Connections Do Matter

Happy and contented relationships are important to us all, but sometimes it just doesn’t seem to work out that way. There can be upset and confusion, anger and distrust, and sometimes we can wonder what went wrong.

Relationships are not always a bed of roses. Yet we still want that loving, warm connection, that makes us feel good about ourselves and those around us. The good news is that it is possible. With time, patience, and a willingness to try, we can all learn new ways to communicate, and with some help, we can learn how to truly connect. This is where Connections Matter can help.

Connections Matter supports the self and personhood of each individual through a relational-centred approach. We provide information, advice, and education for couples, and family and friends, so you can find something new. We are here especially for those who are experiencing relational difficulties, including those who want to maintain their friendships and keep their families together. We will support you by listening to your concerns, help you determine your needs, and provide practical support to enhance your relationships. At Connections Matter we look at relationships in a fresh and new way.

It's all about how we Communic8 and Connect

We all experience a range of emotions in any relationship, for better or worse. Relationships provide us with different feelings, from warm and loving, to other times feeling frustrated or hurt. From feeling joy and elation to sometimes feeling upset and angry. There can even be times when we just don't what we feel, let alone know what to say to be able to wade through the quagmire. And sometimes we don't know what to do. It can be even harder when difficulties with memory become apparent. But we all need relationships. Relationships that matter.

Even our best relationships can feel tested at times.

Our patience can be tested in many situations, even with people we know well, and we can feel unheard and disrespected. At times we can find it so hard, we get angry, limit contact or withdraw altogether. Relationships can fall apart and problems can extend across our social network, making everything even more strained. But still, healthy relationships are important.

At Connections Matter our first aim is to give you the skills you need to explore your ability to communicate.

Our second aim is to help you connect and reduce the isolation often experienced when difficulties communicating get in the way.

Through friendly support and the opportunity to talk, Connections Matter will be by your side. With interactive learning opportunities, Connections Matter will equip you with skills and techniques that add to existing relationship-centred approaches. With our novel approaches, dementia connection is possible. Because, after all, our connections matter.

Dementia affects any age.

Young woman reclining on a couch with a dog on her lap

The Approach

Learn.

Practise.

Reflect.

Learn. Practise. Reflect.® with Connections Matter. The Learn. Practise. Reflect.® approach provides the opportunity to not only reflect on a situation, but also our personal contribution. In this way we can learn what benefits or potentially detracts from our interactions.

Through Learn. Practise. Reflect.® we move beyond just improved communication to enhancing connection with people living with dementias, achieving dementia connection and relational-centred practice. Connections Matter can help with education and training for family members, friends, and professional staff to help create connections with people living with dementias; a major step in achieving calm and respectful relationships. Connecting with people living with dementia is possible through the unique approaches in connection offered by Connections Matter.

… that's why at Connections Matter we use a "Learn. Practise. Reflect" approach…

Embedding reflective practice through Learn. Practise. Reflect.® enables us to get the most from our relationships.

Give it a go. Connections Matter will provide you with the support you need, while helping you learn, grow, and reflect. Because, healthy relationships do matter.

… where all sessions are facilitated online. No need to leave the comfort and safety of your home.

"Learn. Practise. Reflect.

… for healthier relationships."

"We provide online courses to enhance connection with people living with dementias.
Courses cater to all levels, including people living with dementia, couples, families, friends, and professional care staff."

Connections Matter - providing friendly, individualised, person-centred support, with a focus on relationship-centred approaches.

About

Dr. Wendi Kruger | Founder of Connections Matter
Dr. Kruger has extensive experience supporting others, including children, adolescents, adults, and people living with dementia and their families and care partners. She is a passionate educator and experienced pastoral care counsellor. She has worked in the education, health, and aged care sectors in a variety of roles, including supporting people living with dementia, engaging students to learn in a safe and respectful environment, and listening to and supporting people in vulnerable situations.
Wendi has qualifications in education, movement and dance, theology, pastoral care, and public health, including a Master of Public Health and PhD for her research in dementia. Wendi continues to explore educational opportunities.

Her motto: Never stop learning.