26 July 2026
Foreword from the Chairperson
Dear Members, Friends and Supporters,
It is with great pride and a full heart that I welcome you to this, our very first newsletter, in a year that marks a truly special milestone: ten years of the Seychelles Alzheimer's Foundation.
When SAF was founded in June 2016 by Mrs Lise Church, it began as a small group of dedicated volunteers determined to give people living with dementia and those who care for them the support and dignity they deserve. A decade later, that same spirit endures. What began as an idea has grown into a trusted community offering support group meetings, certified caregiver training, our Dementia Art Therapy and music sessions, free home visits, and awareness campaigns across our islands.
One of our proudest achievements is SAF's recognition as the exclusive member organisation for Seychelles of Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI), the global federation of Alzheimer and dementia associations, established in 1984 and in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through ADI, which unites more than 100 member associations worldwide, Seychelles now has a seat at the global table. This membership connects us to international knowledge, guidance and advocacy and ensures that the voices of people affected by dementia in our small island nation are heard within the wider world.
Yet our work is far from finished. We continue to advocate for dementia to be recognised as a public health priority in Seychelles and to pursue our long-term goal of suitable accommodation and services for people living with dementia. None of what we have achieved would have been possible without our devoted members, volunteers and partners; your compassion is the very heart of this Foundation.
As we gather for our Annual General Meeting on 2nd August to celebrate ten years, I thank each of you and warmly invite you to continue walking this journey with us. Together, we are remembering and caring as one.
With warm regards,
Captain David Savy Chairperson,
Seychelles Alzheimer's Foundation
A Word of Welcome & Our 10th Anniversary AGM
This newsletter marks the start of a new way of keeping you informed — a regular update on what is happening at SAF: our events, our activities, and the ways you can become involved. We hope it helps you feel closer to the work of the Foundation and to the community we serve.
And what better moment to begin than as we celebrate ten years! Save the date: Sunday, 2nd August 2026, for our Annual General Meeting — a chance to come together, to look back on all we have achieved, and to look ahead to the decade to come.
To honour the occasion, we will follow the AGM with a celebratory lunch at the Espace Building. We warmly invite all our members to join us, to celebrate how far we have come, to thank everyone who has made it possible, and to share a meal together as one community.
A note for members: if your membership fees are still outstanding, please settle them by 2 pm on Wednesday 29th July 2026 to take part in the AGM. Payment can be made by bank transfer, MCB Juice, or cash at the office. Please also complete the SAF Membership Form:
...Please come and celebrate with us; your presence is the best gift the Foundation could ask for on its 10th birthday. And do read on for news of World Alzheimer's Month, our support group and activities, and how you can get more involved.
World Alzheimer's Month — September 2026
September is World Alzheimer's Month, with World Alzheimer's Day on 21 September as its centrepiece. It is the global focal point for raising awareness and challenging the stigma that still surrounds dementia.
...this year's theme is "The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters".
The 2026 campaign shines a light on the importance of early diagnosis, why it matters, what it opens up for families in terms of support and planning, and why so many people wait too long before seeking one. Throughout September, we will share information and encourage conversations to help our community recognise the signs early and know that help is available. Watch this space for our Alzheimer's Month activities.
We're searching for volunteers! We would love your help to make World Alzheimer's Month a success, whether at awareness stands and community events, sharing information, or simply lending a hand on the day. If you would like to take part, please get in touch with us. Every helping hand makes a difference.
Support Group Meeting — 18th July
What an excellent support group meeting we had on 18th July! First of all, seven people turned up, quite unexpected and wonderful to see.
It was an engaging group made up of carers and family members, including a lady living with Alzheimer's herself. Nane Lionet and Bernadette Payette had a very positive exchange of stories, anecdotes and ideas with them. Some grew emotional at times, but we also laughed at others. Overall, everyone came away feeling much better, somewhat more relieved for having shared their worries, and they have already asked for another meeting. It was two hours very well spent. A warm thank you to the Anse Royale District Administration for the loan of the hall.
Meetings like these matter more than words can say. Caring for someone living with dementia can be lonely and exhausting, and having a safe space to share worries, swap practical tips, and be heard by others who understand can make a real difference. No one should have to walk this road alone.
Can you help? We would love more volunteers to help us run these gatherings and support the families and carers of people living with dementia, welcoming people, lending a listening ear, or helping with the practical arrangements. If you'd like to give a little of your time, please get in touch. Together we can make sure these meetings continue.
Dementia Art Therapy
Our Dementia Art Therapy sessions continue to meet twice a month, and we are delighted with the participation. These sessions are a joyful, creative space where members can express themselves through painting, connect with others and simply enjoy the moment. The engagement has indeed been excellent, a real highlight of our calendar.
Home Care Agency Carers' Training, 9th July 2026
We ran a training session for carers from the Home Care Agency. It's vital work, equipping the people on the front line of care with the knowledge and confidence they need. The session covered:
Education on Alzheimer's Disease: understanding the condition and how it progresses
How to cope with difficult behaviours: practical, compassionate strategies
Nutrition: supporting health and wellbeing through good food and hydration
Small Coins, Big Impact
The Foundation's greatest strength is its people. As we step into our second decade, we would love to see more members getting actively involved.
There are so many ways to help:
Volunteer at our programmes and events
Lend a hand with fundraising activities
Bring your ideas — fresh thinking is always welcome
Simply be more active in the life of the Foundation
If you can spare a little time, energy or enthusiasm, we would be so grateful to hear from you. Please speak to a committee member or contact us.
No offer of help is too small.
First Aid & CPR Training — 21–24 July 2026
From 21st to 24th July 2026, our members took part in a First Aid & CPR training programme, which concluded on a high note with a group photo marking the successful completion of the course. Participants were highly engaged throughout, actively taking part in both the practical and theoretical sessions. SAF was represented at the training by Mrs Jenita Adrienne
Seychelles Alzheimer's Foundation • Remembering together |