A DAY centre in Hereford will say a heartfelt goodbye as they close after 40 years of service.

The Drybridge House Centre, in St Martin's Street, Hereford, will close its door for the final time on today (December 31).

The centre has provided valuable mental and physical benefits to elderly clients but will now close due to financial losses over the pandemic.

The centre says it has provided a warm and friendly environment for up to 24 people per day, Tuesday to Thursday.

Hereford Times: The centre says it has provided a warm and friendly environment. The centre says it has provided a warm and friendly environment.

Carol Murphy is her mother's carer and fought to keep the centre open.

"Drybridge is a wonderful place of refuge for members and carers," she said.

"The staff made such happy times for the members with their warmth and compassion.

"I cannot thank them enough for how they helped my family survive the tough dementia journey.

"It is a lifeline for my mum, Beryl, and me as her carer," she said.

Hereford Times: The centre has provided valuable mental and physical benefits to elderly clients. The centre has provided valuable mental and physical benefits to elderly clients.

A spokesperson for Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire, which runs the centre, said: "The charity has explored every possible option to protect our charitable work, however, this has not been enough to fully mitigate against the effects of the pandemic on our finances."

Hereford Times: Staff have taken clients on trips out over the years.Staff have taken clients on trips out over the years.

The spokesperson said AgeUK is working with Herefordshire Council to make for an easy transition.

A spokesperson for Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire said:

“During December, we worked closely with Herefordshire Council's Adult Social Care team and all clients have been provided support to help move to alternative provision.  Arrangements are in place for members to start at their new settings in January 2022.

The charity will continue to offer its Veteran's Meeting Centre from Drybridge House on Mondays. 

“Age UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire will also continue to run its range of services, which include its information and advice, digital inclusion advice and courses and befriending services.

Hereford Times: The Dean of Hereford Cathedral celebrating the centres 40th year in 2019. The Dean of Hereford Cathedral celebrating the centres 40th year in 2019.

Six contractual staff plus a relief worker and five volunteers have also been affected.

Hereford Times: The Drybridge House Centre will close on Friday (December 31). The Drybridge House Centre will close on Friday (December 31).

Older people and their friends and family in the local area can contact Age UK on 0800 169 6565 (8am-7pm, every day of the year) who can provide information and advice and point the way to alternative services in their area.