PEOPLE across the borough are invited to take on a festive challenge with a difference this December to support people living with young onset dementia.
Younger People with Dementia’s (YPWD) Advent Calendar Challenge will run from Tuesday, December 1 through to Thursday, December 24.
Instead of a chocolate, participants will discover a new challenge behind a virtual door every morning throughout December.
With three different challenges to choose from, people can take part each day in a way that suits them; for example, getting out for a daily mile, or making time for an hour doing something difficult.
Whatever they choose, there’s a new surprise behind every door, and prizes donated by local businesses and organisations to be won.
It costs £15 to take part, and participants are encouraged to set themselves a fundraising target of £50.
People can take part on their own, with friends and family, or as a workplace team.
The effects of dementia can be devastating.
One person supported by the charity, diagnosed with young onset dementia in his mid-30s, describes its effects.
“Imagine a person who has a wonderful career, a well-paid job, a beautiful family; living a great life,” he says.
“But all of a sudden, just like that, they lose everything.
“When I received my diagnosis, I lost my independence, my job, my financial freedom, my colleagues, and the person I had worked so hard to become.”
Young onset dementia affects people under the age of 65.
People may have to leave work earlier than planned, experience changes to family and relationships, face financial pressures and find that there are fewer services specifically designed around their age and circumstances.
YPWD provides specialist support for people living with young onset dementia and their families across Berkshire, Surrey Heath, North East Hampshire and Farnham.
It offers free activity-based workshops, one-to-one transition support, micro-groups, education and training, carer support, children’s groups and community outreach.
Its aim is to help people continue to live active, connected and fulfilling lives after diagnosis.
One workshop participant said: “People think that when you have dementia, your life is over and you can’t do anything anymore.
“But we can, and YPWD has helped me to do this.
“If we have the right support and help, we can still live full lives.”
Amy Pagan, marketing, fundraising & social media lead at YPWD, said: “Young onset dementia can turn someone’s life upside down at a time when they may still be working, raising a family and making plans for the future.
“It doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it affects the whole family.
“Our services give people the opportunity to stay connected, try new things, build confidence and spend time with others who understand what they’re going through.
“We also support the families and carers around them.”
Local businesses, community groups and workplaces are all encouraged to take part in YPWD’s Advent Calendar Challenge.
Money raised will support the charity to continue to provide its services throughout the year.
To participate, and/or to donate an advent calendar prize, people should visit: ypwd.info
