Kilkenny children celebrate World Book Day with Day Care residents who have Alzheimer’s

Children attending Respond’s School Aged childcare service at Millennium Court, marked World Book Day this year by sharing stories and spending time with their neighbours at the Kilkenny Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre.

In the lead-up to the day, the children created props inspired by The Three Little Pigs, designing masks and building miniature houses for their performance. Grandparents and guardians were invited to attend the event, enjoying the show before joining the children for shared reading time.

The children visited the Alzheimer’s Day Care centre, where they performed their act, followed by spending time with the service users, creating meaningful intergeneration connections.

Respond’s School Aged service at Millennium Court was officially opened in 2001 and operates from the on-site community building. Over the past two decades, it has supported hundreds of local children and families. The service currently cares for 24 children from the local Traveller community and has capacity for up to 30 places. Children from both Traveller and settled communities are welcomed in an inclusive and supportive environment.

A dedicated team of four staff members deliver a structured after-school programme including homework support, creative activities and a nutritious meal each day. The service operates year-round, including mid-term breaks and summer holidays.

Niamh Randall, spokesperson at Respond said:

“World Book Day is always a highlight in our calendar but sharing it with our neighbours at the Kilkenny Alzheimer’s Day Care Centre made it especially meaningful. Bringing children and older members of our community together creates powerful and lasting intergenerational connections – the children build confidence and empathy, while the service users enjoy the energy and joy the children bring. At Millenium Court, we’re proud to support not just learning and development, but a strong sense of community where everyone feels valued and included.”

A shared community

Millennium Court comprises 46 homes and was completed in 2001. The development also includes a community building managed by tenants, providing a range of services and programmes including after-school care, a women’s group, a youth group and a community gardening initiative.

In 2015, Respond delivered a QQI-accredited Level 5 Major Award in Health Service Skills at the Millennium Court Community Buildings. The development was also shortlisted in the Community Integration category at the ICSH Awards in 2015.

The Kilkenny Alzheimer Day Care Centre provides dementia-specific, person-centred care in a warm, welcoming and safe environment for individuals living with dementia. Children from Respond’s School Aged service regularly visit the centre, strengthening community ties and creating shared experiences for both generations.

Respond in Kilkenny

Respond currently provides homes for over 20,000 people in more than 9,000 homes across Ireland. This includes 277 homes in Kilkenny, with 726 tenants living in Respond accommodation.