PEOPLE who receive support in their own homes from a family-run homecare company are benefiting from a new community-based initiative aimed at combating loneliness and social isolation.

Caremark (Mansfield & Ashfield) has launched a monthly coffee club for customers, families, and staff.

Held in a room at The Salvation Army premises on Bowne Street, Sutton, it aims to bring people together for free refreshments, cake, and activities such as bingo and chair exercises — with a view to encouraging social interaction, particularly for Caremark customers who live on their own.

The Caremark Coffee Club is also a way of bringing families together so they can meet the carers who look after their loved ones on a regular basis.

At the first session in March, Caremark (Mansfield & Ashfield) welcomed 12 customers, along with some family members and carers.

Managing director Simon Ford said: “We’ve been looking at ways of bringing our customers together, especially those who live on their own or with no family networks nearby.

“We conceived the coffee club as a way of achieving this and we couldn’t have been happier with how well the first event went.

“It was lovely to see everyone chatting and having a good time in a nice, informal social setting.

“Companionship is one of our key services, so this will have an even more positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people we support.”

The Caremark Coffee Club takes place on the last Tuesday of the month, from 11am to 1pm.

ABOVE: Care manager Chloe Holmes with customer Doreen Else. TOP: Customers and staff at the first Caremark (Mansfield & Ashfield) Coffee Club.