07/10/2025
Our Community and Older People’s Services is highlighting the wide range of activities encouraging more older people to attend their local day centre located across the Western Trust area as part of October Positive Ageing Month. We offer day opportunities for clients with dementia, physical and mental health needs as well as people under 65 years and over 65 years old.
Day Centre Managers are encouraging people to consider joining their local day centre.
“We know many of our older citizens can feel lonely and isolated in our local community and we wish to encourage people to come along to their local day centre. We offer a wide range of activities and programs, in a social and creative environment, which supports older people to socialize, meet you friends and try out different activities that they enjoy in a warm, welcoming environment. We also hold workshops and social events and welcome musicians, singers and local children to our day centres throughout the year.”
“There are a vast range of activities and programs on offer including arts & crafts; baking; flower arranging, gardening; chair yoga, music and dancing. We also organize social outings so there really is something for everyone to enjoy!”
“If you are interested in attending the day centre, you need to have a social worker in the Older peoples community team, who will complete a referral for your local day centre, based on your assessed need.”
We have Day Centres located across the Western Trust area in Limavady, Derry/Londonderry, Strabane, Omagh, Newtownstewart, Beragh, Dromore, Lisnaskea and Enniskillen.
Thackeray Day Centre, Limavady- Foyleville Day Centre, Derry/Londonderry
- Creggan Day Centre, Derry/Londonderry
- Strabane Day Centre
- Newtownstewart Day Centre
- Gortmore Day Centre, Omagh
- Beragh Day Centre
- Dromore Day Centre
- Drumhaw Day Centre, Lisnaskea
- Tempo Road Day Centre, Enniskillen
Jane White, Head of Care and Accommodation, Older People’s Services at the Western Trust said:
“Our day centres run during the week Monday to Friday from 9am to 3.30pm excluding Public/Bank Holidays with some centres open daily and others one or two days per week. The main aim of day care services is to provide clients with opportunities to socialize, learn new skills and participate in group activities. We have very experienced staff in our day centres who share their creativity and skills encouraging each individual’s choice and interest to ensure they enjoy their time at the centre.”
“We would encourage older people to consider attending their local day centre, please speak with your Social Worker to find out more details about each of our day centres and to discuss a referral. Thank you.”
We have received many positive comments from our clients who attend our day centres including:
“I love Drumhaw Day Care centre. It gets me out of the Fold two days per week, I especially love the exercises we do each morning. I feel they do good as I am fighting painful arthritis. I am keen on needlework and this we do on Thursday’s producing some lovely blankets everyone contributing their own squares. At present we have three of staff who are so kind and helpful. The music and songs I enjoy especially when we sing all together and everyone is so happy” (Louie Rutledge)
“I love coming to day care. It gives me a great opportunity to meet and socialise with others. All the staff are so caring and helpful, they brighten up our day. The service gives a great variety of activities and outings throughout the year” (Ann Gordon)
“We love coming to day care at Drumhaw Day Centre, without the day centre we would be lonely sitting at home. The food, staff and activities are excellent. Day care is the highlight of our week” (Ollie & Betty).
“The staff treat us with the most utmost respect and we are treated as people not as elderly”
Claire Social Worker: “I frequently visit day centres as part of my job and I think they are great places for the community. I highly recommend for elderly people also. You can socialize with others, participate in activities and have your lunch there. It is good for your mental wellbeing.”
Eamon Community Social Worker: “During any interactions with clients, I hear only praise for the way they are treated during their time there. A few of my clients were reluctant to attend day centres, however those same clients tell me it is the highlight of their week now. They enjoy the company of their peers, but above all they say the day goes by in a flash because of the variety of activities that the centre provides. They tell me that the staff treat them with dignity and respect, at the same time they do so with warmth and humour. This in turn provides clients families with reassurance when they see how much fun their loved ones are having during the day. I can see this for myself during reviews, yourself and your staff are extremely accommodating and make me feel very welcome when I am there. Keep up the great standard of care that you provide to all the clients.”
