Dementia group explores the condition through art

Linda Thompson is among the artists involved in the Presence in the Past exhibition

The aim is to make east Belfast one of the most dementia-friendly places in Northern Ireland.

At the heart of the effort is art - alongside a year-long series of events.

Residents living with dementia from supported accommodation in the area, for instance, have their artwork displayed in Holywood Arches library.

Their exhibition is called Presence in the Past.

Linda Thompson - who worked as a nurse for over 40 years - is one of the artists.

"I was a district sister out in the district and I loved that," she told BBC News NI.

"That was my job, and during that time I did some midwifery and I was out with midwives up the Springfield Road during the Troubles.

"I was on the Shankill and my opposite number was on the Falls," Linda added.

"So when she was off, I went to the Falls and when I was off, she came to the Shankill.

"I loved every minute of it."

Linda's artwork is based on her pet poodle, Alfie Boe

Linda's artwork on display is based on her own dog.

"My poodle's called Alfie Boe and I did Alfie Boe," she said.

"I've still got him. He's about nine now and it's great, it gets me out, walking three times a day."

For Jean McAlpine, art classes bring memories of her childhood flooding back.

"I'm always very interested where there's animals or anything to do with a farm, because we didn't own a farm," Jean said.

For Jean McAlpine, art classes bring memories of her childhood flooding back

"But my brother-in-law and my sister had a farm and I never was off it.

"He had a big farm with cows and sheep and goats and I don't know what not.

"As soon as they were born I was running with them in my arms all the time, you know."

Her artwork depicts one of the cows she remembers from that childhood farm.

'A growing movement'

The art class Linda and Jean attend is one of hundreds of events that take place in east Belfast during the year which bring people with dementia and their carers together.

Eamon Quinn from Dementia Friendly East Belfast says the aim is to make people in the community aware of dementia and how to support those with it.

"More than 2,000 people have had dementia-awareness training, and there are more than 200 organisations and businesses that have got involved in our work," Mr Quinn said.

"It's stimulated weekly coffee mornings, there's been tea dances, there are walks, there are carers' cafes to support people who are looking after people living with dementia as well.

"The movement is really growing," he added.

"So we're keen to emphasise that small changes in a community can really make it accessible for people who are living with dementia.

"It's really promoting the idea that sometimes people just need a little more time or a little bit of assistance in order to take part fully in their communities."

Eamon Quinn from Dementia Friendly East Belfast

The organisation also produces a monthly 'what's on' guide to dementia-friendly events and classes - with cafes, cinemas, restaurants, shops and businesses in east Belfast all involved.

A dementia information day for the whole community will take place on Thursday 19 September in Willowfield Church Hall in east Belfast.

It will bring a number of support organisations in the area together and include an arts and crafts class and relaxation therapy.

"People living with dementia sometimes lack social contact, so it's a really good way to make connections with each other," Mr Quinn added.