A RESPITE club for people suffering with dementia has found a new home after being threatened with closure.

Members of the club, run by Dorset care charity Prama, will now meet at the Ferndown Day Centre.

The first meeting took place on November 19.

The group has met in Wimborne for a number of years.

However, at the end of October, organisers faced the club's closure after being given notice to quit the Hanham Centre.

At that time, Katrina Keeling of the club, said: "Unless we can find new premises, this crucial service will have to close."

Staff at the Ferndown Day Centre have now stepped up to rescue the club.

Bridget Barrett of Prama said: "We're so grateful to everyone from Wimborne who got in touch and helped us with suggestions and ideas.

"There has been a tremendous amount of goodwill from the community and people really wanted the club to stay open.

"We're really pleased that the group has found a new home at the Ferndown Day Centre.

"Everyone is a little bit sad to be leaving Wimborne, which is where many of the club attendees live, but we're also looking forward to growing the club in Ferndown and taking on new members."

Alison Waller, managing director of Tricuro, said: "The Ferndown Day Centre is a purpose-built facility for adult day care and was able to support the club to ensure the continuation of vital services to adults within a secure, warm, 'home from home'-style environment.

"We're pleased to be working with Prama to ensure the continuation and development of this club, which provides excellent support and help to local adults who have additional support needs."

Members of the respite club meet three Saturdays a month from 9.30am until 3.30pm.

Organisers provide care and activities for people living with dementia.

For more information, contact Bridget Barrett on 01202 207300.