‘12 days of Christmas: looking back at a memorable year

Please note: this post is 145 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

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As winter started biting, November brought plenty of opportunities for our young volunteers to deliver new social opportunities for their older neighbours.

We ran 17 film clubs at locations in King's Cross, Queen's Crescent, Somers Town and the Cally, and got some lovely feedback in return.

Like 93 year old Rose, who, aftter spending time with Robert, said:

"The volunteers are marvellous. I 'd like to take some of them home to keep! They are a vitamin to us. 100/100."

We also began working with local corporate firms to help them deliver their volunteer programmes, including Hilton Hotels on Upper Street and inernational strategy firm Euromonitor, based in Farringdon.

Those brilliant volunteers visited a community centre and a care home to have conversations with their neighbours there, and even took some lucky locals on a fabulous day trip to see the London Symphony Orchestra at St Luke's Church on Old Street.

All throughout, our volunteers were also supporting their older neighbours individually, with practical tasks like getting their shopping. Mike built a great relationship with Mitzi, and really helped her feel better connected in the community. And Helen is now starting to make a friendship with 90 year-old Florence in Higbury. Those interactions will have a really positive impact on our neighbours' lives.