Day care service for older adults celebrates two years of care, friendship and fun.
Affinity Day Care C.I.C. beat all the odds and celebrated its second year offering care, friendship, and fun for older adults across Northampton. The service, based at St. Luke’s Community Centre in Duston, opened its doors for the first time as soon as the national lockdown lifted on Wednesday 2nd December 2020. On their first day, they welcomed six older adults, referred to by the team as Affinity ‘friends’. Since then, demand for the service has soared. Two years on, over 180 weekly places are filled.
The brainchild of Fern Overton, Affinity Day Care C.I.C. was opened originally in response to the closures of day care services for older adults across Northamptonshire. Soon after opening, Affinity added specialist dementia care, catering to individuals with high dependency needs.
Fern and her experienced team of professional carers saw that older adults were being left behind, especially as a result of COVID-19. They were determined to provide a service that allows older adults to live life to the full.
Fern Overton, Director, Affinity Day Care C.I.C.:
“We took a big risk in opening during the height of COVID-19 but we knew that there was a huge need. Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard to provide an environment that is fun, caring and dignified for our friends. We wanted to offer care that is empowering and celebrates all that later life has to offer and I believe we’ve done that.”
Like other Northamptonshire businesses, Affinity has faced many challenges including COVID-19 restrictions and the cost of living crisis. With 60% of new businesses failing within the first three years, Affinity’s success was not guaranteed. Despite the odds being stacked against them, the team have certainly had an eventful two years and their hard work has been recognised locally and nationally. Just 6 months after opening, they were shortlisted for “Best Lockdown Hero” in the Northants Life awards. Director, Fern Overton, was also awarded a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ by the British Citizen Awards after nominations praised her ‘determination and passion’ in setting up the service during COVID-19.
It’s not just awards, there have been lots of highlights over the last two years including going viral on TikTok with their valentine’s day video gaining over half a million views, celebrating a very special milestone birthday for Kay, who turned 100 years old, creating the Affinity Winter Olympics as well as lots of trips out and new experiences.
It was only right that the Affinity family celebrated their tremendous twos with a big party held at St Luke’s Community Centre on Saturday 3rd December. They had entertainment including the 5F air cadets, a buffet, cake, dancing and a raffle which raised £700 to go towards Virtual Reality therapies. The centre was full of friendly faces as staff, volunteers, friends and family joined in to mark this special anniversary.
Fern Overton, Director, Affinity Day Care C.I.C.:
“Our second year has been amazing and celebrating with so many brilliant people has been a dream come true. Every new friend we welcome brings with them knowledge, stories and love and we are so grateful for every single person. We are delighted to be flourishing and hope to open a second centre in 2023.”
To find out more or to book a free telephone assessment, call 01604 372744, email info@affinitydaycare.co.uk or visit the website www.affinitydaycare.co.uk
