Elderly and vulnerable urged to try opportunities centres

Elderly and vulnerable adults are being urged to start 2016 in style by enjoying lunch, company and fun at venues across the county.

Buckinghamshire County Council is appealing to people to find out what is available for them at opportunities centres in the area.

Wendy Mallen, Deputy Cabinet Member for Heath & Wellbeing, said: “At a time when many of us are looking forward to enjoying the festive season with our families, it’s easy to forget there are many people in our communities who do not have anyone to spend Christmas and New Year with and who are going into the New Year feeling quite alone.

“But it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way because we have centres all over Buckinghamshire operating all year round to support people in need of company or a hot meal.”

The centres are run on behalf of the Council by Buckinghamshire Care, which estimates it provides 18,000 hours of help to the public each week.

Martin Farrow, the organisation’s Managing Director, said: “It’s Buckinghamshire Care’s aim to make a genuine positive impact on the people we support – our opportunities centres across the county do this so well. They offer our clients great company – throw in a hot lunch, some fun and a smile or two and you have got a memorable day, not only for our clients but our teams too.”

People can seek support and respite at the following places Aylesbury Opportunities Centre; Buckingham Opportunities Centre; Burnham Opportunities Centre, Chesham Opportunities Centre; and Southern Day Services – High Wycombe.

Buckinghamshire Care helps and supports thousands of adults both at home, through its reablement and laundry services, and in the community through day opportunities centres, supported employment schemes and respite services.