Spotlight on: Aston & Cote Day Centre
Eve had been caring for her husband of 65 years after he became ill. When her husband passed away, Eve found she wanted to make more connections in her community. She decided to visit a day centre that she knew through getting a weekly meal delivered when she was supporting her husband.
“I started going to the day centre after my husband died in April. I felt so lost and unhappy and missed him so much. I was struggling with coping being on my own. I didn’t want to go into a deep depression so I thought I would give the day centre a try and see if it would help. I had heard good things about the day centre – so I joined knowing that if it didn’t help I needn’t go again.” Eve
Eve has been attending every week and has renewed old friendships and made new ones. The pandemic and the priority of caring for her husband had meant that she had not seen friends for many months. Now they meet up two or three times a week – Eve now has a very full and interesting social life in the very small village of Aston.
“Well, it turned out the best thing I did. My life is so much better and I feel I can laugh again. My family are so relieved and happy for me.” Eve
Karen completed the community-enterprise development programme in October 2021, opening the Aston & Cote Day Centre a month later. With her passion, skills, knowledge and great team of volunteers, the centre typically has over 20 people attending each day. Karen accommodates chair-based exercises, live music, games, time to chat and a two-course hot meal.
“The people going to the centre absolutely rave about it. Karen’s person-centred approach and her connection to the small community is evident in all she does.” Anita Wingad, Oxfordshire Community Catalyst
“I know how hard it is working on something you truly believe in and just how lonely the struggle can be, but knowing Anita is there in the background for support and she really does make things happen!” Karen Stay – Aston and Cote Day Centre Founder and Coordinator
Find out more about Aston & Cote Day Centre (for the over 65s).