A NEW day service offering lunches and fun activities for the over 50s has been set up in Kingswinford.

Based at the Royal British Legion, in Summerhill, Break Away runs from 9am until 4pm each Thursday and Friday, and is available to people living in the surrounding areas.

The idea of Jenny Bates, the service - which aims to provide refreshments, companionship and entertainment to the older members of society - welcomed its first users through the doors last week.

Jenny said: “Dudley borough has an ever-increasing older population, many of whom live alone with little social contact beyond their own four walls.

“While the need to provide quality, stimulating and affordable day opportunities is fully recognised and accepted nationally, the current trend is for both local authorities and the voluntary sector to either close their doors to providing these services, or to only make them affordable to a small minority.

“I want Break Away to fill the need for a quality and affordable day service for older people and provide invaluable respite for family and carers.

“Our first two days went very well and we had a more people attend than I expected. As well as the lunches, we will offer activities including quizzes and games, but we are also asking people what they would like to happen.

“I want it to be very much their service.”

For more information about the service, which costs £20 per day, with an introductory offer of £15 for the first two sessions booked, call Jenny on 07487 404882.