Minds Together

Huinga Huatau

Keen to join as a uni student buddy? Register your interest below and we’ll be in touch when applications open for next semester

What is Minds Together?

Minds Together is a new initiative that was piloted in 2023 in collaboration with Alzheimers Otago. The programme pairs uni students with people who have early-stage dementia. Minds Together provides provides participants with meaningful connection and fun while visiting different university departments and chatting over kai.

The programme runs on campus for up to eight weeks over each semester. Each session is two hours long and involves an activity at a university department as well as morning tea with hot drinks and some yum food.

 
“My husband loved the interaction with the students, it was very stimulating for him and great fun. Highlight of his week”
— Past participant's caregiver
 
 
 

Buddies

The role of buddies is to hang out and foster friendships with the people with dementia and help them have a great time! If you’re interested in being a buddy apply above! Once applications close, we’ll notify you via email to invite you for an interview. If successful, you will need to be available for a training session, where buddies are provided training and education on dementia and working with people with dementia. This role also requires a background check via the Proctor’s office, any concerns regarding this please email us.

Time commitment

The sessions in Semester 1, 2024 are Thursdays from 10am to 12 noon. Each session is two hours, the first hour for kai and socialising and the second hour for the activity. Only apply if you can commit to ALL the sessions. The total time commitment across the semester is 18 hours total.

  • 2 hour training and education session

  • Eight x 2 hour sessions

Session dates for semester one 2024: Thursdays 10am-12pm

  • Training: 7th March

  • Session 1: 14th March

  • Session 2: 21st March

  • Session 3: 11th April

  • Session 4: 18th April

  • Session 5: 2nd May

  • Session 6: 9th May

  • Session 7: 16th May

  • Session 8: 23rd of March (TBC)

If you have any further questions feel free to flick an email to volunteer@otago.ac.nz

 
“Loved talking to the older people. I had such a good time getting to know them. Took me right out of my uni brain and I had such a good time hanging out with them and the group”
— Past uni buddy