Rotherfield St Martin - RSM

Rotherfield St Martin is a community-led project providing support, care and services to older people in Rotherfield and the surrounding area, with the aim to prevent isolation and loneliness.

Within the centre of Rotherfield we operate a Drop in Centre, a weekly social club with a speaker or entertainment, volunteer driver’s scheme, weekly exercise and hydrotherapy classes. a befriender's scheme, therapies, member-led activities such as bridge, table tennis, knitting & nattering, art clubs, Dementia support groups, outings and day trips plus an annual Holiday at Home programme. Our Aims and Objectives By inspiring our community to care for one another, our vision is a community where every older person in Rotherfield and surrounding areas, enjoys a secure and enjoyable third age. Rotherfield is a rural village and has a higher than average number of older residents, with over 25% of the local population being aged 65 and over. Most of the beneficiaries of our charity are within the age range 70 to 95. There are poor transport links and reduced access to services for older people. We address the resultant isolation and loneliness by offering a weekly programme of regular activities, including trips out, social gatherings, learning new skills, clubs, exercise classes, therapies, signposting, befriending, a volunteer driver scheme, holiday at home scheme, hydrotherapy and more.  In short, RSM provides practical support, friendship and comfort to any member who calls on us. Our members tell us that they want and need to feel connected to their community and RSM provides the means to do so.  Our centre is open every week day between 9 and 5, for people to phone or drop in, have coffee and cake, borrow books from our library or take part in the many different clubs and activities on offer. We also offer members access to support services and can connect them with reputable local tradespeople, carers, neighbours and other useful networks. We currently have more than 220 members and are supported by more than 100 volunteers. Our objectives… To support older residents to be active and valued members of the community. To provide a community hub to support local residents and foster social connections. To develop a financially resilient, community led charity. To encourage and support our members to connect digitally. To secure a permanent home at the heart of the village.