Dementia Wellington works to support people with mate wareware/dementia and their carers and whānau in Kāpiti, Porirua, Wellington and the Hutt Valley. We offer a range of programmes and services that encourage people with dementia to live well. Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of neurological conditions that affect the brain causing progressive deterioration in memory, thinking and behaviour. There are over 100 conditions that may cause dementia – Alzheimer’s disease being the most common. Dementia is progressive, changes occur slowly, typically over a period of 5-10 years from when the symptoms first become obvious. Dementia is not selective, people from all walks of life, ethnicities and ages can develop dementia. Right now, Dementia Wellington receives on average 100 referrals a month from the local community in Kāpiti, Porirua, Wellington and the Hutt Valley. Dementia Wellington receives approximately 44% of income from local District Health Board contracts, the remainder from people like you, or local groups, and through grant applications and trusts. Community volunteers are always welcome. Dementia Wellington need all kinds of people to hold community events in their neighbourhood, to help generate awareness and raise money though all important fundraising. We also need volunteers to help support clients with activities and help our Dementia Advisors facilitate regular and one-off events. If you’re interested in lending a hand, we’d love to hear from you. Email: admin@dementiawellington.org.nz