Happy AnniversaTEA!

"Happy AnniversaTEA", wishes Fair City actor Doireann Ni Chorragain who today (13/4/2007) joined, Winifred Bligh, founding member of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and 3 year old tea lover Sarah Louise Murphy, at the launch of National Alzheimer's Tea Day which is taking place on Thursday 3rd May. The launch marks the opening of The Society's silver anniversary celebrations and in this special year, they hope to encourage 250,000 people to take part in Ireland's biggest ever tea break.

Encouraging people of all ages to get involved in tea day, Ni Chorragain says that it's fun for a good cause. "Everyone enjoys taking a break and having a relaxing cuppa, whether it's at home with family and friends, at work with colleagues or in the local community centre or sports club. However, it's not that easy to take a break when you're caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. We're asking people to use their cuppa to show support for carers and people with dementia and to help give them a break!" she concluded.

Funds raised from the tea breaks provide a vital injection of income for the Alzheimer Society's network of 81 services and 22 branches and are used to bridge the 30% gap between funding and service costs. The money will be directed towards dementia services in the local community where the money was raised. Special Tea Packs for those willing to host an Alzheimer Tea Break on May 3rd are available by registering on Freephone 1800 719 820.

National Alzheimer's Tea Day will be one of The Alzheimer Society of Ireland's main celebrations for its silver anniversary year. Founded 25 years ago this month, by carers Winifred Bligh and Imelda Gillespie, The Society is now the leading provider of specialist dementia services. According to Bligh, still involved in the running of The Society, the need for services is greater than ever before. "Access to information, people who understand what you're going through and services that meet your particular needs are a vital lifeline for both the person with dementia and their carer. People need to feel supported rather than isolated and alone. More services are needed to meet growing demands and we hope to continue to expand our network with the help of funds raised by our tea day supporters."

Dementia currently affects almost 40,000 people in Ireland and there are 50,000 carers caring for someone with one of the recognised symptoms of the condition. Estimates suggest that over the next 20 years these figures are going to double as our population continues to age. Although predominantly a condition affecting older people, 1 in 10 individuals with the condition develop it in their 40's and 50's.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is a national organisation with 22 branches throughout the country. Each branch provides information and support to families and carers of people with Alzheimer's disease in their own areas. The Society operates over 31 Day Care Centres, the Alzheimer's National Helpline, Overnight Respite and Home Care services. Peer Support Groups, Social Clubs and Personal Advocacy are other services provided by The Society.

For information, advice and support for anyone concerned about or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease / dementia contact the Alzheimer's National Helpline on 1 800 341 241 (Mon-Fri 10 am to 4 pm)