Thousands of elderly people have been able to lead full and independent lives thanks to the services it offers at its Healthy Living Centre at Methold House in North Road, Worthing.

As well as this, the charity runs four care homes and offers support groups for carers, specialist dementia care, home visits, retirement clubs, minibus transport and excursions, a club for children with special needs and a host of other services.



Earlier this month its wide-reaching work was recognised when Guild Care won the improving health and reducing inequalities category at the NHS South East Awards.

Antonia Bunnin, chief executive, said: "This is great recognition for the staff and volunteers who work at the centre and who have contributed to its success and reputation."

Guild Care, founded in 1933, has also been chosen as one of the two charity recipients of this summer's Worthing Festival, along with Worthing Churches Homeless Projects.



The cash will go towards Guild Care's 75th anniversary challenge which was launched this month in a bid to raise £75,000 in 12 months.

People over 55 can visit the Healthy Living Centre as often as they want, with many choosing to go every day of the week.

It offers hairdressing, beauty treatments, assisted bathing, art and IT clubs as well as providing a place where older people can socialise and chat about any problems.

Julia Johnson, communications manager, said: "Guild Care really is a lifeline for many people, as without it they would probably not get out and about at all.

"Many live alone and can feel very lonely, so it is wonderful to hear them say what it means to them to come in and use the facilities here."

Guild Care is staffed by 500 paid employees, along with 200 volunteers, but is always looking for more.

To find out more about volunteering, or to get more information about how to plan a fund raising event, call 01903 528600 or visit the website, www.guildcare.org



AFTER leaving a graphic design job in London, Luke Knight decided to do something completely different and volunteer for Guild Care.

Luke, 22, said: "I knew people that worked here and they suggested I volunteer and it was one of the best things I've done.



"It was a complete change from the hustle and bustle of working in London, but it's so much fun.

"Seeing people working at Guild Care makes you realise it's not just a job to them, it's about making a difference to people's lives and that was very inspiring to see."

Luke enjoyed the experience of volunteering so much he has just started a permanent job with the charity as a communications assistant.



IT was 20 years ago when 89-year-old Betty Budd from Worthing started using the services offered by Guild Care.

In that time she has made a great many friends and said she could not imagine her life without it.



Betty, who uses the healthy living centre four days a week, said: "I really like it for the company. There's so many people that come down, so there's always someone to talk to.

"I first came down 20 years ago so I could learn to play bridge and I still play here now. I have made excellent friends. It's fantastic."



ART group leader Anne Wilson believes her session is so popular because of the therapeutic effect it can have.

Each Tuesday, around 14 people come to learn how to paint, with some of the work they create being used in an annual exhibition at Worthing Library.

Anne, who has been volunteering for three years, said: "I have seen people who have been in terrific pain, but as soon as they start painting you can almost see it melt away."

Dorothy Bruford enjoys the art classes and has just started attending computer classes.

She said: "They've given me a completely new outlook on life. I didn't think it was possible to learn something new at my age."



CAFE volunteer Rita Waghorn spends two days a week at the healthy living centre, serving coffee and helping make lunches.

She has been a volunteer for a year and signed up to help because she found she had a lot of free time.



Rita said: "It's really quite a social thing. All the staff have a laugh together and we have fun getting to know the people who come in.

"It's a lovely place and I'd recommend volunteering to anyone."



SINCE 1992, June Hewitt has seen Guild Care's healthy living centre as a home away from home.

June, 78, uses the centre at least twice every week, and sees it as a way of making friends.



June, from Worthing, said: "I first came here as a volunteer, but now I'm a bit older I can't do that any more so I come down to see people.

"I like it because the people are my own age, everyone is friendly and the food is very good. It's a great place."

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