Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Marks Dementia Action Week with Inclusive Film and Informative Event

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council marked Dementia Action Week 2025 by hosting a dementia-friendly screening of the classic film Casablanca at the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, on Tuesday 20 May. The event also welcomed several support organisations offering advice and guidance for individuals living with dementia and their carers.

The screening provided a safe, welcoming environment, with several adjustments to ensure comfort for attendees living with dementia. These included softer lighting, reduced sound levels, relaxed audience interaction rules, additional signage, and support from staff trained in dementia awareness. The Strule Arts Centre has delivered a number of successful dementia-friendly screenings, reinforcing its dedication to accessibility and inclusion and has further screenings scheduled which can be booked via its website.

Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with three key organisations offering vital dementia support:
• Dementia NI, a local charity set up by 5 people with dementia to empower others to live well with a dementia diagnosis by driving positive change, challenging the stigma, and raising awareness.
• Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia care and research charity, was on hand to provide resources and advice for individuals and carers.
• Western Trust Dementia Navigator, who provides guidance to individuals recently diagnosed with dementia, including signposting to local community and voluntary sector support.

As one in three people in Northern Ireland living with dementia remain undiagnosed, the theme of Dementia Action Week 2025 is diagnosis. A timely diagnosis is essential to access appropriate care, treatment, and support. The Alzheimer’s Society has developed a symptoms checklist to help individuals discuss concerns – either for themselves or a loved one – with a GP or healthcare professional. This resource is available at www.alzheimers.org.uk. For more information or to contact the local Alzheimer’s Society office, please call 028 9066 4100.

In further support of people living with dementia, the Council is also supporting the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Dementia Safeguarding Scheme. Developed in partnership with Age Concern and the Public Health Agency, this initiative includes the distribution of specially designed blue wristbands for individuals with a dementia diagnosis. Each wristband features a QR code that stores essential personal information, including emergency contact details. If a wearer becomes lost or disoriented, the wristband allows quick access to this information to help facilitate the safety of the individual. Residents who would benefit from a wristband are encouraged to contact the Council’s Age Friendly Officer on 0300 303 1777 or email age.friendly@fermanaghomagh.com to request one and arrange collection from a Council office.

Chair of the Council’s Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Victor Warrington, said,

“The Dementia Safeguarding Wristband is a valuable initiative that helps individuals living with dementia remain active and independent, while also offering peace of mind to families and carers. Our dementia-friendly film screening was a great success and reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring that all residents – including those living with dementia – feel supported and valued in every aspect of community life.”

To further mark Dementia Action Week, both Strule Arts Centre and Enniskillen Castle were illuminated in purple on 19 May.