Essex Chambers of Commerce hosted the Castle Point Association of Voluntary Services (CAVS) annual Christmas lunch for over 160 Befrienders and Befriendees at the Oysterfleet Hotel on Canvey Island recently.
Attendees enjoyed a lovely lunch and were entertained by local professional singer Wendy Roberts. Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce said, “We are delighted to be able to host this Christmas Lunch to some very deserving local people. I would also like to thank Wilkin and Sons for their kind Christmas present for all of our guests of a Tiptree Jam Gift Set. It is lovely to see everyone smiling and having a great time.”
CAVS was formed in 1994 to provide support and guidance to voluntary and community organisations within Castle Point. They also provide a Befriending Service where Befriending Co-ordinators carefully pair trained volunteer Befrienders with individuals who have been identified and referred by their GP as an individual who may be very lonely.
In every case, their experienced team get to know both parties before making a match based upon a variety of factors including location and hobbies or interests. This places them on common ground from the outset and can help form the basis of a strong friendship and the trust needed to take the first steps back into society.
