A CARE charity which runs a day club in Cirencester has been rated 'outstanding' by inspectors.

Crossroads Care Central and East Gloucestershire was given the highest grade by the Care Quality Commission for its adult support services.

The CQC report said: “The provider had a holistic approach to service provision and had developed their services innovatively around the needs of the people. They had developed a variety of support services which allowed people to live their lives to the fullest in situations where they otherwise might not have been able to remain living at home.”

One of the elements praised was the Azalea day club at Cirencester Hospital, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, which provides people with a chance to socialise while offering respite for their careers.

A spokesman for Crossroads said: "The clubs give people the opportunity to have time out of their home socialising with others in a supported and caring environment. It also provides the opportunity of a break for their carer. They run from 10am to 3pm and we provide a freshly cooked, two course lunch.

"The activities that take place at the clubs are what the people who attend have chosen to do but have included: gardening and growing vegetables, music and singing and arts and crafts."

Azalea club offers door to door transport for attendees.

Maurine, one of the original members who joined when the club started three years ago, said: “ The company is wonderful, the girls (support workers) are very good and patient with us.”

See crossroadscandeg.org.uk or call 01452 302542.