Meet The CARM Team

I am hugely honoured to be CARM’s manager since June 2017. I am responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation, management of staff and resources, oversight of the delivery of our services and development of new income streams. Every day, I am conscious that CARM exists to reduce loneliness and isolation in older people; at the centre of what we do are our valuable clients and volunteers, without which they will be no CARM. Working for CARM is very rewarding as long lasting friendships are formed; memories and laughter are shared!

Hi, I'm Sharon. August 2018 has seen me celebrate my first year working for CARM. My title is Finance and Administration Assistant and I usually work Wednesday; Thursday and Friday.

If you phone the office, it will probably be me that initially answers your call. I deal with everything to keep the office functioning; ordering stationery, ensuring the photocopier ink is topped up and very importantly paying the expenses claims of our fantastic volunteers.

Hi, I’m Holly. I started as Meeting Point Co-ordinator in January 2017. I have the pleasure of attending our Meeting Points and seeing CARM’s ethos in action – people making friends and having a laugh over a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit, enjoying the raffle, and planning their next outing together. You’ll see me on a regular basis at each Meeting Point, but I can also help if you would like to know more about the Meeting Point closest to you, or you’d like to arrange for a ‘buddy’ volunteer to meet you for your first few visits, as we know that joining a new group can be a nervous time, although we really are a friendly bunch!

Kerry has worked for CARM since October 2013, originally as the Administration and Finance Officer and in August 2017 was successfully recruited as one of the Befriending Co-ordinators covering the Marsh area. She says ‘I love my job and consider myself to be extremely privileged in befriending so many wonderful and interesting people and look forward to befriending many more.’

Loneliness is one of the biggest issues of our times, so it is lovely to work in a role where you can have an impact on the way people feel about having someone of their own to talk to.
Our volunteers are the glue that holds the service together. With the other two co-ordinators, my role is to ensure volunteers have a good volunteering experience and are matched to a client they feel they can really make a difference to through their weekly visits.

I’m Fiona. I’ve worked in the voluntary sector since 1999 initially working for a Countywide disability charity. I am experienced in project management, fundraising, volunteer management, safeguarding and reminiscence. CARM is a great charity to be involved with. I love my work coordinating the reminiscence service, thanks to the efforts and support of a wonderful team of volunteers. Together we enjoy encouraging and learning about the memories of all the lovely individuals that join us each week at the sessions, either talking or musical.

I’m Katie. We have many fantastic volunteers who give generously of their time to support hundreds of older people through talking and musical reminiscence. My job is to ensure they can continue to do so as seamlessly as possible. That can mean anything from booking dates for volunteers and care settings and organising rotas, to designing the reminiscence sessions and prop-bag packing, to singing ‘We’ll Meet Again’ or even (on one memorable occasion) dressing up as a daffodil!

Hiya I’m Zena, I began working for CARM in April 2014 and absolutely love it .
As loneliness has become recognised by Government as a serious problem, CARM’s role within the community is never more important. As a befriending co-ordinator we aim to provide our clients with a volunteer visitor who improves their wellbeing.
We never forget how important our volunteers are; when we match a lonely person with one of our wonderful volunteers, we make a difference, CARM makes their life better. That’s why I love working here.