Forget the slump or hump in the middle of the week – it’s going to be Wacky Wednesdays at the Frontier Services Community Support Service in Andamooka.

An expanded day care program for elderly people and those with a disability was launched at a special community celebration in Andamooka this week.

Coordinator Marianne Mullally said Wacky Wednesdays, to take place each week from 10am to 12pm, would provide two hours of activity for clients who may not usually attend other functions.

“We have one support worker who is trained in foot care and we’ll be utilising her skills to give the clients free foot care and massages. There will be different speakers on topics that the participants would like to know more about, as well as topics that would be beneficial such as eating and mental health,” Ms Mullally said.

Other Wacky Wednesday activities may include board games, an exercise program, a healthy living program with the Royal Flying Doctor Service and occasional outings, for example a shopping trip to Port Augusta or a BBQ in the bush. The service currently has 74 clients who receive Home and Community Care (HACC) support that will be invited to attend each week along with their carers.

“We have tried to come up with different ideas and to look at the interests and needs of our clients and the community. We are really pleased with the expansion of the program.”

More than 30 people and 30 school children attended the Wacky Wednesday launch. It was combined with a celebration for National Volunteer Week, which occurs in May, to thank all of the people who help out at the Community Support Service.

“We are extremely thankful to our volunteers who play a vital role in our service. Without them we could not function as well as we do.”

Frontier Services presented 11 volunteers with a Certificate of Appreciation. Local groups and businesses which have offered support in the past year were also acknowledged. Food Services company Sodexo kindly provided the catering on the day. It was the second year they supported the acknowledgement of Frontier Services volunteers.

“Everyone had a wonderful time at the launch. We received some good feedback and we’re really looking forward to the new phase of the program,” said Ms Mullally.

The first Wacky Wednesday will take place next week on 9 May.