29th June 2026
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is proud to launch a new, comprehensive Dementia Information Booklet, designed to support people living with dementia and those who care for them.
This important resource has been co-produced in partnership with people living with dementia, carers, Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia NI, and Trust staff. By bringing together lived experience and professional expertise, the booklet reflects what truly matters to those navigating dementia every day.
Supporting People Every Step of the Way
The booklet brings together a wide range of information about:
- Trust services available across Belfast
- Community and voluntary sector support
- Practical guidance to help individuals and carers access the right help, at the right time
It will become a key tool for navigation, information sharing and ongoing support, ensuring that people affected by dementia feel informed, connected and supported throughout their journey.
A Memorable Launch Event
The booklet was officially launched at Belfast City Hall on 26 May 2026, with an opening welcome from the then Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Doherty.
With other distinguished speakers including:
- Rhoda Mullan (Social Care Lead. Strategic Planning and Performance Group / Department of Health)
- Colin McMullan (Interim Director for ACOPS and AHPs)
A particularly powerful part of the event was hearing directly from the steering group who played a central role in developing the booklet. Through a truly co-produced approach, people living with dementia, carers and representatives from partner organisations came together — even forming an interview panel on the day — to share their experiences of being involved in shaping this resource.
Adding warmth and energy to the celebration, Edelle McMahon from “Singing for the Brain” led attendees in song, creating a joyful and inclusive atmosphere. The event concluded with lunch and an opportunity for everyone to connect and reflect.
It was a fantastic celebration of collaboration, partnership and shared commitment — and a heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to making this work possible.
A Shared Achievement
This booklet represents a significant step forward in ensuring that people living with dementia and their carers are at the heart of service design and delivery.
The Trust extends its sincere thanks to all those who have been instrumental throughout its development. With an ongoing programme of engagement and support planned, this work will continue to grow and make a meaningful difference.
Through continued partnership and collaboration, we are working towards a future where everyone affected by dementia can access the support, information and care they need.
What people said about the event:
“I liked the coming together of so many professionals from Belfast Trust, volunteers , Dementia NI and Alzheimer’s Society. This initiative has shown so positively how agencies from public sector to charities can work together.”
“Good range of speakers. A celebration of people pivotal in producing the information booklet.”
“Excellent event, loved hearing about the steering group panel members involvement.”
The booklet is now available within dementia / dementia related services in the Trust and across the community for people to use.
There will also be an online copy on the Trust website, hosted on the dementia resource page https://belfasttrust.hscni.net/service/dementia-services/dementia-resources/