After reading the Courier article and seeing billboards all over Port Seton alleging ‘crisis’ at John Bellany Day Centre, I thought I, as a client, would try to reassure the families of anyone who attends or may do so in future.

In 2004, aged 76, I suffered a massive stroke which left me severely disabled, having only the use of one arm and one leg. I was referred to the Bellany Centre straight away and I am still a regular attender, now aged nearly 87.

There are clients older than me, even over 100, so this is evidence, surely, that the staff are caring and more than capable.

The daily routine is that you are helped from home and given breakfast, lunch and snacks. There is entertainment and activities, including outings to the seaside or country. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching all the clients joining in the fun.

Who makes this possible? The staff, who do all the cooking and cleaning and helping people get up and walk, giving medication and helping people with their different needs. I’ve even seen people being hand-fed.

When it is time to go home, clients are helped into their homes and left secure. Throughout each year, special days are recognised, including every client’s birthday.

My family, living in Edinburgh, look after me well and they know when I am at the day centre I am in the hands of first-class carers and daily volunteers.

Long may the centre flourish.

Peter Scott Edinburgh Road Cockenzie