A MUCH-loved community club in Tavistock, which closed its doors three weeks ago because it was no longer deemed to be sustainable, is due to re-open tomorrow (Friday) in a new location, thanks to Devon County Council.

The council’s Molly Owen service has offered its facilities to host the drop-in sessions previously run by Robert Owen Communities (ROC) as the Welcome Club.

Debbie Newcombe, former team leader at the ROC Welcome Tavistock for people with learning difficulties, said it was great news and she would be popping in to see everyone although she would not be involved officially.

‘It is fantastic that they (the council) are able to do this,’ she said.

‘ I really appreciate it. A lot of people came to all three sessions that were run, some people are more able and others need more support.

‘It is nice that they will have somewhere to go rather than being sat at home in their living rooms as the social aspect is a big part of it.’

Debbie said she also hoped to get a service up and running in the evenings at some point.

Much to the disappointment of many members, the club was forced to close on Thursday, September 3, after ROC, which took over the club in 2010 to save it from closure, deemed it unsustainable because of a drop in numbers.

The club, which was formerly the long-established Gateway Club financed by the local Mencap Committee, had provided a safe place for people with learning disabilities to meet, socialise and take part in activities since 1993.

Debbie said that at the time of closing the group was ‘probably 20 or so down in numbers’ since first opening but that there was still a decent number of people who attended the group.

She said between 15 and 23 went to the daytime drop-in, where they played games, puzzles and socialised and 25 to 30 people attended the more structured evening sessions, when there was usually a quiz or disco.

Despite their efforts ROC was unable to find an alternative provider but co-ordinators remained determined to find a way to keep it going for the sake of its members.

Devon County Council’s Molly Owen service, will now provide a drop-in session each Friday morning as well as its other usual services for people with learning disabilities.

Staff at Molly Owen say that the drop-in sessions, will give a range of people with learning disabilities an opportunity to meet up.

Manager Tracey Seymour said: ‘It’s a great way for people to develop friendships and enjoy other people’s company. Everyone is looking forward to the drop-ins relocating here.’

West Devon MP, Geoffrey Cox helped launch Tavistock Welcome when ROC stepped in to save it a few years ago and was very disappointed when it closed three weeks ago. At the time of closure he advised that he would look into providing a similar service if the demand for it increased.

With regards to the re-opening, Geoffrey said: ‘I am extremely pleased to hear that the Welcome Tavistock Club is to be reopened again by Devon County Council.

‘The service is of significant value and benefit to the local community and I am delighted that it will be able to continue its good work.’

Mandy Ewings, Deputy Mayor of Tavisock said: ‘The evenings are most valuable. I look after my neighbour who has learning disabilities and he’s devastated. It’s great news that the ROC clients will have somewhere to meet for a coffee and a chat.

‘They are all hoping that the Thursday evening club can also be resumed, that’s what they really want back.

‘There was also a good number and they enjoyed it with discos and prizes. They were really proud and it would be finished by 9pm so it’s not a late night.

‘If they don’t have anywhere to go they would likely be meeting at a pub and are then vulnerable to bullying.

‘I really hope there will be something in the town centre as they need to be able to walk to it.’

The weekly sessions will begin tomorrow (Friday) and run from 10am to noon.