Western Trust video encourages older people to reconnect with their community

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) Community and Older People’s Services have launched a promotional video to highlight the wide range of activities encouraging more older people to attend their local day centre located across the Western Trust area as part of October Positive Ageing Month.

They offer day opportunities for clients with dementia, physical and mental health needs as well as people under 65 years and over 65 years old.

Fiona Shortt, Day Centre Manager at Thackeray, Limavady is encouraging people to consider joining their local day centre.

Fiona explains: “We know many of our older citizens can feel lonely and isolated in our local community and we wish to encourage people to come along to their local day centre.

“We offer a wide range of activities and programs, in a social and creative environment, which supports older people to socialize, meet you friends and try out different activities that they enjoy in a warm, welcoming environment.

Left to right: Fiona Scott Thackeray Day Centre Manager, and Sandra Stewart domicalliary care worker at Thackeray Day Centre

“We also hold workshops and social events and welcome musicians, singers and local children to our day centres throughout the year.

“There are a vast range of activities and programs on offer including arts & crafts; baking; flower arranging, gardening; chair yoga, music and dancing.  We also organize social outings so there really is something for everyone to enjoy!”

“If you are interested in attending the day centre, you need to have a social worker in the Older peoples community team, who will complete a referral for your local day centre, based on your assessed need.”

Day Centres are located across the Western Trust area in Limavady, Derry, Strabane, Omagh, Newtownstewart, Beragh, Dromore, Lisnaskea and Enniskillen.

• Thackeray Day Centre, Limavady
• Foyleville  Day Centre, Derry
• Creggan Day Centre, Derry
• Strabane Day Centre
• Newtownstewart Day Centre
• Gortmore Day Centre, Omagh
• Beragh Day Centre               
• Dromore  Day Centre                   
• Lisnaskea Day Centre                            
• Tempo Road Day Centre, Enniskillen                  

Jane White, Head of Care and Accommodation, Older People’s Services at the Western Trust said: "Our day centres run during the week Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 3.30pm excluding Public/Bank Holidays with some centres open daily and others one or two days per week.

“The main aim of day care services is to provide clients with opportunities to socialize, learn new skills and participate in group activities.

"We have very experienced staff in our day centres who share their creativity and skills encouraging each individual’s choice and interest to ensure they enjoy their time at the centre.

Ann Hull Thackeray Day Centre with Siobhan McAteer Physiotherapy Assistant

“We have received many positive comments from our clients who attend our day centres including:

“I love being able to go to the local tea dances with Thackeray as it gives me the chance to see people I haven’t seen in years”

“The staff treat us with the most utmost respect and we are treated as people not as elderly”

“Its so nice to get a day out with everyone.  I look forward to it every year!”

“I was happy when I got my new rollator when the physio assistant came to visit us and checked all of our walking aids”

Left to right: Eilish Hutchman and Caroline Martin, Thackeray Day Centre

Quote from service users daughter :“The day centre has helped to improve my mother’s social skills and she really enjoys the activities and informs all of her great grandchildren about her painted rocks which she has proudly displayed at home”. 

Claire Social Worker: “I frequently visit day centres as part of my job and I think they are great places for the community.  I highly recommend for elderly people also.  You can socialize with others, participate in activities and have your lunch there. It is good for your mental wellbeing.”

Eamon Community Social Worker: “During any interactions with clients, I hear only praise for the way they are treated during their time there. A few of my clients were reluctant to attend day centres, however those same clients tell me it is the highlight of their week now.

“They enjoy the company of their peers, but above all they say the day goes by in a flash because of the variety of activities that the centre provides. They tell me that the staff treat them with dignity and respect, at the same time they do so with warmth and humour.

"This in turn provides clients families with reassurance when they see how much fun their loved ones are having during the day.

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“I can see this for myself during reviews, yourself and your staff are extremely accommodating and make me feel very welcome when I am there. Keep up the great standard of care that you provide to all the clients.”

Jane added: “We would encourage older people to consider attending their local day centre, please speak with your Social Worker to find out more details about each of our day centres and to discuss a referral. Thank you.”