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Centres for the Community across the borough will reopen their doors from September, after closing in March due to the ongoing pandemic crisis.
Services on offer will be reduced as Council officers assess all aspects of each centre’s operation to ensure that the venues are COVID-secure throughout. At present, only therapeutic services have resumed, with options for providing safe day care and social events being explored.
A newly redecorated public café will open in St Mary’s on 4 September for the whole community to enjoy, with hot and cold drinks and snacks on sale, including coffee from The Eco Coffee Co., served by trained baristas. Outdoor seating and take away options are available as well as indoor seating.
This is the first centre to benefit from the complete refurbishment of its café area, with the rest of the centres scheduled for a makeover later in the year.
From September, the following services will be available in each Centre for the Community by appointment only.
The Vyne, Knaphill
- Chiropody
- Hairdressing
- Reflexology on the first Wednesday of each month.
St Mary’s, Byfleet
- Chiropody
- Hairdressing
- Unassisted bathing will resume in September and patrons are encouraged to check back for assisted bathing options as they are re-introduced.
Moorcroft, Westfield
- Chiropody
- Hairdressing
Parkview, Sheerwater
- Chiropody
- Hairdressing
Cllr Simon Ashall, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Living Well Services, said: “Our Centres for the Community may have been closed to the public during the past few months but they have certainly not stood idle. During the COVID crisis, they have been hubs of activity providing a base for the many volunteers who came to the aid of shielding and self-isolating neighbours during lockdown.
“I’m grateful to all the centre staff who have been working hard to ensure that the buildings, and the services provided within them, are safe. As a result of their hard work, the centres are reopening with the most essential services first and the Council will look to reintroduce other activities once it is satisfied it is safe to do so.
“Some spaces are also being redecorated so that they will be beautifully presented for the reopening and everyone involved is excited to welcome patrons back to enjoy the modern café experience now on offer.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for everyone using the centres to exercise caution and keep to the government social distancing and good hygiene guidelines at all times. And, it goes without saying, that if you have any of the symptoms of Coronavirus please do not attend and stay at home until you are able to get tested.”
For more information about the Centres for the Community and the most up to date service announcements, visit www.woking.gov.uk/centresforthecommunity
Residents hoping to return to the fitness classes and family clinics that operate from the centres should check with the individual service providers to find out when they will resume.
Click here for a video tour of the new look café in St Mary’s.