A HOMECARE provider is launching a new support group aiming to bring vulnerable and elderly members of the community together as it officially opens its new Middlewich office.

Blueberry Care is holding an official opening day on Sunday, July 21, to welcome the community to its new Holmes Chapel Road base.

And simultaneously, the company, which was set up in 2011, will announce the launch of its new 'blueberry community connectors' initiative. 

Managing director Jamie Hickson, who grew up in Middlewich, is excited to have a base in the town.

He said: "I am delighted to have moved our business operations to the town of Middlewich.

"This is a special place to me as I was raised here throughout the 80s and 90s, though where I grew up has since been demolished and I understand is now McCarthy Stone.

"Middlewich has grown significantly over the past few years and I hope Blueberry Care can be a part of this change.

"I know we will have a really positive impact on the community care in the town and help people continue to remain independent in their own homes."

The new ‘blueberry community connectors’ support group will meet once a month, and give residents the chance to meet different people, gain support and engage in soothing activities, such as arts and crafts or memory games.

All activities will be run by a team of qualified and caring individuals with training and experience in caring for vulnerable people.

Rachel Hamilton, Blueberry Care’s operations director added: "We moved into our office in Middlewich a couple of months ago but have held off doing our open day because we wanted to make it count.

"We have just received confirmation that the deputy mayor of the town will be attending.

“We can really see ourselves becoming a hub for the community, especially if our community group and open day is the success we hope it will be."

Blueberry Care has already started building connections in the town by sponsoring the ‘Feel Good Throwbacks’ radio station, allowing it to go DAB and reach a larger audience.

Paul Bannister, founder of Feel Good Throwbacks station, said: "Our community radio means so much to us and Blueberry Care helping with our DAB funding will put Middlewich on the DAB map which is a bonus for all businesses, public and the people of Middlewich and surrounding areas."

The open day event, from 11am to 2pm, will include free drinks, Bidlea ice cream, raffle prizes and music from Feel Good Throwbacks.

Mr Hickson added: "We have an open-door policy here at Blueberry House, so our invite stretches beyond the open day.

"Please anyone who is seeking advice, care for a loved one or themselves drop by. We will always welcome anyone and everyone for a chat."