Minds Together
Huinga Huatau
Applications now open
for Semester 1, 2026.
What is Minds Together?
Where connection, compassion, and community come together.
Minds Together is a unique programme that brings university students together with people living with early-stage dementia to share stories, laughter, and meaningful time together. Each session takes place on campus and includes a fun, interactive activity with a university department followed by relaxed conversation over morning tea.
Run in collaboration with Alzheimers Otago, Minds Together offers a chance to build genuine friendships, grow understanding around dementia, and brighten someone’s week—yours included.
“My husband loved the interaction with the students, it was very stimulating for him and great fun. Highlight of his week”
Buddies
As a Minds Together buddy, your role is simple but powerful: be present, be kind, and help the person you're paired with have a really good time. You’ll support them during sessions, chat, laugh, and share in the experience together.
Before the programme begins, all buddies take part in a short training session that covers dementia awareness and communication tips, so you feel confident and well-supported in your role.
A background check via the Proctor’s Office is required for this role. Any concerns regarding this please email us.
Time commitment
In Semester 1, 2026 Minds Together will run on WEDNESDAYS 10AM-12PM, with approximately 8-9 sessions over the semester. Sessions typically include an activity or visit to a host department followed by morning tea.
You’ll also attend a compulsory one-off training session prior to starting.
Total time commitment is approximately 18–20 hours for the semester.
Please only apply if you can commit to all sessions—consistency is really important to the success of the programme and to the people involved.
2 hour training and education session
8-9 x 2 hour sessions
Want to join Minds Together?
The application form includes all key dates and details for the upcoming semester, so make sure to give that a read.
If you have any questions or just want to kōrero more about the programme, feel free to pop in and chat with us at Unicrew on campus, or flick us an email at volunteer@otago.ac.nz. We’d love to hear from you!
“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”
