Memories Are Golden is not only a respite service for carers who desperately need breaks from their caring role, or a social opportunity for people who live alone, for some it’s a lifeline of some normality, to be amongst their peers, to feel part of something, and feel they have some meaning and value to their lives.

Attending the centre allows people a safe space to socialise to her hearts content and being a local service people often find there is someone they used to know! Memories Are Golden also acts as a means of flagging up any safeguarding concerns. People need to get out, to mix, to have the opportunity to laugh and learn, and feel part of something other than just being dependant on someone at home.

I believe that the social, emotional, and mental health aspect and benefits of attending Memories Are Golden is so valuable to people and their carers, that the more opportunities that can be offered to people with a variety of needs, can only improve their wellbeing, and in turn reduce carer breakdown, and improve the longer term prospects for people being able to remain at home, and have a better quality of life.