Holdenhurst Centre expands

A NEW day centre in Heathfield is planning to double the size of its operation within the next month.

When the Holdenhurst Centre, in Mill Road, opened in November it provided elderly people with a service that had not previously been available in the town. Before then, people had to travel to Polegate or Crowborough for day care.

But now, pensioners in Heathfield have been able to use the centre to meet with other residents, as well as receiving midday meals and other services.

The centre a multi-agency project run between Abbeyfield Sussex Weald Society and East Sussex Age Concern has been open one day a week.

The centre s organiser, Sandy Richards, said: 'My job initially is to set up and run two days of day care for older people who are frail and/or isolated living in Heathfield and district as well as arranging for other organisations and different activities to take place at the centre.

'To start, we have set up the first day of day care on a Tuesday and hope to start up a second on a Friday early in the new year maybe February.

The centre is open from 10am to 4pm and is especially aimed at people over 60 who are frail and/or socially isolated in and around Heathfield. As well as a meal and a chance to meet others, the centre provides a toenail cutting service and bathing and hairdressing. Volunteers and drivers are always welcome. If you are interested in helping out, phone 01273 476704.