Young People with Dementia (Berkshire) or YPWD is a local charity providing support and ancillary services for the ever increasing number of people who are diagnosed with Young Onset Dimentia.

A lack of appropriate activities for a person with dementia can lead to social isolation, apathy, a decline in health and increased risk of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Consequently, a primary aim of the charity is to run a variety of workshops across the county to stimulate social activity for clients, and, provide some respite time for their carers. Some activities run all year , such as the choir, whilst others may run in six week blocks.

Earlier this year the owners of Padworth Rectory granted access to a dedicated area of land and a building for YPWD to host appropriate indoor and outdoor workshops, during the working week and to utilise the building for training purposes.

On 10th December at the conclusion of a YPWD's 8th Harmony Choir Christmas concert W Bro Neil Murphy of Padworth Lodge presented a cheque for £1,000 to Mark Hainy (Director of YPWD) on behalf of the Berkshire Masonic Charity, the funds are to provide materials and equipment for the YPWD Padworth Project. Also featured in the picture are two choir members W Bro Mike Swales, a young person with dementia and W Bro Mike Kennedy a carer for his wife.

This donation from the BMC supplements £1,200 donated by Padworth Lodge.

If you know of anyone who might benefit from the support provided by YPWD please see their website for referral details. Similarly if you have a skill base that could form the foundation of a workshop or would like to help out at a workshop, volunteer details can also be found on their website.