Dudley Council’s cabinet member for health and adult social care has thanked a local business for donating £1,000 to a Stourbridge dementia service.

Local transport company One4You Services has made the donation to help people who attend The Crystal Gateway, a day centre for people living with dementia.

The money will be used to help residents who attend the Brettell Lane centre and their families. The money will help with booking of new entertainment, centre equipment and activity packs for people with dementia to enjoy at home.

One4You is a local transport company that provided some service users with travel to the gateway prior to covid-19. The Crystal Gateway is currently closed to attendees due to the outbreak, but gateway staff are keeping in contact with the many people who use the centre for support. This includes providing home visits, support for carers and a range of other activities.

During the pandemic, One4You has also supported Dudley Council to get medicine and other key supplies to people who are vulnerable or shielding through the ‘Pleased 2 meet you’ support service. Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

"These are difficult and unsettling times for all of us, but for those who live with dementia, as well as their families and carers, the loss of routine and face to face support can be devastating.

"Throughout the pandemic our dementia gateways have acted as a lifeline to some of our most vulnerable residents and the support of One4You has played a vital role in offering this service.

"On behalf of the centre users and their families I would like to extend my thanks to One4You for this kind donation and all the support they have given. Their generosity is truly appreciated in a time when they are no doubt facing challenges in their own business."

People can find out more about the dementia gateway services at dudley.gov.uk/dementia.