Our September Tilling, Tea and Cake was once again filled with good company, information, plenty of conversation, and of course, delicious cakes.
It was wonderful to see both familiar faces and newcomers enjoying the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that these monthly gatherings are all about.
This month we were joined byDavid from CAB 1066.
shared valuable insights into the support and advice Citizens Advice can provide across a wide range of issues – the importance of having access to free, impartial advice when navigating life’s challenges.
His talk highlighted current areas of concern – receiving the Winter Fuel Allowance – anybody born after 1959 will receive this payment automatically.
He also spoke about the provision of free thermometers to check room temperatures (contact us to receive one ) and finally ‘Benefits’ his specific area of expertise.
Weekly Drop in Sessions are held on Wednesdays at:
Tilling Green Community Centre, 10am-1pm – Mason Road, Rye TN31 7BE –
The Hub on Rye Hill – 2pm – 5pm – Kiln Drive, Rye Foreign, East Sussex, TN31 7SQ.
‘Weekly Companionship Calls’ and ‘Message in a Bottle’
Our Community Coordinator, Jan, spoke passionately about our weekly companionship calls, which are designed to reach those who feel lonely or isolated. She explained how simple but meaningful these conversations can be: a weekly call, made at an agreed time, offering a friendly voice and a sense of connection and how rewarding they are for the volunteer and receiver of the call.
The calls are made securely through the Together.ly – a platform, which ensures the wellbeing of both companions and volunteers. Every call is recorded, and the system automatically generates a report. It also highlights any trigger words and alerts Jan if concerns arise. Importantly, the platform includes an emergency option—allowing a volunteer to transfer a call directly to emergency services if they are worried about a companion’s immediate safety.
We were extremely pleased that a new volunteer will be joining us, and receive training to make these calls.
if you would like to volunteer, contact details are below.
Jan also shared another important resource: the Emergency ‘Message in a Bottle Scheme’, provided free of charge by the Lions Club. This simple container can be a lifesaver, especially for those living alone.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete the enclosed inside with relevant personal, medical, and emergency contact details. Details to be included:Personal details eg name, date of birth / GP name, address, and contact number / A brief description of any medical conditions and any allergies / Contact details for two emergency contacts / Details of regular medicines – or a copy of a repeat prescription list if you have one / For anyone who has caring responsibilities then also include details of the person being cared for
- Fold it up, replace it in the container and place the container in your fridge.
- Stick one green sticker (provided) on the inside of your front door or close to it.
- Stick the second one on the outside of your fridge.
- The point of the stickers is to alert emergency staff to the fact that the householder has a Lion’s Message in a Bottle in the fridge.
All emergency crews, including first responders, are trained to look for this green cross. It means they can quickly access essential medical and personal information in the event of an emergency.
We highly recommend having one of these containers in your home.
To arrange receiving one at no cost, please contact us—we’ll be happy to provide it for you.
Tel: 01797 458832
OR
Email us: [email protected]
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another successful morning. We look forward to welcoming you back next month Saturday October 18th for more tea, cake, information and community connection.
