Testimonials

Since coming to live with us in 2023, Ann has been a daily visitor to Over Day Centre and I can honestly say I don't know what we would do without this facility. Ann loves her days at the Centre and is always disappointed should she not be able to attend for any reason. The variety of activities keeps her mind active and the fact she has company all day means we are confident that she is happy and settled. She looks forward to the bus collecting her each morning and it gives shape and purpose to her day whether it holds quizzes, hair cuts or pedicures.

We have nothing but praise and gratitude for the work the centre does. She is entertained, fed and pampered on a daily basis and, for this, we are completely grateful. We know she is safe and being cared for by a group of the utmost professional people. The kindness, patience and understanding they show day in and day out is to be applauded. We have full confidence that Ann is well cared for and really do not know what we would do without the Centre and its amazing staff. We both work full time and have huge admiration and gratitude for the work they do.

I haven't been coming long but I can tell you that this is a great place. The staff are so lovely and they are such good carers. They are checking on everyone all the time. As soon as they think someone needs help, they are there straightaway. They are just very lovely carers and look after us. I like that we are always doing things like quizzes and games. I like the games where we have to throw a big dice and everyone is divided into two teams. We get very competitive and everyone is cheering each other on. That's when every person really gets interested and joins in. I like the music. I can't dance now, but I like watching other people get up and join in. There are some people who always dance if they get the chance. I like to join in with the songs, especially if its rock'n'roll like Buddy Holly. I just like being somewhere I can socialise.

The place is wonderful. I am sociable and like to go out. When I come to the Day Centre, I chat with people. We have the same interests. I like the musical entertainment, because I am in a choir and have always liked music. But I like everything we do with the staff. The staff are wonderful and very friendly. They always make me feel welcome. I like the garden. My wife says I'm not very good at gardening, but I enjoy planting things here.

My mother, Jean, attends the Over Day Centre on two days per week, sometimes three (if there are events, like craft/art sessions that she wants to attend as an extra). Mum first started attending the Day Centre as I was so worried that she was getting lonely and, as she was not able to drive anymore, was not having an active life. Right from the start the Centre has been marvellous for her. Mum is collected by the minibus, reliably, and safely brought home.

The staff are so attentive and manage to organise a wealth of activities for the clients, ranging from physical exercise, music to artwork. Mum especially likes the clay and painting. Also, the quizzes to keep the mind active are varied and Mum brings home the sheets to try to complete later. Mum can also treat herself to a regular manicure there, a podiatrist, a hairdresser, and an assisted bathing service if she should wish. The staff have even managed to organise days out: boat trips, tea parties, petting farms.

I have great communication with the Day Centre and utmost confidence in, and praise for, the staff and management.

It's lovely here. I like all the activities and I have friends I sit with. I like the word games best (like Word in a Word) but I'm happy with any quizzes and also the singers that come in to entertain us. I've even done some drumming. We also have animals to visit, like dogs (trained as therapy pets) which I enjoy. The staff look after me and I really like the food. The lunches are really good.

Joe is an independent individual who is coming to terms with becoming dependent. This puts a strain on our relationship. For myself, I am having to accept a role I never wanted. At the Day Centre I know he is receiving so many things I cannot give him, and he would not give himself. He is with other people, and he has discovered that he still can have conversations despite being hard of hearing and sight impaired.

He so enjoys the music. Joe regularly used to go to weekly free concerts in Cambridge for many years. The joy of live music does uplift him, more than the radio listening that he does at home. From my point of view, Joe is learning to accept help from others which is a skill he needs as I will not be able to do everything for him as his needs increase. He is doing this in a local, caring environment.

Joe loves to eat, and he finds the meal an adventure... What’s for lunch today?

"I feel happy here. If I didn't come, I'd be at home on my own. It's always good here. At home I don't have anything to do. I'm on my own unless my daughter or son visit. You know, it makes me smile to come to the Day Centre. There's no complaints from me. Nothing I'd change. There's a lot of laughs with the staff and everyone else".

“My niece organised for me to come because I live alone. I thoroughly enjoy it and look forward to my days at the Day Centre. I have a lovely meal, get my hair done, have my nails polished and chat to the new friends that I’ve made. i try to join in with everything, like the exercise classes and the quizzes and games, but my eyesight is getting worse and so I sometimes have staff and volunteers helping me. I've slowly increased the number of days I attend. The free minibus is essential to me getting to the Day Centre. They collect you and drop you at your door. It's a brilliant service."