Pensioners set up lunch clubs after new council charges imposed
PENSIONERS have formed their own lunch clubs which helps carers
Minnis Day Centre in Birchington is the sole remaining publicly run centre in Thanet. Some people have stopped attending after being hit by charges of up to £45 per day.
-
TUCK IN: New lunch club members enjoyed a value for money meal
- •
- •
Carer Barry Hardy, 85, set up a club because he cannot afford the new charges to take his wife Kay to the centre.
Following talks between users and KCC, Mr Hardy decided to organise a club to give carers and pensioners a place to gather that did not break the bank.
Mr Hardy said: “We couldn’t believe it when we saw the bill. For £30 a day, a hotel could provide breakfast, lunch and dinner so it’s hard to see where the money would go.
“It gives the carers a break as they know their loved ones will be looked after.
“For those that live alone, they can enjoy a home-cooked meal and some company.”
The first lunch club was launched at Minster’s Royal British Legion Club last Tuesday. The weekly meeting costs just £5 including a home-cooked meal.
The Isle of Thanet Gazette took along a selection of cakes and buns to help the party go with a swing.
Age UK’s centre in Zion Place, Cliftonville, is the only other purpose-built day centre. It welcomes more than 40 pensioners to enjoy the facilities but those in other areas can attend outreach services
from other charities like Age Concern.
With Kent County Council set to slash another £18.6 million from the adult social care budget next year, managers will be forced to raise cash to keep the centre open.
County Hall officials are in talks with charities and community groups to hire the building at evenings and weekends to subsidise the service.
A KCC spokesman said: “KCC remains happy to work with the Friends of Minnis Day Centre and voluntary organisations.”
Find out more by e-mailing hardy.barry20@yahoo.co.uk
