Compassion, Care and Grassroots Support for the Elderly and Vulnerable - Big Society in Action!
Rotherfield St Martin is a church-in-community project providing support and care services to older and vulnerable people in Rotherfield and the surrounding area.
We provide a drop in centre and coffee shop as a point of contact and information; weekly meetings with a range of interesting speakers, volunteer drivers scheme, exercise classes and computer training, Holiday at Home, a Befrienders scheme, trips and visits, as well as a range of beneficial therapies.
Why the community needs usA third of our community are over the age of 65 and the number is growing. Living in a rural community can be very isolating with limited public transport and limited accessible services. Many residents find it impossible to travel to their medical appointments, or make contact with friends without assistance. We provide help with transport and services specifically tailored to the needs of the elderly to enable them to remain in their own homes as valued members of the village community.
Our impact on the communityThrough our work residents health and well-being is improving; confidence and self-esteem increases; isolation and loneliness is addressed; social interaction is promoted; people are able to attend health care appointments easily; locally provided services and support mean people can access these easily and quickly; all of these things help support and develop the village community and society.
Above all else, we have a great deal of fun and laughter!
We are looking for Volunteer drivers to join our scheme to provide lifts for Rotherfield and Crowborough folk who find it difficult to get to their appointments at surgeries, hospitals and other events. We need Befrienders who will visit members at home, just for contact and friendship, and we always need helpers to run the coffee shop.
