28 Mar Age Concern Southend are expanding their services by offering weekend classes and respite care
Since, Age Concern Southend opened the Haven Community Hub in the old Havens department store on Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, the charity has provided a number of services to both the elderly and the community as a whole. The Haven Community Hub is a space for everyone, regardless of age or ability – where a number of exercise classes, hobby groups, events, and community groups meet. It is also a registered Warm Hub with a large onsite café.
A timetable of classes can be found at www.acsos.co.uk. Booking for classes can be made by calling 01702 345373 emailing bookings@acsos.co.uk or made in person.
As an independent charity reliant on fundraising efforts, Age Concern Southend is pleased to announce that, with the help of grant funding of £69,000 from the Community Investment Board, we can now cover core staffing costs for one year, which will enable us to open at weekends, both to run more classes and to open our neurological day service on Saturdays.
A number of new classes have been added to the timetable including Yoga and Tai Chi, with more to be announced shortly. With the building open, it also means that rooms are available for hire at affordable prices to help further fund the charities’ efforts.
Janice Pitch, Community Investment Board member said, ‘After visiting The Haven Community Hub I was very impressed in their dedication and ability to bring the community together. They have plans that are well thought out and will see the extended hours be sustainable in the long term so that the space is utilised for the good of the community.’
Age Concern Southend’s Adult Day Service is also located within the Haven Community Hub building, offering quality respite care in full-day, half-day, and hourly sessions for people with neurological conditions such as Dementia, Parkinson’s, Stroke, and Brain Injury. Sarah Wilson, Supervisor said, “We are so excited to open on Saturdays too and welcome new clients. A lot of effort from staff, volunteers, and the local community goes into keeping our doors open, and seeing the service expanding and the hard work paying off is incredible. Long may the support continue. We all love our clients and take pride in the care we provide – if we can help more people access respite care at weekends too, then that is great!” If you would like to learn more about this service or come for a free trial, please email sarah.wilson@acsos.co.uk
