We’re over the moon to welcome our first Ambassador for Joy, Sian Reeves!

An actor, presenter, and singer who has had a mega career- starting in the original Les Misérables cast at just 19!- Sian has long championed the power of music, memory, and connection—especially in dementia care. From Singing for the Brain workshops to her album Remember This and her uplifting YouTube channel WHO CARES, she’s dedicated to celebrating carers and communities.

As our Ambassador, Sian will help spread joy, connection, and creativity—from Kent to her beloved homeland in Staffordshire and beyond—bringing people together through music and shared experiences.

In Sian’s words: "Clara is such a wonderful light and force and I am thrilled to be part of The Dementia Experience gang. Let’s get people out, feeling safe, supported, and connected… that lift can make all the difference.”

Thank you, Sian—let’s spread the joy!

So pumped & proud to share this interview I did on Saturday on GB News all about The Dementia Experience & why we do what we do.

Link to the clip here:
https://x.com/GBNEWS/status/2032758382730285330?s=20

Edith & Clara were thrilled to be live on BBC radio Kent this morning!
They discussed our Joy in Motion group & the power of community & connection.
We can't wait to get the term up & running. 🙂

Our December newsletter is filled with heart-warming photos capturing a few of the nuggets of joy generated by The Dementia Experience, plus updates on exciting events still to come before the year ends, and some major announcements about what’s ahead for 2026.

We’re delighted to let you know that from today, Co-op Members can officially support The Dementia Experience as part of the Local Community Fund.

A huge thanks to Co-op for choosing us!

If you're not yet a member, we'd be so grateful if you could download the Co-op App, become a member & choose our cause, so we can receive a share of £5m.
https://coopapp.onelink.me/ftOk/hco0f1vm

This week, one phrase fired me up. A new care home owner introduced herself the other day: "I'm not here to change the world." 

What?! In such a role there is only one thing to do! Do whatever it takes to shake things up and improve lives.  The vulnerable residents and their families deserve that level of courage and commitment.

I left that meeting frustrated beyond belief. I nearly cancelled my next appointment. But I’m so glad I didn't. One of the speakers on the panel of dementia experts proudly announced: “I’m a do-er. I’m here to change the world.” Music. To. My. Ears. Isn't that the point? If you're involved in the world of dementia — whether you're a carer, a care home owner, care home manager, care agent — your purpose is to make change happen. All of that pain that we are in contact with daily can be flipped.

Sure, there’s a lot we can’t control. It can feel like trying to fill a jug with a hole in the bottom. 
It can feel distressing and depressing. There is no cure. No clear timeline. Dementia just… does its thing.

And for someone like me — a self-confessed bossy-boots, ex-teacher control freak — that’s not been easy to accept. But dementia has taught me to let go of the things I can’t change, and to pour my energy into the things I can.

I’m lucky — I grew up with words like “wonderful,” “on, on,” and “you bet” echoing around me.
A constant reminder to stay positive, to keep going, and to grab every opportunity with both hands.

And the truth is, there’s still so much we can do:

• We can create moments of joy.
• We can learn as much as possible about dementia.
• We can connect with others who share our mindset.
• We can fundraise.
• We can speak in speak in schools
• We can sing our hearts out
• We can challenge stigma.
• We can help people to let go — while still holding on to love.

A friend recently reminded me of the Serenity Prayer — words that feel especially relevant this week:

God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change,
the courage to change the things we can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

So let this be our reminder:
Be bold. Change the world.
With love,
x

September is World Alzheimer's Month and we're inspired by the many discussions about dementia  taking place across all platforms currently.
Fear-free we must face dementia.
Turn towards, not away.

This is the heartfelt message underlined by the brilliant actress Anne-Marie Duff, as expressed on The Today programme, this morning: listen to the short clip- from around 2.40.

When my own mum's dementia began to unravel her, my main instinct was to tell as many people as possible that she had dementia. I craved information, hope and empathy from others. This was the only way I was going to be handed the tools for the essential armour required for us both to cope with this demanding landscape.

Keep telling each other. No stigma, no fear. It's the only way to shift society's approach to dementia and support and remind each other how to pan for those short but oh so sweet nuggets of joy that keep everyone going.

Founder Clara spoke to Sam Griffin today from Radio Ashford about her mother's dementia and why it propelled her to set up The Dementia Experience.

Clara returned to Radio Ashford on 4th September to unveil the excitement behind our Sensory Stretch at Bedgebury Pinetum!
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Clara from The Dementia Experience interview with Sam Griffin on Radio Ashford 4.9.25 by Samantha Griffin | Mixcloud