The last few weeks have been a shocking time as we witness the devasting effects of Cyclone Gabrielle on many of our regions. There is so much work to do in the clean-up and rebuilding and it is heartening to see communities pulling together and supporting each other.  Our Hawkes Bay affiliate has reported minimal damage and community dementia support services have been maintained there, for which we are grateful. 

March is Brain Health Awareness Month, so in this issue we are highlighting the Dementia New Zealand Steps campaign and sharing some fundraising activity that you might like to support. We are also announcing Living Well opportunities (activities for people living dementia and their supporters) that are starting this month and ask you to consider signing up. 

Read on to see some great news from the Upper Hutt Cossie Club and much more.  

Ngā mihi mahana 

Anne Schumacher, Chief Executive 

March is Brain Health Awareness month, and Steps for Dementia is your opportunity to improve your own brain health. You'll be helping to raise vital funds for people living with dementia and their whānau across Aotearoa, to access the support they need to live their best life.

Here is how it works.

Choose the step you'd like to take for 31 days to improve your brain health, and set your target. Then get your whānau/family and friends to pledge their financial support for you achieving it

Teddy Bear is walking a total of 93 km around the back hills of Wellington one paw at a time for the month of March to raise awareness and funds for those living with dementia.

Former All Black Carl Hayman, who lives with Young Onset Dementia, is taking the Steps challenge by cycling, running and swimming during March. His goal is to compete in the long distance Kiwiman Xtreme Triathlon.

A very big thank you to Kāpiti Grey Power who are supporting the campaign by sharing the information through their newsletter to their members.  Support such as this demonstrates that there are lots of different ways to support Dementia Wellington – sharing information about us and our work is a great example and helps us immensely – thank you Grey Power !  

Dementia Wellington was invited to have a stand at Te Atiawa's annual Hauora and Education expo, Te Rā o te Raukura, held at Te Whiti park in Lower Hutt. This is a fun day out for the whole whānau with live entertainment, children's activities, and food trucks. Unfortunately, it was the weekend of the Auckland floods, however, the rain did not dampen people's enthusiasm to learn about mate wareware (dementia) and how Dementia Wellington can help whānau on their journey.

Debbie Mustard (Porirua Dementia Advisor) at the Dementia Wellington stall. 

Following on from the very successful Assisted Golf at the Royal Wellington Golf Club we are delighted that a similar programme is being established in Kāpiti.  We are very grateful to the volunteers who are getting behind this and also to the Paraparaumu Golf Club for their support.  

If you are interested, please contact jackie@dementiawellington.org.nz 

Dementia Wellington is honoured to be partnering with Alice Huang to pilot Calligratherapy sessions at the Hutt Hub in March.  See Alice's website for more detailed information about Calligratherapy.

Calligratherapy combines western psychologist Jung's theory of optimal wellbeing with the philosophy of the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy to promote this state of calm presence in the world.  

A session is a 60-minute immersive learning experience that starts with 5 minutes of sitting Tai Chi movement and breathing exercises, followed by basic brush stroke practice and learning Chinese characters.  

This is an experience that not only stimulates the mind, but also has the potential to bring joy and relaxation to those participating. All materials and calligraphy tools will be provided. Give it a try and see what kind of positive changes it can bring to your life.

Wednesday, March 15th and 29th from 10:30-12:00 are the two dates available  in March. 

There is a limit of six people per session and supporters are welcome to attend as well as people living with dementia.  To register interest please email rohan@dementiawellington.org.nz or phone 04 972 2595.

Alice (Xin) Huang is a certified Master of Chinese calligraphy with the Chinese Calligraphy and Literature Association.

We are very happy to announce that the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club have selected Dementia Wellington as their 'Charity of the Year'!

Throughout the year funds are raised through their Charity Housie, Golf Tournaments, Charity Auction and other ad hoc events. Please keep an eye out for these events and go along to support Dementia Wellington!  

It is with sadness that we say farewell to our educator Sarah Togher, who is leaving us to take up a Volunteer Service Abroad post in Bougainville. 

Sarah has been with us (on and off – she is a bit of a wanderer!) since 2019, initially as a volunteer, then as Wellington Dementia Advisor and most recently as  Educator.  We will miss Sarah's enthusiasm and drive, and her commitment to excellence in all that she does. Safe travels Sarah! 

On a brighter note, we welcome Rohan Trueman (admin) Mai Christeller (Dementia Advisor) and Mike Jillings (Dementia Advisor /counsellor) to the team.  We will introduce our newest team members more fully in the next newsletter.  

Sarah Togher presenting an education session at the Hub in Petone 

In December Jeanette Brunton advised us of her resignation from the Board of Dementia Wellington.  Jeanette served for 7 years and has been a strong advocate for people receiving our services.  Throughout that time we often called on Jeanette and Robin to front up to the media and we could always count on them to get the key messages across clearly and succinctly.  

Board Chairperson Debra Lawson says "Jeanette has been a wonderful supporter of the Charity and we have been privileged to have someone on the Board who has so generously shared both their enormous expertise and lived experience". 

Click through to our What's On 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 will always try to let you know if anything changes but please contact your dementia advisor by email or phone if you're unsure.  

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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