Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 66 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
Take a look at our Twitter or Instagram feed and it’s clear in the faces of the older and younger neighbours who share experiences at our Social Clubs or between the close friends who spend valuable time together through Love Your Neighbour, that there's no shortage of warmth, comfort, kindness and trust to be found in the relationships at North London Cares. We’ve always used the word ‘family’ to describe our community of neighbours because that’s exactly how it feels to be part of it. Volunteers have even moved to areas of Camden and Islington because they feel at home there thanks to the relationships they’ve forged.
But the family feel doesn’t stop there. It’s also obvious in the invaluable support our volunteers lend the North London Cares team. With 20+ clubs to organise each month, 60+ Love Your Neighbour matches to support and thousands of older neighbours contacted each year to check they are keeping healthy, active and connected, our small team is constantly stretched. Volunteers fundraise, arrange workplace visits, organise lunch and learns in their office, help with content for social clubs and take to the street spreading word.
The support is overwhelming and there is no better example than the efforts of our Organisers - volunteers who offer to host clubs on behalf of the charity. They come up with their own content, provide a warm welcome for all who attend, oversee the activity and manage all the admin that comes with running a club. Their efforts allow us to host additional clubs each month, make the programme more varied and entice new people to the network. This Volunteers Week we wanted to say a huge thank you to these community champions and highlight their invaluable contributions.
Our longest serving Organiser is Jeremy, who signed up to volunteer at our Men’s Cooking Club in January 2014. The weekly class was meant to last 6 weeks but 5 years later remains a stable part of the North London Cares programme! The reason: Jeremy! He offered to research recipes, collect the shopping and lead the class, which allowed the club to continue and flourish. Having hosted over 250 cooking classes, he’s taught his loyal band of merry men how to slice, dice and flambé, introducing countless men who live alone, or lack confidence in the kitchen to all sorts of adventurous dishes (though he’d never dare to take potatoes off the menu – Tom has been chief peeler since the club’s inception!)
For both younger and older neighbours who attend the club, those 3hrs on a Tuesday are about so much more than a meal. George, 73, recently shared “I miss working. I was going to the gym but it was a solitary affair. The club gets me out of the house and introduces me to other people. We’ve all got to know each other and it’s really helped my confidence. I’m learning to overcome personal insecurities and worries about my worth in a group setting. That wouldn’t be happening without the club. It’s become a family and I’m part of that. I’ve learnt a lot at the club too. Last night I made cod in a mornay sauce. I’ve never been brave enough to do that before. It’s opened up a lot for me – I now go on YouTube and learn new recipes!”
Leanne and Anne have been running our monthly Book club in Swiss Cottage for over 2 years. Volunteering over 50hrs each, the club has seen over 200 attendances, with the group discussing a wide range of literature. The close-knit group, which is often an even mix of younger and older neighbours, has continued to grow thanks to Leanne and Anne’s dedication, with new members always made to feel welcome and their opinions listened to.
Alice, is a regular at the club: “This friendly book group is a great pleasure and I am very grateful to the excellent organisers who make us all so welcome. It is fun hearing other people's reactions to a book I've read, which often cast interesting insights which I have missed. I like the range of books, some of which are ones I would never have picked up for myself. 'Alone in Berlin' by Hans Fallada made the deepest impression on me and had I not been a member of this group, I would never have read it. The moving story tells of a German couple, under the Hitler regime, who leave cards with anti-Führer messages written on them: small acts of courage which, if discovered, would cost their lives.”
Francesca signed up to volunteer in 2016 and spent countless hours with her older neighbours mastering muffins at baking club and enjoying the enchanting recitals at the LSO in Old Street. Francesca, a published author, generously offered to share her passion, skills and experience with her community, and in January this year started a Creative Writing Class.
Older neighbour, Dina, is a regular already: "I have been so impressed with Francesca. Firstly she is so knowledgable about literature, as soon as any of us mentions an author or a book she knows exactly what we are talking about. Most importantly though she is so lovely, a real people person and so patient. She makes you feel she is giving you her hundred percent attention which isn't easy as the club is often very busy, I think she's great!"
When Mike, who ran our Podcast Club, left the charity last year, Emma, a club regular and a volunteer for over 6 years, got in touch. She offered to host the club going forward, co-producing with her fellow storytellers. Each month a different member takes a turn in hosting a theme, with Emma’s expert guidance and support, and all thoughtfully bring snacks to share to keep down costs. The club even took part in a fundraiser, sharing stories with an enthralled audience to raise money for the charity. This month marks the anniversary of their takeover. The club continues to go from strength to strength, with more joining each month to share their stories and build genuine long-lasting friendships.
Ray, 72, helps Emma to host the club never misses a meet: “It’s the mix of younger and the older people that makes it special – and you feel great when you walk into the room, with so many friendly faces. Everyone has a different story to tell, and the younger people are great – I look forward to hearing about them, and they enjoy listening to my stories as well. It opens everyone up. People come alive."
Our Organisers bring untold joy, laughter and connection to so many and the support doesn't end there. Volunteers like Si Ning - who facilitates our Craft Club and Avy, Matt and Phoebe who step up to host events when the team can’t, all ensure there are a wide variety of events for the community to share laughter, time, stories and experiences.
If you’re inspired by the efforts of our Organisers and would like to host a club we'd love to hear from you - email Andy or Kirsty to find out more.