17 June 2022 - CONNECT Toru

Kia ora and welcome to the June Connect Newsletter!

Matariki is a time for remembrance, celebrating the present, and looking to the future. Matariki is the Māori name for the cluster of stars, that rises in midwinter  and heralds the start of the new year. For the first time in Aotearoa, it will officially be celebrated as a rā whakatā ā-ture (public holiday) on Friday, 24 June.   

 

In this issue, as we reflect on Matariki, we take time to celebrate the special people and organisations who support us– we are humbled by their generosity and by their commitment and endurance (check out Oli's achievement later in the newsletter!) 

It seems fitting then, that as we remember  people dear to us, we also mark the longest night, Tuesday, 21 June. This year, we are joining with other Dementia NZ Affiliates across the motu to bring light to the darkness of dementia. The Longest Night campaign is our way of highlighting the services we provide that are a light in the darkness. We will be sharing stories on social media and invite you to support us by donating to the Longest Night campaign. 

Ngā mihi,

Anne Schumacher Chief Executive 

 

Your Feedback

 

In our last newsletter we talked about becoming a regular donor. Sue Piper contacted us and kindly wrote these encouraging words for us to share with you.  

 

"Dementia Wellington has been a lifesaver for me as Peter and I navigate the impact of a dementia diagnosis.   Money is an essential lifeline for community groups.  We wanted to contribute to the work that provides so much support for many families in the region.  Rather than periodic donations we have arranged to make a regular bank transfer.  It is a modest amount paid fortnightly.  $10 a fortnight works out as $260 per annum.  If 50 of us do that the annual total is $13,000.  $20 per fortnight times 50 of us raises …well, you can do the arithmetic.   

 

Have a think whether you can help with a regular donation.  It doesn't matter what amount.   It is amazing how a modest contribution can make a significant difference". 

 

If you would like to become a regular donor, email Hannah donations@dementiawellington.org.nz  and she can talk you through the process.  

 

Minister's Visit 

 

Dementia Wellington was delighted to welcome Associate Minister of Health Ayesha Verrall and Ginny Andersen MP for Hutt South to our Hutt Hub on Friday 3 June to meet and have a chat with a group of people living with dementia. Both carers and people diagnosed with dementia joined us for afternoon tea and shared the issues and concerns that are important to them and what support they believe would make a real difference to their daily lives.  

 

Photo : from left, Jim Nicholson, Ginny Andersen, Ayesha Verrall

The $12m funding over four years announced in the budget is the first step that will enable the Dementia in the Community sector to plan and develop services for the future so that a full range of dementia support services are available to all who need them.  

 

A huge thank you to Ayesha, Ginny, and to Jim Nicholson from the Ministry of Health for taking the time to listen to  stories and hear firsthand what it is  like living with dementia, including the joys and frustrations. 

 

Photo : from left, Ginny Andersen, CE Anne Schumacher, Dementia Advisor Sheena Farquhar, Ayesha Verrall

 

Our People 

 

He did it!!! 

 

Thank you so much to Oli Keogh from the Home Loan Shop who has raised an incredible $10,000 dollars for Dementia Wellington. 

 

Oli ran 10km every day for one hundred days, rain or shine. On one occasion he even got up at midnight to get his run in because he knew he had a busy day ahead. Oli's last 10km run was held at Newtown Stadium during thunder and lightning which just served to highlight what an amazing effort this was.  We think he is a hero and if you would like to show your support for Oli you can still donate to Oli's Givealittle page.

 

Some of the Dementia Wellington team along with Oli's colleagues from the Home Loan Shop turned out in force to support his last run by joining in doing a lap or two of walking/running. 

Susannah Hayes is running 10km for Dementia Wellington on June 19th in memory of her father-in-law. You can donate to Susannah's Givealittle page here. Thank you so much, Susannah. 

 

If you are keen to run your own fundraiser for Dementia Wellington please get in touch and we'll help promote what you are doing and help set up the donation page.  

Silverstream Bowling Club supports Assisted Golf  

 

Thanks to the  wonderful volunteers from the Royal Wellington Golf Club who run the monthly Assisted Golf play rain or shine and thanks to the Silverstream Bowling Club, who very kindly donated a set of indoor bowls so that the golfers can turn their hand to bowls when the weather is inclement. 

 

Pictured is John Matthews accepting the bowls from Don McMurray of the Silverstream Bowling club. 

Porirua community supports Dementia Wellington 

 

Debbie, our Porirua Dementia Advisor, has been busy getting herself known in the Porirua community and we are incredibly grateful to local community organisations who are actively supporting our work by providing venues for our Supporter Groups and drop-in clinics in Porirua.  

 

The generosity of Vaka Atafaga, Freedom Church, and Maraeroa Marae has enabled Debbie to be visible and part of the community – and  to be where  the  people  are,  promoting Living Well with Dementia in the Porirua Communities.  

 

In addition to this local support, we are also pleased to have received a grant from the Nikau Foundation to support the work of our Porirua Dementia Advisor . 

 

Fa'afetai lava, Malo 'Aupito, Fakafetai lahi lele, Fakaaue, Thank you. 

 

Looking After You and the People You Care About 

 

Young onset dementia supporter group  

 

A new online supporter group for whānau and supporters of people who develop dementia/mate wareware before the age of 65 has been established.  

The monthly online meetings are open to whānau and supporters living anywhere in NZ to discuss experiences and exchange practical information. 

To sign up, please contact: yodatonlinegroups@gmail.com or discuss with your dementia advisor.  

 

'Let's talk about Dementia' Westpac Symposium 

 

Save the Date – Thursday, 22 September 2022, Te Papa.  

More information will be sent out soon. Thank you to Westpac our generous sponsor. 

 

Upcoming Education Events 

 

Our next Navigating Dementia information sessions.

 

Click through to our What's on in May, June, July plan to see the dates of our upcoming activities. You can copy the relevant dates into your calendars or diaries and see what's coming up in other areas too. We try to make sure this is always up-to-date and current but with uncertainty around Covid things can change rapidly. Dementia Wellington will always try to let you know if anything changes but please contact them by email or phone if you're unsure.  

 

Our updated service booklet is now available. In this booklet you will find full details of all our services and support groups. Please feel free to share this with neighbours and friends who might find it helpful and contact us if you would like to get a printed copy.  

 

Shining a Light on Dementia

 

This year to mark the longest night, Tuesday, 21 June 2022, we are joining with other Dementia NZ Affiliates across the motu to bring light to the darkness of dementia. The Longest Night campaign is our way of highlighting the services we provide that are a light in the darkness. We will be sharing stories on social media and invite you to support us by donating to the Longest Night campaign. 

 

 

Noel Leeming Friends & Family Offer

 

Noel Leeming is helping to support Dementia New Zealand across the country through a Friends & Family event, which runs from 20th June until 3rd July.

 

Show this flyer in store and 2.5% of total sales will be donated to Dementia Wellington, as well as giving you access to the specials advertised!

 

To find your nearest Noel Leeming store click here: https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/stores

 

Noel Leeming Friends & Family offer is available in store only and for the dates detailed on the flyer or while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply and the flyer must be presented at the time of purchase.

 

Are you able to support people affected by dementia in Wellington? 

Would you like to support our work?

Click here to donate
Donations of $5 or more are tax-deductible

 

DIRECT into our bank account

Dementia Wellington Charitable Trust ASB 12-3142-0258625-50 
Our GST number is 127-923-906.

 

Dementia Wellington is a registered charity (CC56108) and an affiliate of Dementia NZ.

www.dementiawellington.org.nz

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Dementia Wellington thanks the following organisations for their support