'Wear A Hat Day', March 28

Wear A Hat Day, Brain Tumour Awareness

Wear A Hat Day is a fun and meaningful awareness day that encourages people to put on their favourite hat while supporting important causes. It is closely linked with raising awareness of brain tumours and helping to fund vital research into diagnosis, treatment, and care. Taking part - whether by wearing a silly hat, a stylish one, or a favourite old cap - helps shine a light on a serious condition while bringing people together in a positive and uplifting way.

For Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST), hats are a fantastic theme. They can prompt memories of different jobs, social occasions, seasons, and even famous characters. Questions like “Did you ever wear a hat for work?” or “What kind of hats were popular when you were young?” can spark rich conversation, reminiscence, and laughter.

Today’s CST Song Of The Day is “The Sun Has Got His Hat On” by Ambrose & His Orchestra - a cheerful, uplifting tune from the 1930s. Its bright, playful lyrics capture the joy of a sunny day and are perfect for encouraging singalongs, clapping, and gentle movement.

Music plays a powerful role in dementia care. Familiar songs can reach deep into long-term and emotional memory, often unlocking feelings and memories that other approaches cannot. This can help reduce anxiety, lift mood, and encourage social interaction.

By combining a light-hearted activity like wearing a hat with meaningful awareness of brain tumour research, and the shared enjoyment of music, you create a session that is engaging, purposeful, and full of connection.

So pop on a hat, enjoy the sunshine (real or imagined!), and sing along — because sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest smiles.

Name some hats

Top hat, sombrero, fez, sorting hat

Upfold brim, beret, fedora, bowler

Homburg, wide brim, pork pie hat, nurse's hat

Akubra, panama, turban, lampshade

Wimple, tricorn, deerstalker, cowboy hat

Headscarf, hijab, flatcap, helmet

Tiara, tam o'shanter, pilot's cap, baseball cap

Headband, fascinator, skullcap, cycling helmet

Beanie, bobble hat, crown, pillbox

Here are some other hat songs:

You could continue the session with a singalong ...

Make a Hat Box

Benefits of a “Hat Box” for CST Practice

Keeping a “hat box” on standby is a simple but highly effective resource for Cognitive Stimulation Therapy sessions. Filled with a variety of hats - such as work hats, fashion hats, seasonal hats, and fun or novelty items - it becomes an instant, hands-on activity that encourages engagement and interaction.

Hats are powerful memory triggers. They are closely linked to identity, roles, and life experiences - whether it’s a school cap, a wedding hat, a uniform, or something worn for a special occasion. Simply handling or trying on a hat can prompt reminiscence, storytelling, and emotional connection.

A hat box also supports multiple areas of cognition:

• Memory recall – “Did you ever wear a hat like this?”

• Language skills – naming types of hats and describing their use

• Executive function – sorting hats by purpose, season, or style

• Social interaction – sharing stories and laughing together.

It’s also a flexible tool. It can be used for:

• Group discussions and reminiscence sessions

• Role play and imagination (“Who might wear this?”)

• Music and movement activities (pairing hats with songs)

• Themed days such as 'Wear A Hat Day'

Importantly, hats bring an element of fun and dignity. Participants can choose, wear, and express themselves, helping to boost confidence, mood, and a sense of identity.

A simple hat box, ready to go, can quickly turn any moment into a meaningful, engaging CST activity - proving that sometimes the most effective tools are also the simplest.