A CARE firm has continued its drive to give back to the community by donating funds to a group that supports elderly people.

Bluebird Care Dorset programme has donated £276 to the Dorchester branch of Age UK as part of its community grant scheme.

Members of Age UK Dorchester applied to the firm for the funds, and the money will be used to purchase materials and items that can be used at the charity’s activities centre for elderly people on Prince of Wales Road.

Bluebird Care usually only donates up to £250 as part of its grant initiative, but decided to up its donation following a detailed application from Age UK.

Chris Scriven, director of the firm, said: “In previous months, our community grant has been awarded to fund or part-fund a range of activities and expenses such as funding for trips or to cover basic costs such as office rental.

“Age UK Dorchester’s grant application stood out for us this month as it was a wish-list of specific items that had been identified as able to bring most benefit and enjoyment to the members of the activity centre. “When totalled up, the cost of the items requested came to £276 so we were more than happy to add a little bit extra in this instance.”

Mr Scriven added: “We are very happy with the idea that this month’s grant will go towards long-lasting physical items that will be of benefit to many over the coming years.

“We are confident that the activity centre shopping list will dispose of the grant in way that is of practical use while still promoting fun and enjoyment. The parachute game, in particular, sounds fantastic and we are delighted to be able to contribute to making such things possible.”

The activity centre, which is located on Prince of Wales Road, is open four days a week and can support up to 15 clients each day. It provides company and support as well as home-cooked meals and can offer respite for carers as well as opportunities for the cared-for person to socialise and to remain engaged with the community.

Lisa Holmes, head of care and support at the charity, said: “We are thrilled our grant application to Bluebird was successful. We will now be able to go ahead and purchase a list of items that will expand our range of activities.

“We are confident this new equipment will benefit all our Activity Centre clients and in particular, those with memory loss.”