Dementia Canterbury

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

From our Artzheimers group outing 🌿

Yesterday morning we had a wonderful visit to the 𝘌𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘊𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘳: 𝘌𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘡𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵 exhibition at the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū.

We were lucky to have the amazing Viv as our guide, who shared so many fascinating stories as we explored the exhibition. It was especially interesting seeing how Edith Collier’s creative style developed and evolved over time.

Everyone really enjoyed the experience and left feeling inspired. We’re already looking forward to the next session and what we’ll discover together next time! 🌟

27/05/2026

We’re pleased to share a new video about Te Rōpū Manaaki Mate Wareware, one of Dementia Canterbury’s kaupapa Māori support groups for Māori living with mate wareware (dementia) and their whānau, delivered in partnership with Purapura Whetū.

This video shares insights into the kaupapa behind the group, the importance of culturally grounded support, and how Te Rōpū Manaaki Mate Wareware helps create a safe, welcoming space where whānau can connect, share experiences, and be supported in ways that honour tikanga, whakapapa, and whānau wellbeing.

If you or someone you care about is living with mate wareware, or you’d like to learn more about our Māori-led supports, you can watch the video here:
👉 https://dementiacanterbury.org.nz/services-support/our-services/mate-wareware-services/

Ngā mihi nui to everyone involved in sharing their kōrero and helping bring this kaupapa to life.

26/05/2026

Join us next week for the next SDES event - Grief, Loss, Change and Resilience.

📅 Wednesday 3 June
🕜 1:30–3pm
📍 BrainTree, 70 Langdons Road

Specifically for family members and friends currently supporting a person with dementia.

With dementia comes change, loss and grief – both for the person diagnosed and for their families. Elizabeth Hamilton, an experienced Social Worker who offers counselling in this field, outlines some of the changes for family members and how to live with and through them with resilience. There will be time at the end for questions.

Registration is necessary as space is limited. Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/specialist-dementia-education-seminar-grief-loss-change-and-resilience-tickets-1984514012834?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true
This is an in-person event only.

https://dementiacanterbury.org.nz/.../grief-loss-change.../ See less

23/05/2026

Looking for trusted information about Mate Wareware-Dementia? 💙

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or simply wanting to understand more, our free information sheets are here to help.

We have practical, easy-to-understand resources covering a wide range of topics including:
✔️ What is dementia?
✔️ Signs and symptoms
✔️ Types of dementia
✔️ Communication and behaviour changes
✔️ Supporting whānau and care partners
✔️ Planning ahead, grief, driving, medications and more

Having the right information can make a big difference in feeling informed, supported and less alone on the journey.

Explore our full range of free information sheets here: https://dementiacanterbury.org.nz/services-support/education-resources/information-sheets/

Please share with anyone who may find these helpful 💙

20/05/2026

💙 Walking for love, family, and a future without dementia 💙

When someone you love is living with dementia, support can make all the difference.

Recently, Caitlin Dorreen took on a 13-mile (21.9km) trek around London alongside her husband Brandon, raising funds for Alzheimer’s UK — and choosing to personally match the funds raised with a donation to Dementia Canterbury here in New Zealand.

Caitlin’s motivation was deeply personal.

“I’m even more motivated to help find a cure for this disease which affects so many.”

After completing the walk, Caitlin shared:

“Our feet are sore but hearts are full after seeing so many people take part and hearing some stories.”

Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and supporters, Caitlin and Brandon raised £370 for Alzheimer’s UK. Caitlin then matched that amount with an $845 donation to Dementia Canterbury, recognising the support her family has received.

“Dementia Canterbury have been a wonderful resource for my Dad and also to my Mum, as they adjust their lives day to day.”

We are incredibly grateful to Caitlin for her generosity and kindness, and to everyone who supported this fundraising effort.

Her words to her Dad say it all:

“Dad: I love you, fiercely. I would walk as many miles necessary to keep you around.” 💙

Thank you, Caitlin and Brandon, for turning love into action and helping support families living with dementia in our community.

19/05/2026

Mark your diaries for the next SDES event - Grief, Loss, Change and Resilience.

📅 Wednesday 3 June
🕜 1:30–3pm
📍 BrainTree, 70 Langdons Road

Specifically for family members and friends currently supporting a person with dementia.

With dementia comes change, loss and grief – both for the person diagnosed and for their families. Elizabeth Hamilton, an experienced Social Worker who offers counselling in this field, outlines some of the changes for family members and how to live with and through them with resilience. There will be time at the end for questions.

Registration is necessary as space is limited. Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/specialist-dementia-education-seminar-grief-loss-change-and-resilience-tickets-1984514012834?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

This is an in-person event only.

https://dementiacanterbury.org.nz/event/grief-loss-change-and-resilience/

18/05/2026

📣 Participants Wanted for Swallowing Research Study

Mel Phillips, a speech therapist at the University of Canterbury, is currently completing a Master’s thesis focused on dysphagia (swallowing difficulties) - a condition that affects many people, including those living with dementia.

Mel is looking for around 28 healthy participants to take part in her study.

🧠 What’s involved?
• One session (up to 90 minutes)
• Completely safe and non-invasive
• No history of swallowing or neurological issues are required.

📍 Location: University of Canterbury Speech and Hearing Clinic
⛽ Koha: $10 MTA fuel voucher

This research is being conducted in partnership with the HOPE Foundation and the UC Rose Centre for Stroke Research and Recovery, and will contribute to improving understanding and treatment of swallowing difficulties.

If you or someone you know might be interested, please get in touch or share this post to help support this valuable research 💙

Email Mel at mph89@uclive.ac.nz

17/05/2026

Our Museum group had a wonderful outing last week to the Tūranga library to visit the exhibition 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘕𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴: 𝘈 𝘊𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘢𝘵 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥.

We learnt so much from Dr Morgane Merien and even had the chance to hold some stick insects! Everyone enjoyed exploring the fascinating displays of New Zealand and exotic insects, although some of us were definitely relieved they were safely behind glass… 🪲🦗🐞

16/05/2026

Mate Wareware is the te reo Māori term for dementia.

While Mate Wareware can affect memory, thinking, and behaviour, it also connects deeply to whānau, whakapapa, tikanga, and cultural identity.

At Dementia Canterbury, our Mate Wareware services are designed to provide culturally informed support for Māori living with dementia and their whānau. Our services include:

• Whānau-based support and navigation
• Te Rōpū Manaaki Mate Wareware support group
• Culturally informed assessment and care planning
• Support from our Kaumātua/Cultural Advisor
• Education and connection opportunities.

We believe support should reflect the values, culture, and strengths of each person and their whānau.

If you would like to learn more about our Mate Wareware services, please get in touch with our team.

📞 0800 444 776