Community-based initiative

A popular community-based initiative which brings together carers and people at risk of social isolation in the Redcar and Cleveland area has been relaunched – and now even more people are benefiting from it.

The ‘Safe Place’ initiative was originally launched by Caremark Redcar and Cleveland in 2019 and brought together on a weekly basis, staff, and customers of the homecare company in a social setting at Redcar Town Football Club.

The Pandemic and lack of funding for Safe Place meant it then had to be paused for a few years, but it was recently re-launched after Caremark secured funding for it from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, via a new contract called Community Opportunities Framework

It is now being held in a different venue at Redcar Rugby Club and is open to people across the Borough, and not just Caremark customers.

Each week, on Tuesdays, a dedicated team from Caremark Redcar and Cleveland plan and facilitate different activities for those taking part, including dominoes, quizzes, crosswords, arts and crafts and exercise.

There’s even been themed movie afternoons, including Grease where everyone ate burgers, fries and popcorn and washed it down with milkshakes whilst watching the film.

And Caremark’s dog therapy dogs are also frequent visitors, bringing pleasure to people who used to have dogs or other pets at home.

But as Safe Place Events Coordinator Oriana Wilcock explains, the initiative is about so much more than activities.

“It’s a place where people can come to build friendships and benefit from regular social interaction and stimulation,” she says.

“Many of the people who attend live by themselves with no family networks close by, so Safe Place gives them the chance to meet others and learn new skills in a safe environment.”

One of the regular Safe Place attendees is Barbara Clark, who says: “I look forward to attending Safe Place each week and meeting and chatting to the new friends I have made here.

“The activities are always changing and it’s lovely when the dogs come as they are so friendly and well-trained.”

Safe Place is open to Caremark’s customers and people who have been assessed by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s Adult Social Care Team. Private paying customers are also welcome, with anyone interested in attending asked to contact Caremark initially on 01287 634706 or email redcar@caremark.co.uk

Transport can also be provided to and from the rugby club.