Emmerich Court Day Club run by Carers Trust Norfolk welcomed the new Mayor of King’s Lynn, Cllr Carol Bower, social care partners and guests for lunch today (16 May) to mark national Dementia Awareness Week.
The club meets once a week for adults with care needs, including dementia, in King’s Lynn, providing a relaxed and friendly social setting, enabling their carers to have a break.
Coun Bowe told them, “I have learnt so much about the lives of carers and so many of you have helped me learn more by answering my questions. Carers Trust Norfolk is wonderful and does a fantastic job and we must highlight them so you can have more occasions like this, have more help in the community and have lovely events together where you can enjoy yourselves, and have some well earned moments of rest too. I’ve heard how hard you work and how caring you are for your loved ones, and I am actually very moved.”
One of the day club’s regular members is Roy Richardson, 87, who has Alzheimer’s disease. His wife Pat said her husband very much enjoys going there.
She said: “He likes the friendly atmosphere. Everyone there is so kind and helpful. He likes playing dominoes and joining in other activities. I can leave him there and this gives me a break as it hard work because I care for him 100% on my own.”
Trustee Ann Braithwaite said: “We like to come out to events and listen and find out what people need, we try to do our best and do what would make your life better, improve your quality of life. Please come and talk to me and let me know before you leave if there is anything you would like to say.”
The club meets on a Tuesday and has vacancies for new members. It caters for those with wide ranging care needs, as long as they can be left without their carer, including those with a head injury, mental health problems, the elderly and frail, or those who have a physical disability.
Care Manager Andrea Grange said members, their families and staff had very much enjoyed meeting the Mayor, who was very kind, compassionate and understanding about the needs of family carers.
She said: “The Mayor was wonderful and empathised with everyone and it was a great pleasure that she could join us today. We are very keen to support more people with care needs and, to give their families a break from their caring responsibilities. I am also delighted that we may have attracted new clients to our club as a result of today’s Open Day. We also welcome hearing from supporters who would like to volunteer at the club, which meets on a Tuesday. We also provide a hot two course lunch which is cooked on the premises.”
Professionals who attended came from West Norfolk Befriending, the ABC Team, and NCC Adult Services.
For more information contact Andrea Grange on 01553 750014, email Andrea Grange [email protected].
Carers Trust Norfolk provides home and respite support to more than 300 families in Norfolk, including children with disabilities as well as the elderly, and works closely with young carers across the country through the Norfolk Young Carers Forum. See our website for futher information:
