Nichola Kelly, Scotch Hall and Ann Shortt, Tredagh Lodge pictured at Scotch Hall as the Drogheda shopping centre works towards Dementia Inclusive accreditation.
Scotch Hall Dementia Inclusive plans are progressing, with the Drogheda shopping centre on track to become only the third in Ireland to achieve the accreditation.
Staff from up to 80% of retailers in Scotch Hall have now taken part in dementia awareness training, with further work planned before the centre can complete the process.
The initiative forms part of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Friends of ASI Dementia Inclusive Communities programme, which aims to make towns, businesses and services more welcoming and supportive for people living with dementia and their families.
Drogheda joined the Friends of ASI programme in 2024 and local organisers say around 50 businesses and organisations have since taken part in dementia awareness activity.
Retailers take part in training
The work at Scotch Hall has been led by Centre Manager Nichola Duffy and Centre Administrator Ken Pepper, who have been encouraging businesses across the centre to take part.
Nichola Duffy said:
“We were delighted to get involved.
“As a shopping centre at the heart of Drogheda, we welcome a diverse community every day, including many older people and families affected by dementia. This initiative helps ensure that everyone feels comfortable, supported, and understood. It reflects our values as a centre and our commitment to being a welcoming place for all.”
Training began with a workshop for managers on 11th August, followed by three dementia awareness sessions for staff on 9th September.
Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power also attended, alongside representatives from An Garda Síochána, Boyne Fishermen’s Rescue and Recovery Service and Drogheda Community Services.
Dunnes Stores at Scotch Hall also participated, becoming the first Dunnes Stores in Ireland to take part in the ASI initiative, according to the organisers.
Building on work already underway in Drogheda
The Scotch Hall Dementia Inclusive initiative will now move into its final stages, with further work planned around accessibility, signage and the provision of a quiet area.
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland launched Friends of ASI nationally to help communities better understand dementia and support people to remain involved in everyday community life.
The programme includes workshops, education and awareness activity for businesses, community groups and services.
Drogheda was among the communities added to the programme in 2024.
Gerry Leydon, Chairperson of the Drogheda Branch of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, said:
“This is another important milestone for Drogheda. We’ve seen tremendous engagement from local businesses since we launched the Drogheda Dementia Inclusive initiative in May 2024, and Scotch Hall’s collaboration has made a real difference. Together, we’re helping to make everyday life better and more normal for people living with dementia. I would also like to thank the local team of Ann Shortt, Mona McKnight, Aileen Murphy and Aidan Cullen, who worked very hard to make this all happen so smoothly.”
Final steps towards accreditation
Mahon Point Shopping Centre in Cork became the first centre in Ireland to receive Dementia Inclusive accreditation in 2023 after staff and retailers completed training with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Alzheimer
Scotch Hall is now working towards becoming the third.
Cathryn O’Leary, National Community Engagement Manager with The ASI, said:
“We congratulate the teams in Scotch Hall and the Drogheda Branch on the work they have done to date. Dementia Inclusive initiatives like this can help people living with dementia to continue to take part in everyday community life. It has been great to see so many retailers and local organisations in Drogheda take part in the training.”
The remaining work will include engagement with retailers that have not yet completed training and meeting further Dementia Inclusive criteria around areas such as accessibility, signage and the provision of a quiet space.
Once those steps are completed, Scotch Hall will be in a position to finalise its accreditation.
