Younger People With Dementia CIO

Who we are

Young onset dementia affects adults between the ages of 30-64. Nationally there are more than 71,800 younger people with dementia. 

People with young onset dementia often experience a more rapid decline in cognition and quality of life at a time when they may otherwise have expected to be in employment, have an active social life or are raising a family. The same applies to partners and other family members who consequently face social isolation and carer stress. In many cases, carers have to give up work to support their partner and therefore, the ability to provide respite on a daily basis is often pivotal to keeping carers in work. Furthermore, for the person with dementia, lack of appropriate activities can result in an increase in social isolation, apathy, a decline in health and increased risk of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Our charity was formed in 2012 and has grown year on year in both the numbers of the carers that it supports and those diagnosed with young onset dementia who attend appropriate weekday workshops across Berkshire, Surrey Heath and NE Hants, helping them to live better with dementia.

Traditional support services provided for those with dementia are designed to meet the needs and expected therapeutic outcomes of older adults and subsequently, access to activities appropriate for younger adults with dementia continues to be limited locally, regionally and nationally. The YPWD model encourages carer respite throughout the working week, giving all carers the chance to take a break.

Our culture and values

Our vision is to infuence a world where Younger People with Dementia are included and involved in every aspect of life wihtout discrimination or stigma.  

Our mission is to provide meaningful activity and respite for younger people with dementia and their families and carers.

Our core values: Innovative, Supportive, Enabling, Inclusive