Royal opens dementia centre of excellence in Goring

Guild Care chief executive Suzanne Millard, chief executive of Adur and Worthing councils Alex Bailey and Worthing mayor Michael Donin await The Duchess of Gloucester's arrival Picture: Marc Routliff

Her Royal Highness Birgitte Eva was greeted at Haviland House in Robin Road, Goring, by dignitaries including Alex Bailey, the chief executive officer of Adur and Worthing councils, Worthing mayor Michael Donin and Susan Pyper, The Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, before embarking on a tour of the facility and unveiling a plaque in the site’s Bradbury Well-being Centre.

The £7.5 million care home and centre has been operational since January. It boasts 60 en-suite bedrooms split across five suites, while the centre provides a range of therapies for residents and day users, as well as advice and guidance for families of dementia sufferers.

Speaking to the Herald at the visit, Roger Smith, chairman of Guild Care’s board of trustees, said: “It’s nice to get the Royal seal of approval on our lovely home.

“The fact is there isn’t anywhere in our whole area that offers the services that we are now able to offer. It’s a much needed service for more than 3,000 people in the Worthing area alone.”

Julie Wilson, 51, of The Avenue, Shoreham, and Allie Beddard, 55, of Church Road, Tarring, were guests at the opening and both have parents who use Guild Care services.

Julie’s dad Len, 81, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s seven years ago and has vascular dementia. He visits Guild Care’s day centres three times a week.

She described the work the charity does as ‘totally amazing’.

DM1513341a The Duchess of Gloucester arrives at Haviland House in Goring

She said: “They have more or less saved the entire family’s life.

“We are so lucky in Worthing, because they are unique to Worthing.”

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Worthing.news

3) Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.