Laughter, connection, value and friendship all play a vital role in our well-being. Meaningful connection and community help our sense of belonging and purpose into later life.

Caraway aims to facilitate this for older people across Southampton. Founded in 2018 we have been growing a dedicated team of Chaplains and volunteers who come alongside older people and help them to navigate the experiences and changes later life brings.

We offer Chaplaincy Services and Dementia Services and take referrals for these through our website – please explore to find out more about what we do and activities near you.

Whether through a home visit, a telephone call, or at a local community group or Care Home – we aim to:

• Combat loneliness
• Create community
• Celebrate life

Our Team

Meet our wonderful team of staff and volunteers.

Team

"You certainly were to me one of life's earth angels. I will never forget the calm that you brought to that moment in my life."

Evelyn, Chaplaincy

Why do you come as a volunteer to help with events like Vintage Adventure in church? …Well, as I’m getting older, I realise that for an awful lot of the elderly, they’ve not got very long left to get to know the lord So I think this generation is the most important ministry. If you’re in with students and you mess it up, they’ve got a whole lifetime when they can met somebody who will correct it. We haven’t got that luxury so this is a very important ministry and I just want to do my little bit.

Rob Childs

“I like getting out and about, meeting people, having a laugh and a joke, all those sorts of things…”

Guest with Dementia, Memory cafe

I do enjoy all of it. I think the service at the start is good. I know some people find the little figures a bit patronising, but the discussions are good and it's good to meet up with friends and it's good to see all the displays. It does make you think. It’s the companionship and the friendliness. It’s just a pleasant few hours really. I think it’s nice to be using the church for a truly worshipping session.

Heather

"I have just received your VA@Home after a friend recommended it for me. After reading just a couple of pages I know I will enjoy it. It is really lovely, thank you."

On receipt of Vintage Adventure at Home