Story added: 18th September 2025

Dorothy and Kirsty’s story

Dorothy and her granddaughter Kirsty have recently started attending Duncan's Club, our support programme for people with dementia, every week at The Nest. We caught up with them ahead of World Alzheimer's Day to see what the club has meant to them on their family’s dementia journey.

Duncan’s Club is the only weekly session of its kind for people in Norfolk with dementia. It’s named in honour of Norwich City legend Duncan Forbes, who was diagnosed with dementia in later life.

It’s a time for Dorothy, who is living with dementia, and Kirsty to spend quality time together, meet new people and receive regular support.

“We love coming to Duncan’s Club – it’s the perfect way to spend a Thursday morning,” explained Kirsty.

“I was part of a Run Norwich training club at The Nest and mentioned my grandma’s diagnosis to one of the volunteers, who suggested trying Duncan’s Club.

“We then got added to a WhatsApp group which has been fantastic – it means we can receive support through the week, not just on a Thursday. Everyone is really caring and understanding, nobody is judgemental, and grandma can be herself without worrying about saying the wrong thing. It’s just a really nice, supportive community.”

Engaging the whole person

Duncan’s Club is split into three main delivery elements: Activate – to help participants stay physically active, Reminisce – using Norwich City as a stimulus to memory, and Talk, to give the participants the chance to speak within a social setting.

This structure allows Dorothy to gain full enjoyment out of the sessions and improve both her physical and mental wellbeing.

“It’s always a brilliant session and I love coming here with my granddaughter,” said Dorothy.

“I don’t know many older people, I was a service wife, so I’ve moved quite a lot throughout my life and then my husband passed away. I rely a lot on my children and grandchildren and since coming to Duncan’s Club with Kirsty, I’ve been able to meet a lot of new people and have a good laugh with them.

“We’ve also done a lot of fun activities – quizzes, dancing, chair exercises, playing with kites and my favourite by far is bingo! It’s just a fantastic group and we love being a part of it.”

Duncan’s Club has allowed many participants, including Kirsty and Dorothy, to forge stronger relationships and enjoy more time together during its 90-minute session.

Kirsty explains it’s a session they both look forward to and have marked in the calendar every week.

“We love being able to spend time together and Duncan’s Club is a perfect way of being able to do that,” she said.

“I’ve set my work schedule around Duncan’s Club – I now work on a Thursday night so I can bring grandma on a morning.

“There are two sessions which is great, it gives everyone flexibility, and we always prefer the mornings.

Friendship & support

Sue, one of our volunteers at Duncan’s Club, has seen Dorothy and Kirsty’s endearing bond first-hand. It’s those special moments that allow Duncan’s Club to strive, as Sue explains.

“Dorothy and Kirsty have such a lovely relationship – Dorothy is a big character and they’ve really enjoyed coming to the sessions,” Sue stated.

“Duncan’s Club is a programme for those struggling with dementia, but we also love how much it does for the carers – they make friendships, they can compare and support each other, because everyone’s journey is slightly different.

“We make it as interactive as possible, we ask what activities they would like to do, and we make sure everything we do is fun and enjoyable.

“Both of my parents had dementia, so now it feels like I’m giving back. Seeing so many lovely faces, whether it’s Dorothy and Kirsty or anyone else in the group, it’s so nice to see.

“We chuckle a lot and there’s so much positivity in the sessions from both the participants and carers – that’s what makes Duncan’s Club so special.”