Outreach Radio live broadcast from Demfest on Sunday 15th September

On Sunday 15th September, Outreach Radio broadcast live from the beautiful grounds of Sir Harold Hillier Gardens on the outskirts of Romsey for “Demfest” – a day of inspiration, innovation and education on Dementia.

This free event celebrated 10 years of Romsey being a dementia friendly town, with information stands, interactive family activities, live music and entertainment including a South Asian dance group, a ukelele group and Romsey’s memory choir.

The day was all about providing a chance for people to find out how to live with dementia, with activities and wellbeing sessions also being run on the day.

Outreach Radio’s all-day broadcast was focused on music and memories from years-gone-by with information and interviews to advise and educate listeners.

Music was selected by one of Outreach Radio’s Golden Oldies presenters, and former Southampton Ice Rink DJ, “Music Man” Mike Joyce, with interviews carried out by weekday daytime presenter, Shaun O’Brien.

Outreach Radio were fortunate enough to have some high-quality interviewing time with special guests Matt Le Tissier,  Mayor of Romsey, Councillor John Parker, Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Nick Adams-King, Southampton City Councillor and Trustee/Lead for Dementia Support for local charity Caraway and members of ROMDAG, all with their own unique perspectives on dementia and the work they undertake, which they were willing to share with Outreach Radio and our listeners, for which we’re very grateful.

Outreach Radio Managing Director, Osman Sen-Chadun commented:

Though this was seemingly a very local event, there were visitors from both locally and across the wider region, including from other dementia support groups around Hampshire. It was our pleasure to interview them and find out more about the amazing work they do to support those across our region, and share this with our listeners.

I personally was aware of dementia, but only at a quite high-level, mostly from conversations with those I know who themselves know someone living through this. What I’ve seen and learnt today, and what we’ve had the privilege to share with our listeners, was not only educational and informative, but also incredibly moving.

I know Mike had put a lot of thought and planning beforehand into his choice of music for the day, and this clearly had the desired positive effect on some of the visitors with dementia, showing the power of music and it’s ability to trigger happy memories.

Assisting Shaun during his numerous interviews, many of which were incredibly emotional, really opened my mind, and no doubt those of our listeners,  to the challenges and journeys that people go through when dementia touches their lives, whether directly or indirectly. I’m glad that we were able to help convey this via our radio station, and provide listeners with information on where to obtain resources for help and support.

To find out more about ROMDAG, please visit: https://www.romdag.co.uk/