Residents, carers, researchers and community organisations from across the Isle of Wight are being invited to attend a free event exploring ageing and dementia next week.
The event will take place on Wednesday (18th March) at Yarmouth Community Hall (CHOYD) in Yarmouth and is open to anyone interested in learning more about dementia and the research taking place locally and across the region.
Organised by ICORN – the Island Community-Owned Research Network – the event is hosted by Community Action Isle of Wight and supported by funding from the Academy of Research & Improvement.
ICORN works to raise the profile of research on the Isle of Wight and encourage more local residents and organisations to become involved in research projects.
With a growing number of people living with dementia on the Isle of Wight, organisers say the event provides an important opportunity to bring together researchers, health professionals, voluntary sector organisations and members of the community.
Attendees will be able to hear about current research, learn about projects taking place both locally and in the wider region and discuss ways to improve support for people affected by dementia.
The session will feature presentations and discussions from a range of speakers from the Isle of Wight and beyond, including researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Portsmouth as well as organisations supporting people living with dementia locally.
The morning programme will include welcome refreshments, opening introductions, presentations on dementia support initiatives on the Isle of Wight, and discussions about ongoing research projects and opportunities for community involvement.
A workshop focusing on dementia inequalities and the importance of inclusive research will also take place, alongside networking opportunities and information displays.
Organisations will also have the opportunity to host free display stands to share information about services, research and support available to those living with dementia on the Isle of Wight.
Sandy Ciccognani, from Community Action Isle of Wight, has said:
“ICORN events are about bringing people together, researchers, practitioners and the community, to share knowledge and spark new connections.
“With dementia affecting so many families on the Isle of Wight, this is a vital conversation for our Island.”
The event is free to attend and there is no need to book in advance. Attendees can drop in at any time during the session, even if they only have 30 minutes to spare.
For more information visit www.communityactionisleofwight.org.uk/community-research, or email [email protected]
