WAVERLEY Borough Council has confirmed its new hot meals service for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents will be rolled out in the new year.

From January 16, 2017, the new Waverley Community Meal Service will be delivered by volunteers at the Gostrey Centre in Farnham, Hasleway in Haslemere and Rowleys in Cranleigh.

The centres will provide a hot, freshly cooked and healthy meal with optional afternoon tea five days a week. Clients will be able to request frozen meals for weekends and bank holidays.

It will replace the Royal Voluntary Service’s Meals on Wheels service, which Surrey and Waverley councils both withdrew funding for earlier this year after a review found dissatisfaction with the quality of the meals and falling numbers of clients.

The RVS had delivered hot meals and companionship to some of Waverley’s most isolated older people for more that 50 years, operating solely from the Brightwells Gostrey Centre in Farnham.

The Gostrey Centre will retain a role providing the new service, although Waverley is yet to confirm whether or not this will continue following its impending move to the Farnham Memorial Hall in late 2017.

Jenny Else, Waverley’s executive member for health, well-being and culture, said: “By delivering the service more locally across the borough, and with local volunteers, the most vulnerable and at risk recipients will have the opportunity to develop friendships with local people and have additional support and practical help.

“The volunteers will also be in a position to encourage clients to be part of the community at the local centres and take advantage of other services available to them.

“If you would like to be involved in delivering this vital service and make a difference to the lives of people who live nearby contact one of the community centres.”

To volunteer at the Gostrey Centre in Farnham, call manager Maggie Groves on 01252 725330 or alternatively email [email protected]