Cold Weather Alert: please look out for an older neighbour

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

This morning, the Met Office has signalled an 80% likelihood that there will be a severe cold snap in north London over the weekend.

That means that many of our older neighbours will struggle to get out -- for their weekly shopping or to meet others -- and many will feel more isolated than normal.

At this time of year, when the days are short and with Christmas approaching, that can have serious psychological and physical consequences for some of our older neighbours.

In particular, people can feel lonely and anxious.

North London Cares is working on a project to help keep our older neighbours in Islington warm, healthy, active and well-connected during these colder months.

On Saturday, our volunteers will be at Christmas parties, church gatherings and community events across the borough, talking to older people about the various services and opportunities that are on offer.

Next week, they will host social clubs to bring older and younger people together and provide a small meal and treats for local people.

And over the coming weeks and months they will be going door-to-door to reach out to vulnerable people, to find out what they need, and to help deliver blankets, shopping, cold alarms and other goodies for the winter -- helping our neighbours feel connected, and loved.