Day centres and services

What are Day Services?

Day services are available if you would like help to get out and about. They give you the opportunity to:

  • meet new people
  • enjoy a meal and join in social activities
  • learn new skills

If you need assistance during the activities, specialist care is also available.  You can pay for these privately or through your financial arrangement with the Council.


How to access Day Services

You can access support by contacting the list of providers in the A-Z list in the pink box on the page. You can request an assessment from Community Health & Social Care Direct to find out if you are eligible for help to attend community and day services with the support of Newcastle City Council.

The assessment process includes;

  1. Needs assessment to find out; what your care and support needs are; if you are eligible for support from the local authority; and to agree your support plan.
  2. Carers Assessments available to all carers to find out; what your care and support needs are; if you are eligible for support from the local authority; and to agree your support plan.
  3. Financial assessment looks at how much money you have and if you can access funding from the local authority to help pay for your care and support.
  4. Personal budgets to pay for your care and support. You can manage your own care and support or Newcastle City Council can do this for you.
  5. Direct Payments from your personal budget allow you to purchase your own care and support services directly.

Check the accessibility of the centre before you visit

AccessAble can help you to plan your trips to places like cinemas, theatres, restaurants, railway stations, hotels, colleges, universities, hospitals and more. They visit and review the accessibility of places in Newcastle. Use their directory of venues to find wheelchair friendly venues, read more about facilities and disabled access available. Such as:

  • photos of the facilities
  • entrance to the building
  • accessible toilets or changing places
  • how easy it is to move around the venue
  • lifts
  • transport and parking
  • dementia friendly
  • quiet or safe space
  • sign language

How much do day services cost?

You can choose whether you would like a Financial assessment to see if you’re eligible to receive funding for day services or pay yourself. The cost of the services depends on what you choose to have and on your individual needs.

If you are eligible for funding you can use your Personal budget to pay for community or day services or set up a Direct payment.

You can choose to purchase services privately.


Day services available

Day Centres

These services are based in a particular building, known as a day centre. You might find this suits you if you have some mobility difficulties or if you need help with personal care. The service includes transport, a meal and refreshments, and staff are around to assist you and to organise activities.

Services include:


Lunch and tea clubs

You may be able to get lunch as part of your day centre arrangement.  If not, see our Food and Friends article for lunch, tea and evening opportunities as well as coffee mornings and foodie activities.


Support to access activities in the community

Newcastle Reconnects is run by Age UK Gateshead in Newcastle at the Dene Centre for people with a long term condition (not dementia) including: respiratory problems, arthritic conditions, Epilepsy, unstable diabetes, severe hypertension, incontinence and catheterisation, Parkinson’s disease.  To use this free service, contact Age UK if you live in the West of the City.

Chain Reaction supports older people (over 55) to live independently in the community. They help you to access groups and services in your local area. It’s provided by 3 partner organisations:

They promote the use of community-based resources and facilities, Chain Reaction help people to lead happier, healthier lives. They support and sustain friendships to combat social isolation and increase a sense of good emotional health and wellbeing.

Together they have knowledge and experience of working with older people, those who have a learning disability, and people with poor mental health.


Ways to Wellness service helps people in the West of Newcastle to manage their long term health conditions, through activities such as:

  • getting involved in local groups and activities
  • accessing specialist services and support
  • healthy eating and getting more active
  • getting support around benefits and welfare rights

Social prescribing link workers also help people to access local groups and activities and help people manage their income and welfare.  Access these through your GP.

Last updated: September 15, 2023