2014: 12,000 interactions, 4,000 hours, 250 Socials

Please note: this post is 121 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

We're coming to the end of the year and, as is tradition, we're reflecting on some of what we've done over the past 12 months...

2014 has been a whirlwind. Our amazing family of volutneers have hosted over 250 Social Clubs with older neighbours in Camden and Islington - a Chelsea Flower Show, Grand National Party, an FA Cup Final screening at the Emirates, business trips, tea parties, new tech workshops, and untold film and storytelling nights and Cooking Clubs, plus so much more. You've shared 3,000 meals with older neighbours. And you've created over 12,000 interactions through 4,000 hours of volunteer time - including 900 one-to-one hours.

The difference you make is remarkable. 81% of the older people in our network say that they feel more connected as a result of the time you give. 73% say your company reduces their isolation. 86% say they are more able to appreciate the world as a result of joining in those activities.

Over the past 3 years volunteers have now supported 1,000 older neighbours across north London. Many of those people rely on the company you give, the energy and humour you bring to social clubs, and the stake you have in their lives. And we know that volunteers benefit too - from the wisdom, friendship and fun of our older neighbours.

As we move into 2015 we're so proud of each and every one of you. Next year we want to make the experience of being part of this community network even better. So we'll be developing new ways for you to be involved - to give your time, creativity and passion in the way that suits you. We're excited about what's ahead.

For people who may have been aware of North London Cares for a while, but haven't yet participated - we'd really love 2015 to be the year we get to know you. So sign up, and get in touch, and be part of the community. We have a sister charity creating interactions and experiences in Southwark and Lambeth now too - catchily named South London Cares - so there's really no excuse.

In the meantime, we want to say thank you for everything you do. And if the winter blues are ever getting you down, pop over to our @NLCares Twitter page and feel the warmth of those interactions from 2014 all over again...

Or, if you can't wait to get to know your neighbours, why not start with Peggy and Inez from our Hidden Heroes film series?