Nottingham-based charity for older people and the elderly, Radford Care Group, recently opened its doors as work on its new building centre was completed.
After almost a year on site, the new state-of-the-art eco-friendly facility has now completed, which will allow locals a much-awaited reunion as lockdown restrictions have since been lifted.
The new centre – located on the charity’s former site on Prospect Street, in Radford – will be open five days a week and will accommodate more than double its previous capacity, with upgraded access facilities such as walk-in showers, a professional chef’s kitchen, congenial outdoor space and on-site disabled parking spaces, bus and cycle parking.
Jill Davies, CEO of Radford Care Group, said “We are really excited to be opening our new centre to the community again, especially now lockdown restrictions have been lifted. Our new building is age, user and disability friendly throughout and the extra space can be used for dances, parties, exercise classes and conferences.
“The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of togetherness and community support, and we are delighted to be able to bring the community together once more.”
Radford Care Group will continue to provide a bespoke friendship group from Monday to Friday, as well as carer support groups and dementia information sessions. Covid-19 safety measures have also been implemented to protect the users as well as the staff, including operating guidelines, risk assessments and thorough return to work processes. Hand sanitisers will also be provided, and all staff will be wearing appropriate PPE.
The charity relies heavily on fundraising activities throughout the year, as well as sponsorships and volunteers. It recently partnered up with social impact company Castle Cavendish for further support that will enable the group to continue delivering and providing services to the community.
Jill added: “The new building has been made possible by the amazing generosity of trusts, foundations, local businesses, our buy-a-brick campaign, friends of the care group, our volunteers, and endless fundraising events. We are truly grateful to everyone who has helped us throughout our journey.
“We plan to make our new centre the forefront of choice for local older people, their families and carers, and we hope that we can work alongside other organisations and individuals in the future to help make our centre the best it can be.”
The centre’s grand opening has been postponed until autumn 2020, with the hope that conditions have improved, and restrictions have eased further. In the meantime, the charity will be rebranding the Radford Care Group with a new name that will reflect the multigenerational use of the building.
