The room that was specially commissioned for the community, and is used by the Memory CafÉ and Wednesday Club, will be opened up for more sessions during the week as a Community Day Centre, aimed to promote independence and social inclusion amongst adults and older people.
The room will be open Mondays 10.00 - 13.00 and Thursdays 12.00 - 16.00.
The aim of opening the room for use by the public is to create a place where people can meet, have a cup of tea, read the paper, play cards, or just be in a comfortable and safe space with others.
The full space will be open for use, with facilities including the sensory garden, books, magazines, crosswords, a piano with sheet music, as well as a selection of board games and puzzles. Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. At the end of each session there will be the opportunity to take part in simple seated exercises which users are able to join in with if they so desire.
The sessions will be overseen by the Council's Active Living Co-ordinator, Leonie Jones, who will also be able sign post visitors to information and services on public health, adult social care and health.
"The room will be open to all but it is hoped that the open hours will attract older people and their carers who might like a change of scene or enjoy the chance to socialise with others." Said Gareth Peters, Head of Adult Social Care. "There won't be formal organised activities such as the Wednesday Group or Memory Cafe, however the Active Living Coordinator will be there and will be happy to join in with a game of scrabble, or have a chat over a cup of tea."
The Community Day Centre is being run on a 6 month trial bases, but will be extended if there is demand.
"Thanks to the Memory Cafe and Wednesday Club, there are already a number of games and books at the room. However, Leonie would be very grateful to receive any donations of jigsaw puzzles, magazines, sheet music for the piano, and also any old balls of wool or crochet hooks or knitting needles in order to create a craft basket which people can help themselves to!" Added Gareth.
The community room will be open from 10am on Monday 7th April. The room is located at the back of the Health and Wellbeing Centre at Carn Gwaval. The Buzza Bus runs during the new opening hours.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Leonie in Adult Social Care on 422392.