On Tuesday 17 October 2023, Waterfront Hall will host an event with a difference.
Following the great success in 2022 when The Lewy Body Society wrapped the massive 244m circumference of the Royal Albert Hall, London with a huge scarf, Waterfront Hall is proudly supporting this initiative when it will be wrapped in October 2023 and we’re calling on you to get involved!
The Lewy Body Society is inviting anyone who wants to show their support to join them at the Waterfront Hall wearing their scarf on Tuesday 17 October. The venue’s exterior will also be wrapped with a giant scarf, all to raise awareness of Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of dementia in older people.
Lewy body dementia is a little-known type of dementia that is very different to the most common type, Alzheimer’s disease, and requires different support and treatment. It can be very challenging to live with and is often misdiagnosed. This campaign is focused on raising awareness of Lewy body dementia so that those affected get better support, and there is more scientific research into the disease.
If you cannot make it on the day to show your support for this unique challenge, you can help by posting a photo wearing your scarf and sharing your support on social media with the hashtag #AScarfForLewyBelfast
Supporters are also encouraged to make a knitted pom-pom; attach the name of the person it is memory of and send it via post to Green Tree Court, 81 Harrington Lane, Exeter EX4 8NS.
Dr Joseph Kane, Clinical Lecturer, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast said:
“Although Lewy Body Dementia is one of the most common forms of dementia, we know that it is detection and treatment rates are far below what they could be.
The Lewy Body Society leads invaluable work in raising awareness of LBD, and we are honoured that they have chosen Belfast to show off their magnificent scarf.
We hope that this initiative helps kick start discussions in the clinic, in the media, in the Stormont Assembly, and in homes all over Northern Ireland.”
Les Magee, Northern Ireland’s best-known wedding harpist and Lewy Body Society Ambassador added:
“It’s eight years since my Dad passed away from Lewy Body Dementia, then a little-known form of dementia. Since then, The Lewy Body Society has managed to set up a forum in Belfast, drawing some of the NHS's top medical people to raise awareness. The plan has been to raise awareness across UK and NI and during the last few years, more people on our shores have been diagnosed with the disease."
Having had direct contact with the symptoms and everyday care as a family, we are persistent in not only pushing awareness but sending direct help to those diagnosed and their carers.
For more information and to sign up as a volunteer for A Scarf for Lewy, Belfast, click here.
