Member showcase: Young Onset Dementia Activities (YODA), Bristol and South Gloucester
Building a community for people with young onset dementia
A Bristol and South Gloucestershire initiative for people living with young onset dementia has grown from a small pandemic walking group into a wide ranging programme of social and activity based meetups.
The first group
Known as YODA, the group was set up to support individuals diagnosed with young onset dementia at a time when few services were available.
It began during the pandemic, when meeting outdoors in small groups was one of the only safe options.
The group was founded by Sue Adsett and Joanne O’Neill, with early support from the South Gloucestershire Council Walking Well scheme which has since transferred to Age UK.
New ideas, new activities
As the first members connected, new activities quickly followed. Conversations within the walking group sparked the idea of a skittles session, leading to the creation of a skittles social at the Bendix Club, organised by Sue and Joanne. Member Christine Waldron, who attended with her husband, later suggested adding a lunchtime social group which meets twice a month at a local pub.
The programme has continued to expand as more families joined. Kirsty joined the group with her husband and they identified the need for more physical activity and approached a local sports centre.
This led to the launch of a badminton group, which has since evolved into pickleball.
Supporting one another
The growth of YODA has been driven by members. They support one another and friendships have developed beyond the scheduled sessions. The community now uses a dedicated WhatsApp group to stay in touch and has arranged activities including day trips, weekends away, quiz nights and seasonal events, including a Christmas party in December 2025.
New members joining the YODA groups receive written information with practical tips and signposting to local and national charities offering support.
YODA is open to people living with young onset dementia, as well as partners, family members, friends and supporters across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, and Bath and Northeast Somerset.
For more information contact Joanne O’Neill at joanne_oneill@hotmail.com.
YODA organising team
Sue Adsett – carer to her husband diagnosed with young onset dementia
Joanne O’Neill – retired Day Support Manager and Trainer for the Alzheimer’s Society and The Limes (now closed)
Christine Waldron – carer to a husband diagnosed with young onset dementia
Kirsty Parker – carer to her husband diagnosed with young onset dementia