Teamwork makes day centre fun for everyone

‘We really enjoy hearing all the interesting stories from the older people,’ says Fran who has been a volunteer at Oswestry day centre for seven years now.

‘And the teamwork here between the volunteers in brilliant and makes it great fun for everyone.’ The day centre, based at Monkmoor Court, is one of over 20 day centres run by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin across the county.

Reg Lacey, Service Development Officer for the charity, says: ‘We have a great team of volunteers here, but we’re always keen to welcome more. If we have a few more volunteers it allows for greater flexibility, for instance if people are away on holiday and we need cover. So we would really love to hear from anyone wishing to join us.’

Fran says, as she is busy getting cups and saucers ready in the kitchen: ‘These sessions are so important for people, people who might otherwise be lonely. You know that older people living alone can almost become invisible so it’s crucial to have something like this. It’s a bit like you or I meeting friends for coffee. It’s that social contact.’

‘The day centre is great. We often have entertainment like we have today, we have people come along and read stories, or we have exercise classes.’

Another volunteer at the day centre is Lynn who moved from Kidderminster to Oswestry in 2017. One of life’s doers, Lynn, in addition to volunteering at the day centre, is secretary of the local WI, helps with the production of the village life magazine, and shares her husband’s interest in cars.

Up next is volunteer Sue who’s been here for two years. ‘When we moved to the area, I was looking for something, and actually it was Reg’s wife, she and I are friends, who recommended this. I have done hospital volunteering before. I’ve been retired for ten years and I really enjoy this.’

‘I suppose the thing about the day centre is that I’ve always enjoyed meeting people and hearing the stories they tell. I like getting to know these people. I’d recommend it to anybody.’

One of those people that Sue and the other volunteers have enjoyed getting to know is 77-year-old widow Audrey, who says: ‘I’ve been coming here now for a year and it’s lovely. We do all sorts of things: bingo, cards, quizzes, dot-to-dot, wordsearches, we sometimes have entertainment like today. We have a proper lunch, today it’s fish and chips, and we have a pudding.’ Her big smile as she looks around the room at her friends in the day centre says it all.

You can find out more about volunteering to help at an Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin day centre near you by calling 01743 233 123 or emailing volunteering@ageukstw.org.uk