Supporting dementia programmes and services

Last year significant funds were distributed around the country and to our flagship national programmes.

The funds were allocated to our Members, and to two partner organisations – Enliven Upper South Island and the Hamilton-based Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust – to help us target much-needed services to rural communities and to Māori.

Enliven is using the funds to support its HomeShare service for people living with dementia in the Canterbury region. The HomeShare service targets predominantly rural communities and enables trained ‘hosts’ to open their homes for social connection between older adults, including those with dementia.

The opportunity for appropriate social interactions is very important for people with dementia, especially those who live in more isolated areas and communities.

The Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust will use the funds to develop an innovative app under its project ‘Hiki Te Wairua’. The app will capture the stories of Kaumatua living with dementia, as well as memories and images and access to dementia education. Culturally appropriate content will include waiata and use of te reo.

This would not have been possible without strong support from our donors, reflecting their interest in not just supporting our cause in a general sense, but in learning more about our work and the programmes we deliver.

Every cent counts when supporting people living with dementia and their care partners, and we can’t thank our donors enough.