AN award winning Wyre Forest care centre for older people with mild to moderate dementia has been championing a “person-centred approach”.

Friends of the Elderly’s Wyre Valley Day Club was a recent winner of a Mike Oborski “No Barriers” award, which recognises local business, organisations or individuals that have gone the “extra mile” working with people with a disability.

Wilf Merriman, of Woodthorpe Drive, Bewdley, nominated the club because of the care it provides for his 78-year-old wife, Beryl, who attends twice a week.

Mr Merriman explained: “I decided to nominate the club because they do such a brilliant job and it also gives me time to rest and get on with chores.

“Beryl is always happy to go. When their minibus comes to collect her, she always smiles.”

Sam Arnold, day club manager, said: “I was delighted and thrilled to receive the award. It is a tribute to the quality of person-centred care we offer and the commitment of my staff.”

The Kidderminster-based club caters for up to 13 people each weekday from 10am to 3.30pm providing rest for carers and a minibus service for those who need transport to attend.

Mr Arnold explained that every person attending the club was assessed to determine their capabilities and given an activity profile.

He said activities could range from bingo and quizzes to painting, arts and crafts and gardening and there were often two or three different activities going on at any one time.

He added that members enjoyed building up “life history books”, which encouraged them to see beyond their dementia.

Mr Arnold said: “Our service is very important and helps make our members feel included in the community, while giving carers a much needed respite.

“It’s about a person-centred approach and seeing the needs of the individual and this is very important in meeting the requirements of people with dementia.”

He added: “Demand is high. We have a long waiting list and this shows the confidence people have in the club.”

Mr Arnold said the Gamson Close club had one volunteer and 10 staff and aimed to work to a ratio of one carer to every four members.

His team was presented with the Mike Oborski award by Conservative Wyre Forest District councillor, Gordon Yarranton, at The Community Housing Group headquarters in Kidderminster.

To volunteer or for more information contact Mr Arnold on 01562 825490.