ON January 15 Maria Barnett and Clarissa Hill came to a meeting of Ross Rotary Club to talk about the Ross-on-Wye Horizon Centre. Maria explained that the centre is a community interest charity formed to meet an urgent need for a day centre in Ross-on-Wye for adults with learning and other disabilities.

She went on to say that many of these adults depend on a day centre to help them keep in contact with friends and to feel part of their community but the previous day centre, located at the Ryefield Centre, recently closed after several decades.

Maria said that, three former employees of the Ryefield Centre, Clarissa Hill, Lou Elsmore and she, wanted to make certain this important service continued so they started a charity to ensure there is a local day centre based in the heart of Ross-on-Wye.

Maria said that the Ross-on-Wye Horizon Centre, located on the Wolf Business Park, will assist people with learning and other disabilities to build confidence, learn new skills, and develop independence.

She added that most importantly, the group is passionate about keeping and building upon friendships and contacts the attendees have made over the years, that could otherwise be lost. She highlighted that the new centre would maintain activities that have been enjoyed at the Ryefield Centre such as arts and crafts, woodwork, gardening, music and exercise, and will offer new opportunities, especially within the local community.

She said that they consulted the service users, family members and carers get their views and they are determined to turn their smallness into their strength as it allows them to be flexible, adaptable and able to view tried and tested approaches in different ways. Initially their target is to have 18 attendees at the day centre rising to 30 as and when funding support for the charity enables that. Maria finished her talk by saying that their mantra throughput the trials and tribulations of setting up the charity and the new service has been "be bold and be brave".

Ross Rotary Club meets every Monday evening 6.30pm for 7pm at the Chase Hotel and as a guest or a potential member or if you just want to find out more you'll be made very welcome. Please visit website rossrotary.com