parkrun Ireland has launched the parkrun Dementia Manual in proud partnership with the HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together campaign. The manual reflects parkrun’s ongoing commitment to removing barriers to participation and promoting physical, social, and mental wellbeing for all. parkrun Ireland have been working with HSE Health and Wellbeing for many years supporting and driving engagement in physical activity.
This new initiative is designed to make parkrun’s across the country more welcoming and inclusive for people living with dementia, their families, and carers. The partnership is a great example of the things we can all do to raise awareness for dementia and make our communities, dementia inclusive.
Dementia: Understand Together works with 60 partner organisations and more than 1600 community champions in raising awareness for dementia and inspiring everyone to take actions to ensure that people with dementia and their families are respected, connected and included in their communities.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr Seán O’Dowd, Consultant Neurologist, Tallaght University Hospital and Clinical Lead, HSE National Dementia Services said “Staying active and connected are vital for both our brain health and our general wellbeing. Initiatives like the parkrun dementia manual demonstrate how simple, practical actions can help to make a big difference in encouraging people to continue with hobbies and interests, and also to try something new. This resource is a fantastic example of how partnerships can promote understanding, and create environments that are truly welcoming for all.”
The manual is available to order free of charge from www.healthpromotion.ie (direct link: https://www.healthpromotion.ie/products/hse-your-parkrun-and-dementia-manual).
The Dementia: Understand Together campaign, led by the HSE in partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, Age Friendly Ireland, Age and Opportunity, the Dementia Services Information and Development Centre, and Healthy Ireland, aims to raise awareness and reduce stigma around dementia.
You can find out more about the Dementia: Understand Together campaign at www.understandtogether.ie.