Member showcase: Pathways Young Onset Dementia Support Group
A vibrant, peer support community that offers both emotional support and opportunities to get involved in activities, creativity, research and awareness raising.
Pathways has been running in Bradford for over 25 years, originally as part of the Alzheimer’s Society. It was formed after people with young onset dementia said they wanted a safe space for themselves and their partners or carers to meet and connect with others in a similar situation. Importantly, they wanted a group that met in the evening and was not like a traditional support group, but one that included activities that younger people would enjoy – chosen by them.
Since then, Pathways has evolved into a stand alone charity, funded through group fundraising and led by volunteers. Today, it is a vibrant peer support community that offers both emotional support and opportunities to get involved in activities, creativity, research, and awareness-raising.
Who is Pathways for?
Pathways is a support group for people whose symptoms of dementia began when they were under the age of 65, or who feel they would not fit into a standard support group, which are mostly aimed at older people. The group also welcomes carers and former carers, recognising that the experience of caring does not end when the caring situation changes.
What Pathways offers
First and foremost, Pathways is a peer support group, but it is also social, creative and active. Activities are led by the group itself, ensuring everything reflects members’ interests.
- Sharing and listening: a safe space to talk about experiences
- Social activities: pub trips, theatre visits, bowling, cinema, and days out to places of interest
- Creativity: as part of Bradford’s City of Culture 2025, Pathways ran an art project with poetry, storytelling, improvisation, collage and more, ending with a public exhibition. It is also closely linked to the Tumbling Hill Theatre Group, where members can get involved in acting, scriptwriting, production and other aspects of theatre
- Staying connected: a WhatsApp group helps keep members updated, in the loop, and connected between meetings. It is especially valuable for anyone who may be feeling isolated and even helps those who struggle to get to meetings still feel part of the group. Pathways also run an online carers’ group via Zoom, offering support and connection for current and former carers
- Community involvement: taking part in local events, awareness raising, and advocacy
- Research: members contribute to dementia research, helping to improve services and quality of life for others
Alongside its in person group, Pathways run a thriving Facebook community with nearly 1,000 members, open to anyone interested in young onset dementia. Most of those who post are people living with young onset dementia themselves, sharing advice, encouragement and solidarity.
Where and when Pathways meet
Pathways meet monthly, both face to face and online. In person meetings take place in the University of Bradford, usually on the second Thursday of each month, from 6pm to 8pm.
Online meetings (via Zoom) mean members who are unable to travel can still stay connected. Pathways also run new Zoom meetings for carers, on dates chosen by members.
There are around 25 regular members at the face-to-face group, with many more connected online
Partnerships and connections
Pathways is proud to be a DEEP group (Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project). The group works closely with:
- The Admiral Nurse service, Bradford
- The University of Bradford
- The Centre for Applied Dementia Studies
- Bradford Dementia Hub
These partnerships ensure members’ voices are heard locally and nationally.
What makes Pathways special
A unique sense of friendship, equality and purpose it creates is what makes Pathways so special. Some of the members shared their thoughts on the group and what it means to them:
“It’s the feeling of still being helpful – by sharing our difficulties, we help improve the journey for those to come.”
“The advice and support from the group when my husband was alive was invaluable. I’ve now got a great network of friends who support each other and socialise together. I wouldn’t have these friends now, had it not been for Pathways.”
“Listening to each other and learning from different experiences – sharing your good and bad days.”
“No one is judged or criticised. People with dementia, carers, and volunteers are all treated the same – with respect.”
“The WhatsApp group is so beneficial – regular contact helps when people feel isolated.”
For more information about Pathways Young Onset Dementia Support Group, visit its website or Facebook page. Or alternatively email pathwaysdementia@gmail.com or call 07917 751478.