Our Story & Mission
From Personal Experience to Purpose
A legacy for Olivia. A future for Florence. An anchor for Kent.
"Care Anchor Kent CIC was born from a promise.
Our work is dedicated to the memory of Olivia, my grandmother, who passed away following an unwitnessed incident in care. Her journey highlighted the devastating gaps in a system where people can become 'unwitnessed' and unheard.
Watching the challenges faced by my daughter, Florence, while managing my own neurodiversity, I realized that the care system doesn’t just need more services—it needs an anchor. Having solely raised a neurodivergent child and cared for my aunt, I know firsthand the emotional, physical, and mental strain carers face.
We are here to ensure no grandmother, no daughter, and no carer is left to navigate the storm alone." — Carmella Martin, Founder & CEO
The Directors: Our Stories
Carmella Martin | Founder & CEO
Winner of the 2019 Great British Care Awards for Innovation
Carmella’s work centres on creating safer, more compassionate environments. Through Nan’s Memory: The Olivia Way (currently in development), she is fostering a culture of heart and accountability.
A lover of music, Carmella also leads our creative projects, believing that singing has the power to heal and build resilience in our community. Her mission combines advocacy, practical support, and creativity to ensure carers don’t have to navigate these challenges alone.
Professional Snapshot
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Focus: Safeguarding systems, mental health advocacy, and creative wellbeing.
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Expertise: Lived experience leadership and care innovation.
Pat Myers | Director & Grant Officer
A voice for carers
While caring for her son with Asperger's, Pat was lost at sea, and the lack of support took its toll on her health. Meeting Carmella 20 years ago, she found an anchor.
Pat focuses on protecting the "innocent"—the carers and the vulnerable who are often victimized by the system. She believes that everyone travels through very rough seas at times, and people should help each other, "taking turns at the rowing and bailing."
She brings a creative flair to her role as grant officer, ensuring the "Anchor" is responsive and fills the gaps where they are needed most.
Professional Snapshot
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Focus: Grant management, bid writing, and practical advocacy.
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Expertise: Navigating complex care structures and system justice.
Bobby (Roberta) Harold | Advocacy Lead
The Heart of the Bears
Born in the 1950s to a widowed mother, Bobby grew up in a house full of handmade toys.
After a 20-year career in scientific graphics, she moved into supporting vulnerable people—from prisons and women’s refuges to the elderly with dementia.
Following the loss of her husband, Steve, for whom she was a carer, Bobby joined Care Anchor at the beginning. "I’ve been taken by surprise by the importance of bears to adults. In a world that is very hard for carers, the bears provide comfort, memories, and communication.
Professional Snapshot
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Focus: 1-to-1 advocacy, empathic relationship building, and peer support.
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Expertise: Vulnerable sector support and psychological comfort.
Our Volunteers
To the individuals who give their time at our Folkestone Hub and help facilitate our Coffee Meets across Kent—you are the heartbeat of this organization. Your lived experience is our greatest asset.
Our High Street Partners
A special thank you to our partner coffee shops in Folkestone, Dover, Deal, Ashford, and Canterbury. By opening your doors and offering sanctuary to our members, you are helping us rebuild the high street as a place of care.
Our Strategic Allies
We are proud to work alongside Carers Card UK and our local health advocates to ensure that 1,900+ carers in Kent have a voice and a secure digital lifeline.
Bonkers the Bear: The Wellbeing Ambassador
Bonkers is the furry face of our mission. He travels to our coffee meets and the Hub to remind us of the most important rule of care: Don't forget to take a breather.
Whether he’s posing for a photo or sitting in on a workshop, Bonkers and his friends (including his brother, Crackers) represent the comfort and sanctuary we aim to provide for every carer."
Care Anchor Kent
Tel. 07749 691952
info@careanchorkentcic.co.uk
Folkestone, UK
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CIC no: 16075623