John Ramsay Talks to BBC London About Intergenerational Dementia Support

Gemma O’Reilly (BBC):
John, why is bringing children and people living with dementia together so important?

John Ramsay:
It’s such a powerful thing — and it’s something we don’t do enough. There’s been so much stigma around dementia. The focus has often been on medication or safety, but not enough on what people can do — or how much they still have to share.

A person with dementia is still a person, full of memories, humour, love and stories. When we can bring them together with children — especially in a familiar place like a library — something special happens. There’s laughter, curiosity, playfulness. That’s exactly what we want to create with The Happiness Programme.

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Gemma:
And how does The Happiness Programme help create that connection?

John:
We use interactive lights and sounds — a kind of sensory storytelling — to engage people with cognitive challenges. But the magic is that it’s fun and intuitive for children too. So it’s not just about therapy or support, it’s about play and interaction. The kids want to be there. They’re entertained and engaged, and they want to form that bond. It’s joyful.

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Gemma:
You mentioned earlier that libraries aren’t just about books anymore — they’re community spaces. Can you say more about that?

John:
Absolutely. Libraries are the heart of the community. Even in central London, there can be little villages. Bringing people together for something creative and meaningful helps reinforce that. It’s not just good for the library, or the care home — it’s good for the whole neighbourhood. Everyone benefits when we foster real, human connection.

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Gemma:
You’ve seen the impact of this first-hand. Could you share one moment that’s really stayed with you?

John:
There are so many. One that really stuck with me happened recently in a care home. A lady, quite near the end of her life, hadn’t spoken in weeks. We brought the technology to her bedside, and her grandkids joined in — popping bubbles, colouring, playing.

Something just shifted. She started engaging. And then, suddenly, she said, “I love you” to her grandchildren. That moment — that final memory — meant the world to her family. For the children, for the parents, for everyone involved, it was a beautiful reminder that connection is always possible.

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Gemma:
Thank you, John. We’re looking forward to capturing more of these stories throughout the day at this intergenerational launch party here today.

 

We also caught up with some of the other stars of the day — including Brenda from Green Hive and a few enthusiastic pupils from St James the Great.

 

“This changes the story of what a care home is.”

For many, this intergenerational party experience was a first, and a chance to change perceptions.

Mercy, the care home manager at Greenhive, shared:

“It’s refreshing because most young children don’t know what a care home looks like. They’ve often got this fear — that people with dementia are scary, or just sitting around doing nothing.

But when you bring in the Happiness Programme, Brenda, and the children… it changes all that. The kids see something different. They see connection. And so do we.”

“It’s just wonderful to see them smiling.”

Brenda, one of the care home residents who took part, couldn’t stop smiling herself:

“I’m enjoying it, and it’s wonderful to see the smiles on the children’s faces — to see them so active and happy and smiling.”

And the children clearly felt the same.

“I saw a really fun side of her when she was playing with us,” one pupil said.
“I hope this brings Brenda happiness,” said another.
“It helped me see a fun side of Brenda.”

“I feel happy knowing I’m helping people with dementia.”

Sampher, 9 years old and a pupil at St James the Great School, put it best:

“I think it benefits a lot of people who have dementia. Some people could be lonely, and not have anyone to spend time with. That’s why Social-Ability is bringing this in — to help people with dementia talk to people, have some fun together.

For me, it feels really good to be part of that. I feel happy knowing that I’m helping people with dementia in some way. I’ve always wanted to become a doctor like my dad.”