Higham Ferrers day centre has key role in charity's bid to beat social isolation

Serve held an open day at its Ron Manning Day & Activity Centre in Higham Ferrers to showcase what it has to offer
The Ron Manning Day & Activity CentreThe Ron Manning Day & Activity Centre
The Ron Manning Day & Activity Centre

A charity had overwhelming support from the community as it opened up the doors to its day centre in Higham Ferrers.

Staff from Serve have thanked everyone who supported the open day at the Ron Manning Day & Activity Centre on January 23.

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Members of the public were invited to visit the day centre, which provides a warm friendly environment and the chance to go along and socialise, enjoy a home-cooked meal and take part in lots of different activities with support to participate independently.

The new minibusThe new minibus
The new minibus

As well as having the opportunity to talk to Serve's staff, people could have a go at the games and take part in an activity similar to those held at the centre.

Serve’s well-being manager Gemma Hager said: "We have been overwhelmed with the support from the community on the opening day, we have had more older people wanting to attend the centre because they realise the benefits of what is on offer.

"Thank you to everyone who supported the event."

The day raised enough money to provide the centre with a new book case for the reading library, where beneficiaries have access to books that can be taken home and returned and exchanged at their leisure.

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People were also able to see Serve’s newly funded minibus for the first time, which has been nicknamed Bernard after Serve’s late trustee Bernard Coker.

The Ron Manning Day & Activity Centre not only provides the day centre but hosts well-being activities such as chair-based yoga and memory café.

Serve’s mission to combat social isolation is spreading further afield across East Northamptonshire, with stronger seniors (OTAGO) groups already being held in Thrapston and Oundle.

Serve is now offering short mat bowls at Oundle Bowls Club in Occupation Road, twice a week and further chair-based yoga classes starting in February.

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These are just a few additional classes on top of Serve’s already successful well-being programme at Church Street, Rushden.

Serve continues to fight against loneliness and isolation in older people across East Northants by offering various friendly groups and transport wherever possible so restrictions for people in isolated villages are reduced.

As well as Serve’s minibus fleet and transport service, Serve has also partnered with Volunteer Action in Oundle to provide transport in the North of East Northants, to and from Serve's well-being activities.

For more information about Serve's services, call 01933 315555 or pop in to the office in Church Street, Rushden.