From Kemsing to Kentish Town

Please note: this post is 99 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

When I explain to people why I joined North London Cares, I always answer with the same thing – community and people.

From an early age – and from being brought up in a close-knit family with my Grandparents just around the corner, with so many surrogate Aunts and Uncles (Aunty Margaret, Aunty Betty, Uncle Bill…) in a village – I definitely felt a sense of community and people.

Because of this, looking back over my teenage years, I had some incredibly funny and precious moments. For example, there was the time when I was walking along the road with one of my male friends (please note: not my boyfriend) and I was “spotted” by my Aunty Jean.

I arrived home that evening to find my Mum in the kitchen laughing her head off, as my Aunty Jean had called my Granny, who had then called my Mum, to find out “which nice young man I was walking out with”.  Thanks Aunty Jean. 

Perhaps this is why my career has been slightly eclectic. From studying law, to working at my local Citizens Advice, to volunteering as a Team Leader in Kenya for 3 months, my career choices have continued to lead me back to projects and organisations that are focused on people and community.

From growing up on the edge of London, I can see how living in such a crazy, beautiful, whirlwind of a city can become isolating. I remember how strangely disorientating it was when the local pub in my village closed to make way for new housing. I can’t imagine how tough it must be to watch not only the pub – but also the majority of the shops that make your home feel like “home” – disappear.

Since arriving, I have met volunteers and neighbours who have told me stories about the friendships they have made. This really inspires me and I’m very excited to be involved with a community network of such amazingly kind, interesting and diverse people.

You might wonder what a Development Coordinator does on a daily basis. Well, I’ve been getting to grips with the Cares Family and its different programmes; brainstorming fundraising initiatives with Emily and Val (Development Coordinator at our sister charity South London Cares); letting our current inspiring donors know who I am; meeting volunteers at inductions and getting to know north London and its wonderful neighbours! 

I’m really looking forward to being part of a community network, getting my teeth stuck into north London, and continuing to meet our lovely volunteers and older neighbours – hopefully I will see you at fundraising event or social club soon!