IN THE first of a series of events to engage with key stakeholders across Northern Ireland, the Alzheimer’s Society were in Erneside Shopping Centre, Enniskillen on November 4 where they took the opportunity to speak with locals and politicians alike about the work the charity does.

Rosslea native Martin Reilly, NI Public Affairs and Campaigning Officer for the charity, was joined by local support worker Martin Bradley and Bernadine McCrory, NI Country Director, at the stall at the busy shopping centre.

Martin was pleased with how the day went as they got the opportunity to put their message across.

“We were happy with the opportunity to engage with a number of MLAs. We had Rosemary Barton, Jemma Dolan and Deborah Erksine, which was great, and then we had a number of councillors come along from a range of the parties as well.

“We were happy with the opportunity to speak directly to key stakeholders and members of the public.”

Speaking to the public, conversations were had concerning opportunities for fundraising as well as the services the Society provides in the county.

‘Online petition’

“Part of the event was not only to speak to the MLAs that came along, but to allow members of the public to put their messages to the MLAs as well, and the online petition we have that is live at the moment allows them to do that.”

Following the conversations with local politicians, the message received was that they would be happy to support the charity at local and national government.

Martin said: “A number of them said they would be happy to support motions to the Council, or messaging we would bring to them in the Chamber, which is great.

“There is a campaign we are doing currently alongside Marie Curie in relation to statutory bereavement leave, and trying to improve the conditions of people in employment when they are bereaved, and some of the councillors were indicating that they would be happy to table that type of notice of motion.

“It has been passed in both Derry and Belfast councils, so some of the councillors in Fermanagh and Omagh will be looking to do that for us.”

The stall also gave members of the public who have benefitted from the work of the charity to also come over and express thanks, said Martin.

“People were appreciative of that direct contact with their loved one and others were citing support from the likes of the Dementia Connect support line.

“It is valued by people who want to pick up the phone and ask queries or bounce off somebody who is an expert in relation to the behaviours of their loved one when they have a diagnosis.

“It was great to be in Erneside and to have that engagement with local politicians and members of the public,” added Martin.