A daycare centre in Oldham has announced it is providing luncheon clubs with activities for adults after a leading charity in the borough had to pull the provision due to a lack of funds.

Earlier this month, Age UK Oldham cancelled its popular luncheon club for the elderly where residents enjoyed a three-course meal, activities and socialisation every week across Royton, Lees, Hathershaw, Shaw, Failsworth and Greenfield.

The club was set up by the charity to combat social isolation but will come to an end this September following a cut in funding from the council.

The local authority and Age UK said they had been working "really hard together with the aim of luncheon clubs becoming self-sustaining".

The charity fought off a similar situation last year and was saved in a U-turn decision from the local authority, which extended funding for the lunch clubs up until September this year.

The council encouraged Age UK to find "an alternative suitable model" and explore its own funding options.

However, the charity was unable to secure the alternative funds, meaning it has to close its lunch clubs.

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Pensioners in Oldham said they were "devastated" by the decision, calling it a "great loss" for the 200 people who joined and were left fearing that there was "nowhere else to go".

Now, Fundays Adult Day Centre in Selina House, Coldhurst Street, has announced it will "take on the mantle" and provide similar luncheon clubs for residents.

Elizabeth Dean, the manager of the centre, said: "After the luncheon clubs in the local area [announced] they were closing, Fundays have taken on the mantle and on a not-for-profit basis, are going to continue the provision for any adult who would benefit from social interaction and structured professionally-led activities.

"Studies have proven that social isolation and loneliness can have significant impacts on physical and mental health, including increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and type two diabetes, higher rates of depression and anxiety, reduced immune function and sleep disturbances, and a negative impact on quality of life and longevity.

"Fundays philosophy is that people enjoy 'every day' with us."

The centre says it provides a "sage and secure environment" where participants can spend the day, or part of the day, engaging in a raft of enjoyable activities while engaging with others and building social connections.

The luncheon clubs provide arts and crafts, daily exercise, learning programmes, gardening, celebrations, live entertainment, music, outdoor barbecues and therapeutic activities.

The centre has a main lounge, dining rooms and a quiet room which Ms Dean said is "always available for those who do not wish to participate in particular activities".

There is also an enclosed garden with a seating area that is wheelchair-friendly and "designed for a stroll around".

Ms Dean added: "The team are looking forward to welcoming both experienced luncheon club goers and new participants.

"Staff have a vast range of experience and knowledge in providing engaging activities, supporting, and signposting people.

"Students from Oldham College will be working with us from the health and social care department and we will also welcome any volunteers who wish to support others in the community."

Entry into the centre costs £10 per three hour sessions for anyone over the age of 18 and includes lunch, drinks and snacks.

The sessions run every weekday, from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm, or 12.30pm to 3.30pm, and transport to Fundays can be arranged. 

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk