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Sandy Adderley writes:
In the last three and a half years
the Day Centre at Twyford has expanded considerably.
We now offer three full day sessions on Monday, Tuesday and
Friday. A coffee morning and or lunch on Wednesday is followed by the original
afternoon session, Luncheon Club offer lunch on Thursdays and once a month
there is Scrabble on a Wednesday afternoon and a Whist drive on a Thursday
afternoon.
The upstairs and the bathroom have been completed, we have set up a
chiropody service, and the Princess Royal Trust have set up a carers’ group
which meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon.
This is open to anyone who is in the role of carer of a family member of any age.
Those who attend find it very supportive. The Mobile Information Centre
(MICE) parks outside the Centre on the first Tuesday in the month from
10:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m. The staff are very pleased to help any member of the
public and would welcome enquiries. We have very recently had a loop system
installed and it is making a big difference to our hard of hearing members.
For many, the Centre plays a vital role in improving their quality of life and
it is almost like having an extended family. We can take up to 25 people a day,
some coming once a week and others, nearly every day. Volunteer drivers and
the Redibus transport members in. Referrals for day care come from the Health
Centre, Hospitals, Social Services, friends and family - and sometimes the
person themselves. We serve several local villages including Hurst.
Monday, Tuesday and Friday have activities planned in advance by each
group of helpers. As far as possible we try to give variety but we are always on
the look-out for local people who would be willing to give a talk or
demonstration or to entertain us in some way. We also have occasional outings.
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The Health Service and Social services originally funded the Centre in a
joint finance contract which came to an end in September. During this year we
have had talks with Wokingham District Council’s Social Services Department
and have negotiated a service agreement and have agreed a contract that will last
for three and a half years. This means we will be funded for the three full day
care sessions but we will need to generate our own income for the other two
days. This is a very positive way forward for our Centre and as a result, we are
able to create a new post of Centre Assistant.
We are fortunate to be so well supported in the community in so many ways
and we are always grateful for the interest shown by so many people. Not only
has the number of members using the Centre grown, but also the number of
volunteer helpers needed, both in providing transport and to help at the Centre.
Some days are adequately covered, but we still need drivers, particularly on
Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and help at lunchtime on Wednesdays.
As we move into the next phase of the life of the Centre I know that we will
continue to thrive and maintain our level of caring, friendly atmosphere and
continue to provide a wonderful facility for our local villages, including Hurst.
If you would like to know more about the Centre, either to join in the
activities or as a volunteer, or you would just like to visit us and see the
facilities, please call in (we are situated in Polehampton Close, Twyford,
opposite the Library in the ‘Pay and Display’ Car Park).
Alternatively call 934 xxxx and ask to speak to Janet Potter, the Co-ordinator.
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