Now Stephen Fullbrook is looking forward to celebrating his 50th birthday with a party there – and his father has spoken of his pride in the dedicated work of its staff.

The centre provides a day service for people with learning and physical difficulties.

About 70 adults, aged from 20 to their mid-60s, work inhorticulture, recycling, packaging, catering and IT.

Last year the Jolly Gardeners' plant shop was launched, and it is open to the public five days a week.

Stephen's dad, Paul, of Nayland, said: "Staff are absolutely brilliant and I'm so proud of them. They help each individual in every possible way and it's lovely to see.

"When I take the trainees bowling to Sudbury Indoor Bowls Centre the people there make us so welcome, and it's wonderful the way they respond to my group.

"I was a bit apprehensive at first that I might upset other players but they came over to chat and clapped when one of my bowlers did a good shot.

"I explained they came from the resource centre in Northern Road and was surprised when some of the players had never heard of it.

"Stephen goes five days a week and loves it. His whole life revolves around spending his time with his disabled friends and trained carers at the centre.

"It's a wonderful community giving his life structure and stability and where he finds companionship in a safe and healthy environment," added Paul. "His present work schedule provides him with confidence, giving him a sense of wellbeing and fulfilment."

Another parent Anne Molyneaux, of Leavenheath, whose son Billy, 33, is a friend of Stephen's, said he was equally enthusiastic. "He loves going every day and to him it's like going to work," she said. "He gets so much out of everything he does up there and has made so many friends.

"Over the eight years we've been here the centre has turned his whole life round and it is certainly a good reason to be proud of Sudbury."

Anne is secretary of Helping Hands, a group of parents and friends who raise funds. They are looking for more committee members to help organise events and support the centre.

The annual meeting is on Wednesday, May 9, at 7pm.

Anne said: "Our social events are very friendly and anyone who wants to give us a try will be made most welcome."

People who want to look round should ring 01787 296090.

There have been fears for some months that changes to adult care services in Suffolk could spell an uncertain future for the centre.

But manager Marion Corner remains optimistic.

She said: "At the moment we're very much holding our own and are developing our service in line with government legislation all the time.

"We already contribute to Sudbury in Bloom displays and very much want to be part of the Sudbury community, not separate from it."