A Journey From Caregiver to Changemaker
The non-profit organisation Be in the World is shining a light on dementia and the people it affects, especially in the awareness build up in light of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September. Its mission is simple but profound: to create safe, creative spaces where families living with dementia can connect through music, art, movement, wellness activities, and shared meals.
Be in the World grew out of lived caregiving experience and a deep recognition of how lonely and exhausting home-based care can be.
Linda Pithers (Founder of Be in the World) says: “Families are too often left without guidance, battling stress, burnout, and stigma.”
The organisation she founded last year is working to change that by building community hubs that reduce isolation, foster inclusion, and demonstrate that life with dementia can still hold creativity, dignity, and connection.
Building Community-Rooted Support
Rather than applying a rigid clinical model, Be in the World adapts to local needs — whether in Woodstock, Lotus River, or the Deep South. These hubs are not simply workshops; they are lifelines where families can experience companionship, peer support, and dignity.
Above image: Woodstock workshops
Importantly, Be in the World sees its programmes as community-led. The idea is that each pilot area develops its own outcomes. Participants, activity providers, facilitators, and coordinators all play a role in shaping what works for their community.
The Pilot Sessions
The pilot sessions Be in the World has coordinated so far are designed as platforms to explore new approaches and activities — or to reintroduce ones that aren’t widely available. Sessions may include painting, collage, movement, music, or salt-dough modelling, alongside caregiver wellness coaching, counselling, and basic training. Families also share nutritious meals, laughter, and moments of lightness together.
One participant, Denise (57), described the change it brought to her family:
“The workshops were informative but also deeply meaningful, giving us tools, encouragement and a sense of connection…. I saw my mother in a completely different light. She still has abilities we were overlooking.”
Another, Rashid (61), expressed his relief:
“Now I know we are not going through this situation alone. That has made life so much easier.”
Facilitators, too, have seen the impact. Kenneth from Art4Life recalls how hesitant participants eventually joined in:
“The sessions unlock social cues and non-verbal memory prompts, and a calmer and happier mood, creating meaningful interaction even when recall is limited.”
These stories reveal the potential of inclusion: when people with dementia are seen, heard, and celebrated, stigma begins to give way to belonging.
The Campaign of Hope
To ensure these pilot projects remain accessible, Be in the World launched a BackaBuddy campaign on 15 August 2025. The goal is to raise R20,000, so that no family is excluded due to financial barriers. So far, eight donors have contributed R4,850, helping the dream take root.
Donations cover essential costs such as facilitators, venues, catering, and outreach. Each session costs about R5,000 to run and serves up to 20 people. For R250, a donor can sponsor one person’s participation in a single session. A contribution of R1,000 covers one person’s participation in all four sessions of a pilot programme.
This support helps Be in the World provide ongoing opportunities for families, while also building evidence of need and establishing a community presence. The pilots are a first step — gathering the data and local involvement needed to build long-term sustainability.
Changing the Narrative Around Dementia
One of the greatest barriers families face is stigma. Dementia is too often misunderstood as “normal ageing” or something to be hidden. Be in the World is helping to challenge these myths by raising awareness that dementia is a disease — and that activity, connection, and support can improve quality of life.
This November, Be in the World is focusing on Cape Town’s Deep South. The pilot there will explore how families, businesses, and local leaders can seed a future “dementia-friendly” community, where inclusion is part of everyday life.
Be in the World’s projects demonstrate that dementia does not mean the end of joy, dignity, or belonging. Instead, they highlight how communities can rise together to provide support, reduce stigma, and create spaces where everyone feels included.
The campaign is more than fundraising — it is about building a culture of compassion and resilience.
In aid of raising awareness around World Alzheimer’s Day, Be in the World reminds us all: families living with dementia don’t need to walk this journey alone. With collective action, small donations, and open hearts, we can build communities where everyone truly gets to Be in the World.
👉 Support the campaign here: Dementia-Friendly Deep South | BackaBuddy
And please share — every donation and every share helps build a dementia-friendly world.
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