Minds Together

Huinga Huatau

Keen to join as a uni student buddy? Apply below.

***IMPORTANT: Semester 2 2025sessions are TUESDAYS 10am-12noon.
Read all the information on this page before applying.***

What is Minds Together?

Minds Together connects university students with individuals who have early-stage dementia for socialising and engaging activities. Minds Together provides participants with meaningful connections 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. Minds Together is run in collaboration with Alzheimers Otago.

 
“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!

Once applications close we’ll let you know via email if you are invited to have an interview. If successful, you must 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

Sessions in Semester 2, 2025 are TUESDAYS from 9.45 am to 12 noon.

Each session is two hours, the first hour for an activity and socialising and the second hour for morning tea. Only apply if you can commit to ALL the sessions. The total time commitment across the semester is 18-20 hours total.

  • 2 hour training and education session

  • 8 x 2 hour sessions

Session dates for semester 2 2025:

Tuesdays 9.45 am - 12 pm

  • Training: 22 July

  • Session 1: 29 July

  • Session 2: 5 August

  • Session 3: 12 August

  • Session 4: 19 August (followed by a 2 week break)

  • Session 5: 9 September

  • Session 6: 16 September

  • Session 7: 23 September

  • Session 8: 30 September

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