Leading law firm O’Reilly Stewart solicitors has announced that it will be supporting Dementia NI as its new charity partner throughout 2024.
Dementia NI was chosen following nominations from staff, with a commitment to fundraise throughout the year to support the charity as it works to raise awareness for people living with dementia.
Research shows there are over 20,000 people living with dementia across Northern Ireland with numbers projected to rise to 60,000 by 2050, due in part to the ageing population.
Established in 2015 by five individuals with a diagnosis of dementia, Dementia NI provides vital peer support for local people with a diagnosis and empowers them to drive positive change in dementia services and policy and change the negative perceptions about this much misunderstood condition.
Speaking about the new partnership O’Reilly Stewart Director Joe Moore said, “The team are committed to having a positive impact on our local communities and each year staff nominate a charity that is close to their hearts. As a local charity Dementia NI is promoting the rights of those living with dementia to be involved in the decisions that will affect their daily lives and is an area that many of the staff feel extremely passionate about. We are looking forward to working together to not only fundraise but raise awareness of the charity and the great work that it does.”
The team at O’Reilly Stewart have already begun their fundraising journey with plans throughout the year including the Belfast half marathon and 10k fun run and a number of internal bake offs and hamper raffles.
Commenting Karen Kerr, Head of Engagement at Dementia NI, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with O’Reilly Stewart Solicitors and are looking forward to working with them over the coming year. We have developed an exciting and creative partnership plan that will make a real difference to the lives of local people who depend on our services. Together we can help create communities where people with dementia are respected, understood, and supported and of course and every pound raised, stays right here in Northern Ireland.”