Welcome return for social group for the elderly

Isolated older people in Sudbury should sign up to The Salvation Army’s Elderly People’s Day Care service, says Joyce, 86.

Joyce has been attending the weekly get-togethers on Monday and Friday since 2016, after the service was recommended by her daughter Pam.

Joyce said she thoroughly enjoys her time there.

She said: “Everyone is very friendly and great company. I do things like painting and knitting, and just talking to people.”

Pam, who volunteers every Monday, said the service has made a huge difference to her mother’s life.

She said: “It’s good for meeting people and making new friends. If she didn’t come to the day centre, she’d just be at home, supported by her carer and family members. During lockdown she was low, and now she’s happier, you can see just how much she gets out of it.

“They do a fantastic job and it’s lovely here. They provide support in a kind, caring environment.”

Kathryn Pettitt is coordinator at Sudbury. She said the  Day Care Service celebrated its 20th anniversary with a mini Olympics and a cream tea lunch including homemade sausage rolls and cakes.

She said: “We have an activity session in the morning. In the past, these have included  art classes and a visit from a mobile petting zoo. We also run chair-based exercise classes  and bingo. There really is something for everyone and if people can’t manage it, we’ll change it round so they can.

“There is an endless repertoire of activities. For the Euros, we had a football session where everyone kicked around a sponge ball. Everyone who comes also has a hot lunch.”

If you or a family member would like to come to the Elderly Day Care Centre, there are places available. Please call 01787 310187 for more information.