Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing news
The latest news for and from our blind veterans in the South including the South West, South East, and East of England.
Llandudno Centre temporarily closed
March 2024
After careful consideration we have made an informed decision to temporarily close our Llandudno Centre for essential maintenance.
Following escalation from our centre facilities team, we have recently completed a building survey that confirmed issues surrounding safety. Our Board of Trustees have agreed this requires immediate attention and the centre will therefore need to close temporarily for residential stays to ensure the safety of our Members, and for this essential maintenance work to be done.
While the issues were being assessed recently, our team at Llandudno ensured the safety of Members and staff when on site by putting further protocols and measures in place. The safety and security of our people is paramount and our team at the centre have rightly identified that we need to address these priority safety issues now.
The centre was closed on Monday 25 March and no further bookings for Members stays or day visitors will be made until works are complete and signed off.
It is not possible to state how long the works will take until further surveys by the designated contractor have been completed. We are as disappointed as Members will be that we've had to cancel upcoming stays, but your safety is our first priority. Those whose bookings have been affected have been notified and we will be working to get Members back as soon as possible. All the latest updates will be posted here when we have them.
Please contact your local community team if you have any questions, call our Supporter Services team on 0300 111 22 33 or call our Member Support Hub on 01273 391 447 should you have general support enquiries or equipment needs whilst the centre is closed.
It is important to stress that this is a temporary measure until works are completed. We want to ensure that all our premises provide a safe environment for staff, Members and visitors. We are investing in Llandudno to both address the immediate issues and ensure the facility is fit for purpose well into the future.
Christmas at Llandudno
December 2023
Blind veterans enjoyed Christmas celebrations throughout December at the Llandudno Centre of Wellbeing with three weeks of Turkey and Tinsel themed holidays kicking off the festive fun.
With the centre decked out with lights and decorations, our blind veterans could get into the Christmas spirit from the moment they arrived. There was an array of activities during the Turkey and Tinsel breaks, including festive baking, mince pie tasting and reindeer racing! Each week our blind veterans tucked into a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and were treated to an abundance of festive entertainment.
The Community Engagement team at the Centre organised the first carol service for blind veterans in Llandudno. Held in the community at St Paul’s Church in Craig-y-Don, blind veterans, volunteers, and staff from the centre were joined by veterans from other local organisations as well as the Harmony Singers and members of Conwy Town Orchestra who provided musical accompaniment.
Our blind veterans showcased their talents with musical entertainment, Christmas karaoke and lots of carolling in the lounge. Llandudno Town Band and ukulele group Silverstars gave festive performances while Linzi Grace Dance School and Llandudno Youth Music Group put on fantastic song and dance shows.
The Turkey & Tinsel programme also included plenty of opportunities for blind veterans from all over the UK to explore North Wales and get their Christmas shopping done! Visitors enjoyed trips to Llandudno, Conwy, Betws-y-Coed and Beaumaris, as well as a trip to the Christmas fair at Oriel Mon, on Anglesey which was a particular highlight for blind veteran Michael.
Blind Veteran Roddy said of his Turkey & Tinsel holiday, “The place is absolutely wonderful, and the staff are exceptional and really bring us into the seasonal spirit.
“This week is our Christmas celebration; we don’t have any family and so we come to spend time with our Blind Veterans UK family and be involved in all of the Christmas fun.”
Around 30 blind veterans from across the UK then spent the Christmas holiday at the Centre. The veterans, who were facing the prospect of spending Christmas Day alone, came together to enjoy traditional Christmas festivities including carol singing, lunch with all the trimmings, and watching the King’s Christmas Day speech. During their stay the veterans also took part in a host of festive games, Christmas crafting sessions, a visit to a Christmas fair and much more.
The camaraderie continued into the new year, with blind veterans, their partners and guests enjoying an evening of music and dancing and welcoming the start of 2024 with a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
Christmas at Llandudno
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