Caistor shows its caring side with new group

Resident Chris Robey called a public meeting to look at launching the group Caistor Cares, which primarily will focus on people over 60.

“Sadly there is a lot of isolation and loneliness in Caistor,” said Mr Robey.

“There are people in this town who have not spoken to anyone for a month, people who don’t have a real friend.

“Loneliness is a sad fact and it comes at a time of austerity. We are talking of local action by local volunteers.”

A number of organisations in the town were represented at the meeting, including the Lions, churches and the Friendship Club.

Julie Rigby and Lyse Stephenson from Friendship at Home, an established befriending charity in North East Lincolnshire, spoke to the meeting about their organisation.

“We started because we had a legacy but we became a charity in our own right,” said Ms Rigby. “We now have 85 volunteers and also involve ourselves in telephone befriending.

“We have met some wonderful people along our journey.”

Such was the response at the Caistor meeting, Mr Robey confirmed the group would move to formation.

“There was a very positive response to the meeting, with over 40 people expressing an interest in volunteering.”

A committee will be formed and the next meeting for all volunteers will be in Caistor Town Hall on Monday, February 29, when all will be welcome.