The Boundary Pub, NR3 runs karaoke for people with dementia

The Boundary Pub has been helping its community by offering socialising opportunities to those with dementia and their carers.  

The project is hosted by Brogan Hunt whose mum is the landlady of the Boundary, has been running the sessions for almost a year.  

The sessions have been gaining more interest every month (Image: The Boundary)

The 33-year-old was approached by the Monument Project ran by Norfolk County Council to undertake some dementia training.  

She said: “We thought sessions would be great for the community and we had the perfect venue.” 

The pub runs a session each month, and it’s always different.  

Brogan said: “We’ve had things from quizzes, bingo, dancing, crafts to pool and darts.  

They have also had direct support from city businesses and organisations (Image: The Boundary)

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“We have even had a 1920’s singer to perform for us on two occasions.  

“Snacks and refreshments are also provided, and we’ve had support from businesses.” 

Most recently they have added karaoke sessions for those with dementia.  

Brogan said: “They have appreciated it very much, we had our first one in December 2022, and it was so popular we now have one the last Thursday of every month.  

It has been emotional for families seeing their loved ones getting up and singing (Image: The Boundary)

“We’ve had a few memorable moments where family members have had tears of joy seeing their loved ones up and singing away. 

“They may not be very chatty at home, and find it hard to remember something they’d done yesterday, but hear a song, they are vocal and singing along word for word.” 

But The Boundary won’t stop there, they hope that other places will create a safe space for those in their community who need it.  

“Just because someone has the diagnosis of dementia doesn’t mean they can’t live their life to the fullest, being out and about increases self esteem, confidence and mental well-being, it’s something the whole family can enjoy and make lasting positive memories.” 

Brogan thinks that more people should be seeking dementia training to support those living with it (Image: The Boundary)

What are the top songs at the Karaoke sessions? 

With the sessions growing each time, some songs arebeing sung again and again with lovely memories attached to them.  

The top choices in the group are as follows: 

My Way - Frank Sinatra 

Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond 

I have a dream -ABBA 

Pretty Woman - Roy Orbison 

Dementia cafe is 2nd Tuesday of every month 10.30-12.30 

Dementia Karaoke is 7.30pm on the last Thursday of every month.