Teifi Valley Day Club thriving

A new day club which launched in the Teifi Valley just a few weeks ago is already thriving.
The Newcastle Emlyn club is one of many newly established in Carmarthenshire since the local authority gave independent and voluntary groups the chance to run their own services.
Situated near to the Maes Llewellyn Care Home, Church Lane, the club is run by Age Concerns Ceredigion and Sir Gâr, and replaces a club previously run by the council.
Members meet every Tuesday and Thursday and have the opportunity to enjoy a hot meal, entertainment and new experiences, including Nordic walking and computer taster sessions.
A nail cutting clinic has just been introduced, and volunteers are also applying for funding for three laptops to create a computer café, where one-to-one training will be offered.
After just a few sessions, the membership has increased to 21.
Gwyneth Jones, of Age Concern Ceredigion, said: “The club operates in partnership with Age Concern Sir Gâr and offers volunteer opportunities, information and advice, and nail cutting. We have the support of 12 volunteers and transport is provided by Dolen Teifi Community Bus with the help of volunteer drivers.”
Carmarthenshire County Council has assisted the start-up of the club as part of its commitment to supporting independent organisations who wanted to establish new services in new areas or take over services previously run by the council.
Several day and luncheon clubs are now in the hands of independent providers and are thriving well. The hand-over of five day clubs has allowed the council to reinvest £400,000 to relieve pressure on front-line services where there is highest demand, including dementia care.
Transport vehicles previously used for these clubs are now being used to help take people home from hospital.
The community also benefits, as there is no longer any need for eligibility criteria to be applied, meaning more people can enjoy day and luncheon clubs than were able to before.
Clubs can also be developed to offer a wider range of services than the council was able to provide.
Cllr Pat Jones, Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, said: “I am so pleased to see that yet another club is thriving in the very capable hands of independent and voluntary providers.
“Whilst we understand that people had initial concerns about the handing over of day and luncheon clubs, I do hope that they can now see the good reasons why this was done, and how the local authority and the independent sector can work together to provide a broader range of services for older people.”
For further information about joining the Teifi Valley Club, call Carol Williams 01545 570055 or for appointments to discuss information, advice and benefits, contact Bethan Davies on 01554 784080.

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