Deirdre Huston popped into Age Concern to chat with Assistant Centre Manager, Lindsey Fitch, about what’s on at this village hub.
Newcomers to the village may not be aware that we have a thriving Age Concern centre off Dale Avenue, near the small green and the high street. Lindsey explains: “We try to tell people we’re here, but, unfortunately, because we’re tucked away, sometimes people miss us, or they don’t realise how much happens here.” For over thirty years, the centre, which is run by a local independent charity, has been helping older people in this area.
Lindsey says: “Our aim is to improve the lives of older people in Hassocks and the surrounding villages by providing a caring and friendly environment for all.” Every weekday, the dining room caters for both regular and occasional visitors who enjoy a homecooked three course meal for only £7. We ask people to book in advance or up to 10am on the day they wish to dine with us. We also run a Minibus on a Tuesday and Thursday picking up from Hassocks and the surrounding Villages. Lindsey says: “Lunch is a delicious experience which our clients enjoy very much.”
The friendly, welcoming day centre lunches are aimed at clients aged 55 plus. However, anyone can drop by to have a browse in the shop or purchase a hot or cold drink and a slice of homemade cake. The coffee shop is open from 9am to 3pm from Monday toFriday and 9am to 11.45 on a Saturday. The terrace and Community Garden help provide a relaxing space where people can enjoy being outdoors.
The centre offers outings to places like Birling Gap and One Garden at Stanmer. “Those two outings are very popular, and people seem to really enjoy them,” says Lindsey.
Some services are run by independents who make a small charge. You must book, directly, in advance for the hairdresser, chiropodist, massage, reiki and reflexology. There is no need to book various sociable activities which aim to improve the quality of people’s lives, including Chair Yoga on a Friday morning, Chair Pilates and Tai Chi on a Monday afternoon. The Tuesday Art Club offers people the chance to get out and be sociable. Lindsey says: “You bring your own artwork, in any medium, and then you can relax and enjoy making art in company.”
Hassocks Village Market and the Repair Shop are usually held at Age Concern on the 4th Saturday of each month. “Market Day is very good for us,” says Lindsey, “as it draws people here to see what else we offer.” She explains: “We would like people to see us as a community hub which has lots of other things going on, too.”
The centre has a light, well-sized charity shop to help raise funds. They are now holding a rummage sale every other month, with the next one on July 13th. Lindsey says: “The rummage sale offers us a last-ditch attempt to shift good quality stock and clothing from the shop, which we would prefer to sell rather than recycle.”
Prices are very reasonable with most adult clothes for one pound and children’s clothes for fifty pence. There is also a quality rail, where items are individually priced. “Those items are still a bargain,” says Lindsey, and adds: “We hope to welcome you to Age Concern soon.”
