We encourage people to access a range of dementia-friendly activities such as golf, music therapy, singing groups, walking groups, reading clubs and art therapy.  

Staying Active is an umbrella programme consisting of 3 separate arms or divisions that all provide opportunities for people with mate wareware dementia to enjoy getting out and about in the community. 

We will keep adding to these lists as more activities become known to us, so please do check back to see what’s on – we encourage you to have a go and try something new!  

1 Joining existing community activities.   

We will be building up a list of existing community activities over the coming months.  A Dementia Wellington volunteer may assist with the initial introduction to a group activity and help to establish rapport.   

2 Joining Dementia specific activities run by clubs and volunteers supported by Dementia Wellington   

We keep adding to this list as more activities become known to us, so please do check back to see what’s on – we encourage you to have a go and try something new! 

Assisted Golf  one Monday each month.  Royal Wellington Golf Club. Need to have played golf in the in the past, pick up and drop off, for people who are living with dementia. Contact John Matthews john.mathews@xtra.co.nz 

Pito-One Harmony  2.30-4.00pm Fridays, fortnightly, Petone Baptist Church.  Cup of tea, then singing.  All welcome and no singing experience needed.  Contact Jenny Williams on 04 562 7124 or 027 221 9460 or jennywilliamsnz@gmail.com   More info: https://www.musicforlife.co.nz/about-4 

Soundswell  Friday mornings, Johnsonville.  Choir for neuro diverse, led by music therapists.  Contact Megan meganrmth@gmail.com 

Senior Social Drama  Various times and days in Johnsonville, Newtown, Strathmore, Karori, Tawa/Linden, Petone, Naenae and Porirua.  Suggested for early-stage dementia/mild cognitive impairment and supporters/whanau. Contact Nicola Pauling, Voice Arts nicola@voice-arts.org.nz 

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club  third Monday of the month. Dementia-friendly golf with just 9 holes and volunteer golfers to provide support. Volunteers will transport you to and from your home. Previous golf experience is essential. There is a $20 koha to cover costs. Contact Tone Borren tone@sfx.co.nz or phone 021 494 130 

3. Joining activities organised by Dementia Wellington staff and volunteers, for both people with mate wareware and their care partners/friends/whānau  

e.g. Cog cafes a trip to the zoo, city walking group.  

Cog Cafés 

Cog Cafés are an opportunity to socialise with other people with dementia and their supporters over coffee in a local café. There’s no need to register for a Cog Café session – just turn up on the day and enjoy getting out of the house and meeting others who are also living with dementia. 

Use our ‘What’s coming up?’ plan to see when and where Cog Café sessions are happening around the wider Wellington area.  You are welcome to attend any Cog Café sessions outside of your usual location if that works for you! 

Have a chat with your Dementia Advisor about any ideas and options that may suit you.