Spouses Speak Out
- admin1356
- Oct 14, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2024
The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes Provides Hope, Community, and Inspires Action for Those with Young Onset Dementia
A new season of TVNZ 1's The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes premiered on Monday 14th October, featuring a fresh contingent of volunteers and a new location in Auckland's CBD. This season shines a spotlight on individuals of working age who are living with young onset dementia, offering them a platform to build confidence, develop new skills, and foster connections.
For spouses and partners of the volunteers, the restaurant experience has been transformative. ANDY, whose wife Sandra is part of the new season, was initially anxious about her participation but now feels a great sense of pride. “I’m really happy for her to be doing it, to be honest. Really proud of her,” he shares. His sentiments echo the feelings of many others in the same situation, as they watch their loved ones regain a sense of purpose.
Janine, another participant, has taken to the restaurant challenge with enthusiasm. Her husband, JASON, has seen firsthand the positive changes it has brought into their lives. "It's given her a good realisation that...she's still very useful to society and still very capable," he reflects, highlighting the mental and emotional lift the experience provides to both the volunteers and their families.
Behind the scenes, the families are the unsung heroes, offering tireless support to make this groundbreaking show possible. Samantha Blackley, the show's executive producer, acknowledges this: “There’s an enormous responsibility to do justice to the volunteers' bravery in agreeing to be part of the series. But it’s not just the cast; it’s their families as well, who have trusted us with their loved ones’ well-being and reputations. We couldn’t be more grateful.”
Anne Logan, whose husband Innes is a volunteer, found herself inspired to act after witnessing the impact the show had on him. Wanting to keep him engaged and connected, she helped co-found the Young Onset Dementia Collective (YOD Collective), a group focused on supporting younger people living with dementia through a very personal lens.
Dr Christina Ilse, the neuropsychologist featured in the show, hopes that the series can change societal attitudes toward dementia. "It would be amazing if, after people were diagnosed, they were still able to be involved in work or recreational activities that match their current functioning level," she says. It’s a vision shared by both the show’s creators and its supporters, who recognise that with the right opportunities, people living with dementia can still lead fulfilling lives.
Between 5 and 10% of people with dementia are under the age of 65, a demographic that often falls between the cracks. Many are still working, have young families, and face unique challenges, yet the resources available to them are limited.
The YOD Collective has been quick to make a difference. After their inaugural ‘Dining for Dementia’ fundraising event in June, hosted by renowned chef and TV personality Ben Bayly at Origine Restaurant, the momentum has only grown. Bayly, who has a personal connection to dementia through his grandmother Joan, was so moved by the volunteers’ and carers’ stories that he wanted to give back. "The families are really struggling, and there are not a lot of places for people with young onset dementia to go to interact," he explains.
The YOD Collective acknowledges the positive impact Bayly has for the cause. There is no denying he is a flag bearer for dementia awareness. He has taken on the role willingly which honours his grandmother and the younger people living with dementia who he now knows personally as result of the ‘Restaurant That Makes Mistakes’ experience.
The YOD Collective is honoured to announce that Ben Bayly has accepted a position as our ‘Cause Ambassador’ and will continue to play a crucial role in advocating for the cause, raising awareness, mobilising support and driving positive change for people and their families living with young onset dementia.
The Dining for Dementia event was a huge success, raising both funds and awareness. Bayly, who returned to The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes for a second series, has since partnered with the YOD Collective and is excited to announce Dining for Dementia Take Two.
Tickets are now available for this second fundraising event where the stars of the ‘The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes’ return to Origine to help host a special five course lunch, with proceeds going to the YOD Collective. SOLD OUT
As the second season of The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes unfolds, viewers will witness the transformative power of community, the importance of shared experiences, and the hope that even in the face of adversity, there are new beginnings to be found. The efforts of the Young Onset Dementia Collective, alongside the dedication of families, volunteers, and supporters like Bayly, are proof that real change is possible—and that a diagnosis is not the end of the story.
To know them is to love them like we do
The Young Onset Dementia Collective would like to acknowledge all involved from Great Southern Television who worked closely with us and our spouses before, during and after filming was complete. We can’t thank them enough for their integrity, professionalism and care. One day, when things have moved on in ways that may break our hearts, we have this to look back on and smile. Here we share a few of their thoughts on our wonderful people who live with young onset dementia.
Sandra – warmest smile, able to put anyone at ease, natural charm and chat is her superpower .. so giving, optimistic , lives in the moment
Lois – brightest blue eyes and most contagious laugh, a breath of fresh air, zest for life, seizes the day
Mal – dry sense of humour and kindest heart, a great listener - perfect for a barman!
Janine – gracious, competent , a generous leader who didn't think she could lead.
George – gentle, gracious, always working, up for anything, ready with a quick quip and a smile that lights the room
Kim – always ready with a laugh and a smile, life of the party
Wendy – brave and so very competent, determined she won't give up & dedicated to finishing what she starts
Tevita – the quiet achiever with a community conscience - quietly confident with a lovely smile
Kevin – brave heart and much mana, such a sense of humour - a performer on and off the field.
Innes - the sweetest smile and best turn of phrase. Charming, gentle, kind, smart, humorous , yes - the dad jokes , lol - 'he's got the paua!' Always ready with a hug!
MAKE NO MISTAKE, ‘THE RESTAURANT THAT MAKES MISTAKES’ IS A WINNER
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.
