A DAY centre that offers vital support for elderly people in Redditch and Bromsgrove has reopened its doors following lockdown closure.

Valuing Individual People, also known as the VIP centre, supports elderly people with dementia and disabilities in its two sites in Redditch and Bromsgrove.

The centre is a place for people to socialise and have fun, with staff on hand to provide daily hot meals, games and afternoon cream teas.

It also offers a vital place for people who live alone to enjoy the company of others.

Members were left bereft when the centre closed for 12 weeks in March as the vast majority of people who use the service were advised to shield.

After 12 long weeks away, the centre reopened on June 15, much to the delight of members, with staff hopeful they will be able to welcome new members in July.

Paula Watts, operations manager at the centre, said: "The members are so pleased to see us, sometimes it's difficult to tell depending on the stage of dementia, but they were so happy to be back.

"It is also a benefit to the carers, as the lockdown has been horrendous for some people. One woman said how brilliantly her family member was doing since returning to the centre."

Social distancing and safety measures are in place at the centres following government guidelines, and the number of members is currently capped at ten people a day.

It is hoped numbers can return to 21 people a day as lockdown is eased further.

Staff are are hoping to welcome new members in July when extra spaces become available. Anyone interested in booking a place at the Redditch centre should call 01527 758070 or 07733749531 for the Bromsgrove site.