Dudley activity sessions for residents bounce back after funding cut - VIDEO
Activity sessions for the elderly have bounced back to life following funding cuts in Dudley.
The closure of the popular Age UK Springboard Activity centre, left hundreds of elderly residents without a place to go at the end of last year.
It was axed after funding was pulled by the Big Lottery and Dudley Council.
Now former employee Sandy Jones has set up 'Bounce Back to health & happiness' – with her own money.
Bounce Back opened its doors for the first time last week and saw dozens arrive to see what the new venture had to offer.
A variety of activities, courses, trips and social events for people aged 50 and over in the Black Country will be on offer four days a week at the same prices as before – £2.50 to £5 per session.
It operates from St Paul's, in Hawbush Road, Brierley Hill and Quarry Bank Community Centre.
Almost all of the activities, classes, staff, volunteers and the 700 members have moved over to Bounce Back.
Sandy Jones, the new managing director, said: "Most of the people who attended the old centre are over the moon that we have been able to provide an alternative for them.
"Our oldest person was a hundred years old in the summer and for some of them, we were the only personal contact they had all week.
"I would have been willing to give up my redundancy pay to enable them to avoid loneliness and isolation."
As part of the new services there will be a 'men's morning' where the men can play cards, dominoes, and have a chat.
Bosses are also urging for anyone to come forward with ideas for alternative classes.
Before its closure, Age UK Springboard looked after more than 700 people by holding weekly activities including exercise classes and ballroom dancing. They had three staff and around 40 volunteers.
Due to the funding cuts, it was announced that the centre would not be able to continue after 13 years.
More than 250 people attended a farewell party for the centre at the Copthorne Hotel in December.
A three-course meal and entertainment by Sandy Jones was provided at the party, and the volunteers remained upbeat over the centre's future at the time.
June Hill, who is aged 72 and from Colley Gate had been volunteering at the centre for over 10 years.
At the point of the initial closure, she said: "I am very sad about the closure, because the place has been a big part of my life for so long.
"But this is not the end it is just the beginning of a new start."
For further information on the 'Bounce Back' provision call 07491 312825 or email bounceback2017@hotmail.com for costs and details.
