Daughter of RB My father Ron Baldwin has been attending Bletchingley Village Hall and The Byre for many years. The ladies who work at these Alzheimer's Day Centres are dedicated to the clients that attend, keeping their minds active as much as they can and doing various games, quiet time, brain teasers etc, etc. For us, the carers, it is our time to catch up on housework, shopping etc. If Dad was to be home 24/7 it would probably be the death of him. To propose closing these centres would be devastating for a lot of people.

Daughter of DT Since my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's several years ago not only have I had to watch someone I love with all my heart deteriorate, I have also (along with my sisters) had the worry that his care and well being will be given all the attention and love that he deserves. I have also had to watch my mother try and care 24/7 for her beloved husband of nearly 40 years - she does everything she can but it is incredibly stressful and upsetting for her. When we looked into day care/respite - it isn't just for dad, it is just as much for her. When we came across The Byre (through recommendation) we knew it it would be a great thing for our family. The staff are incredible, treating dad with respect and the upmost care and are incredibly knowledgeable of this disease. It took my mum a while to get used to the arrangement but the staff showed so much patience and understanding - something I will always be thankful for. Neither of my parents drive, which as you get older can lead to further isolation, but The Byre offer transport for dad - something which can be hard to come across. To be frank, they offered a lifeline to my family. The Byre hold occasional evening social events in which family/carers can come along. I took my dad to one of these and got to see him interact with the staff - and the difference in him was huge. At home he can completely retreat into himself and barely speak but while at The Byre he was laughing and joining in with the activities. I can't quite put into words how much that meant to me. To say The Byre is an asset to our community would be a huge understatement. In this current climate, with an ageing population and a rising number of people suffering from a form of dementia places such as this are essential. I completely support their plans to continue as an independent charity.

Wife of CH My husband who has Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, has been attending The Byre since August 2016. We always receive a warm welcome on arrival and there are staff on hand to settle him in. He was apprehensive at first but now he has really settled and joins in activities of which there are many. When he comes home from visiting The Byre he is more animated and engaging than usual. Also I feel completely at ease leaving him at The Byre knowing he will be well looked after, stimulated and his needs met. This day care enables us to cope better with a demanding situation, giving my husband occupation and purpose and me some much appreciated respite. We have to travel a distance to The Byre but the journey is well worth it.

Son of WM What does the Byre mean to me to put it simply a lifeline for my mother and myself. My mother is 86 and has dementia the illness is cruel and there is very little to look forward because of the inevitable decline of my mother, people begin not to visit anymore and we both end up isolated from normal life. But the one place that helps is the Byre where for three days a week my mother is taken out of the twilight zone of dementia where she is treated as a normal person and it does not matter she does not dress properly or she is confused or does odd things she has people to talk to and people who know and understand how to deal with all the facets of the illness and she is happy there it’s the only place where she utters the word good every time I say you are going to your club. And for myself for three days I know she is safe and happy rather than sitting in my house sleeping her life away. On a practical note the Byre gives me someone to talk to about the illness and how to deal with problems that arise for example I thought my mother had a UTI infection and you would think it was easy to get a sample from my mother but no after a week of trying I talked to the staff and they said give us the container and as if it was magic it was done. I cannot thank the staff enough for their caring and helpful attitude over the last two years and I would have probably gone mad without their help and advice

2nd Daughter of DT My Dad suffers from Alzheimers and after the slow deteriation of his condition over a number of years finding the Byre, through recommendation and not through any official channel, was like a beacon of light. Hearing that it would probably have to close was devastating news. It feels like such a set-back for our family as I'm sure it does for everybody else that it will effect. Not only does it give my step-mother an important respite for several hours a week but we know that my Dad is in safe hands being cared for and enjoying himself. The staff that work at the Byre go above and beyond just what is required of them. They treat the people they care for with respect and empathy- they take the time to get to know them as individuals. They arrange activities in addition to the daily care they provide such as walks, outings, visitors and even occasional evening social events which give carers a chance to meet too. They are always happy to answer questions and give support and advice where they can. The Byre is such an asset to the community and, at a time, when numbers of people suffering from forms of dementia are increasing, places like this should be supported. They have been an amazing lifeline for our family at such a difficult time and we would wholeheartedly support their plans to continue as an independent charity.

Wife of BD Testimony to Carole Worsfold and all the staff at The Byre day Centre, Pendell Road, Bletchingley RH1 4QH I would like to express my sincere thanks to you all for the support you have given to Brian and me over the years. I cannot praise or thank you all enough for the excellent work you do to provide a safe, caring, stimulating and welcoming environment for all those who use the centre. The social element, interaction and being part of a group is very necessary to us all and the day centre is vital to stimulate all the clients. Your day to day programme is geared to their needs. You are all so understanding and extremely patient with everybody. With an ageing population, more people being diagnosed with dementia the need for this specialised facility will be even greater so how the decision was reached to close the day centre is beyond belief. I have no doubt if the centre does close a couple of years from now they will regret this ill-advised move. They will realise the necessity of such an excellent resource and regret this error as all your expertise have been lost. If I can do anything to help please let me know and you may use this testimony wherever you see fit.