New day centres launching across Harrogate district to combat isolation

New day centres are launching across the Harrogate district to combat isolation and help improve health and wellbeing.

New day centres launching across Harrogate district to combat isolation

New day centres are launching across the Harrogate district to combat isolation and help improve health and wellbeing.

Sessions will provide a safe, friendly and kind environment where people can socialise and make friends, learn new skills, take part in exercise and activities, and even have their hair cut.

A nutritional hot lunch and takeaway tea will also be provided.

The ‘Social Day Clubs’ run weekly in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon from July 3rd, with a free taster session on offer for the first visit.

They are being organised by local home care company Continued Care in response to feedback from the people and families they work with.

Iona Novak, Continued Care’s Social Day Club manager and wellbeing facilitator, said:

"Since the Covid pandemic, we’ve seen an unmet need in the community for things like mobile hairdressers and chiropodists but also for somewhere that people can engage with others and take part in stimulating activities.

"Alongside that, there is a need among carers, who are often family members, for some respite, and they would be most welcome to attend as well."

The day centres are open to all adults, regardless of whether they currently access care services. People can self-refer or be referred by a family member or healthcare professional.

Activities will include gentle exercise, short walks, art and crafts, music and sing-alongs, quizzes, games, gardening, baking, talks and presentations.

There will also be regular visits from mobile hairdressers, chiropodists, therapy dogs and bank representatives, and occasional trips out to the cinema and local parks.

A two course lunch will be provided by Harrogate charity Resurrected Bites and Ripon Community House’s Waste Not Wednesday initiative, along with a packed tea to take home.

Trained staff from Continued Care will be on hand to support with personal care needs if required and to carry out blood pressure and weight checks.

They will also be available for advice and information, and be able to signpost people on to services that could help them, and make referrals.

Iona added:

"We welcome feedback from people about the kind of things they would like us to offer, and we’d also love to hear from volunteers wishing to help us or share a talent."

The Social Day Clubs run every week from 10am to 3pm as follows: Mondays, Westcliffe Hall, Harrogate; Tuesdays, Ripon Community Hall; Wednesdays, Gracious Street Methodist Church, Knaresborough.

All sessions including the free taster must be booked in advance by calling Iona Novak on 01423 871 003 or visiting the website www.continued-care.co.uk

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

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