Cheadle Hulme Communicare

Communicare is a voluntary organisation originated by Churches Together in Cheadle Hulme about 33 years ago to help the elderly and those that are unalbe to get themselves to essential appointments . 

Telephonists work on a fortnightly rota to receive calls in their own homes from those who need help and relay this request to a further volunteer usually a driver who will fulfil the task.  The calls received each year usually number between 950 and 990 mostly comprising of transport to appointments – hospitals, doctors, dentists, chiropody – and occasionally to visit a loved one in hospital.

We are run by a small Committee which meets 3 times a year.  We have an AGM annually where the Volunteers are given an enjoyable home-cooked meal by the Committee – a wonderful occasion to meet all those people we have spoken to on the phone throughout the year.  The Telephonists usually meet once a year to air any problems and get to know each other.  The Drivers also meet occasionally to exchange ideas.

The volunteers do as much or as little work as they choose to do, mostly on weekdays and expenses for telephone calls and petrol are reimbursed.

The service was originally intended to be of a varied nature such as homecare, gardening, companionship and shopping, but times have changed over the years and we now have volunteers who mostly transport the clients for essential appointments, with occasional collecting of prescriptions and a small amount of emergency shopping either with or for the client.

Communicare is self-funding, solely by donations from our clients, local Churches and grants for Podiatry and occasional gifts from local businesses and benefactors.

We are always grateful for financial gifts to help with ongoing expenses.