Member Article

Prime Minister opens new day care centre at Harrogate Neighbours to tackle social isolation

Following a visit from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty in October 2023, non-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours has responded to his findings and has opened its first ever Day Care Centre at The Cuttings.

The Day Care Centre was officially opened by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak on Monday 12th February. 

Guests were given an overview of the new facility now available, which includes themed activities, arts and crafts, classic puzzles and games, snooker, gardening, film screenings and access to local amenities in the community via a dedicated travel service. 

Clients who will attend the centre going forward will also enjoy a freshly prepared main meal and light tea to take home.

The Prime minister spent time talking to clients about what the Day Care Centre will mean to them. He also spoke to staff about what it is like working at Harrogate Neighbours. 

The report by the Chief Medical Office named ‘Health in an Ageing Society’, highlighted a number of ways that care providers could support older people living in the local community.

Social isolation was a common theme in the report, which Greenfield Court Care at Harrogate Neighbours has responded to with the opening of a dedicated Day Care Centre. 

The Day Care Centre will be held at The Cuttings and will be run by staff at Greenfield Court Care. It will provide a safe space for older people to enjoy a range of interactive activities and socialise with like-minded adults.

CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, Sue Cawthray said, “Supporting vulnerable and older people is at the heart of everything we do at Harrogate Neighbours.

“Alongside the findings from Chris Whitty’s report, staff at Greenfield Court Care felt there was a need to open a dedicated day care centre which would support those living independently, but who would benefit from a safe place to socialize.

“Welcoming the Prime Minister through our doors, was a great opportunity to showcase the vital services we provide for older people in the community to support an aging population.

“We would like to thank everyone who attended the official opening and we look forward to opening our doors, creating fun and enjoyment and tackling social isolation together.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “It was a pleasure to meet the clients and dedicated staff at Harrogate Neighbours to celebrate the opening of their new Day Care Centre.

“The difference that the staff make to people’s lives is truly inspiring and I know that the Day Care Centre will go even further to help combat loneliness within vulnerable communities.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Samara Ullmann .