Every Friday, there is one date on the calendar that eight women at Brightwater The Oaks rarely miss.
Armed with name badges, stories to share and plenty of opinions, the group affectionately known as the Witty Women gathers for laughter, conversation, a few brain teasers and the occasional healthy debate.
What began as a Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) group has become a much-loved part of the week.
Led by Brightwater's occupational therapy team, the 14-week, evidence-based program supports people experiencing mild to moderate changes in memory. Each session follows a familiar structure, beginning with a warm-up activity before moving into a themed discussion or challenge, and finishing with an opening and closing song.
For Brightwater occupational therapist Holly Vanvliet, that consistency plays an important role.
"The group provides routine and structure to the week, with something to actively look forward to each Friday," she said.
"That predictability isn't accidental. Familiarity reduces anxiety and allows residents to focus on the task itself rather than worrying about navigating unpredictable situations."
And there is no doubt the Witty Women look forward to it.
Residents eagerly attend each session and take pride in being part of the group. Some even choose to wear their name badges throughout the week, a small but meaningful reminder of the friendships and sense of belonging they have found along the way.
A trip down memory lane
On a recent Friday, the women embarked on a journey around Australia and the world without ever leaving The Oaks.
They gathered around large maps and worked together to name as many locations as possible, tracing familiar places with their fingers and swapping stories of holidays, hometowns and adventures from years gone by.
The conversation soon turned to orientation and the little things that help us stay connected to the world around us with things like calendars, newspapers, keeping up with the weather and current events. As always, everyone had something to contribute.
Then came a simple question, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The room quickly filled with memories, laughter and reflection.
Residents spoke about places they had once called home, destinations they had visited, and childhood dreams from years gone by.
For Holly, activities centred around memories and life experiences have a powerful impact.
"They aren't simply nostalgia," she said.
"They actively draw on long-term memory, language and emotional processing."
By linking memories to current events and everyday experiences, residents are encouraged to think critically, share perspectives and explore new ideas together.
More than a Friday tradition
While supporting memory and mental engagement is an important aim of CST, Holly says many of the greatest benefits come from the connections formed around the table.
"I have observed that the social element of group CST sessions contributes as much to mood and wellbeing as the cognitive activities themselves," she said.
"Residents often report that they look forward to CST all week for the social and cognitive challenge of it."
Over time, Holly has watched friendships blossom and confidence grow.
Residents who may not have known one another previously now happily share opinions, lead discussions and help shape the sessions themselves.
"I often remind residents that it is their group and they can make the decisions," Holly said.
"My favourite part of the group is that residents are not afraid to speak up and have their opinion heard."
That ownership has sparked plenty of healthy debates, from family recipes passed down through generations to whose turn it is in quoits.
For the Witty Women, the weekly gathering has become more than a highlight on the calendar. It is a place to challenge their minds, enjoy each other's company and know their voice matters.
The place we call home
As the conversation unfolded, many residents found themselves reflecting not only where they had been, but where they are now.
One resident shared that while her move to The Oaks happened quickly and came with an adjustment period, she now feels grateful to be there and considers the people around her kind and caring.
Her reflection struck a chord with others around the table.
After spending time reminiscing about the many places they had lived, visited and called home over the years, many arrived at the same conclusion.
For all the adventures, journeys and chapters that had come before, many felt content in this season of life and grateful for the community they had found at The Oaks.
The conversation became so meaningful that the group decided everyone should contribute their thoughts to the whiteboard, including Holly.
A seat at the table
For Holly, one of the most rewarding parts of holding these groups is hearing the stories behind the people she meets each week.
"There is nothing more rewarding than hearing each person's life history and how this has formed the person they are today," she said.
"I love that this group provides a space for residents to feel included, witty and valued."
Every Friday, the Witty Women arrive ready for conversation, a challenge or two, and the chance to catch up with friends.
Somewhere between the activities and laughter, something else has taken shape.
A sense of belonging, a reason to look forward to next week, and of course, the comfort of knowing there's always a seat waiting for them at the table.
