The Marsham Ward comprises of the villages of Fairlight, Pett, Guestling and Three Oaks together with Winchelsea Beach which forms the coastal strip between Hastings and Rye.

There are over 1500 people over 60 living in Fairlight, Guestling and Pett (out of a population 0f 3697) with over 300 living alone.

The 2001 census showed that Fairlight has the highest percentage of older people in England and Wales. Access to public transport in these villages are minimal.

With pending closures of day centres in Hastings and possibly Rye this would lead to older people being isolated more.

The MOPPs project believes that a day away from home can offer many benefits to frail older people. It can provide something to look forward to each week, stimulation and enjoyment of others, together with the chance to eat together.

It is believed that this can lead to greater well-being mental health for those who attend. Additionally, there is the possibility to learn about or benefit from our special services which may be offered. The centre also gives an opportunity for helpers to be alerted to any problems that the older person may be experiencing. The project helps carers by offering short periods of respite to enable the carers to have some time for themselves.

The centre meets at the Fairlight Village hall every friday between 10.00am - 2.30pm.

The centre has a membership of 45 clients who are from the Marsham area. They enjoy a home cooked two course lunch and refreshments. Specialist Services attend the centre, Pension advice, Trading standards, CAB, Solicitors, Chiropody and other professional services.

The Future Picture.

MOPPs has provided a very valuable resource for the local villages and has bought many people together. It is very apparent that there is need for this service to be developed in other areas, and MOPPs would consider expanding to another day in a different area.

The toe nail cutting service has assisted clients in monitoring the health of the feet service, beginning in May, 2010. This service will provide clients with information to keep themselves and their feet healthy and will incorporate assistance in finding good fitting shoes and accessories to enhance the health of the feet.

We have found that many of our clients are requiring help at home and MOPPs is considering ways of assisting the clients with their daily needs in identifying good trustworthy carers, domestics, handymen and gardeners.