Living with Dementia

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Young Onset Dementia (YOD) refers to individuals diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65. There are currently over 800 people living with Young Onset Dementia in Hertfordshire, with some individuals diagnosed as young as their late twenties.

Cathartic currently provides one of the only dedicated creative programmes for people living with Young Onset Dementia in Watford and Three Rivers.

Our sessions offer age-appropriate, stimulating and person-centered creative experiences designed around the interests, abilities and needs of both individuals living with dementia and their careers.

We understand that a diagnosis of Young Onset Dementia can feel isolating and life-changing. Our workshops provide a welcoming and uplifting space where people can connect, express themselves creatively and enjoy meaningful shared experiences together.

Creative activities can play a powerful role in supporting wellbeing, communication and confidence. Through creativity, participants are able to:

• reconnect with memories and identity 
• reduce stress and anxiety 
• engage socially in a relaxed environment 
• build confidence and self-expression 
• experience enjoyment and achievement together 

Our sessions may include:

• reminiscence-based art activities 
• painting, drawing and mixed media 
• music and singing 
• storytelling and conversation 
• sensory experiences 
• creative memory work and reminiscence boxes 

Every session is adapted to the individuals attending and focuses on creating a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment.

“The sessions really improve my wife’s and my wellbeing. Each session is imaginative and well thought out. We have produced pieces of work together which I will treasure and never dreamed we could have done."
 

"When my wife is in your group, it is the one place where she reverts back to the lady I first fell in love with. She is sociable, confident and loving. It is like the dementia leaves her when she walks through the doors".
 

"For me, participating in the creative activities is a welcome distraction from day-to-day worries. The sessions provide freedom from stress and anxiety and help ground me in the present."
 

"They also provide an incentive to get out of the house and spend time with a lovely group of people who truly understand one another.”