FOUR people supported by a Chester-based day centre caring for people with special needs have been honoured for attending more than 200 years between them.

Ambito Chester Skills Development Centre, based in Western Avenue, Blacon, held the celebration for the quartet.

The service is a large day centre catering for adults with a range of physical and/or learning disabilities and complex health needs.

Liz Evans, Terry Barnett, Adrian Ormerwood and Stephen Haslam have all been helped by the team at Ambito Chester for more than 50 years, starting in the early 1970s when it was a work centre where attendees would make toys and caravan steps for local firms.

In 1991, the service changed to become a skills development centre, where skills are taught to promote independent living, including cookery and housekeeping, and fun activities, such as arts and crafts, as well as helping them to access volunteering opportunities.

The four friends were recognised with a certificate for being part of the service for half a century each.

Staff were also rewarded for their hard work during the past 18 months, and their ‘Covid heroes’, who went the extra mile during the pandemic, were given a special award.

Gaynor Burton, service manager at Ambito Chester Skills Development Centre, said: “It was a fantastic day and a lovely opportunity to celebrate some of the people we support who have been here for such a long time.

“Our team prides itself on providing excellent, person-centred care, and we’re delighted that this group have found it so useful for 50 years each.

“Liz, Terry, Adrian and Stephen are part of the family here and we look forward to supporting them for a long time to come.”

Liz Evans said: “Ambito Chester has helped me a lot. I used to be very quiet and keep things in when they were bothering me, but I’ve learned to open up. The service has built my confidence, which is amazing.

“It’s been a brilliant part of my life since I was a teenager and I love coming and doing the crafts. I hope they have another certificate for me in another 50 years!”

Stephen Haslam, who has been attending the service for almost 52 years, said: “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. Some have been good, and I’ve also been concerned about others. I’ve been here this long as it gets me out of the house, and I have strong friendships within the service.

“I enjoy the things that I have been involved with over the years including nice trips abroad to Tunisia and on a cruise with the activity group Link Up. I still enjoy coming here two days a week.”

Ambito Chester Skills Development Centre is part of Ambito Care and Education, which is part of Salutem Care and Education.