A brand new care centre was officially opened in Burnham-On-Sea on Saturday (September 15th) to provide support for residents suffering from cancer, dementia and mental health issues.
The Care Centre has launched at 1 College Street to provide facilities for self-help groups to meet and provide support for sufferers, their carers and families.
A ribbon was formally cut by Pam Brown, a local 25-year survivor of cancer, watched by the care centre’s staff and supporters, including Burnham Mayor Ken Smout and Burnham County Councillor Peter Burridge-Clayton.
Gaynor Brown, who has co-founded the centre with Julie-Anne Smith, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The centre offers a comfortable lounge-style atmosphere with some catering facilities and private rooms for counselling, advocacy and a programme of therapy sessions.”
“We have been working on the launch for a year so today’s opening is a real milestone. The centre will provide friendship, pass on experience and expert advice to help people increase the quality of their life and extend the length of their life.”
She added that any health-based self-help group for patients or carers can book one-off sessions or weekly slots at the centre for very subsidised rates.
The centre has already applied for charitable status and has launched with the financial support of several local and national groups – The Pink Ribbon Foundation provided £5,000, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council £2,000, Burnham Lions £500, Macmillan Cancer Support £500 and Burnham Medical Equipment Fund £130.
A cancer support group will meet each Monday from 10am-12pm for drop-in sessions, followed on Wednesdays from 12-2pm by a ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ session.
A stress-busting relaxation class will be held on Wednesdays from 2-4pm, and a men-only support group will be held on Wednesdays from 6pm-6pm.
A mental health group, strictly offering social activities to anyone with mental health or dementia problems, plus family and friends, will be held on Fridays from 10am-12pm when a social club will be offered, followed from 12-2pm by a light lunch mixer.
For more information about the centre, to join a group or to book the facilities, call the centre’s Manager, Gaynor Brown, on 07837 401207 or secretary Julie-Anne Smith on 07922 329673.
Supporters outside the new centre in College Street during Saturday’s ceremony
