A COMMUNITY centre in Viables has opened a magic new piece of equipment.

Viables Community Association officially launched their new Tovertafel on Wednesday, 15 May at the community centre.

The Tovertafel (Magic Table when translated) is a piece of equipment that projects interactive games and activities onto any surface.

Specifically designed to enhance the lives of people with dementia, the resource also has activities that are particularly intended for those with additional needs such as autism.

Viables Community Centre provides services for people in Basingstoke and Deane with dementia. The Memory Club has been running since 2014.

In addition, the centre provides a weekly parent and toddler group for those with additional needs or disabilities.

Both of these groups benefit directly from the Tovertafel, offering fun activities as well as a way to interact with others when they may otherwise feel isolated.

The launch event itself was attended by Basingstoke and Deane mayor, Cllr Diane Taylor and her consort, Dr Andy Taylor.

Joined also by trustees, centre volunteers and members of the public, it was an opportunity for adults and children to explore and play with a range of game.

Centre manager Luan Squire said: “We were fortunate to have received funding from the National Lottery Community Fund in order to purchase the Tovertafel.

“It has been of huge benefit to our service users and we are really excited to see people interacting with it and gaining so much enjoyment.

“The people from Shift8, the company we bought through, have been brilliant in supporting us and ensuring we are trained.”