On Thursday 14th September we celebrated our 33rd birthday in style. Following a party for clients during the afternoon, the evening was spent with our supporters, volunteers, trustees and former clients and their families extending our thanks and appreciation. Also in attendance were our amazing team of carers, cooks, admin support and drivers.
Our journey began in September 1989 when we opened as a meeting place for older residents in Over and surrounding villages. From very humble beginnings, starting in a Portakabin with a maximum capacity of 12 clients, with a lot of public support and fundraising, a permanent purpose-designed brick building was opened in 2001.
This has a capacity of around 30 and boasts a large community room, professional kitchen, admin offices, a specialist bathing room, a salon, toilets and laundry facilities. We also run a minibus to be able to reach out to clients further away from Over to ensure that they too can enjoy the Day Centre.
The building is owned by South Cambridgeshire District Council and is leased to us for a nominal rent.
Our purpose today is exactly the same today as it was when we launched:
To help our clients remain independent, socially active and physically mobile, and to live as contributing members of their local community.
We provide support for carers and families with respite from the emotional and physically exhausting challenges of caring for a loved one on a daily basis.
In short, we’re a local charity that provides affordable professional day care to older people living in South Cambridgeshire within travelling distance of Over.
The birthday parties were a real success, and we can’t overstate our gratitude to everyone who attended, and indeed to anyone who has donated funds, time and resources to us over the years. We really couldn’t have done it without you!