I’ve written about volunteering before, which is something that is so good for us as we age. This week, I’m returning to that theme in order to highlight two charities I know and love, because what they do is such good news – and sometimes we need a dose of that, don’t we? Also, they are both utterly inspirational, and demonstrate that amazing results can come from small beginnings – and that ordinary people with no specific experience can step up to become heroic and indispensable. The Rural Coffee Caravan, established in 2003, was the brainchild of Canon Sally Fogden.
(Image: Lucy Brown) Its aim was to promote community spirit and tackle rural isolation in Suffolk. It has grown enormously since then, and now has four vehicles making 473 visits across 67 locations every year. In 2019, it was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Medal for Voluntary Service for its contribution to the people of the county The RCC meets a crucial need in providing company and conversation for isolated and lonely men and women.
But its staff and volunteers also provide residents with useful information about the support services that exist to help them stay happy, healthy and independent. For example, many people don’t recognise themselves as carers, when they most definitely are. And this advice helps them apply for benefits that can offer not just a financial boost but a real difference to the quality of their lives.
As Chief Executive Ann Osborn says, “Rural residents have to endur.