BUMS supports Dementia Australia

Dementia Australia runs the Memory Lane Café program right across Australia. It is a cafe-style peer and social support program for people with a diagnosis of dementia and their family members.  The events provide an opportunity for people impacted by dementia to enjoy time together in the company of people in a similar situation to themselves.

The aims of the events are to use music to stir memories and involve the audience in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Any BUMS who have played at aged care homes know the magic of music to waken an audience and see them clap, sing, tap their feet and smile when the music starts.

DA run 9-10 of these events a year. Back in late 2023, BUMS was invited to play at three of these gigs in 2024.  Sue and Peter Sercombe led the way in late April with an event at Kenmore.  They played for 45 minutes, and the organisers handed out song sheets, so the audience could join in.  It was a resounding success.

In early September, Graham Hall and Kevin Buckley played at North Lakes for an audience of about 25 people.  The happy ukulele sound once again encouraged the audience to sing along.  Graham and Kevin will do another gig in Underwood in October.

We expect to be invited to support this program again in 2025.