With the number of people aged over 60 set to rise 'exponentially' over the next 20 years, elderly day centres stand as vital community infrastructures.

Visitors at the Grove Day Centre for the Elderly attended its Tuesday lunch but little do they knew, the charity may be at risk unless it hires a team of trustees with IT knowledge.

The non-profit serves as a social club to the elderly in Wantage, providing two-course hot lunches twice a week and organising entertainment including quizzes, bingos, raffles, small sales and fundraising events.

ALSO READ: Murder investigation launched after man stabbed and two men in 'serious conditions'

Oxford Mail:

However, while the charity has been opened for more than 30 years, it has a low social profile which is causing the centre to lose essential funding.

This is one of the reasons the centre's secretary Julie Hyde is appealing for new volunteers who can 'strengthen' its core team.

Ms Hyde, who will soon retire and move to Dorset, has been working at the day centre on and off since 2004.

Her role as a secretary is one of several that the Wantage charity is recruiting for.

The institution is also advertising for a new chairperson, fundraising lead and assistant to the treasurer.

Ms Hyde, who insisted the work is very rewarding, said: "We need people with experience who are IT literate.

"They could have worked in an office and don't know anything about charity work but are willing to be trained."

Eager volunteers will spend a few hours in the day centre every week either helping with lunches, raffles and fundraisers, or being hands on behind the scenes running the charity.

ALSO READ: 'Absolute joke' - residents outraged after supermarket plans refused

Ms Hyde said she hopes that community minded and computer literate individuals will come forward to join the management team, which currently consists of four members.

Unlike other institutions in Wantage like the October club who offer care to alzheimers and dementia patients, the Grove day centre only offers low-level care, so volunteers do not need nursing experience.

"You never know how many people will come on daily basis.

"It is a social club for the elderly around Grove and Wantage rather than a care home", Ms Hyde explained.

In a letter to the Oxford Mail, a spokesperson for the day centre said: "The charity has given friendship, purpose, care, entertainment, a two course freshly cooked meal and assisted hundreds of local people who otherwise may have been unable to cope at home."

Based on School Lane, the centre is opened every Tuesday and Thursday from 9.30am until 2.30pm.

Those who are interested in the roles advertised can contact manager Judy Hollingsworth on 01235 770074 or email grovedaycentre@hotmail.co.uk