Lions donate two more chairs to day centre

TWO new chairs have been donated to the Bluebells day centre in Henley for people with dementia.

They were gifted by Henley Lions Club, which previously donated 12 orthopaedic chairs to the group, which meets at the Christ Church centre in Reading Road twice a week.

Suri Poulos, co-ordinator of Bluebells, said the chairs were useful for members with limited mobility who take part in singalongs and gentle exercises, giving their carers time off.

“We really need a comfortable chair for them to sit in,” she said. “While we do get them up and we get them to walk around we do chair exercises as well.”

The chairs were presented by Lions Club members Pam Phillips and David Murray alongside town councillor Glen Lambert, who revived Bluebells in 2019 when he was mayor after it was closed due to budget cuts by Oxfordshire County Council.

Mr Murray said: “We’ve been involved with the group for years, even before Age Concern shut it down, and we have been involved with reviving it.”

Mrs Poulos said: “The people who come have a lovely time. We do really nice stimulating activities like art and crafts and have a hot lunch.

“There is a very happy atmosphere and lots of laughter, so it’s very good for them because with dementia you really can become very isolated.”

Bluebells needs volunteers to help out on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 3pm.

Mrs Poulos said: “It’s a lovely way to give back because it’s so fulfilling and actually lots of fun. It’s really enjoyable to feel like you’re helping.”