A UNIQUE centre helping elderly, vulnerable and isolated people which had to close last year as funds dried up is to re-open - but trustees warn it will have to adopt new ways of operating to survive.

Dales-Care in Bedale closed last September after offering daytime help and care for vulnerable and elderly people for the past 25 years. Distraught regulars, some aged over 100 described it as a “bombshell”.

In the face of mounting financial problems organisers made the decision to close the centre temporarily to find a way to keep it going.

Now after ten months, trustees say they will be reopening but only be for two days a week initially and the centre is planning to change the approach from being Dales-Care to a social centre, because it will no longer be able to offer care. Instead the centre will concentrate on encouraging people to use it as a meeting place to relieve loneliness and isolation and provide good quality food.

Trustee Anne Gregg said: “We are planning to open Tuesday and Thursday, which fits in with the local meals on wheels operating on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“We’ll provide a two course lunch which is what people wanted. We still need to cost this out, and advertise for staff, who will work alongside volunteers, but so many people have contacted and asked about the reopening we wanted to let people know.

“We won’t be offering the care element, we can’t, although carers will be welcome to come with people.

“We plan to reopen in the summer, in the next three months.

“We are still caring for the community but it is more about socialising and combating isolation and loneliness.”

Anyone who can help with the project should call 01677-422861.