Spotlight On: The Rainbow Day Centre

A group supporting young people with disabilities and elderly citizens has been running in Melksham for over 40 years, meeting weekly at The Riverside Centre.

The Rainbow Day Centre launched in 1983 and has been meeting at The Riverside Centre ever since. Each week 20 members attend the sessions to socialise, have lunch and enjoy a range of activities including days out.

“Melksham is well known for being a caring and inclusive community and our club has been running for over 40 years, providing senior members and some younger persons with a disability with a traditional two-course lunch and activities such as music, raffle, bingo and the occasional day out,” said organiser Philip Toop.

The group meets every Monday between 10am and 2pm and are sometimes visited by local groups, including the ‘Golden Oldies’ and the children from Churchfields School in Atworth.

“Seeing members making new friends and also participating in the activities, such as calling out the bingo numbers is a real highlight for us,” said Philip.

“We also have celebrations with members for their 100th or 90th birthdays, and Christmas is always special. We have a Christmas lunch with our volunteers at a local venue and then a second one at Riverside with all of the usual fun and games.”

Volunteers

The group has one organiser and five volunteers and Philip said they are open to recruiting more volunteers. “A further two or three volunteers would ensure smooth running at all times,” he said. “We are not looking for any particular skills, just people who can come alongside members and encourage them in their activities and sometimes just have a friendly chat and if they can bring any new items for members to enjoy then that is a bonus.

“We have one other volunteer who comes in at the beginning and end of the session to set out and put away the tables and chairs and is a great help – someone else who could be available to cover his absences would be very welcome.

“Whether enquiring about membership or volunteering, please feel free to drop into Riverside for coffee and a chat any Monday except Bank Holidays, or contact me or Liz Sandell, for a chat on 07563301496.”