Dover smART Project normally runs 2 weekly groups for Young Carers, and a group for older people, people living with dementia and their carers. For the majority of our beneficiaries this is their lifeline and their only social engagement.

On 18th March 2020 we took the decision to postpone all our groups due to COVID 19, because of the vulnerability of our participants and the people they care for.

We wanted to focus on our beneficiaries mental health and wellbeing through creativity which is what we do best, and send out creative care packages.

A Creative Care Package costs £5 per person and includes activities and the materials to do them. As many of our beneficiaries do not own colouring pens, a glue stick or a pencil because they live in such high levels of deprivation.

This we hoped would keep them feeling connected to us at this time of crisis.

It also gave us the opportunity to check on the welfare of our beneficiaries, giving them additional support when needed e.g., delivering shopping, and signpost on to other services if intervention was required.

During 2020

We delivered over 5000 care packages (care packages sent out every week but now monthy) ·

Gave 1500 Christmas gifts

Drove 30,000 miles in our pink van

Volunteers gave 1000 of their time

Our 13 Trustees worked over 4000 hours to keep the charity running

We worked 3300 hours between the 2 of us.

·We started with 52 young carers and 18 older people, we now have 105 young carers and 26 older people

Going Forward 2021

We have had to postpone the start of our group activities again because of the current lockdown.

So Creative Care Packages will continue to be delivered / posted but on a monthly basis, with a greater focus on creative output to improve health and wellbeing e.g., monthly art box, subscription style.

All this can only be done with the support of organisations like the Rotary Club, helping us to raise vital funds.