Nick Pulsford, Chairman of Age Concern Banstead Trustees delivered his annual report to the Annual General Meeting held at The Banstead Community Centre on the 12th October.
The full report can be viewed here but the overall message is that the services they deliver are getting back to normal after two years of Pandemic. They provide a wide programme of services to the elderly including:
- Home Support Services
- Information Services
- Volunteer Care Scheme
- Minibus
- Lunch Clubs
- Men’s Club
- Bereavement Café
- Community Garden
- Feet for Most (toenail cutting service)
- Dementia Carers Support Group
Whilst the charity receives core support from Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, to maintain all these services additional fund raising is essential. They also welcome volunteers to help them achieve all their activities. If you feel you can help, contact them on 01737 352156.
An exciting new project that is underway is Banstead’s Men’s Shed. This will be a community space for men to connect, converse and create. The activities are often similar to those of garden sheds, but for groups of men to enjoy together. They help reduce loneliness and isolation, but most importantly, they’re fun.
Funds have been raised, land has been allocated at the rear of Banstead Community Centre and a planning application is underway. If all goes to plan a 6m x 5m building will be erected hopefully during 2023.
As well as being a resource to help men’s wellbeing, Men’s Sheds are also a very useful local resource carrying out repairs and making items for the community. We will keep you informed of developments.