Did you know that Careline turns 20 this year? We’ve got lots of things planned to help us to celebrate our momentous anniversary, so please keep an eye on our Facebook and web pages for up-to-date information on how you can join in too!

Careline  would like to say a huge thank you to the community for continuing  to support us this year.

Early in 2016  the Ashbourne Telegraph published an article explaining that the majority of our funding had been cut and in it we asked for support to help keep the service running. And that’s exactly what you, the community have done!

So many individuals, volunteers, local societies, organisations and businesses have stepped forward to help and for that we are so grateful.  We would particularly like to thank:

Ashbourne Lions

Ashbourne Shrovetide Dance Committee

Ashbourne Singers

Marks & Spencer

Waitrose

The Trustees of the Mrs Elsie Exton Trust

The Old Trust of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School

Ashbourne Methodist Church

Dovedale Dash

Brailsford & District Ploughing & Hedgecutting Society

Rotary Club of Uttoxeter

Uttoxeter Lions

Uttoxeter Knights

Inner Wheel of Uttoxeter

to name but a few.

We would also like to thank all those people who have been involved in our fundraising events either in volunteering their time or as a guest – you  have contributed enormously to ensuring that we are able to maintain our regular telephone befriending calls to the elderly and most vulnerable members of our society.  This time of year is particularly difficult for many older people with the days being so short. Research tells us that loneliness and a lack of social interaction can be as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day; in addition  more than  half (51%) of all people aged 75+ live alone in the UK and nearly a fifth of those people spend zero hours with other people on a typical day.

We are still searching for that elusive  large scale funding, but thanks to all of our supporters we are able to continue running the service for the foreseeable future.

With very best wishes for 2017

The Staff and  Trustees at Careline.

Thank you to everyone who came along, bought raffle tickets or made donations to our recent Christmas Coffee Morning – what a festive time we all had, raising £1642.00 in the process! While we strive to try to find a source of long term funding, it’s reassuring to know that the community continue to support us so wholeheartedly.

Special thanks to the Ashbourne Singers who each year take time out of their busy concert rehearsal schedule to come along and sing – always one of the highlights of the morning! Thank you also to Optimum, The Olde Sweete Shop and Milkshake Bar, Blooming Beau, Newton House Hotel , The Little Papierie and Wyaston Nurseries for their generous donations; plus the staff of St Oswald’s Hospital kitchen who made the delicious mince pies. We’re so grateful to you all!

Take some time out from your busy pre-Christmas diaries to join us for a glass of fizz on Friday 18th November.

We’ve got 2 entertaining talks lined up – popular  make-up artist Esther Marie shares her tips on Christmas evening glamour and talented local candle maker Annie from On A Wick And A Prayer, on Burning the Wick at Both Ends!

Plus our therapists will be on hand to treat you to  a selection  of mini-treatments  – you could book a relaxing file & polish, an acupressure massage or a hand and arm massage; or try something new like Reiki or  Colour Reiki; you could even book a reading with our clairvoyant!

Tickets cost £8.50 incl. a glass of fizz & nibbles. We’re asking for a donation of £5 per treatment – these can be booked in advance or on the evening.   For more information, to buy tickets and  book treatments visit the Careline office, St Oswald’s Hospital. Alternatively send us a message via our website, Facebook page (Careline Calling) or call us direct on  tel: 01335 210353.  The event  takes place at Clifton Smith Hall, Clifton, Ashbourne DE6 2GJ.

Treat yourself before the Festive Frenzy Begins – bring some friends too!