A WELL-KNOWN group for the housebound, elderly and disabled is marking 40 years of success as it expands into larger premises.
The Happy Days Club provided companionship and entertainment for more than 120 people every week in Cowdenbeath and has now opened its doors in Kelty.
The charity grew into a popular Friday group for people in the area and their carers, helping reduce isolation and loneliness, as well as providing a safe place for those who are more vulnerable.
At a special celebration event in their new home at Kelty Community Centre, chairman Danny Kinloch said: "The success of this club has been nothing but phenomenal and it’s all down to the amazing efforts of a dedicated group of volunteers making it happen every week for the past 40 years - they are incredible!
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“I’ve had the honour of seeing this club develop and expand, from our early days of a wee sing-song and a cuppa at the Broad Street Centre with maybe 20 folk, to now catering for more than 100 every week from all over the community.
"It’s been so good to see one of the original organisers, Cathy Henderson, join us for the 40th celebration too.
"We’re so lucky to have the support of our members, their carers, friends, family and the wider community, it’s really like a family.”
He continued: “When people who are disabled or elderly and maybe have more complex needs have nowhere to go, they risk being housebound and isolated, so we’ve always been about making the group as accessible as possible.
"There are very few options for meaningful services in the community for these folk, so we try and make the club feel welcoming and inclusive.
"If someone fancies a dance, we’ll dance. If someone wants to sing on the karaoke, we sing together.
"We’ve had people come from as far as Edinburgh to the group, it’s been so popular.
"The members and their carers and family all get to meet new people and make friends, have a wee game of bingo, and it’s as simple as that, we just try to help them make connections and bring them some joy for a few hours each week.”
And it's a family affair as Danny's wife, Janet, is a long time member, daughter Vicky is the club organiser and grandsons Keir and Zack are regular volunteers.
Meanwhile the group’s volunteer team of Tom, Lorraine, Charlene, Tam, Dakota, Margaret and Darren keep the group running smoothly.
Vicky said: “I really have to extend a big thanks to Maureen Walker at Fife Council and to Councillor Darren Watt for their help in making the move happen, and to Alex Rowley MSP and his team who popped along to show support.
"The caretakers and centre staff at Kelty Community Centre have been excellent and we want to extend our thanks to them for their open arms.”
Happy Days Club meets in Kelty every Friday from 11am until 3pm. New members are welcome.
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