Our philosophy:
The Welcome Centre Exmouth is a special place, because it was born out of the commitment, passion and dedication of the staff and volunteers. A new company ( a Social Enterprise - Community Interest Company ) was created - The Welcome Centre. A Community Interest Company provides services for the community for which it charges, but all the profits are re-invested in the company for
the benefit of the community. The Welcome Centre currently has two paid members of staff, the well-qualified and experienced manager and a cook and a team of unpaid volunteers. The Welcome Centre is based at Morgan Court Community Centre in Exmouth and is currently open four days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) offering activities, social opportunities, freshly cooked lunches and respite care. Our centre is for lonely elderly people - people who are socially isolated, people with dementia and other long term conditions, such as learning and physical disabilities, Parkinson's Disease or strokes. We aim to break the stereotype that sometimes is associated with the concept of a Day Centre - that of a place where people sit down in a circle drinking cups of tea. We want to be more creative and innovative in our vision. One of our main strategies is to encourage intergenerational interaction - because we not only believe in the therapeutic effect that children and young people have on the older generation, but also in the beneficial effect of such an interaction on the children . This is particularly important for the children whose families may be affected by dementia. We also use forms of Art Therapy (such as painting, craftwork and flower arranging), Pet Therapy and Indoor gardening .We encourage singing and the enjoyment of music and have readers from the library service telling stories. We encourage physical activity (keep fit and Tai chi) and mental stimulation with quizzes and number and word games. Another important aspect of our service provision, is getting out into the community with visits to different places. But most of all we aim to have a holistic approach and use a person-centred activity programme! That is why we take time to get to know all of our clients and their carers. We are very proud to say that we have a very strong team of staff and volunteers and we are like a family where everybody knows each other and respects each other for who and what they are. That is why we are THE WELCOME CENTRE ! The Welcome Centre is not just to give the client a break, but to provide a stimulating environment, a change of scene, opportunities to socialise, exercise their bodies and minds in a safe environment and enjoy a nutritious midday meal. Perhaps, just as importantly, the new centre will allow a break for their carers. Currently clients' fees are paid by Social Services, or privately. The Welcome Centre not only provides all the above, but also promotes a social therapeutic model, by which the clients will be given the opportunity to access the community and be part of it. The Welcome Centre places a strong emphasis on bringing the generations together, by encouraging play groups, schools and students to join in with the clients' activities and exchange experiences through intergenerational projects. At The Welcome Centre:
-everybody feels welcome, equal and valued as an individual
-cognitive, emotional and social stimulation is on offer
-the carers feel happy and relaxed about leaving their loved ones
-there is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, led in a professional way
-each client receives a person centred approach
-respect and self-esteem are promoted
-independence is encouraged and well-being promoted
-a strong emphasis is put on recruiting and training a team of volunteers and paid staff. At The Welcome Centre we aim:
- to promote high levels of physical activity in the older population.
- to reduce barriers to increased levels of physical activity, mental well-being and social engagement among excluded groups of older people.
- to continue to increase uptake of evidence based disease prevention programmes among older people .
- to maintain mental and emotional well-being, just as much as physical health and fitness.
- to reduce the frequency of anxiety attacks, depression and recognise the widespread misery that can occur as a consequence which does not reach the threshold for clinical diagnosis, but nevertheless, reduces the quality of life of thousands of people. We believe that by helping people in these situations it will help them to lead happier, more productive and more fulfilled lives. Clients' comments:
“Without a place like this I would be alone from 8.15 until 6.00. This will lead to a mental deterioration as well as physical. Here ( at the Day Centre ) I can have some mental stimulation as well as physical exercises. I appreciate the company of the other clients as well as the staff’s and volunteers’. Everybody has different skills and different talents . Having somebody to visit me at home would not be the same. It would be no variety, no change.”
“I have been at home for two years following an operation. Being at home for so long I became depressed. Following my doctor’s advice I now attend the day centre and I feel that helped with my depression. Although I have people coming to visit at home this is not enough. I need the social interaction, it is important for me to see a group of people. A place like this ( day centre ) also offers mental stimulation. "
"I think that being mentally healthy is more than just having medical treatment it is about quality of life."
[Respondent to independence, wellbeing and choice.]
