We understand how difficult getting access to independent day services can be, with many challenges surrounding the fundamentals of living and caring for someone with dementia and overwhelming information coming from many services and sources. We know you value keeping things simple, manageable and trust the care of loved ones with a safe, reliable and secure service.
We are on a mission to use that joined up thinking in support of enhancing health, wellbeing, enjoyment of service and enhance the lives of everyone involved at Open Door 1 [OD1].
Carers know their cared for the best. By working together we can assure your loved ones receive the support they need.
Group members always bring questions and we know communication and organisation can be a challenge. We can take care of that for you.
More than just socialisation & reduced isolation. We offer a friendly atmosphere, fun and games, supportive staff, meals, complementary therapies plus additional advice for carers.
Open Door transport service is the gateway to assist group members and their interaction with the community. Without this service users can be isolated and unable to access activities.
Transport and our service can be a lifeline to our members being included within social interaction.
Our transport manager, Rob Schofield has been leading the sympathetic transport service of ours.
‘Our service is vital to the maintenance of social interaction with the community. If the transport was not available the well being of the individual and their carers would be compromised/at risk.’
We understand the needs of service users and offer dementia and social health care trained, compassionate, friendly staff that collect and support your loved ones.
What this means to you:
You aren’t left trying to organise service transport at a cost-effective price, check bus timetables and travel together, manage taxis or relying on good will of family or friends.
Providing trusted and consistent transport for visits, trips and attending groups from the comfort of your front door is getting easier, made possible with the incredible support of TNLCommunityFund.
August 2025 saw the launch of our new service, TRANSPORT as we offered a welcome celebration, invited councillors, business representatives, service supporters, volunteers, carers and community partners to welcome our fantastic and proud grant support from The National Lottery.
Invitees were able to view our brand new minibus, made possible by the wonderful support of the TNL (National Lottery) Community Fund, a chance to celebrate and network with us whilst getting up-to-date info on our brand new service offering as part of the family of services that we provide.
Guests were invited to take a seat on our comfy new bus and enjoy the fresh pine scent.
Grab a tea, some free sandwiches and get some info from us.
Find out more about how we can help bridge the gap to service.
We offered light refreshments including sandwiches, cakes and hot drinks whilst entertainment was supplied from some of our favourite local guests.
When it happened:
Harwood Court Community Centre, Sutton-in-Ashfield, NG17 4PD.
Arrive from 11:00am
Launch at 11:30 am
Wednesday 27th August 2025
Organised by the team at Open Door 1.
What Maxine had to say:
I know that in the 35 years I’ve been working in dementia day care, I’ve seen many services come and go, they don’t provide a service to benefit both the carer and service user.
What remains the same is that there are so many people in need of day care services, to benefit more than reduced isolation and socialisation but to offer carers a chance that doesn’t cost thousands like home care, centres or even specialist homesteads.
I know I don’t need to sell you the benefits of a brilliant quality service as this will be ingrained into your daily life.Right now there are 1000's of people in our district who do not access daycare because of the issues surrounding transport.Many don’t realise the benefits of daily routine and socialising with others whilst travelling and visiting spaces. By breaking down that barrier, group members access therapies and stimulation to assist prolonged cognitive maintenance here at Open Door 1. Carers may take part in activities or they can visit friends and socialise for well earned respite. We can work together with a compassionate ear for you.We are committed to service users and aim to make their time with us incredibly enjoyable, providing the respite that you need too.We are extremely proud to offer our new Transport service as we look to extend this offer and open up opportunities for further enhancement that the grant from TNL Community Fund has profoundly helped us with.
Open Door 1
Harwood Court Community Centre
Harwood Close
Sutton-in-Ashfield
NG17 4PD
12th January 2026
Worried about falls or noticing worsening mobility amongst your loved ones or even yourself? Free information for all to attend. Ian English, Lead Clinical Physio, will be providing a presentation giving a clear, practical overview of how to recognise changes in mobility, reduce fall risks, and stay safe if a fall occurs. You’ll learn the key signs of deteriorating gait, simple home and lifestyle adjustments that improve safety, when to seek professional support and what to do if you or someone else falls.
