The ANNA Trust Foundation: Upcoming Webinars & Initiatives
Supporting Catholic sisters worldwide to age with dignity, health, and the care they deserve.
The ANNA Trust works alongside congregations worldwide, with a special focus on those in challenging circumstances, to promote a dignified and healthy aging journey for Catholic sisters. It values their lasting contribution to ministry and is committed to ensuring they receive the care and support needed for the years ahead.
Supporting Independence & Preventing Falls in Sisters Living with Dementia – 18 September 2026
This webinar will equip caregivers and church leaders with simple, low-cost strategies to prevent falls and support independence for sisters with dementia, grounded in dignity and Catholic values. The speaker will be Alison Walsh, BHSc Hons, Occupational Therapy, and the moderator will be Sr. Siobhán O’Keeffe, SS.H.J.M, The ANNA Trust Cognitive Impairment Program Director.
Depression in Later Life – 8 October 2026
This webinar will explore some of the ways depression presents differently amongst older people, the factors which may lead to changes in mood, and ways we can support older people when they start to experience depression. The speaker will be Dr Ruth Watson, BSc, Clin.Psy.D., C.Psychol, AFBPsS, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Lead for Later Life Psychology in the British NHS. The moderator will be Sr. Siobhán O’Keeffe, SS.H.J.M, The ANNA Trust Cognitive Impairment Program Director.
International Collaboration: Clinical Dementia Education
In collaboration with the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin and its associated UK neurology department, ANNA Trust is developing an International Dementia Certificate Course for Clinical Professionals aimed at global religious communities. This initiative is especially pertinent for sister doctors and other clinicians involved in dementia care.
Additional Initiatives
The Foundation recently launched a Cognitive Impairment Support Initiative, supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, in partnership with the Avila Institute for Gerontology. This program equips sisters worldwide to understand and care compassionately for those experiencing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease—grounded in a gospel-based, compassionate ethos.
Enfolded in the Mantle of Mary – A Prayer from the ANNA Trust
A prayer from the ANNA Trust entrusting those living with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, and their care partners, to the maternal protection of Our Lady.
The ANNA Trust has kindly shared this prayer, Enfolded in the Mantle of Mary, entrusting to Our Lady all those living with cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, together with their care partners.
Enfolded in the Mantle of Mary
On the 8th September we celebrate the birthday of Our Lady.
We entrust all living with any form of cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia to her maternal protection.
Through her intercession may new forms of treatment be found that will help to relieve any distress that the person may experience.
May all care partners be enfolded in her gentle mantle of love and be blessed with peace.
May a spirit of wisdom, compassion and empowerment guide governments, scientists, researchers and advocates to work together for the common good and the glory of God.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord, Amen.