Angelica Place dementia day centre re-launches following investment

A day care centre in Griston, Norfolk, which provides services to people with dementia, is today re-opening following an extensive refurbishment programme that was made possible thanks to an £80,000 government grant. The day care centre, which is run by Manorcourt Homecare, the homecare services division of the Healthcare Homes Group, provides vital support to approximately 500 people each month from Griston, Watton, Thetford, Swaffham, Hingham and the surrounding villages.

The centre, which is being renamed ‘Angelica Place’, is being officially opened by Councillor Sue Whitaker, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for adult social services. The re-launch, which coincides with national Dementia Awareness Week, provides individuals with dementia and their carers and family members with a modern centre that incorporates a wide range of facilities.

This includes the installation of an Audrey Hepburn ladies’ beauty salon, a Barber Shop, a 1950’s inspired working kitchen, a sensory room and garden, plus fully accessible toilet facilities. A new minibus has also been purchased, enabling the Manorcourt Homecare team to organise more outings and appointments for the people using the centre.

Norfolk County Council successfully applied for the £80,000 funding from the Department of Health’s Dementia Friendly Environment fund last year. Commenting on the re-launch of Angelica Place, Cllr Sue Whitaker said: "Angelica Place is a great example of a local facility used by local people. There's a fantastic atmosphere and it's a safe, welcoming place where family and carers know their relatives will be well looked after. I'd love to see places like this replicated throughout the county."

In addition to the new facilities, a ‘Dementia Champion’ is now based from Angelica Place. Lyn Foulds, who has worked in the care sector for two years, will focus on providing individual advice and support to carers and ensure they have access to the resources or information they need about dementia. A new support group for carers is also scheduled to launch, plus the salon, barbers and sensory room are all available for the local community to use.

Mike Osborne, Managing Director of Manorcourt Homecare said: “Approximately 500 people use our day care centre in Griston every month and it is anticipated that this figure will grow over time. The investment into the new Angelica Place day care centre therefore provides a modern, community-based hub that individuals with dementia and their carers can access, and take advantage of the wide ranging facilities. With plans to also launch a dementia support group, which will be led by our Dementia Champion, Lyn Foulds, we want Angelica Place to become known as the ‘go-to place’ for advice, support and community-based services related to assisting those caring for or with dementia.”

The Angelica Place day centre service was one of 116 projects across the country to secure a share of a £50 million grant towards creating pioneering care environments designed specifically for the needs of people with dementia.

Angelica Place Day Centre is located on Manor Road, Griston, Norfolk, IP25 6RG. For more information visit the centre (Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 4:30pm) and speak to a member of the team. Alternatively, telephone 01953 889230, visit www.manorcourtcare.co.uk or www.healthcarehomes.co.uk.

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