THE Rainbow Centre in Penley is doing their bit to assist elderly residents who have been left isolated by lockdown.

The centre, which caters to the elderly and vulnerable members of Penley, has been unable to open throughout the enforced-lockdown.

Although staff and volunteers have supported various initiatives to support the centre's clients, many remain isolated in their homes unable to see their friends.

To help these people and return to a sense of normality, the centre has launched a fundraiser to purchase various plastic guards and shields for the equipment at the centre, to allow staff to interact with the centre's clients.

Caroline Tudor-James, chief officer at the Rainbow Centre, said supporting the residents of Penley was the centre's duty.

"As a local charity, supporting people through times of crisis is at our core," she said. "In response to the pandemic, we have worked harder than ever to support more than 700 vulnerable households in our community.

"Many have complex care needs, dementia or a disability, and are experiencing higher levels of loneliness and isolation as a result of lockdown.

"Our support has included home visits and welfare calls as well as meals on wheels, and advice and support with mental health and well-being.

"But no one wants to remain in permanent lockdown, and for many elderly this is a real risk.

"Please can you help us to ensure we deal with the ongoing legacy of this pandemic.

"Support will directly help us to add safety screens to our buses and dining room, ensure we can offer social distancing in our premises and fund additional staffing measures to ensure Rainbow friends can safely leave their homes, meet their friends again, and return to the new normal, ensuring no one gets left behind."

To donate to the Rainbow Centre's fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/campaign/RainbowCentreCovidAppeal