"Ma iti ma rahi ra rapa te whai | Together we will achieve"
Brain Health Links
Our programmes often use or refer to the following services. Have a browse for more information and to see what services can aid you in your brain health journey.
Supporting someone living with dementia or concerns about memory changes can feel overwhelming at times — but you do not have to navigate it alone. At Whanganui Regional Health Network, we are committed to helping people, whānau and carers access the information, support and programmes they need to feel informed, connected and supported throughout their journey.
Whether you are noticing changes in yourself, supporting a loved one living with mate wareware/dementia, or simply wanting to learn more about protecting your brain health as you age, this page brings together a range of trusted resources and local support options to help you take the next step.
We encourage you to explore the links below to find practical advice, education, community support and guidance tailored to your situation. Sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to begin — and even small steps toward understanding and support can make a meaningful difference.
Our local programmes are designed to empower people to live well, stay connected and maintain quality of life. Through initiatives such as our Brain Health Education Series and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), we aim to provide practical tools, supportive environments and opportunities for social connection.
For many people and whānau, connecting with others who understand the dementia journey can be incredibly valuable. Community support organisations and education services can help people better understand changes in memory and thinking, while also supporting carers and families with practical strategies and reassurance.
You may wish to start by:
-
Learning more about brain health and healthy ageing
-
Exploring local dementia support services
-
Joining one of our education programmes or group sessions
-
Accessing information for carers and whānau
-
Talking with your GP or healthcare professional about any concerns
No matter where you are on your journey, support is available. We warmly encourage you to explore the resources below, connect with our programmes, and reach out if you would like guidance on what support may best suit you or your whānau.
(06) 345 1799
Age Concern New Zealand provides support, information and advocacy for older people, including those living with dementia and their whānau. Their services can help reduce isolation, connect people with community support, provide practical advice, and support people to remain independent and engaged in their communities for as long as possible.
Age Concern also offers wellbeing checks, social connection programmes, elder abuse support services, and guidance for families navigating the challenges that can come with memory changes and dementia. Their compassionate, person-centred approach helps ensure older people feel valued, supported and connected throughout their journey.
Alzheimers Whanganui
https://alzheimers.org.nz/whanganui/
(06) 345 8833
Alzheimers Whanganui provides compassionate, local support for people living with dementia/mate wareware, as well as their families, carers and whānau throughout Whanganui, Rangitīkei and Waimarino. Their team works alongside people to provide practical advice, education, support groups and personalised guidance to help individuals continue living meaningful and connected lives.
Alzheimers Whanganui also offers programmes such as Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), social outings, carer education sessions and support groups, helping reduce isolation while promoting wellbeing, confidence and social connection. Their welcoming and person-centred approach ensures people affected by dementia have access to trusted support every step of the way.
CART Community Assessment & Rehabilitation Team Whanganui
0800 725 463
Community Assessment & Rehabilitation Team (CART) Whanganui supports older people and their whānau to maintain independence, safety and wellbeing while living at home. CART provides assessment, rehabilitation and coordination services for people who may be experiencing changing health, mobility, memory or support needs.
For people living with dementia/mate wareware, CART can help identify the level of support needed at home, connect individuals and whānau with appropriate community services, and work alongside health professionals to ensure care is tailored to each person’s needs and goals. Their multidisciplinary approach focuses on helping people remain as independent, safe and connected as possible within their community.
https://hospicewhanganui.org.nz/
(06) 349 0080
Hospice Whanganui provides compassionate support for people living with life-limiting illnesses, as well as care and guidance for their whānau and carers. For people living with dementia/mate wareware and other complex health conditions, Hospice Whanganui offers holistic support that focuses on comfort, dignity, quality of life and helping people remain connected to what matters most.
Their multidisciplinary team provides practical, emotional, spiritual and social support both in the home and within their inpatient facility. Hospice Whanganui also supports whānau through respite care, education, bereavement support and guidance during difficult times, ensuring people do not have to navigate their journey alone. Their person-centred approach helps individuals and families feel supported, informed and cared for every step of the way.
0508 36 54 83
Kowhainui Home, part of Enliven Central, provides compassionate, person-centred support for older people, including those living with dementia/mate wareware. Their approach focuses on creating a warm and welcoming environment where people can experience companionship, meaningful activity, dignity and connection while receiving the care they need.
Kōwhainui offers a range of positive ageing services including respite care, day programmes, hospital-level care and dementia support, helping individuals and whānau navigate changing needs with confidence and support. Their caring team works alongside residents and families to promote independence, wellbeing and quality of life in a safe and supportive community environment.
Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Social Development provides a range of financial assistance, community support and practical services that can help people living with dementia/mate wareware and their whānau manage everyday challenges. Through services such as Work and Income, MSD can help eligible people access financial support, disability allowances, housing assistance, carer support and information about available community resources.
For many families, navigating the practical and financial impacts of dementia can feel overwhelming. MSD’s services are designed to help reduce stress and connect people with the support they may need to remain safe, supported and independent for as long as possible. Their staff can also help guide whānau toward other organisations and services that may be beneficial throughout the dementia journey.
Mental Health & Wellbeing Whanganui
(06) 345 3301
Mental Health & Wellbeing Whanganui provides support for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing challenges, including older adults and whānau navigating the emotional impacts that can come with dementia/mate wareware. Their services can help people access assessment, support, counselling and guidance tailored to their individual needs and circumstances.
Living with dementia can affect emotional wellbeing for both the individual and their carers. Mental Health & Wellbeing Whanganui works alongside people and whānau to help reduce stress, build coping strategies and connect individuals with appropriate community and health supports. Their compassionate, recovery-focused approach aims to help people feel heard, supported and connected throughout their journey.
https://mokaipateaservices.org.nz/
(06) 388 1156
Mōkai Pātea Services provides kaupapa Māori, whānau-centred support services for individuals and families across the Mōkai Pātea rohe, including Taihape, Waiouru and surrounding communities. Their Whānau Ora approach focuses on strengthening wellbeing, connection and self-determination for whānau through culturally grounded support and advocacy.
For people living with dementia/mate wareware and their whānau, Mōkai Pātea Services can help connect individuals with health, wellbeing and community supports, while also providing practical guidance, advocacy and holistic care coordination. Their services are delivered in a way that recognises the importance of whakapapa, tikanga and whānau wellbeing, helping people feel supported, connected and empowered throughout their journey.
(06) 346 5707
Ngā Rauru Kītahi Iwi Authority provides a range of kaupapa Māori health, social and wellbeing services that support whānau across the rohe. Their approach is grounded in tikanga Māori, whanaungatanga and holistic wellbeing, recognising the importance of cultural connection, identity and whānau support throughout all stages of life.
For people living with dementia/mate wareware and their whānau, Ngā Rauru can help connect individuals with health and community services, advocacy, wellbeing support and culturally responsive care. Their whānau-centred approach helps ensure people feel supported, respected and connected to their culture and community while navigating the challenges that can come with memory changes and ageing.
(06) 348 9902
For dedicated dementia support across our region, we highly recommend connecting with Ngā Tai o Te Awa. Grounded in manaakitanga and a holistic, whānau-centered approach, they offer incredible guidance, practical education, and community networks for individuals and families navigating a dementia diagnosis.
We encourage you to explore their work and reach out to their team to see how their compassionate services can support your journey.
0800 672 644
For those living within the iwi rohe, Ngāti Rangi provides compassionate, holistic support for whānau navigating health journeys, including dementia. Deeply rooted in kawa and tikanga, their health and wellbeing initiatives focus on uplifting the mana of individuals and ensuring families are wrapped in consistent, community-led care.
We highly encourage you to connect with their team to discover the local support and guidance available to your whānau.
https://www.ngatiapakiterato.iwi.nz/
0800 227 2494
For whānau seeking trusted guidance and care, Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō provides holistic health and wellbeing support that puts the family at the center. Their dedicated team is committed to uplifting the community, offering a reassuring network of care and cultural support for individuals and whānau navigating health journeys, including dementia.
We highly encourage you to connect with them to see how their compassionate services can support your family.
https://www.ngawairikingatiapa.com
(06) 327 5594
For whānau within the Rangitīkei region, Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa offers comprehensive health and social services designed to support the wellbeing of the entire family. Grounded in a holistic, whānau-centered approach, their team provides a reassuring environment, practical guidance, and local care networks to help you and your loved ones confidently navigate health journeys, including dementia.
We encourage you to reach out to their team to see how their dedicated services can support your whānau.
(06) 349 0007
As a highly valued partner of ours, Te Oranganui provides an exceptional, dedicated Mate Wareware (Dementia) service that is a cornerstone of support in our community. Grounded in a holistic Whānau Ora philosophy, their team goes above and beyond to deliver culturally safe, compassionate, and expert care tailored to the unique journey of each individual and their whānau.
Through vital education, practical guidance, and a deeply reassuring network of local care, Te Oranganui ensures that no family has to face the challenges of dementia alone. We work closely alongside them and cannot recommend their wrap-around services highly enough for anyone seeking trusted, dedicated support.
(06) 345 2042
An iwi-mandated organization within the lower reaches of the Whanganui River rohe, Tūpoho Social Services delivers free, values-based Kaupapa Māori support to uplift the collective wellbeing of the community. Through their dedicated Kaumātua Ora (elderly support) and Manaaki Whānau initiatives, their wrap-around services offer crucial advocacy, social work, and holistic care networks that ensure older adults and their wider families are nurtured, respected, and fully supported.
We highly encourage you to connect with their team to find out how their comprehensive, whānau-centered programs can help ease your journey.
0800 008 011
Your Way | Kia Roha is a nationwide, community-facing organization dedicated to empowering people to live the life they choose. In the Whanganui region, their specialized teams provide free, independent information, connection, and support services to help individuals and whānau navigate health changes and neurological conditions, including dementia. Their focus is on understanding your unique goals and helping you access the right local resources, equipment, and networks to maintain your independence and wellbeing.
We encourage you to reach out to their helpful team to explore the practical guidance and navigation support available to your family.