ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall have announced Dementia NI as the venues’ charity partner for the year ahead.
Dementia NI is a local charity dedicated to driving positive change for people with dementia across Northern Ireland. It’s now marking its 10th anniversary year and has 14 groups across the region.
At the heart of Dementia NI are its members, each of whom has a diagnosis of dementia. Dementia NI empowers its members to live well and remain active in their communities: they are actively involved in every aspect of the charity’s work, from campaigning & public speaking to collaborating with organisations and educating people about the lived experience of dementia.
Around 22,000 people in Northern Ireland are currently living with dementia and this number is expected to almost double in the next 15 years.
The charity partnership with ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall will see the teams at all three Belfast venues organising fundraising events and activities in aid of Dementia NI, along with staff volunteering to support the charity’s work.
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall explained the importance of the annual charity partnership. He said,
“We know our charity partnership is a valuable opportunity at a time when fundraising is tougher than ever for the voluntary and community sector."
“Dementia NI was selected following a call-out to all our employees to nominate a chosen charity. From this, shortlisted charities were given the opportunity to pitch to our Engagement team. Dementia has touched the family circles of many of our staff, so it’s a cause we’re very proud to be supporting into 2026."
“Our venues deliver a significant impact for the local economy, and they bring thousands of people together from near and far, whether that’s for a music or comedy gig, a pantomime, a corporate dinner or an international conference."
"We hope we’ll be able to use our audience reach to bring new awareness of Dementia NI and the incredible work they do."
"By bringing this disease into everyday conversations – in places of entertainment or at business events - we hope to play a part in breaking down the stigma, so that we can collectively do more as a community to support people affected by dementia."
Karen Kerr, Head of Engagement at Dementia NI, said:
“We are delighted to be selected as the official charity partner of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall, and Ulster Hall and we look forward to working together to deliver a partnership that starts meaningful conversations about dementia."
"We value the impact this partnership will have in raising vital funds to deliver our life changing work and reframe the public’s understanding of dementia."
As a local charity, every pound raised here stays here, helping us grow our support network and allowing us to continue our work raising awareness, challenging the stigma, and providing essential peer support & empowerment for people living with dementia.
The selection of an annual charity partner by the board of these three iconic Belfast venues is integral to its community strategy, recognising and consolidating their place within the city and the local community. Dementia NI reflects the venues’ commitment to always provide a safe and welcoming environment which supports the needs of a diverse range of patrons and partners. This is part of a wide range of charitable and community initiatives throughout the year.
