Champagne corks were popping as members, residents and staff at Meresworth care home in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire celebrated the reopening of their much loved day care centre.
Guests gathered at Meresworth for a champagne reception before Councillor Williams, chair of Three Rivers District Council, cut the ribbon to officially mark the relaunch. Attendees were then treated to a delicious buffet lunch before enjoying entertainment from One Man Stand.
Phil Williams, chairman of Three Rivers District, says: “I am delighted to have been invited to open the Meresworth care home officially. It is warming to note that residents can continue to utilise these facilities. Thanks to the Kier Foundation for its support in refurbishing the centre and the fantastic work done by all the contractors who volunteered and provided free materials.”
The day care centre was refurbished by Kier, who were funded by a grant from the Kier Foundation, an independently registered charity which supports charitable causes close to the hearts of its employees and the communities in which they operate.
Kier organised for Meresworth to receive a brand new kitchen, new flooring, furniture and decoration for the day care members to enjoy. Through the efforts of the contractors, who not only worked free of charge but who also provided some materials for free, the complete refurbishment was finished in record time – ensuring day care members didn’t go without their much loved club for too long.
Meresworth’s day care centre is run by Quantum Care, a not for profit care provider based in Hertfordshire. The centre provides specialist day care services to elderly people living in the area. Members enjoy group activities like baking and quizzes, and are encouraged to meet and interact with new people. Staff are also trained to provide specialist care for those living with dementia and support to members with physical disabilities.
David Cook, 86, from Rickmansworth, and a regular day care member comments: “Without the day care centre I wouldn’t get out much. I’m a chatty man, and like to meet new people, so coming to Meresworth has helped me make a really nice group of friends and I look forward to coming to see them every week. The new kitchen and décor has made the whole place look even more inviting and I’m really looking forward to spending more time here”.
Maria Ball, Quantum Care’s chief executive, says: “We see how important day care centres like Meresworth’s are for the people who attend them. Day centres help reduce loneliness and increase health and wellbeing amongst the elderly, some of whom would go without company or care if it wasn’t for centres like these.
“That is why we are so grateful to the Quantum Care staff team, Kier and all the contractors involved for helping us make the centre even more welcoming for our members. It is clear how much this place means to our local community and how happy this refurbishment has made the people who attend. Thank you for your hard work and generosity”.
Jonathan Payne, managing director for Kier Construction Thames Valley, says: “At Kier, we are committed to supporting residents in the areas in which we operate and we were delighted to have the opportunity to use our expertise and resources to help improve this vital centre for the members to enjoy for years to come.”
