CARERS as well as those living with dementia receive vital support at The Hunter Centre in Haslemere.

The day centre is a charitable enterprise for those in need not only in Haslemere but across south-west Surrey, East Hampshire and West Sussex.

Originally run by Alzheimer’s Society, its valuable service was preserved in 2017 when the society decided to close the day centre and the town rallied around to fund a charity to keep it going.

Operations manager Elaine Clement and her deputy Denise Sawczuk, who had worked at the centre for more than 16 years, stayed on to provide expert specialist service.

Those with dementia attending the centre require very high needs and they benefit from a ratio of three members of staff to each client.

Elaine said: “We continue to take clients at that level because there is nowhere else to take them.

“Sometimes they don’t need medication, they need the stimulation they can enjoy here with music and movement, flower arranging, art and craft, gardening and pets therapy.

“If they were not here, they could be in a care home too early in their dementia journey.

“The most satisfying thing for me is to see them go home happy and also to have made a difference in the lives of their carers.”

The Hunter Centre has already advised many town businesses on how to become dementia friendly to benefit its clients.

During Dementia Action Week from Monday, May 20, the centre team are raising awareness at local shops and cafes of the seven stages of dementia and the support the Hunter can provide.

* For more details on opening hours and support services, visit thehuntercentre.co.uk.