Activities phased back safely at Gloucester House
And the message from resource centre manager Rhonda Fazackerley, who co-ordinates everything for Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland, is that users will get the best possible protection from coronavirus.
Meetings including knit and natter, the drop-in and lunch clubs plus exercise sessions were all suddenly halted back in March at the height of the pandemic.
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But Rhonda and her team are excited to start seeing everyone again as the various groups restart with appropriate social distancing measures in place.
She told the Melton Times this week: “We started a deep clean of the building on August 17 and we are confident the place is now Covid secure.
“Everything is as safe as it can be and staff have been fully briefed.
“We have had as many people nervous about coming back as people asking us when they can come back but we want to get the message out that we are taking everyone’s safety very seriously.”
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There is now a one-way system in and out of the Norman Way centre, use of the toilets are separated between different user groups and all tables and chairs will be situated two metres apart.
Tai Chi and pilates groups have already begun meeting again and knit and natter is due to start on Thursday (September 10), from 10.30am to noon, but some sessions, such as the drop-in club, will be delayed a little longer because the room is not big enough to house the numbers who usually attend at a safe distance.
It is planned to restart Evergreen social meetings on Mondays next month and lunch club events (£6 for two courses) from October 8, 11.30am to 1pm, and every second Thursday of the month thereafter.
Rhonda said: “We are pleased to get back to some kind of normality, as are the people who use the centre.
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“Lockdown has had a big effect on their mental health, particularly those who are more vulnerable and who don’t have family to support them so getting back open is important for them.”
Staff at Gloucester House have kept in touch with users throughout the closure period with a driver picking up prescriptions and shopping for those most in need of help, and also visiting people in their gardens or talking to them remotely by video conferencing methods.
Income has dropped markedly, however, due to the closure of the shop in Nottingham Street in the town. It has since reopened but for reduced hours.
Activities are supported by around 20 volunteers but more are required - call 01664 410253 to find out more about volunteering at the centre or at the charity shop. Call the same number to find out more about joining any of the various sessions.