Pontrilas Village Store & P.O. – C.A.R.E. (Herefordshire) CIC

'Life after Farming' - Rural living is idyllic to most. A wonderful life spent on the land; earning a living through farming and trading. What happens when we age? Who cares when you can no longer drive? Who is there to support you when a loved one dies? How do you manage to get to GP appointments, shopping, getting to the post office to get your weekly pension or simply meeting up with old friends and socialising? We Do:

C.A.R.E. (Herefordshire) CIC is a local initiative; supporting the most vulnerable of older residents in our sparsely populated rural localities to continue living independently in their own homes 'with that little bit of help'.

We took it upon ourselves to take over the operations of a closed down village store and post office to save it from closure. It doesn't trade profitably - the big retailers are mightier than us. But, we are a vital village hub; a place where the most vulnerable of older community residents can find help and support. 100% of our volunteer time and small profits provide a vital 'village link' service. The service enables us to work directly with our local GP surgery; providing a 'free' repeat prescription delivery service and also a transport service that enables our older farming community to attend GP appointments.

Most recently, we were brave in our attempt to take on 2 disused warehouse units that adjoin the post office and village store. We wanted to create a 'social hub' in one of the units - a place where our once hard-working farmers and their families could meet up - share a hot nutritional meal and have a catch up. A warm and inviting space that could promote 'individual wellbeing' - a place that made them feel 'wanted' 'valued' and 'respected'. I'm pleased to say, that special community cafe has recently opened with the help of Herefordshire Council LEADER Fund and we along with so many others are so happy to have been able to bring the project into fruition.

The 2nd Unit is empty and we are currently paying rent with no revenue coming in. We are hoping to use this space as an 'Active Ageing Fitness Studio'. A space that will enable those who have gone through hip / knee replacements and for those who have undergone cardiovascular problems to engage in physiotherapy and rehabilitation classes to aid recovery. It will also enable our abled older residents to come together and participate in shared health and wellbeing fitness classes. It will also provide a much needed 'Pay as You Go' Gym which enable our younger families to engage in health activity related classes. In doing so, it will ensure the sustainability of the project and enable this vital service provision to be used for future generations.

How can you help us? We need to raise £15,000 match funding, to help us bring the project in fruition. For every £1 you donate, you will be supporting those who helped put the 'B' into the 'backbone' of 'Britain. Please: 'Help Us to Help Others'. Together We Can All Make A Difference.