Films, friendship and funding

Please note: this post is 89 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

When Ella first moved to London, she felt disconnected in her community. In this blog, she reveals how her older neighbours helped her call London 'home', and why she subsequently nominated North London Cares as 'Charity of the Year' at her workplace. 

Since moving to London five years ago, I had been feeling disconnected with my new community – and a distinct absence of the older generation in my life.

North London Cares first came to my attention when I saw my friend, Leighann, post a picture of her in the pub with her older neighbour Margaret. They were sharing a bottle of wine, having a giggle and I felt a sense of longing for a similar connection with my older neighbours.

I later asked Leighann how she and Margaret had met, and she explained that it was through North London Cares’ sister charity South London Cares. As I live north of the river, she suggested I check out North London Cares. After reading up on the charity, I got in touch and attended one of North London Cares’ inductions to learn more.

My first Social Club was in May 2016, and ever since I have been attending them whenever I can. I enjoy catching up with familiar faces, meeting new people – both old and young – as well as exercising my formidable tea-making skills!

North London Cares understands that young professionals’ schedules can be demanding and unpredictable. Clubs on weekday evenings suit my schedule best, which is why I tend to go to the weekly Film Club. This flexibility makes it so much easier for younger neighbours who want to volunteer but are unable to commit to rigid timetables.

In fact recently, due to a work promotion, I have been struggling to find the time to get to Social Clubs as regularly as I want to. I wanted to make up for my absence through fundraising, and discovered that where I work (at Howden, a Specialist Insurance Broker) there was a scheme called the Hyperion Investing in the Community Awards. I nominated North London Cares and despite fierce competition, we won the award!

The money will go towards North London Cares’ summer activities, help build communities and improve  the quality of life for older people living in north London. I’m absolutely chuffed to bits that I was able to support my local community in this way!

For me, North London Cares is a great way for a new Londoner, such as myself, to meet new people, connect with their community and contribute to others’ wellbeing, as well as your my own.

Thank you to Ella and Hyperion Investing in the Community Awards for their kind support of our activities.