Wellington: A Dementia Inclusive Initiative.
- victoria29826
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
By Claire – Community Engagement Coordinator, Reminiscence Learning
What do you think of when someone mentions charity?
Is it the shaking of buckets? Being asked for donations, raffle prizes, dress-up days, silly hats, and lots of laughs? Or maybe it’s simply the local charity shop on your high street.
But what if I told you that charity can be more than that?
Hi! I’m Claire, the Community Engagement Coordinator at Reminiscence Learning, a Wellington-based charity specialising in dementia care, activity and reminiscence training, and community-led projects.
My role is all about building connections — linking our organisation with local businesses, groups, and services across the Southwest, and promoting our ‘Wellington: Dementia Inclusive Community’ initiative.
This initiative was born out of a successful National Lottery bid in early 2025. That funding has supported so much — our respite sessions, Archie Project, community sessions, the appointment of a Statistician, and yes, the creation of my role.
Since stepping into this journey, I’ve learned a lot — not just about dementia, but about people, community, and the power of connection. Let me share a few reflections with you.
1. Common Misconceptions
People can be cautious of charities, especially when they don’t know what you do. And dementia — it’s a topic many shy away from. It’s scary. I know it was for me.
My nan lived with Alzheimer’s, and my dad developed vascular dementia after a stroke. It was frightening, unkind, and at times brutally hard. But amid all of that, there were also beautiful moments. We found laughter in the bizarre and rediscovered love and kindness as a family.
Looking back, I wish we’d had more support at the time of diagnosis — someone to guide us through it all, someone to tell us we weren’t alone. That’s a big part of what drives me now.
We know times are tough financially, and sometimes people assume we’re just asking for money. But support doesn’t always have to be financial. Awareness, signposting, sharing what we do — these can make a world of difference to someone navigating dementia.
2. Pick Your Challenges
Don’t force it. People will join the journey if and when they’re ready.
When I first stepped into this role, I wanted to shout about the Dementia Inclusive Community from the rooftops! I was excited — and a bit overwhelmed by the opportunities that came my way.
I’m a heart-on-my-sleeve kind of person, and I threw myself into it. But not everyone felt the same passion right away, and that surprised me. I’ve come to realise: that’s okay. Everyone’s on their own path, and real change happens through consistent, patient effort — not pressure.
3. Pace Yourself
Ever feel like your “social battery” runs flat? I certainly did.
I had so many ideas (especially at 2am!) and I wanted to do them all. A very wise man — okay, it was my brother, but don’t tell him I said he was wise; I will never hear the end of it! — once told me: “Pick your buckets.” He meant I didn’t need to carry everything at once. And he was right.
I now try to balance my energy, choose my focus areas, and understand that I can always pick up a different “bucket” later. Burnout doesn’t help anyone, least of all the cause we’re working for.
4. Community Matters
We are incredibly lucky to have the support of the Wellington community. From the local council to our schools and high street businesses, everyone is asking the same question:“How can we bring our community together?”
Coffee and cake help, of course (they always do!) — but it’s about more than that. It’s about teamwork, shared goals, friendships, and a strong social fabric.
And none of this would be possible without our brilliant team and amazing volunteers. Every single day, they show up, support, and make this vision a reality.
5. Stay True to You
Imposter syndrome? Oh, I know it well.
I’ve struggled with anxiety and with being made to feel ‘less than.’ That self-doubt creeps in and whispers that you’re not good enough. But here’s what I’ve learned:You can do the thing. You are enough. And your experiences — even the tough ones — can become your strength.
This journey I’m on is deeply personal, but also full of hope. I believe in what we’re building here, and I’d love for you to be part of it.
Join the Journey
Whether you're a business, school, organisation, or just someone who wants to learn more — you are welcome.
Let’s work together to make Wellington a truly Dementia Inclusive Community.
Thank you for reading, Claire 💜Community Engagement Coordinator, Reminiscence Learning
07421 536 695
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