June 2026 Newsletter

• Upcoming Courses
• New Certified Sonas Providers
• Gardening Together Booklet
• Limerick Dementia Music
• Carers Week
• Summer Breaks for Dementia Cafes
• Sonas Programme Testimonials
• Emerald Lewy Body Research
• Experience of Dementia Survey

Upcoming Courses

Sonas License Renewal Day

Venue: Online

Date: Friday July 3^rd

Time: 9.30am to 4pm

For more information and to book this online course, click here: Sonas Licence Renewal Day | Engaging Dementia

Certified Sonas Providers

There are now 6 Certified Providers in Ireland:

• Sligo Nursing Home (Mowlam Healthcare)
• The Orchard Respite Centre (Mowlam Healthcare)
• Rush Nursing Home (Mowlam Healthcare)
• Leopardstown Care Centre (Mowlam Healthcare)
• Charleville Nursing Home (Mowlam Healthcare)
• Swords Nursing Home & Memory Care Centre (Mowlam Healthcare)

This certification assures residents and their families that a nursing home has at least two trained Sonas Practitioners. Certified Nursing Homes will receive a 10% discount on all our courses and on the Annual International Dementia Conference and will receive certification marketing materials to display in their Nursing Home and on their website. They will also be listed as a Certified Provider on the Engaging Dementia Website.

If you would like more information about certification click here:
https://engagingdementia.ie/certified-sonas-providers/

Gardening Together

Engaging Dementia & HSE’s Dementia: Understand Together have created a booklet, Gardening Together, that shows you how to make your community garden a welcoming space for older people and people living with dementia. It has lots of tips and ideas for anyone planning to make a garden or plan outdoor activities – for people with dementia, their family, friends, carers and supporters.

To order a copy of the booklet, click here: https://www.healthpromotion.ie/products/garden-together

Music Sessions in Limerick

Music & Health Ireland have introduced Music in Good Company, a new summer concert series taking place in created especially for people living with a dementia diagnosis, along with their caregivers, families, and friends.

The next session takes place on Wednesday 1st July, and aims to provide a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where people can come together to enjoy live music in a relaxed and inclusive setting.

The one-hour concert will feature familiar songs, ballads, folk music, and well-loved favorites chosen to encourage connection, conversation, singing along, and shared enjoyment. Beyond the music itself, the series is designed to help reduce isolation and create opportunities for social connection among those navigating life after a dementia diagnosis.

Attendance is free of charge, though advance booking is required as spaces are limited.

Register here: Music in Good Company – A Music & Health Ireland Summer Series – UNIVERSITY CONCERT HALL, LIMERICK

Carers Week

Carers Week runs from June 8th to 14th. The theme of this year is ‘Thank you for Caring’ and the objective is to recognise and celebrate the important work done by family carers across the country, to show them appreciation and to encourage wider society to recognise and celebrate the family carers in their families and communities.

There are some great inclusive online and in person events taking place around the country for all family carers. You can check out all of the events here: https://www.carersweek.ie/events

Summer Breaks for Dementia Cafes

Some Dementia Cafes will be taking a break across the summer months so please check with your local cafe before attending. You can find contact details for all dementia cafes here: https://dementiacafe.ie/

Sonas Programme Testimonials

Are you delivering the Sonas Programme in your organisation? We’d love to hear about your experience.

The Sonas Programme continues to make a positive difference in the lives of many people living with dementia, and we know that the dedication of our Licensed Practitioners play a vital role in its success.

We are currently gathering testimonials and would be delighted if you could share your experiences of delivering the programme. Whether you’ve noticed increased engagement, improved communication, moments of joy, or positive feedback from participants, families, or colleagues, we’d love to hear your story.

Your testimonial may help inspire other practitioners, highlight the impact of the programme, and support the continued growth of the Sonas community.

Please send your testimonial to fgordon@engagingdementia.ie

Lewy Body Emerald Research

Do you have Lewy Body disease or closely support someone living with the condition? The Emerald Lewy Team in Trinity College Dublin are currently seeking volunteers to complete and provide feedback on a peer support programme called The Lewy Lounge.

For further information contact Dr. Emma O Shea: Email emma.oshea@ucc.ie or call 0857889499.

Experience of Dementia Survey

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is seeking to understand what life with dementia is like in Ireland today. They invite people living with dementia, family carers and supporters to take part in our national survey.

By sharing your experience, you will help build a clearer picture of what is working well – and where change is needed. Your insights will shape future services, advocacy, research and policy in Ireland.

Every story is different – and every voice matters.

The Experience of Dementia in Ireland 2026 Survey explores:

• Services and supports
• Health and wellbeing
• Daily experiences
• Cost of living
• Community supports and attitudes
• Challenges and what’s working well

Take part today and help shape dementia services in Ireland.

There are two versions of the survey: one for people with dementia and another for family carers and supporters.

Survey link for people with dementia:

https://singuser61dbbd85.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7PQPFzlIk1kUacC

Survey link for carers:

https://singuser61dbbd85.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3UWhXQfjx7SwZdY

There is also the opportunity for people to be mailed a paper copy with a stamped return envelope or to be supported to complete it on phone if needed by calling the helpline 1-800-341-341. (Each survey takes around 15-20 minutes to complete. You can take breaks and return later if needed.)