A community support centre has grown to become a "lifeline" to vulnerable elderly people and their carers in the year that it has been open. 

Epsom and Ewell Wellbeing Centre, situated next to the Longmead Centre, in Sefton Road, Epsom, opened last June to support vulnerable adults with their physical, emotional and mental health wellbeing and specialises in supporting those with memory loss, dementia and diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

The wide variety of activities on offer include memory groups, tennis, crafts, cookery lessons for men aged over 50, visual arts groups, languages, nutrition talks and sing-songs.

The centre also sign-posts the support services on offer from other providers such as the Alzheimer’s Society, Age Concern Epsom and Ewell, and Carers of Epsom, as well as offering people the help of a psychiatrist to cope with their situations.

Linda Scott, 42, care services manager at the centre, said: "It’s somewhere to get information about what’s out there, get support and meet people in the same situation as yourself.

"The relationship we have built up here has developed into a supportive network as everyone is in the same boat.

"I step into people’s lives 20 times a day.  As a society we don’t talk or communicate enough with people.  Just having someone to listen to them makes a massive difference."

Mrs Scott said those attending the centre are from all different backgrounds but are united by the challenges presented to them by their diseases.

"We have had a barrister, an engineer, people who have travelled the world but it doesn’t matter," she added.

"There’s almost a shame attached to their conditions. 

"People get worried about what other people will think. 

"When they come here they can do what they like.  The taboo is gone."

An 81-year-old woman who attends the centre with her husband, 80, an Alzheimer’s sufferer, said the centre allows the couple to combat the isolation they endure stuck indoors.

"It gives him more of a life and I’m able to relax. 

"From nothing he is able to do lots of things.  It’s built him up," she said.

"My husband needs to socialise with other people and it’s been absolutely fantastic.

"It gives me a break which I desperately need. 

"We need the contact with the outside world without which we would be completely isolated. 

"It’s the most horrible disease on this earth.  We have lost the person we knew. 

"What’s going on in his mind must be terrifying for him.      

"He was so laidback and he would do anything for anybody.  He’s become introverted.  It’s just not him. 

"He can’t do anything so I have to shower and shave him.  I’m his anchor.

"This has been a lifeline."

The number of volunteers at the centre is growing.  To join them call 01372 727583.