Because of you... - North London Cares

Please note: this post is 71 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

As 2018 draws to a close, we wanted to take a little time to reflect on all the wonderful ways our North London Cares family has pulled together to create a community to be proud of.

Since January older and younger neighbours have shared 269 social clubs, learning sign language, building their confidence, mastering photography and so much more. That's stories exchanged, laughter aplenty, vulnerabilities traded and the comfort of connection at every club.

61 of those clubs were led by Volunteer Organisers – our special band of neighbours who have supported the team by prepping and hosting socials: book club, men's cooking, yoga, trips to the LSO and North London Stories.

Throughout 2018, Love Your Neighbour friendships continued to provide connection for people who may be housebound – those who prefer one-to-one relationships over large social meets and Londoners keen to feel closer to their community in this big and often anonymous feeling city.

Friends like Olive and Julie, Walter and Yehia, and Jean and Keith met 839 times this year to share time, tales, advice and adventures.

And our community fundraisers have helped to make all this possible.

Cycling, walking, running, quizzing and donating each month, our volunteers have helped thousands of Londoners feel less lonely and better connected in 2018.

(Looking for a challenge to kickstart 2019? Check out what events we have coming up here!)

"New Years can be lonely but this year it wasn’t – my match and I went for a pub lunch to start the year off with a bang!" Catherine, 39

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Thank you to all our younger and older neighbours, who have contributed so much and supported so many, helping more Londoners to truly feel part of their community.

We can't wait for 2019 – with new neighbours to meet, additional skills to exchange, more stories to share and further friendships to forge.

"After I finished work I felt a bit out of it but this has made me feel part of something again." John, 74

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Please help us to spread the word about North London Cares far and wide – to your friends, family and colleagues.

We're always in need of:

Volunteers in Camden and Islington for Love Your Neighbour – if you live in Camden and would like to be matched please contact Frankie ([email protected]), or Harry ([email protected] ) if you live in Islington.
Fresh ideas for our creative Social Club programme (our only rule: no bingo!) – if you have a skill to share or activity to suggest please email our social clubs team – Andy ([email protected]) or Kirsty ([email protected]).
More community partnerships so we can help connect more older neighbours with the local support on offer – to learn more please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Roxi ([email protected]).
Passionate fundraisers who can run, bake, host clothes swaps or find other creative ways to support the charity – if this sounds like you please email Toria ([email protected]).
And local businesses to partner with for workplace visits for our older neighbours, skill sharing or fundraising support – if your company would like to feel better connected to the local community please email Charlie ([email protected]).

As a small team, we can't begin to tell you how much your support means and the difference it makes. North London Cares is so much more than a charity – it’s a family and everyone involved plays such a vital role in making Camden and Islington a better connected community.

Next year is sure to bring more fun, learning and laughter and we can’t wait to share those special moments with you. From all the team, we wish you a very happy new year and hope to see you soon!