CARM (Caring All together on Romney Marsh) seeks to support people living on Romney Marsh and its surrounding rural areas who are socially isolated. Through the support we aim to improve people’s wellbeing, to help people remain independent for longer and to enhance the quality of life of the rural communities where we operate. In pursuing this mission, we will treat people with dignity and respect.’
CARM operates in South Ashford, including Tenterden, Rolvenden and Woodchurch. It also covers Romney Marsh in Shepway. Since 1997, CARM is improving the health and well-being of older people through its three key interlinked services. Working in partnership with stakeholders, CARM has a firm foundation and a tried and tested approach of delivering an excellent service that puts older people and volunteering at its heart. CARM currently delivers befriending and reminiscence through the following services:
• Meeting Points service is for the more mobile older people, who meet-up in village halls and other community settings regularly for social contact over a cup of tea. At these weekly sessions local and health information, signposting and the opportunity to hear from specialist speakers on issues of importance to the older people is provided. Meeting Points are largely organised by volunteers with support from a part-time Meeting Coordinator. In Tenterden the meeting is held at Trinity Baptist Church from 10 am to 12 noon every 1st and 3rd Tuesday. Pop in and join us or ring the CARM office 01233 758122.
• Befriending service is for housebound isolated vulnerable people including those with early stage dementia who are unable to get to Meeting Points. Clients are assessed and matched with a trained volunteer befriender, who visits weekly for an hour.
• Our Memories Matter - Reminiscence sessions are held at the Tenterden Social Hub. A team of trained volunteers deliver a rolling programme of themed group reminiscence sessions lasting 10 weeks at a time. Three or four trained volunteers who use a variety of multi-sensory props and other forms of mental stimulation facilitate the sessions. CARM coordinators organise the service and support the volunteers and staff of the social hub.
CARM’s three services allow clients to progress through each of the services as they age.
Contact Person : CARM coordinator, Kerry Fuller
CARM is a registered charity (No. 1184552), supported by a board of trustees bringing a range of professional expertise and local knowledge.
CARM - Sunflower House, Rolfe Lane, New Romney TN28 8JR