Fourways Centre
Welcome to Fourways, a centre for adults experiencing poor health, a physical disability, sensory loss and those recovering from poor mental health. We provide personal care and support in a stimulating, safe and supportive environment. Our aim is to support people to gain their independence and build their self-confidence, and to use the centre as a step towards wider comunity-based opportunities.
On average, 50 to 60 people attend daily who can enjoy a variety of activities both in and out of the centre. Staff are here from 8.30am until 4.45pm Monday to Friday. We get together every morning to discuss, plan and prepare for the day.
Our clients start arriving from 9.30am onwards. We encourage individuals to maintain their independence but for some this is not an option so a taxi or Borough of Poole fleet vehicle can be arranged to pick up and drop off individuals.
Everyone who attends Fourways has a key worker (named person) who will meet regularly with them, discuss any problems, ideas or changes and to meet for an annual review of their needs.
"I try to make peoples lives enjoyable while at the centre and make them laugh, it's the best medicine there is." (Staff Member)
Some comments from our clients have included:
"Coming here gives me a reason to get up in the morning."
"Living on your own is lonely and difficult. I can come here and belong, meet my friends and have a decent meal - wonderful."
"I feel safe here and share my problems with people who listen."
Facilities at Fourways
Fourways is situated at the bottom of Constitution Hill Road and Ringwood Road makes it easily accessible by local bus. Car parking is also available. The building is on the ground floor and completely accessible. We have hearing loops in some of our rooms.
The facilities we have are great and include a snoozelen (relaxation room) kitted out with a water bed, music, lights and reclining chair. There is a computer room with internet access for you to do your on-line shopping, banking or for surfing the Internet. There are small and large gardens for people to enjoy either for planned events or to maintain their gardening skills.
Fourways has a lot to offer, including support and activity for those who are in need of a service, students looking for placements and opportunities to volunteer. Our volunteers are also really important to us and we are always keen for more of you to join us.
We continue to develop strong links with the community, outside organisations and other bodies in order to promote choice and opportunity. As such, the building is available to hire during evenings and weekends and is regularly used by groups such as Weightwatchers, Dorset Association for the Disabled (DAD) and many other self-help support groups, making it a really good resource for the local community.
Activities on offer
A number of different groups are run each morning and afternoon and vary from day to day so that there is always a lot of choice. Staff members have a variety of skills and interests and we make sure these are used effectively in our activities.
Activities are wide and varied but include:
- arts and crafts
- discussion groups
- speech and drama
- woodwork
- pottery
- computer skills
- glassworks
- cooking
- beadwork
- gentle exercises
- flower arranging
Most groups have a staff member present, but some may run independently or with the support of volunteers. The timetable is reviewed regularly depending on the time of year, staff skills and expertise, links with other organisations and client choice.
The purpose of groups varies considerably, but for most people it is an excellent opportunity to get together with their friends, chat, share ideas and experiences. Benefits not only include offering social interaction but also building self confidence and promoting and maintaining mental and physical agility.
"It's pure delight to see the smile on someone's face when they have achieved something they didn't know they could do." (Volunteer at Fourways)
Fourways Forum
A number of clients are elected to represent the client group. They are responsible for fundraising, communication, supporting new clients as well arranging events such as entertainment at Christmas and Easter as well as summer fetes.
They help support new clients who join, showing them round the centre, introducing them to others and being there to help them settle in.
Fundraising days have raised money for many charities including Breast Cancer Awareness and Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Their fundraising achievements are wide and varied and have included the Amenity Fund at Fourways. This has funded shopping trips for those people who are isolated, day trips to garden centres, a present for every person at Christmas and arranging for an individual to have their work displayed in a public place, such as Poole Library. We have also purchased computer software to improve the facilities for individuals.
Access to services
At the present time the service is available Monday to Friday. People are referred by their social worker or care manager. Individuals' needs are assessed accordingly and people can attend from one session a week (morning or afternoon) to ten sessions a week.
Contact details
If you are interested in Fourways please contact us on Tel: 01202 670225 or email us at fourwayscentre@poole.gov.uk to arrange a visit. Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should contact the centre for further infomation.
Fourways Centre, Constitution Hill Road, Parkstone, Poole BH14 OQA
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