Meet Frankie, our new Love Your Neighbour Coordinator

Please note: this post is 75 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

I had a long nine week wait before starting in my position as Programme Coordinator (Love Your Neighbour), but I instantly felt valued and included when I saw the efforts put in to welcoming me by everyone at North London Cares – the team, volunteers and older neighbours. I was more than just ‘another new starter’. It’s amazing how a little thought can go a long way; this fills me with warmth each day. When my first day finally arrived I was overjoyed and couldn't wait to get the ball rolling!

To give you some context about me – I grew up in Yorkshire, visiting London often due to my extended family living here. I’ve always loved London, and I found myself envious of my cousins who were growing up in the vibrant, ever changing city. I was told ‘London is a place where young professionals go to thrive in their career’, and if I wanted to be a high flyer, then 'London was the place for me'. For many years this was my main motivation, and after completing my degree, I made the move to the ‘big city’.

I found the pace was fast – which differed profusely from Yorkshire. The people were career focussed and driven by their personal growth and success. For many years this mentality inspired me, but after a while I gradually noticed myself yearning for someone to just ask me how my day had been when I paid for my food shopping. I was wishing for some eye contact or a smile on my commute to work. All the things that had once annoyed me about the slow pace of the north began to fill me with nostalgia and heartache.

For a while I felt lost, and I questioned my decision to move. I wanted to feel the warmth of my hometown once more – but I really really did love London, it was my new home. I was conflicted. It took me a while to figure it out, but eventually I realised it was a sense of community, and belonging to something bigger than just me, that I missed.

I knew from the language, The Cares Family objectives, the thought that went into my welcome, and integrating me into the team that the warmth of a community lived here. Nobody should feel isolated and alone, especially not in today’s world, but it happens. Sometimes we all need a helping hand to reconnect, and Love Your Neighbour offers that to people who may need it most. I’m infused with enthusiasm. I can’t wait to start meeting and connecting people.