HISTORIC CITY CHARITY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH MOVE TO NEW HOME

Bristol Charities, one of the city's oldest charitable organisations, has moved to a new home in the latest stage of re-focusing its activities on older people.

The charity manages six almshouses across Bristol, as well as running a residential home in Henbury. It also operates the Beehive day services centre in east Bristol and is developing plans to roll-out its innovative day services offering to older people across the city. Now the organisation has moved its head office into premises it owns on St Augustines Parade in the city centre from its previous home in Orchard Street.

David Jones, Chief Executive of Bristol Charities, said "We are one of the oldest charities in Bristol, tracing our roots back to the late 14th century. We are proud of that history but are always examining ways in which the charity can assist those in need in today's Bristol. This forward-looking approach had helped us deliver our pioneering day services offering to older people, ensuring that people are treated with dignity and respect".

Bristol Charities' current offering at the Beehive is focused on providing stimulating activities and services ranging from music therapy and excursions to chiropody and hairdressing. The service also gives older people the opportunity to socialise in a safe and supportive environment.

With almost one person in five in Bristol over the age of 60 - many of them living alone - Bristol Charities believes that a strong commitment to providing appropriate levels of day services is vital.

"Too often, day centres are still simply somewhere to provide a cup of tea and a game of bingo. Our model emphasises that far from being a burden, older people continue to be valuable members of society. People don't cease to be interested in music, current affairs or other aspects of life when they reach 20, 30, 40, so why should they when they reach 60 or 70?" said David Jones.