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#brrrr, it's getting cold - but you can help our older neighbours stay warm, well and connected

Please note: this post is 109 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

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For many older people, winter is the most isolating time of the year. Short, cold days, icy conditions, unpredictable snowfall, high food and fuel bills and reduced interaction can massively increase immobility, loneliness, anxiety and depression.

It’s a time of increasing health problems amongst an already vulnerable group when other health services are severely stretched; and the effect of social isolation at this time can have an effect across the rest of the year too.

North London Cares' Winter Wellbeing project, now going into its fifth year is a crucial part of our work identifying isolation and connecting our neighbours to one another in this ever-changing city.

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Last year, we had warming conversations with 1,692 of our neighbours, delivered 44 blankets to those in need, and in total helped 278 people to get home improvements and even more interactions and interventions including from the local Councils.

96% of those neighbours told us they valued this support and 91% felt more positive as a result of the interventions. And the project had a real impact on our neighbours, who really benefit from a bit of extra help; 62% who received deeper interventions live alone, and 49% consider themselves disabled.

So this winter, over the coming three months, we’ll be knocking on over 2,000 doors in Camden and another 2,000 in Islington as well as speaking to people in community centres and local businesses to:

  • Deliver blankets, scarves and gloves to those who are really feeling the cold;
  • Support neighbours whose circumstances are particularly difficult and drastically changing with small grants;
  • Help people to access the healthcare and local authority services (e.g. handymen, mobile libraries, home improvements) they need;
  • Invite older neighbours along to our Social Clubs – dinner parties, film nights and tech workshops – and other free and exciting events delivered by partners in their area;
  • Ask whether they’d like one of their younger neighbours to visit them through our Love Your Neighbour programme.
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The project makes a huge difference to so many of our neighbours – people like Lil (above) who's lived alone for 12 years but who receives the time and good company of neighbours at this toughest time of year.

It’s a massive effort, and you, our volunteers and supporters, can make a huge difference. Can you help reduce the chill of winter for our neighbours in Camden and Islington by giving an afternoon to help door knock and deliver blankets?

We’d love it if you can – please just let us know by emailing [email protected].