Day guests have been reunited with staff after Lilian Faithfull Care reopened its two day care hubs.

The Secret Garden in Cheltenham and Uplands in Stroud have returned after lockdown, providing weekly visits which offer care, companionship, activities and freshly-cooked food.

Lilian Faithfull offers flexible, tailored day care for older people in Gloucestershire, with an expertise in caring for those living with dementia, providing respite and support to families and carers.

And the return to familiar surroundings has been met with delight by regular visitors.

One Uplands guest said: "I use to live here, I have such fond memories, you don't know what you've done for me"

And others responded by saying "It's just so nice to see people again" and "I've always liked coming to Uplands but it's even better now."

Loretta, a day guest at Secret Garden described the return on September 1 as "a red letter day".

She said: "It is my lifeline. I love going there and I have missed it very much. The staff are all lovely and very helpful and caring.

"I would recommend it to anyone who lives alone and perhaps needs a day out to enjoy stimulating company and good food."

Her thoughts were echoed by Jean Bond, the wife of day guest Edward.

She said: "My husband has been attending for nearly two years. He has dementia that is gradually worsening but his care and attention by the staff has not diminished.

"The most important factor of all this is Edward goes off happily with Andy, the Driving Miss Daisy driver, and returns back home happy.

"The fact that he doesn't always remember what has happened during the day is not important. His happiness and well-being is what matters and that is why I am more than happy to send Edward to the hub."

She continued: "I receive from the care team a diary containing daily of events, what he's eaten and how he has been.

"He is in the care of dedicated and caring people, namely his carers, who care for him so well and thoroughly to ensure his safety and well-being is paramount."

Guest Ian simply said: "It's good to be back."

The hubs have taken precautions with deep cleaning, social distancing and personal protective equipment with large, open and well ventilated spaces.

For more information, visit lilianfaithfull.co.uk/day-care or contact the Cheltenham Secret Garden hub at secretgarden@lilianfaithfull.co.uk  or 01242 506 121 and Stroud's Uplands hub at uplands@lilianfaithfull.co.uk  on 01453 759 388.