Brendoncare Clubs are social clubs devoted to giving older people the opportunity to meet new friends, be entertained by a variety of speakers and entertainers, and enjoy club outings. We run 70 clubs in Hampshire, Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole, with over 2,000 members and some 400 volunteers.
Among the reasons for the success of Brendoncare Clubs are the enormous contribution of our volunteers, the low cost to members and our commitment to helping with free transport if needed.
Brendoncare Clubs Division is committed to promoting the well being of older people across the south by providing a range of day services which are flexible enough to meet their individual needs, enable them to maintain their independence, feel more fulfilled and to improve their quality of life. Day clubs are uniquely placed to respond to local needs.
If you would like more information about Brendoncare Clubs, please telephone John Derben or Mary Elliott on 01962 852133 or email MaryM@brendoncare.org.uk
The ethos and ambitions of Brendoncare Clubs
As we get older, relationships with long standing friends and family can fade. Older people can often feel lonely, isolated and excluded from their community. The population is ageing and therefore there is an increasing need for services that support older people who are socially isolated to remain in the community and retain their independence for as long as possible.
Brendoncare Clubs is a community service dedicated to enriching the quality of life of older people. These friendly and usually relatively small clubs enable us to respond to local needs and provide a relaxed place for older people to meet regularly, enjoy spending time together and take part in a wide range of activities. The clubs teach members new skills, and are a vital source of information on social services, security, welfare and elderly abuse, exercise and healthy eating. We believe that older people live happier and more fulfilled lives if they are able to enjoy the companionship of like-minded people, stay physically and mentally active, and mix with friends.
For many of the members, their weekly visit to a Brendoncare Club is the only social outing they have. A large majority of club members live alone and because of their age and circumstances, cannot use or do not have access to transport. We recognise that providing door to door transport is a crucial part of the service. The Brendoncare Clubs division counteracts social isolation and helps older people remain in the community and be independent for as long as possible.
The Brendoncare Clubs division was created in June 2006. It currently operates throughout Hampshire, Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole and runs 70 clubs for older people. We are developing this work by expanding the Clubs concept and establishing clubs in both rural and deprived urban locations across the south. We plan to establish new club structures across the South of England, with current targets including Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, West Sussex and South West London. Later, we plan to extend our work into Devon, Buckinghamshire and East Sussex.