SCA Group

Fairfax Court community support and wellbeing centre has opened its doors to relatives and friends for a ‘tea and chat' afternoon.

The centre, based in Hinkler Road, Thornhill, Southampton, caters for elderly people living alone or with a carer, some of whom have mild memory problems. It is run by not-for-profit social enterprise SCA Group on behalf of Southampton City Council. 

(Pictured:  Service Users and relatives at the open day)

The recent open day was a chance for relatives and friends of people who use the day centre to meet the staff and other service users and find out more about the activities that take place.

The centre is open every Thursday and members are collected from their homes by an SCA community bus and taken safely home again at the end of the day. While at the centre they take part in a range of activities, from gentle exercise, quizzes, games and theme days to music and reminiscence events led by outside performers and entertainers. Members help to decide what activities take place and have a service users' forum every few months. 

Jackie Grey, from Andover, came along to the open day with her mother Win Hutchings, 86. Jackie visits her mum regularly in the week but knows she is well cared for on Thursdays.

"Coming to the centre is an important part of mum's week and it's a nice day out for her," said Jackie. "She used to love to travel but now she can't do that because of limited mobility. The whole day is sorted out here from picking her up to bringing her home, so I know I don't have to worry about what she's doing or whether I have anything to organise. She enjoys the company and the activities and has made a good friend here."

Win said the centre gives her an opportunity to get out of the house once a week.

"It's nice to see people and do something different and enjoy some company. The exercises help to keep you mobile but are not too energetic. It would be easy to get to the stage where you don't go out and see anyone, but I look forward to coming here," she said.

Ivy Rogers, 86, attended the open day with her daughter Sue Perrin and son- in-law John Perrin.

"I like being with people of my own age at the centre," said Ivy. "We are all retired and we have similar interests. I just enjoy being here because the staff are wonderful and you can ask them anything. They greet you nicely every time and you don't feel strange or awkward. I look forward to it."

Dorothy Pemberton, centre co-ordinator at Fairfax Court, says she tries to encourage service users to be independent.

"It's good to keep them mobile and active and to encourage them to get involved. They take the lead in running the games and choosing activities. Some relatives say they change - they may be quiet and placid at first but after a while they become more open and make friends."

Any Southampton residents interested in attending any of SCA's community or specialist support and wellbeing centres can contact either their local Southampton City Council Social Services office or Wendy Walsh at SCA group on 023 8036 6663. All potential service users receive a home visit from SCA Group to make sure their needs can be catered for.

Further information is available from Wendy Walsh at SCA group on 023 8036 6663 or Southampton City Council Directorate of Health and Adult Social Care Commissioning and Standards Team on 02380 833848.

If you or a senior relative likes playing games, listening to speakers, going on occasional outings or just plain socialising, then the Bugle Street Multi-cultural Day Centre is ready to welcome you.

The centre, run by not-for-profit social care provider SCA group and funded by Southampton City Council, is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 10am to 3pm and welcomes older people over 60 who are living alone or with a carer in Southampton and who may have difficulty getting out of the house to meet people.

The centre already has members from the Afro-Caribbean, Asian, Chinese and South American communities but has places for a few more people.

Service users attending the centre are collected from their homes by community bus and returned home at the end of the day. Activities at the day centre, which are voluntary and agreed by clients, include occasional outings to places such as Royal Victoria Country Park, listening to local speakers, English lessons, arts and crafts, slide shows, music and movement, parties and table top games.

Dorothy Imbert, 75, enjoys coming to the centre on Thursdays. "It's relaxing. It's a chance to get away from the tensions at home and to have some companionship," she said.

Alice Mowatt, 76, agrees. "It can be lonely at home. It's nice to get out of the house and meet up with people," she said.

Centre Manager Tracy Katterns said the centre is mainly open to older people who are frail and/or housebound.

"The centre gives people a chance to chat, make friends and enjoy some interesting activities that give them a regular day out and a change from the normal routine at home.  We do everything we can to make the centre friendly, welcoming and enjoyable," she said.

Any Southampton residents interested in attending the day centre can contact either their local Southampton City Council Social Services office or the centre on 023 8083 4567.  Please note that potential members will receive a home visit from SCA Group to make sure the centre is suitable for their needs.

Further information is available from Wendy Walsh at SCA group on 023 8036 6663 or Southampton City Council Directorate of Health and Adult Social Care Commissioning and Standards Team on 023 8083 3848.