or email lisah@millenniumforum.co.uk
For information on the Forum’s Sing Song Sessions, contact Daryl Moore, Education & Outreach Officer, on 71 272776 or email darylm@millenniumforum.co.uk