It’s been a whirlwind month for Dementia Disco! From the coast of Northumberland to the heart of Warwickshire, our movement is growing. This March, we’ve seen the true power of our "Run Your Own Disco" pilot scheme, proving that with the right framework, local communities can create extraordinary spaces of joy and inclusion.
Here is a look back at the highlights from a truly magical month.
Southam: Building Confidence and Connection
On 28th February, Southam hosted our second-ever "Run Your Own Disco" pilot. It was a night defined by laughter and familiar melodies. One of our founders, Nick Shaw, dropped by to witness the magic first hand as the community came together over a delicious dinner and plenty of dancing.
The feedback from the Southam team perfectly captures why we do this:
"Music has such a powerful way of unlocking memories, sparking conversation, and bringing people closer."
A massive thank you to the incredible volunteers and the RBL team for their energy. If you missed out, don't worry, the Southam disco is now a monthly fixture! Join them on the 4th Saturday of every month (next one: 28th March) from 5–7pm at The Community Hub & Café, Southam.
You can book your free tickets here:
https://portal.dementiadisco.org/
Success in Seahouses: A Coastal Celebration
Our third pilot took flight in Northumberland on 7th March. Led by Dr Carol Sargent and DJ Gary Allenby, the evening at Seahouses Social Club was a masterclass in community spirit.
From Bay City Rollers hits to a surprise visit from Myia the therapy dog, the energy was electric. However, the true highlight was seeing a guest named Brian. Usually non-verbal and quiet, Brian took to the dance floor and ended the night giving everyone a thumbs-up and saying bye. It is these moments of connection that make every effort worthwhile.
Seahouses by the numbers:
10 local volunteers making the magic happen.
£197 raised through raffle prizes donated by local businesses.
Visitors from as far as Wooler and Alnwick joined the fun.
The Seahouses disco takes place the first Saturday of every month 5-7pm at the Seahouses Social Club, 126 Main St, Seahouses NE68 7TR.
You can book your free tickets here:
https://portal.dementiadisco.org/
Looking Ahead: New Horizons in Manchester
The momentum isn't slowing down! We're thrilled to announce our upcoming dates for Greater Manchester. Whether you are in Stretford or Timperley, there is a dance floor waiting for you.
Stretford
Stretford Public Hall, M32 0LG
10th April, 8th May, 19th June (5–7pm)
Timperley
Timperley Sports Club,
WA15 7LU
Starting Friday 1st May 5-7pm (then the Last Friday of every month, 5–7pm)
Both events offer a free meal, tea, and coffee. Children are very welcome! You can book your free tickets here:
https://portal.dementiadisco.org/
Special Announcement: Oxfordshire Launch Party
We're incredibly excited to announce a brand-new collaboration with Dorchester Living and Dementia Oxfordshire. To celebrate our launch in Oxford, Dorchester Living are throwing a very special party. This is another milestone for us as this is the first disco to be sponsored in full by a business. We're hoping this might be the start of other disco locations being sponsored by local businesses.
When: Sunday 12th April, 6–8pm
Where: The Heyford Hotel, Upper Heyford, OX25 5DQ
What to expect: Brilliant music, great food, and fabulous dancing in a stunning setting.
You can get your free tickets here:
https://dementiadisco.beaconforms.com/form/ce342038
More details to follow on when the Oxford monthly disco will start.
As the CEO of a charity, my days are usually filled with finding ways to connect those living with dementia to their communities. However, this past month, my focus has also been drawn to a different, equally vital type of connection: the bridge between education and employment.
With 957,000 young people currently not in work or education across the UK, we're facing a systemic crisis. The lack of meaningful, hands-on work experience for secondary, further education, and University students is a gap that we, as business leaders and VCFSE (Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise) sectors, must help to plug.
The Power of Local Collaboration
My month began with the NEXT Gen Stockport meeting, brilliantly organised by PIE (Pursuing Individual Excellence). This forum is a melting pot of schools, colleges, businesses, and the VCFSE sector. The goal? To stop discussing the problem and start designing creative solutions.
It was through this network that I found myself at Stepping Hill Hospital earlier this week. I met with Mark Tibbles from Pure Innovations and Tim Foley from Trafford and Stockport College to discuss a specific, exciting opportunity: creating tailored work experience placements for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) students. For these young people, the traditional work experience model often fails, and we are determined to create a framework that values their unique contributions.
Inspired by Lived Experience
Later in the week, I had the privilege of attending the launch of Breakout, a new Manchester-based charity. Their mission is clear: rebuilding the broken pathway between education and employment.
I was deeply moved by the founder, Roman Dibden (see picture of Roman above). Roman is a true inspiration; his own lived experience of navigating these hurdles propels him to ensure other young people don’t face the same dead ends. Networking with like-minded people at this launch reinforced my belief that this isn't just a policy issue, it’s a human one.
To round off a busy week, I spoke with Sarah Hodgetts from Manchester Metropolitan University. We are exploring how we can offer University students placements that go beyond making tea or filing papers.
Why This Matters to Me
While I look at this through a professional lens, I also look at it through the eyes of a mother. I have a five-year-old son. Right now, he is learning through play and curiosity, but I am already thinking about his future. I am passionate about ensuring that by the time he reaches secondary school and beyond, there are meaningful opportunities waiting for him. I want him, and every young person, to feel that the transition to the working world is an invitation, not a barrier.
Dementia Disco: Part of the Solution
I don’t just want to talk about the problem; I want Dementia Disco to be part of the solution. We are committed to providing placements where students don't just shadow us, they work with us.
Whether it’s a marketing student taking on a real-world brief, a health and social care student managing a project at one of our discos, or a business student helping us with strategy, we want to provide experiences that build genuine confidence and professional portfolios.
The "Next Gen" is full of talent and potential. It is up to us to open the doors.
As we head into a busy season of dancing and connection, we're often asked how people can support our mission. Whether you have a sweet tooth, a love for a grand night out, or simply want to Pay it Forward, there are plenty of ways to get involved this April.
Every penny raised goes directly toward keeping our discos free for people living with dementia and their families. Here is how you can help:
1. The Giant Easter Egg Raffle 🐣
There is still time to win big! We are raffling off a truly Giant Easter Egg, but you’ll need to be quick.
Deadline: Entries close on 1st April.
How to enter: Tickets are £1.00. Don't miss out on the chance to satisfy your chocolate cravings while supporting a great cause!
Enter here: Giant Easter Egg Raffle Tickets
2. Our Annual Fundraiser: Saturday 25th April 💃
Get ready for a massive night at the Stockport Guildhall! This is our flagship event, and the line-up is absolutely stellar. We have five fantastic acts performing, including the legendary Clint Boon, The Hook, DJ Andy Hunt, The Viaducts, and The Marlins.
The evening will be hosted by Joe McGrath (BBC Radio Manchester Breakfast host), with a very special guest, Alan Keegan (the Voice of Old Trafford and Man Utd legend), running our auction and raffle.
When: Saturday 25th April, 5pm – 11.30pm
Where: Stockport Guildhall
The Food: Every ticket includes a delicious Curry Buffet!
Tickets:
£20.00 General Admission
£50.00 Family Ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children)
£5.00 Additional Child Ticket
Can’t Make it? Pay it Forward
If you can’t attend the fundraiser in person but still want to support the evening, you can purchase a £20.00 Pay it Forward Ticket. This allows us to offer a spot to someone in our community who might otherwise be unable to attend, ensuring no one misses out on the joy and connection.
Buy tickets here: Annual Fundraiser Booking Form
Grand Raffle & Auction
The excitement doesn’t stop at the door! With Alan Keegan at the helm, our auction and raffle are set to be highlights of the night. We have some truly awesome prizes lined up. Even if you can't be there in person, keep an eye on our socials for details on how to place your bids and buy raffle tickets remotely.
A Note of Thanks: Our movement is powered by your generosity. Whether it's a raffle entry or a family ticket to the Guildhall, you are helping us prove that life doesn't stop with a dementia diagnosis.
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Our vision is to create a world where people living with dementia are empowered to experience joy, connection, and well-being through the power of music and community.
Our mission is to provide inclusive and accessible discos that inspire memories, spark conversations, and foster friendships among people living with dementia, their carers, families, and friends.
