Cara McCartney, Development & Creative Engagement Manager, said: “As a registered charity, the Millennium Forum is very grateful for the support of local businesses. This new sponsorship with Choice Housing highlights the success of our ongoing Access Programme and our ever popular Dementia Tea Dances, reinforcing the hard work of our team in delivering award-winning events and initiatives throughout the year that continue to put our customers first in recognising and adapting to their needs.
"The sponsorship will create further opportunities for staff engagement and training in access initiatives for both parties. As the premier arts venue in the north west, we continue to lead the way in accessibility and look forward to continuing to ensure that our building is also fully accessible for customers.”
Lisa Heaney Box Office & Access Manager added: “We are delighted to have Choice Housing onboard as a new Tea Dance sponsor. The Millennium Forum is a forward thinking proactive organisation and this new partnership will ensure we achieve our aim of being accessible for all.”
Mark Kent, Choice’s Good Relations Officer, added: “We are delighted to see this initiative continue and the enthusiasm from the first event has been heartwarming. These events are about much more than music and dancing, they provide an opportunity for people to meet others, build connections and enjoy a welcoming afternoon in a supportive environment. We hope this event continues to bring people together and make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of older people and those living with dementia.”
As one of the largest housing associations in Northern Ireland, Choice currently owns and maintains c.14,000 properties across the region, meeting the diverse needs of 30,000 tenants and residents.
Choice have received support from the Department for Communities (DfC), and Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing For All’ Shared Housing Programme. This support has enabled Choice to partner with the Millennium Forum on their successful Dementia Friendly Tea Dances.
For more information on the Millennium Forum’s access initiatives, contact Lisa Heaney on 71 272779 or email [email protected]
5. Mother and daughter Eimear McCosker and Nuala Lewington pictured at Thursday's Tea Dance in the Forum.
Mother and daughter Eimear McCosker and Nuala Lewington pictured at Thursday's Tea Dance in the Forum. Photo: Jim McCafferty
6. Group pictured at Thursday's Millennium Forum Dementia-Friendly Tea Dance with Dougie Breslin. At front is Mae Simpson, first time attendee, and at back from left, Ciara McKeever, Choice Housing, entertainer Dougie Breslin, Rosemary McBrearty, Millennium Forum, Mark Kent, Choice Housing, Amanda Kennedy and Lisa Heaney, Millennium Forum. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Group pictured at Thursday's Millennium Forum Dementia-Friendly Tea Dance with Dougie Breslin. At front is Mae Simpson, first time attendee, and at back from left, Ciara McKeever, Choice Housing, entertainer Dougie Breslin, Rosemary McBrearty, Millennium Forum, Mark Kent, Choice Housing, Amanda Kennedy and Lisa Heaney, Millennium Forum. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty
7. The Mayor, Grace Ui Niallais pictured with Derry legend Carmel Gorman at the Millennium Forum on Thursday for the Dementia-Friendly Tea Dance. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
The Mayor, Grace Ui Niallais pictured with Derry legend Carmel Gorman at the Millennium Forum on Thursday for the Dementia-Friendly Tea Dance. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty
8. One of the groups enjoying Thursday's Tea Dance at the Millennium Forum, pictured with the city and district's Mayor, Grace Ui Niallais. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
One of the groups enjoying Thursday's Tea Dance at the Millennium Forum, pictured with the city and district's Mayor, Grace Ui Niallais. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Photo: Jim McCafferty