ACB's Day Service Moves to Withywood!
The Day Centre, previously run from the Roundhouse in Whitchurch, moved to its new home in the Withywood Centre, on April 1 this year.
Age Concern Bristol has a discrete area for service users and is also sharing an office at the centre with the Community Development team.
The move has brought many benefits to Age Concern Bristol Day Service users. Run by the South Bristol Church and Community Trust, the centre offers a wide range of activities and services for the whole community. The building is new, having opened in 2007 and has a light, airy feel.
The regular schedule of activities, drop in services, parent groups and rota of information and local produce stalls in the lobby all help to create a lively, sociable atmosphere.
Age Concern Bristol service users now get their lunch served in the community café at the centre, which is very popular with the many people who visit to join in the classes on offer.
Many classes are held in the main hall, which has a series of movable walls enabling it to be used flexibly.
One of the most popular activities is the ‘Goldies’ a class run by Abby Rakes on Wednesday mornings. This sing-a-long class has been running for a year. It is attended by many older people from the local community, and Age Concern Bristol service users have joined in enthusiastically. Songs range from classic Beatles to golden oldies like ‘Bring Me Sunshine’, but it is Abba songs such as ‘ Dancing Queen” which get people up on their feet every time!
Nicky Lewis, Coordinator of ACB’s Community Development team, runs a weekly Line Dancing class which is open to any older people who want to come. “ This centre opens up a wonderful opportunity for Age Concern Bristol service users. They can become part of a larger community through participating in the activities and enjoying the facilities alongside all the other visitors to the centre.” says Nicky.
A brand new sensory garden also opened at the centre at the end of May for all to enjoy throughout the summer months.
Kate Munglani