REGARDING the increased costs of attending Poole Day Centre (Echo Thursday January 6), I also have been attending the day centre on Wednesdays and Fridays for the afternoon session from 12.30pm – 3.45pm including lunch. I had been paying a total of £18 per week for transport, use of the day centre and then paying direct to the centre additionally the sum of £3.24 for a meal and 35p each for cups of tea. I was quite prepared to continue this arrangement but I have now received a letter at short notice saying that my charges for these two afternoon sessions will be £78 per week and still paying directly for my meal in addition.

I am 86 years of age. I was born in Poole and currently have a heart and severe mobility problems. I am a widower and I live alone. I am unable to walk without the use of a tri-walker, even indoors, and in my bungalow and to the end of my driveway. I have had several falls. I also miss the social contact and meeting people with similar difficulties, including the man mentioned in your article.

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