COATS

Who we are

COATS objective is to improve the lives of senior residents within Crowthorne and the immediate surrounding area. The older age population is growing, many of whom may be living alone. The current main focus of the charity is The COATS Centre. This provides social contact, support and companionship in a comfortable and well furnished, friendly environment. A two course lunch is freshly prepared in the on-site kitchen. Drinks are provided throughout the day. There is also transport to and from individual’s homes in the Crowthorne area with wheelchair access for those who require it. Activities of various types are arranged during the afternoon including entertainers, games and quizzes. Another important aspect of The Centre is that it can give a few hours of respite to Carers.

In 2014 the charity was given the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services.  We employ a few qualified professional staff to manage The Centre but the success of the charity is very dependent on its loyal volunteers who assist in The Centre or fund-raise.  Our charity shop in Crowthorne High Street is managed and staffed entirely by volunteers and is a major source of income.  Minimising our overheads allows us to subsidise the daily rate for our beneficiaries - the older people living in the area.

In the future we aim to develop more services for local older people which are not based at the Centre but out in the community.  This will enable us to engage with those for whom a Day Centre is not the answer to their loneliness and isolation.