Finding Purpose Together at The Re-Creators
- admin1356
- Nov 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 23
With the right space, the right community and the right support, people with younger onset dementia can not only flourish, but can make a real difference.
A team from The Young Onset Dementia Collective (YODC) had a positive impact spending time at The Re-Creators Green Space in West Auckland. Not as part of any therapy programme, but as volunteers contributing to a thriving circular economy, ‘reclaiming’ products otherwise destined for landfill.
Out in the green space, some volunteers sorted and stacked plant pots ready for reuse; others painted the lids of donated test pots so the colours could be seen at a glance and in the workshop, recycled wood became rat traps to protect native birds. In the craft space, strands of wool were measured, knotted, and prepared for children’s craft kits.
“It’s about finding new opportunities for people to extend themselves,” says Anne Logan, founder of the YODC. “These aren’t token activities – they’re meaningful.”
Ger (Geraldine) Tew, Founder & Co-CEO of The Re-Creators, was very welcoming and supportive of our team of volunteers. “We love seeing our community grow through shared mahi and connection”.
Mandy, is one of the much-loved volunteer support people with YODC. “ Our time at Re-Create provides variety and choice which so many of our group need – something physical, hands-on, and different.” she said.
As in life, people’s preferences and abilities are different. Some gravitated toward gardening, others to sorting materials or woodwork. Mandy recalls one participant who had worked in construction in the past quickly found his rhythm in the workshop. “It was wonderful to see that spark – that confidence returning,” she says.
For Anne, these moments clearly demonstrate why participation and having a sense of purpose are essential.
“Coming together as a group is as important as the activity itself,” she says. “It’s about belonging – being part of something worthwhile.”
“They don’t want to be treated as people with dementia– they want to be volunteers,” Mandy says. “They want to feel they still add value. That’s what this is about – meaningful work that connects people with their community while providing a sense of purpose.”
The YODC believes these partnerships demonstrate a practical, community-led model for change – one that builds on existing spaces, networks, expertise and goodwill. "A truth is that existing services largely fail to meet the unique needs of individuals with younger onset dementia (YOD). Because those with YOD are often still physically able and socially active, they require age-appropriate programmes that extend, rather than limit, their quality of life. A new approach is necessary." Anne explains.
That approach, she says, is being shaped through lived experience – a “playbook” for younger onset support in New Zealand.
YODC’s goal is to create a central hub that coordinates and expands partnerships like Re-Create and Fair Food, ensuring more people can access age-appropriate activities, social connection and much needed support.
Until that happens, days like the one at Re-Create prove what’s possible for people with young onset dementia. With the support of the communities they helped build, they can remain active, valued, and visible.
“It’s small steps like this that change perceptions,” Mandy says. “And often, that’s where real progress starts.”
For info on ReCreate https://therecreators.co.nz/
For info on our work with Fair Food https://www.yod.co.nz/story/volunteering-at-fair-food-where-no-one-is-defined-by-dementia
YOUR DONATION will HELP US HELP OURSELVES.
Getting help needed is a living challenge for the group behind Young Onset Dementia Collective.
If we wait for Government, Ministry of Health or under-funded agencies, it will be too little too late for our people.
For many the situation is dire. Help is needed NOW so we made a collective conscious decision to do everything we can to help ourselves. Spouses, partners, carers of people living with younger onset dementia have real life reasons driving combined determination.
Help us keep minds engaged and spirits lifted for those affected. Plus support carers in their financial, mental and wellbeing journey.
