Mayor helps raise awareness of World Alzheimer’s Day

Derry City and Strabane District Council will join communities across the globe in marking World Alzheimer’s Day on Sunday, September 21, by illuminating Council buildings in purple to show solidarity with people living with dementia and their families.

World Alzheimer’s Day takes place each year during World Alzheimer’s Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, challenging stigma, and promoting greater understanding of dementia. This year’s campaign highlights the urgent need for communities to work together to ensure all those affected feel supported and included.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, today lent his voice to the campaign, saying: “Dementia touches the lives of so many families here in our district, and World Alzheimer’s Day is an important opportunity to show our support for those living with the condition as well as their carers.

“By lighting our Council buildings purple, we are sending a clear message of solidarity and raising awareness of the need for compassion and understanding. Council engages in a number of initiatives including Dementia Awareness Training to help support those suffering from the condition, and I would encourage everyone to take time to learn more about dementia, share information, and support local programmes that make a real difference in people’s lives.”

On Sunday Council offices will light up purple as a visible symbol of the Council’s commitment to raising awareness and fostering a dementia-friendly community.

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For more information on World Alzheimer’s Month and how you can get involved, visit the Alzheimer’s Society website at www.alzheimers.org.uk.