‘Older people won’t be forgotten’: New Northampton day service to combat loneliness is in 'high demand'

A new day service for older people has proven popular in its first month-and-a-half as clients have said it is ‘everything’ to them.

The service, based at St Luke’s Community Centre in Duston, has more than 50 places filled each week, predominantly supporting clients in their 80s and 90s, by offering nutritious food, friendship and activities.

Despite the latest lockdown, support groups of up to 15 people are allowed to continue, so the service has continued to grow in popularity having only opened six weeks ago.

Last week, staff welcomed the oldest member, 99-year-old Pearl Kathleen Drinkwater, known to her friends as Kay.

Kay said: “I was used to a busy social life, being part of the Mother’s Union, knitting groups and going for lunches with friends.

“That all stopped last year and I hadn’t been able to do anything.

“I love being around people which is why being able to come to Affinity means everything.

“I turn 100 years old in February and it’s a shame it’s during lockdown as we had so much planned which is now all cancelled, but I’m so glad I can still come and celebrate at Affinity. I’m the life and soul of the party and won’t let Covid change that.”

Affinity Day Care director, Fern Overton, added: “Having opened the service on December 2, we are shocked at how quickly it’s grown.

“We have lots of enquiries coming in and at least one new starter every day.

“The service is in high demand and we are looking at investing in our own minibus to transport clients to and from the day centre.

“It just goes to show how needed services like ours really are.”

Around 80 percent of attendees have received the first Covid-19 vaccination, three of whom have had both vaccinations, with the remaining clients and staff due to be vaccinated soon.

The centre is also run with strict regulations in place, with everyone undergoing a temperature test on arrival and asked to use disinfectant, all staff wear masks and observe social distancing and clients are put into bubbles so that travel to and from the centre and interaction can be done safely.

“Our clients are vibrant and energetic and we provide a service that caters to them,” Fern continued.

“We are determined that the older people of Northampton won’t be forgotten.

“We’re excited about the warmer weather and looking forward to utilising the forest area at St Luke's for science experiments, building bug hotels, planting flowers and vegetables as well as barbeque lunches.”

To find out more about the service that runs Monday to Friday, 10am to 3.30pm, or to book a free telephone assessment, call 01604 372744, email [email protected], or visit the website.

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