A VITAL service for the elderly in Stroud could face closure unless new committee members are found.

The Acorn Day Centre, based in the Baptist Church hall in Union Street, has been running since 1990 and currently operates Tuesday to Thursday, catering for around 40 elderly clients.

Many clients arrive at the centre via the Ring and Ride service and once there enjoy a full day’s programme of fun and activities as well as a two-course meal which is prepared and served on the premises.

While the centre currently boasts a dedicated band of volunteers to help with the day-to-day activities, a new committee is desperately needed in order to ensure its continued operation.

Six trustees are needed including a chairman, treasurer and secretary.

Centre manager, Carol Jamfrey, said: “We used to run for four days a week but our funding was cut and we had to go down to three days.

“As far as we are aware, we are one of only two day centres providing this service within the local area and it’s a vital resource for the clients who come here, providing them with companionship and giving their carers a break,” she said.

“We have the capacity to cater for 60 clients, but we currently have around 40 due to the reduction in days.

"The cut in funding has badly affected us, but that and the fact that we are struggling to find a committee could mean that we will have no option but to cease operating."
Volunteer and trustee, Carol Foreshew, is also concerned about the future of the centre.

“At the moment we have a treasurer, chairman and another trustee who all wish to give up their posts due to age and illness," she said.

"We have tried to get new trustees but people just don’t want to know.

“The committee meets monthly and ideally we would like to have someone who knows about applications for funding and someone who could take care of the books for us.

“This is really the last resort for us. I’m sure there are people out there who can help us, but we are struggling to find them."

If anyone would like to become a trustee of The Acorn Centre, or would like to know more about what’s involved, they should call Carol Jamfrey on 01453 766533 between 9.30am and 3pm.