Story added: 21st September 2026

World Alzheimer’s Day: Dennis and Rob’s Story at Duncan’s Club

To mark World Alzheimer’s Day, we’re sharing Dennis and Rob’s story – a father and son who attend Duncan’s Club, Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s weekly dementia support session at The Nest. Named in honour of Norwich City legend Duncan Forbes, who lived with dementia in later life, the programme offers gentle activity, music, conversation and football‑themed memory work in a calm, welcoming environment for people living with dementia and their carers.

Dennis has held a Norwich City season ticket for more than 30 years and previously served in the Norwich City police force. As dementia began to affect his day‑to‑day life, Rob looked for ways to keep his dad engaged and connected. Duncan’s Club quickly became part of their weekly routine.

Volunteer Ronnie has seen the impact: “Dennis is very stimulated. He’s very keen on football, and he enjoys the music and the sing‑song. Rob gets just as much from it as a carer. They share memories together, and Dennis will probably be looking forward to next week already.”

Football remains a familiar anchor for Dennis, helping spark memories and giving him something steady to hold onto. For Rob, the programme provides a space to meet other carers and talk openly about shared experiences. “For my father, Duncan’s Club is a way back to enjoying himself. Alzheimer’s sufferers can almost forget how to have fun, so it’s a place where he can express himself more easily than in daily life. For me, it’s great to have a community of carers to share experiences with. There’s lots of support from them and the fantastic volunteers.”

Every Thursday, Dennis is ready at the door when Rob arrives. “He shuts himself off more and more as the illness takes hold,” Rob says. “But he comes to Duncan’s Club and he has a smile on his face. He has a cup of coffee and a biscuit, and he enjoys himself.”

Over time, Rob has built strong connections with volunteers and fellow carers, with support continuing outside the weekly session through group chats and regular check‑ins. “There’s this Norwich City community that’s centric to it. It’s a fantastic programme. Long may it continue.”

Ronnie’s message to anyone considering attending is simple: “Duncan’s Club is an open house. If you’ve got anybody who’s living with dementia and you need support for a couple of hours on a Thursday, please come along and give it a go. You will be very, very welcome.”

Find out more and sign up to Duncan’s Club by clicking here.