It’s Not Always About The Numbers – It’s About The People Who Take Part
Sometimes the smallest gatherings create the biggest moments.
Running Sweet Silent Disco has taught me many things, but one of the most important is that success isn’t always measured by how many people attend. It’s about the difference we make to the people who do.
A recent visit to a Memory Café organised by Bristol Dementia Action Alliance (BDAA) was a perfect reminder of this.
A Small Gathering, a Big Impact
Due to unusual circumstances, only four members of the community were able to attend our session. Including volunteers and staff, there were just seven of us.
Some might see that as a disappointing turnout. But I’ve always believed that every person deserves a wonderful experience, regardless of how many people are in the room.
So out came the headphones, colourful accessories and music!
Within minutes, the atmosphere changed. People were smiling, dancing, laughing and enjoying themselves.
And then something rather special happened.
One gentleman, who is almost entirely non-verbal, began singing along to some familiar lyrics.
It was a genuinely touching moment and another reminder of just how powerful music can be.
Four community members attended. One gentleman found his voice through music. And that, to me, is what success looks like.
The Feedback That Made My Day
Afterwards, we received this wonderful testimonial from the Memory Café team:
Thank you so much to Mark for visiting our memory cafe! We had some unusual circumstances, as only four people from the community were able to join us, meaning that with volunteers and staff, we had a disco with just seven people attending. This could have easily ended up feeling like an awkward affair, but instead it was an absolute blast!
Once everyone had put on Mark’s fabulous accessories and headphones, he had everyone up and moving, and there was an almost instant change in atmosphere. Everyone seemed to relax, let loose and have a good old boogie! One of our members is almost entirely non-verbal, and with the magic of the music and Mark’s encouragement, we even had him singing along to some of the lyrics – a truly special moment to see.
Mark was fantastic at creating a fun, relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, regardless of the small turnout. We would highly recommend his services to anyone looking to have a great time and bring some energy and joy to their group!
It’s About the People, Not Just the Numbers
In the care and community sectors, we often measure the success of activities by attendance figures.
Of course, reaching more people is important. But I believe we sometimes need to look beyond the numbers.
Did someone smile who hadn’t smiled much that day?
Did someone who usually sits quietly start tapping their feet?
Did someone feel included, connected or confident enough to join in?
Or, as we experienced at the BDAA Memory Café, did someone who rarely speaks suddenly start singing?
These moments might never appear on an attendance sheet, but they can mean everything.
At Sweet Silent Disco, we work with care homes, memory cafés, dementia support groups and community organisations. Every group is different, and every person brings something unique.
Our job isn’t simply to turn up and play music. It’s to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable, included and encouraged to participate in their own way.
Sometimes that’s dancing. Sometimes it’s singing. And sometimes it’s simply sharing a smile.
Small Numbers. Big Moments.
As Sweet Silent Disco continues to grow, I never want to lose sight of what really matters.
Yes, we want to reach more people and bring our sessions to more communities. But the individual experience will always be at the heart of what we do.
That afternoon with BDAA reminded me exactly why I love my work.
A small group, a few pairs of headphones, plenty of laughter and one particularly special moment.
Because success isn’t always measured by how many people are in the room, but by the difference we make to those who are.
A huge thank you to Bristol Dementia Action Alliance, its wonderful volunteers and staff for inviting us and sharing such heartfelt feedback.
And to anyone organising activities for a care home, memory café or community group, please don’t underestimate the value of smaller gatherings.
Sometimes they’re where the real magic happens.
Mark Sweeting, Founder of Sweet Silent Disco
Interested in bringing Sweet Silent Disco to your care home?
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