Grant funds equipment for day centre

Age UK Plymouth are delighted to announce that they have been selected to receive a grant from The Norman Family Trust. The funding will be used to supply the day centre at Age UK Plymouth’s Mount Gould centre with equipment allowing the charity to continue supporting those needing access to modified furniture or experiencing limitations to their mobility.

Age UK Plymouth operates two day centres in the city five days a week, supporting over 50s and with the ability to work with those living with dementia, from early stages through to later stage dementia. The day centres are a life line to those who attend, when interviewed for a short film about Age UK Plymouth, Roger, a regular day centre client told film-makers: “The staff are absolutely excellent - we’re like one happy family they make you feel at ease straight away. Before, I used to be like a hermit stuck in my bedroom for nearly 10 years, it’s done me a hell of a lot of good, literally. It’s literally brought me out of my shell. I’d be lost without it, I really would.”

Specialist equipment and modified furniture used in the day centres allows clients to continue attending through periods of poorer health or limited mobility. For many clients attending the day centre is a lifeline to them, providing mental stimulation, companionship, comradery and nutritious, hot meals. “We also create vital respite opportunities for carers, making space for the friends, families and loved ones of our day centre clients to continue going to work, looking after their own families, or just have a few hours to recharge,” expands Tracy Walker, Head of Day Centres. “By making sure that we can accommodate clients through periods of reduced mobility or continuing to support them through degenerative conditions, we can confidently hold true to our commitment as a charity to improving quality of life in our community through the promotion of choice, opportunity and independence.”

The Norman Family Trust, was established in 1979 by Ken and Pat Norman, founders of the iconic Norman’s Stores and Cash and Carrys. Having operated across the South West, it is a priority of the fund to help worthy causes in the region with the intention of repaying loyal customers who had helped make the business a success.  Since then around £9 million has been given away through almost 10,000 grants.

For more information about any of the work of Age UK Plymouth, please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/plymouth. To find out more about working in partnership with Age UK Plymouth or to talk about how your group or organisation can work with or support the charity please email enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk.

Anyone interesting in finding out more about The Norman Family Charitable Trust can visit https://nfct.org/ and contact the team here.