'Cotswold Friends' has been
announced at Beatons Moreton-In-Marsh's first charity of the year. Well
and truly rooted locally, founded by and serving the local community, it aims
to support its older local residents − especially those feeling isolated and vulnerable.
When Beatons' latest Tearooms Owner, Yvonne, discovered
Cotswold Friends she immediately spotted a match with the part of Beatons’
Constitution which reads:
‘We value individuals whether customer, franchisee, supplier
or any other stakeholder because unless people are heard and nourished, they
feel disconnected and alone’.
Cotswold Friends aim is to
provide community transport, a befriending service, carer respite &
community activities to older and vulnerable people in the north Cotswolds. They
work to help combat loneliness and isolation in the rural communities. We know
just how important that is!
The organisation began as the Voluntary Help Centre in 1978
and was originally set up with the aim of helping and supporting local
volunteers and matching them to volunteering roles across the area. The charity
soon began to grow and today provides four key services to the North Cotswolds
Community: Community Transport, Befriending, Carer Respite and Community
Activities. With over 350 volunteer roles, our services benefit up to 2,000
older and vulnerable people in our local community.
How we help: Each Beatons has their own Charity of the
Year and has events to support it. Our
main contribution is giving 50p from every sale of The Charlton (soda) and our
Community Chai Latte throughout the year.