Dovecote Day Club

Dovecote is a club run by Age UK Oxfordshire where older people with mental health needs can enjoy a day out with friends.

What we do:
Dovecote welcomes older people who have memory problems, or who may be depressed, anxious and isolated to go and enjoy a day out with friends and be cared for by people who understand their needs.
At Dovecote we strive to give clients a pleasant and stimulating day out in good company. We provide a friendly and safe environment where individuals are encouraged to take part in various motivating social activities, both mental and physical, enjoy new interests and enlarge their world.
Anyone is welcome who feels they will benefit – you can be referred by a friend or relative, or a professional person such as a social worker or nurse. Our catchment area covers a five mile radius of Thame and the surrounding villages.

A day at Dovecote:
The Club is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10. 00am – 2. 00pm at the Barns Centre, Thame.
A typical day begins with tea, coffee and biscuits and time to read newspapers, magazines and books and talk with other members.
Next we first try to get some gentle physical exercise by playing throw and catch, parachute games, beach(ball) volleyball, beanbag targets, quoits, French cricket or boules.
Then we do a range of mentally stimulating activities such as word games or quizzes, dice games, dominoes, scrabble, jigsaw puzzles, shove ha’penny, word searches, arts and crafts, and picture games.
We also like to welcome visitors to help entertain us and have had talks from a former Olympian and the local history society, object reminiscence with local museums, music therapy sessions, and songs from local school children.
We celebrate birthdays and had parties to mark Christmas and Hallowe’en, as well as themed sessions for other significant events, such as the Olympics or Burns Night.
Lunch is a two course nourishing hot meal.
Afterwards we have another tea or coffee and maybe a chocolate, before a quieter end to the day with singing or reading favourite poems. At the end of the day the transport or carers arrive to take everyone home.

Costs and transport:
A charge of £10. 00 is made as a contribution towards the costs of attendance, lunch and transport.
Dovecote is largely funded by Oxfordshire County Council Social & Community Services. Funding also comes from Age UK Oxfordshire and individual donations.
Transport is provided by the Red Cross and can be arranged to pick you up. If you are unable to attend please contact the day centre organiser.

Registered charity number 1091529