Silver anniversary celebrations for Edinburgh day centre

ONE of Edinburgh’s longest-running day centres is celebrating its 25th anniversary later this week.

The Rt. Hon. George Grubb, Lord Lieutenant and Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, will be guest of honour at a special event this afternoon at Drylaw Rainbow Club Day Centre to a commemorative plaque.

The building started as a day centre in 1985 providing day care for 50 older people living in the community.

Last year, after extra funding from City of Edinburgh Council’s Health and Social Care department, they now have 75 places a week available to older people and employ two extra staff.

The money also allowed the club to start a training budget for staff development.

The club was registered with the Care Commission in 2009 and last year their first inspection saw them score an overall 4 ‘Good’.

Jackie Brown, Drylaw Rainbow Club Day Centre manager, said: “Everyone associated with the Rainbow Club has a real sense of pride that we reached this marvellous 25 year milestone.

“It’s a real testament to the staff and our fantastic team of volunteers that we are able to help so many older people maintain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life.”

Lord Provost George Grubb said: “The dedicated work of day centres like Drylaw Rainbow Club often goes unheralded so I am particularly delighted to be the guest of honour at their 25th anniversary celebrations.”