How volunteering on a Dementia Adventure holiday changed one colleague’s understanding of dementia, community and what really matters
When Deuan, Dementia Adventure’s Philanthropy Manager, volunteered on one of our supported holidays in Norfolk last summer, he thought he knew what to expect.
After all, he’d spent years reading impact reports, case studies and feedback from guests. He’d spoken passionately to funders about the difference Dementia Adventure makes and had heard countless stories from colleagues returning from holidays.
But nothing prepared him for what he experienced.
"I thought I was volunteering on a holiday, but what I experienced was a masterclass in love, resilience, community and what really matters in life."
Nearly a year later, it’s not the places he visited or the activities he remembers most.
It’s the people.
More than a holiday
During the week, Deuan spent time with three couples living with dementia, alongside experienced volunteers and Adventure Leader Therese.
As the days unfolded, strangers became friends.
“We laughed together, shared meals together and sat outside with tea and cake in the Norfolk sunshine. By the end of the week, what had begun as a group of strangers felt much more like a family.”
While the itinerary included boat trips on the Norfolk Broads, gardens, train journeys, wildlife, music and even sea swimming, those experiences became the backdrop to something much deeper.
"What has stayed with me is the love. Not the grand romantic kind you see in films, but the quiet, everyday love that carries people through incredibly difficult circumstances. The patience, humour, devotion and resilience I witnessed was deeply moving."
Seeing the person, not the diagnosis
One of the biggest lessons Deuan took away was how quickly dementia faded into the background.
"The biggest lesson was how quickly a diagnosis can disappear once you stop focusing on it. I met people with fascinating life stories, brilliant senses of humour, strong opinions and a genuine appetite for fun, exploration and adventure. They weren't defined by dementia."
As conversations unfolded throughout the week, guests shared stories about careers, families and achievements that had shaped their lives.
"I realised these were people who had raised families, built businesses, served their communities and contributed enormously throughout their lives. I stopped seeing a group of holiday guests and started seeing a group of remarkable human beings."
The remarkable role of carers
The experience also gave Deuan a new appreciation for companions and carers.
“Dementia places enormous demands on relationships, yet what I witnessed was extraordinary loyalty and devotion.
“The carers weren’t simply supporting their partners physically. Every day they were preserving identities, routines, memories and dignity.
“What surprised me most was the humour. Despite everything they face, there was so much laughter.”
Watching these relationships unfold throughout the week left a lasting impression.
“They taught me that love isn’t diminished by dementia. If anything, it often becomes even more visible.”
The power of nature
As with every Dementia Adventure holiday, nature was central to the experience.
Guests explored the Norfolk Broads, visited gardens and nature reserves, travelled by heritage railway and spent time outdoors in beautiful surroundings.
“We were incredibly lucky with the weather,” recalls Deuan.
“The garden overlooked open countryside and every evening we’d sit outside together with a cup of tea, chatting as the sun went down.
“There was a genuine sense of calm. People relaxed. Conversations flowed naturally. Confidence grew throughout the week.”
For Deuan, the outdoors wasn’t simply the setting for the holiday.
“It became part of the experience. There is clearly something about being outdoors that helps people reconnect with themselves and with each other.”
Understanding Dementia Adventure
Although Deuan already worked for the charity, Norfolk fundamentally changed his understanding of its work.
“Before Norfolk, I understood Dementia Adventure intellectually.
“After Norfolk, I understood it emotionally.”
He now speaks about the charity differently when meeting supporters and funders.
"When I talk about our work now, I'm no longer relying solely on statistics or evaluation reports. I've seen the impact with my own eyes. I can talk about the couples I met, the volunteers I worked alongside, the laughter I heard and the confidence I watched grow."
Why volunteering matters
One aspect of the holiday that particularly inspired Deuan was the volunteers.
Asked what he would say to anyone considering volunteering on a Dementia Adventure holiday, his answer is immediate.
“Just do it.
“You’ll certainly give something to the people you support, but I suspect you’ll receive far more than you expect in return.
“You’ll meet remarkable people, hear fascinating stories and become part of something that genuinely changes lives.”
One year on
Nearly twelve months later, the memories remain vivid.
"What has stayed with me most is the sense of possibility. Before the holiday, if I'm honest, I probably thought more about the limitations dementia creates. What I witnessed instead was how much remains possible with the right support, environment and attitude."
It’s a lesson that continues to shape both his work and his outlook on life.
"The challenge isn't whether people living with dementia can still enjoy holidays, adventures and meaningful experiences. The challenge is whether we're willing to create the support that makes them possible."
And would he volunteer again?
“In a heartbeat.”
