Meet Laura - our new Projects Officer

Please note: this post is 134 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

I couldn't be more excited to be joining the North London Cares family. My Nan has always been my role model in life - I've learnt so much listening to her stories, helping her cook and watching her adopt anyone in need of a hot meal and a slice of cake! To find a role where I get to work daily with my older neighbours is such a huge privilege and I can't wait to get stuck in!

For six years I worked as a TV Producer, making documentaries with a wide range of communities - from Royal Marine Commandos to theatre luvvies. Producing The Secret Millionaire and a series following Paralympians in the run up to 2012, I was inspired by the incredible efforts of the small charities I filmed with and decided it was time to change careers!

I left television and joined a charity which nurses and rehabilitates disabled ex-Servicemen and women. While my position was in fundraising, I took every opportunity to escape my desk and join in with all the activities! From darts competitions to arts and crafts projects, I relished the chance to chat to our veterans and share skills, but when I wasn't sticking, singing, cooking or calling bingo numbers I also enjoyed organising large-scale events and developing relationships with local schools.

Now I’ve found my dream job at North London Cares. Arranging fun community activities for Camden and Islington is such an exciting prospect and plays to my skills in events organising, project management.. and socialising!

Ultimately though, I'm honoured to work for the charity because I believe in everything it stands for and sets out to do. When my Nan was diagnosed with dementia I helped with her care and while it was the most rewarding job I've ever done, it was also the hardest and the most isolating. I also saw how lonely she was, having lost her husband and siblings. My Nan would have loved the activities at North London Cares and could have really benefitted from the support so I'm delighted to be on board.

I can't wait to meet all my older neighbours and the fantastic family of volunteers so will be an event near you soon! In the meantime though if you have an idea for a project please let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts. You can contact me [email protected] or please just stop me at an event.

Let the fun begin!