Good Company: More than a Community Group

When people describe Good Company, the word that comes up most often is joy. Paul Dixon, musician and host at Supper Club, put it simply: “I am just astonished by the whole thing, and by the smiles on people’s faces when they leave because they have had a really good evening.”

That joy comes from the mixture of food, conversation, laughter and sometimes music. But above all it comes from being together in a safe and welcoming space.

Ordinary settings, extraordinary connection

Good Company clubs take place in pubs, cafés and community halls. To someone walking past, it might look like friends sharing fish and chips, taking part in a quiz or singing along to a familiar tune. That ordinariness is important. As Lucy Buck, our CEO, explains: “One of my favourite compliments of Supper Club is that it is all so normal. People cannot tell who has dementia and who has not, because the songs are a great leveller. Everyone joins in.”

Normality removes the stigma and fear that so often surround dementia. People do not come because an event is labelled as being for dementia. They come because it is welcoming, enjoyable and easy to join. That simple shift changes everything.

Friendship and belonging

Over time, genuine friendships grow. At first we used to place people next to each other, but now members choose for themselves. We regularly hear: “I want to sit next to Carol / John / Dan ... etc.” That is how new friendships begin and how they deepen.

Volunteers make sure everyone feels included, especially new arrivals who may be nervous. There is an atmosphere of openness. As Lucy describes it: “There is this absolute inclusivity where people open up their arms and make everyone feel welcome.”

Support for carers

For carers, Good Company is a lifeline. They get the chance to sit with other carers, talk openly and find respite while volunteers support the person they care for. Lucy reflects on one of her favourite moments: “I love watching a carer look across the room at their husband belting out a Rolling Stones track. Just that look of absolute pride and love, seeing that glimpse of him again. It is the antidote to everything else all day.”

That is why carers often leave saying these moments give them strength for the days ahead.

Thoughtful details

Although the atmosphere feels light and relaxed, there is a lot of thought behind the scenes. Activities are adapted so everyone can take part, whether that is a quiz, a walk, a game or a shared meal. Volunteers know people’s stories and watch for small signals such as a glance, a gesture or a change in mood to make sure everyone feels supported.

Music is one example of how carefully we plan. Songs are chosen across the decades, from Doris Day to Elvis, so that different ages and tastes are included. As Lucy puts it:

“Part of the recipe of Good Company is that we know people’s backstories. We know the friendship groups that are forming, and we see those genuine friendships grow.”

Paul Dixon, musician and host at Supper Club, described the care that goes into the music in particular: “We realised quickly that we needed to expand from just the older songs. A lot of people wanted Elvis and rock and roll. We also adapt the keys and cut some of the longer choruses, because it is about making it easy for everyone to join in. These songs have become our own.”

Why it matters

Paul summed it up beautifully when he said: “It is like the Billy Joel song Piano Man. People come to forget about life for a while. They can forget their stresses, socialise, sing, express themselves and just enjoy life.”

That is why people describe our clubs as the highlight of their month. They leave lighter, more connected and reminded that they are part of a community that accepts them exactly as they are.

More than a community group

In the end, Good Company is about people. Carers, volunteers and members all bring something of themselves. It is this mix that turns a simple lunch, game or walk into something much more. A safe space, a supportive community, and a reminder that none of us are alone.

Or as Paul said after one Supper Club: “I am just astonished by the whole thing. It is just incredible, all through the power of people.”

This post has been taken from a full interview on a the Dementia Carers Count podcast with Grace Meadows "Music Mondays". You can watch more of the interview with Lucy Buck, Paul Dixon and Grace Meadows in this video below.