Two childhood friends from High Wycombe are on a mission to help beat isolation in the town’s elderly population by opening a new day care centre.

Last year, the day centre in Micklefield announced it would merge with the day centre in Cressex – leaving elderly residents with nowhere to go.

Kind-hearted Haley Murch and Mandy Mallott, who both live in the town, have now stepped up and are preparing to launch a new day care centre at Micklefield Community Centre to fill the gap.

The hardworking pair went on a 12-week business course run by Red Kite and presented their idea in front of a panel of business owners in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event – and were given £1,730.

Boosted by a £10,000 donation from the Marsh and Micklefield Big Local to help them get set up, the duo are hoping to offer breakfast and lunch, arts and crafts, board games, music, activities and days out for isolated elderly residents.

The not-for-profit service will initially run for two days a week before extending to four days.

The launch of the centre follows a “really successful” trial run with a one-day senior social back in May, which saw 25 elderly residents enjoy a tea party.

Speaking about their motivation, Haley said: “There are a lot of elderly people who are really isolated. Lots of people don’t have family or friends and by doing this, we can sort of keep an eye out for people’s health and wellbeing. And actually a lot of people just like to have a chat with someone. This is really important to us and we want to make a difference in the community.”

Mandy added: “We’re both really passionate about elderly care. Between us we have about 30 years of experience in care in the community and residential care. We aren’t doing this for the money – it isn’t going to make us rich – we just want to help people who need it. It is a very tight community in Micklefield.”

The pair will be relying on volunteers to help provide the service – and have praised the help they have already received from businesses within the town.

Mandy said: “Argos, Marks and Spencer and Tesco have all donated items to us, MACS legal services in the High Street gave us free legal advice. The Hills Café made cakes for our launch. We have had so much support, it is really amazing.”

To find out more information about the service and how you can get involved, visit seniorssocial.org.uk, email info@seniorssocial.org.uk or call 07598 506492.