THE Day Centre at Langham Court, in Hindhead, celebrated its first anniversary with the news that, due to popular demand, it will open for a second day each week to support those living with dementia and their carers.

Regular weekly attendees on a Tuesday, families and friends, enjoyed home-made cakes and a glass of bubbly to celebrate. The extra weekly session will start on Thursday, July 5.

Centre manager Vee Hey, said: “We all raised a glass to what is sure to be another amazing year.

“This was a very social morning with a guessing game followed by a group sing along. It is a pleasure to make a difference not only for the attendees but also their carers.”

The centre offers a safe, caring and stimulating environment for people living with dementia and support for their carers.

There are nine regular attendees on a Tuesday, who are offered a variety of activities throughout the day.They are encouraged to assist in routine domestic tasks, such as laying the dining table, emptying the dish washer, and doing any activity that encourages independence.The all-day session includes a three course home-made meal and afternoon tea.

Due to increased demand, the Hunter Centre in Marjorie Gray Hall, in Grayswood Road, Haslemere, which supports those living with dementia and their carers, also added an extra day earlier this year and is now open four days a week.

Langham Court, a nursing and dementia care home – launched its day centre a year ago in response to a growing need. Langham was judged ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission’s inpspectors in March 2017.

Vee, who leads the sessions supported by a trained assistant, added: “We want to let more people know we are here for them.

“I feel strongly our service is important for those with dementia, but equally important for their loved ones and carers, who need to have time on their own without feeling guilty.

“I am a passionate supporter of families. Those in the early stages of dementia can be diagnosed as early as 50, and both they and their families need support.

“We welcome children and those with dementia really connect with music, children and animals.

“Our care is about treating them as people, not as children, and it’s quite a fine line getting that balance. It can be easy to become child-like, and that’s not how it should be.

“Our activities include skills to encourage normality so they gain a new sense of purpose.”