Dementia respite day care for the Greater Wellington area
Marsden Club
04 476 6719
Chelsea Club

The Chelsea and Marsden Club's Wellington region dementia day care trust enhances quality of life for our members

The Marsden Club in Karori and The Chelsea Club in Lyall Bay are dedicated to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's and related disorders. Our day care programmes offer a safe and home-like setting where members can engage in stimulating activities, while caregivers receive much-needed respite and support. By fostering social interaction and cognitive engagement, we help our members live well with dementia, maintaining their independence and quality of life for as long as possible.
Contact us to schedule a tour, meet our team, and find out how you can be part of our supportive community.

Trust in experienced care management for peace of mind

The Marsden Club and Chelsea Day Care Trusts are administered by a dedicated Board of Trustees, ensuring our operations are guided by experienced and compassionate leadership. Each trust appoints a Care Manager responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities and maintaining the high standards of care we promise. As registered charitable trusts, we are supported by government subsidies, private fees, community grants, and generous donations, allowing us to focus on what truly matters: the well-being of our members and their families.
John Barton
Chairman | Trustee | Quantity Surveyor
Brian Pike
Treasurer | Trustee | Accountant
Pakize Sari
Trustee | General Manager Te Hopai Home and Hospital
Heather Baldwin
Trustee | Chair of The Karori Community Centre
David Bratt
Trustee | Retired Doctor

Send us a message

Fill out the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

A legacy of pioneering dementia care in Wellington


Founded in Karori,Wellington in 1984, The Marsden Club was one of New Zealand’s first independent day care centres specifically for people with dementia. Recognising the lack of community support at the time, we set out to provide a space where individuals could continue living at home and in their communities for as long as possible.
In 1992, the Chelsea Club joined our mission in Lyall Bay, extending our reach to the eastern and southern suburbs. Today, both clubs continue to operate under one board, offering quality day programmes that benefit both members and their caregivers.

Our services are tailored to individual needs

Our services are designed to support both members and their carers, ensuring a balanced and enriching experience for all involved. At both The Marsden Club in Karori and The Chelsea Club in Lyall Bay, we offer:
  • Daycare respite with dementia care day programmes featuring exercise, cognitive stimulation, arts and crafts, music therapy, pet visits, and external outings.
  • A supportive environment for caregivers to receive guidance and respite

Community support and professional affiliations


As a charitable trust, we are contracted by the Capital & Coast District Health Board to provide specialist day care for individuals with dementia in the Wellington area. Our members may attend through government subsidies or privately, following an assessment process that ensures they receive the appropriate level of support.
We are deeply grateful to organisations such as The Nikau Foundation Trust, the Community Organisation Grants Scheme, The Sutherland Self Help Trust, the St John's Trust Op Shop, and The T.G. McCarthy Trust, whose contributions help sustain our vital services.

Creating meaningful connections and lasting impact

At The Marsden and Chelsea Clubs, we believe in the transformative power of community and connection. Our holistic approach combines cognitive stimulation and social interaction to enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia. We provide invaluable support to their caregivers, fostering a welcoming environment where everyone thrives.
We approach every interaction with empathy, care, and understanding. Potential members and caregivers are invited to visit us for morning tea, meeting our caregivers and experiencing our programmes firsthand. We value each member as a unique individual, tailoring our support to meet their specific needs, regardless of whether they attend through subsidy or private means.
The Marsden and Chelsea Clubs are dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with dementia and their caregivers. To learn more about our compassionate care and engaging programmes, please get in touch.

Become a Member of The Marsden Club in Karori or The Chelsea Club in Lyall Bay

Step 1
Get a Referral
Start by asking your GP to refer you to Care Coordination for an assessment.
Step 2
Assessment and Eligibility
Care Coordination will assess your needs and determine if you are eligible for funding. They will work with you to develop a plan to support you at home.
Step 3
Learn More About Our Clubs
You can call, email, or visit us for morning tea. We invite both prospective member and their caregiver to meet our staff, see our facilities, and get a feel for our atmosphere.
Step 4
Choose Your Membership Option
If you're interested in joining, you'll need to be referred by Care Coordination if you want to access subsidised care. Alternatively, you can choose to join privately without a subsidy.
Step 5:
Start Enjoying Our Services
Once you've completed the above steps, you can start enjoying our comprehensive day programmes and respite care, all tailored to meet your unique needs.