Alzheimer Society of Ireland hold annual tea day at the Bridge Centre

Regan Kelly

There were smiles all around as the Mullingar Social Club for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland held their annual tea day on Friday, at the Bridge and Amenity Centre in Mullingar.

This is the club’s third year in a row running the event, in addition to regular meet-ups at the Bridge Centre every Friday (11am-2pm). The aim of the social clubs is to provide a supportive environment, where guests can access information, engage in activities and meet other local people.

Among the 60-plus people who attended the tea day were carers, club members, representatives of the Alzheimer Society, and family.

Guests were treated to a live band playing traditional music, along with tea, coffee and sandwiches for the guests.

Elaine Kenny of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland said: “Whenever we meet up here, it’s always a fantastic and rewarding morning. We play it by ear and see what the guests want to do, but mainly it’s a sing-along or some other activities.

“Music is a massive part of what we do, because people with memory loss retain music and will always join in a song. It is a really big help for those affected, and you can see it today, it means a lot to us and the guests.

“One of the biggest helps for us is the Bridge Centre. Without them we wouldn’t be able to run this, with John Fitzsimons setting up the tables. It looks like a small thing, but it’s such a big help to us.”

Ray Flood of the Alzheimer Society said: “Unfortunately, Dementia and Alzheimer’s have become much more prevalent, and people are looking for a place to come, this is just one step in that direction.

“More and more people are aware of what we do here, and when tea day arrives, they bring prizes and gifts and get involved; and that’s really what this day is about.”