The Wychwood Day Centre received £3,000 through the Connected Communities Fund to support weekly social and wellbeing activities for older residents across the three Wychwood villages, as well as contributing towards the core costs of running the sessions.
The activity responds to a clear local need. Many of the centre’s members are over 80, live alone or have limited mobility, and for some the weekly session is the only time they leave home. Others are new to the area and have few local connections, while some attend with a partner they care for.
Without accessible transport, affordable food and a welcoming place to spend time with others, many would be at risk of increased loneliness and isolation.
The centre is the only local day care provision of its kind and supports around 22 people each week, with approximately 35 expected to benefit over the course of a year. Helen, who took over the centre in 2020, is an end-of-life nurse and is confident supporting older people and noticing changes in their health and wellbeing. Another volunteer is also a nurse, which offers further reassurance to members and their families. The service is delivered almost entirely by volunteers, who provide transport, prepare food, support activities and make sure people feel welcome.
Each Thursday, volunteer drivers collect members from across the villages and bring them to New Beaconsfield Hall. People arrive from around 10am and are welcomed with tea, coffee and biscuits before the activity begins. Members can attend for the whole day or only the part that works for them. Some come mainly for the activity, some for lunch and others stay throughout. This flexibility helps remove barriers for people who have hospital appointments, need longer to get ready on winter mornings or do not feel able to commit to a full session.
During the visit, the group explored the history of the seaside using black-and-white photographs and old artefacts, including buckets, spades and a penny lick once used to serve ice cream. The objects were passed around the room and prompted conversation about how seaside holidays had changed over time. Members could look, listen and contribute without being put under pressure. The session showed how a simple and accessible activity can stimulate curiosity, encourage conversation and help people feel part of the group.
An eclectic mix of activities for all
The wider programme includes music, games, crafts, seated exercise, indoor curling, dog bingo and glass-making sessions with Goosey Glass. These activities are shaped by what members say they enjoy, with company, good food, fun and friendship consistently identified as the most important parts of the day. Where possible, the centre also works with local businesses and performers. One example was a local puppet master who was developing a new business. The group booked him for six sessions and paid in advance, giving members something to look forward to while also helping him build confidence and experience. He was later invited to perform at the county fair.
After the activity, members may take part in seated exercise before sitting down to a home-cooked two-course lunch prepared by volunteers. Any food they cannot finish can be taken home, and coffee and homemade cake are served afterwards. Helen has kept the charge at £10 because she does not want cost to prevent anyone from attending. A raffle provides some additional income, but there is no pressure to buy tickets.
Attendee feedback highlights positive impact
The strongest evidence of impact came from the people attending. Jan had recently lost her sight and, although she lives with her son, had been spending much of her time at home feeling isolated. A volunteer driver told her about the centre, and she had been attending for around three weeks at the time of the visit.
“Before I came here, I was mostly sitting at home with nothing very exciting to do. Coming to the centre gives me the chance to get out, meet people and have something to look forward to.”
Helen had brought her dog to the session because she knew Jan enjoyed spending time with animals. This small gesture showed how well the group gets to know people and adapts the day around their interests.
Fred is one of the centre’s longest-standing participants. He first attended after being invited to read some of his poetry and has continued coming ever since. As his balance has worsened, he does not get out as often, making the weekly session increasingly important.
“The food is lovely and the entertainment is always good.”
“As I get older, I look forward to coming.”
Cross-generation experiences
Sandra first heard about the centre after meeting Helen by chance in a café. She now attends regularly and helps with the raffle. She values the friendships, the opportunity to hear about other people’s lives and the mix of generations.
“It feels like home when I come here. I love listening to people’s stories and seeing the mix of young and old. Without the centre, I would feel lonely and I would really miss it.”
Helping residents to establish connections
Judith was new to the village and had no local connections before joining. She mainly comes for lunch rather than the activities, but the centre has helped her meet people and become part of the community. Two new participants also attended on the day of the visit. They said they had not realised the centre was there and would return, even if only for a home-cooked meal and some company. This suggests that there may be more people locally who could benefit but are not yet aware of the service.
The sessions also provide respite and support for carers. Dave and Betty attend together each week. Betty has dementia, and the centre gives them something they can enjoy as a couple while also allowing Dave time to talk with friends. During the visit, Angus, a younger volunteer, sat with Betty and pulled funny faces because he knew this made her smile. It was a simple but powerful example of the personal relationships and understanding that develop through the activity.
The centre’s impact extends to volunteers as well. John first became involved as a driver after retiring, but stayed for a session and enjoyed it so much that he now spends the day volunteering.
“I started by helping with the driving, but once I stayed for a session, I realised how much I enjoyed it. It gives me a routine and helps me feel connected to village life.”
The value of volunteers
June, who is known for her puddings and cakes, began volunteering after she stopped working and now makes cakes for the group.
“I didn’t just come to help. I come because I enjoy it too.”
Younger volunteers also benefit. Angus enjoys talking to older members and helping with the sessions, while Helen’s daughter Pip, who can find social interaction difficult elsewhere, confidently moves around the room, talks to residents and helps where needed. Their involvement shows that the centre supports the whole community, creating opportunities for people of different ages to build confidence, purpose and relationships.
Helen summed up the value of the funded activity: “It warms my heart to see so many people getting something from the centre. Seeing a participant singing along and enjoying themselves is priceless. The funding makes an enormous difference. Without it, we simply would not be able to offer such a wide range of activities. I want to keep the group running for the next generation, which one day will include me.”
Frankie Hockham
Community Development Officer