The Day Centre continues to meet at Highbury every Thursday and Friday. We think of it as “our” day centre and are glad to feel that the staff and clients are part of our church family.
We like to collect for them during November so that money raised can be used towards their Christmas festivities and to buy presents for the clients. It is now unfeasible to go out for a meal due to the frailty of most of the people who come to the centre.
In the past transport had been a problem, since volunteer drivers need to be aware of the importance of reminding clients to lock their doors and pick up their handbags, but now the use of a community transport minibus means that clients are collected by a member of staff and driver, offering a much more personal service. The current consistency of staff adds to the stability and continuity for the clients.
Day Centres are rarely used now solely to give elderly people social contact and most of the clientele have dementia and therefore a high level of dependency. Attendance at a Day Centre gives their carers respite as well as offering social support. Clients usually arrive between 9.30 and 10.00am and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. There are various activities during the morning. Lunch is an important opportunity for social interaction as well as a good meal.
During the afternoons there may be games as well as other group activities. A relaxation corner has a fish tank and aromatherapy, and the offer of a manicure. Tea or coffee with biscuits are offered again at 2.30pm and people usually leave between 3.00 and 3.50pm.
As part of our family the Day Centre have enjoyed Harvest celebration. As usual there will be Christmas services whilst the Day Centre is open, and it is lovely for anyone who is free to join with the clients and their carers for these celebrations.
If you would like to offer help to the Day Centre please contact the manager Ruth Pearce on 01242 581713.
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