Meet Your Neighbour: Lauren

Please note: this post is 64 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

What was the first North London Cares event you attended?

The first club I went to was a Dance Party, and the theme that week was Disco! I had so much fun getting to know new friends - young and old - over a shared enjoyment of '70s funk and soul. Everyone was really welcoming, and of course there was plenty of time for tea breaks before and after a John Travolta-style boogie.

What has been your favourite experience with North London Cares so far?

The conversations I had with a few older neighbours at a Film Club, after watching Selma, which is based on the 1965 voting rights marches in Montgomery. A lot of the neighbours remembered watching this key part of the civil rights movement on TV and reading about those marches and the news stories around them in the papers at the time, and they could so clearly recall their thoughts and feelings from over 50 years ago. Talking to them was such a good reminder of how much we can learn from these friends who we might not usually have the opportunity to interact with in our day-to-day lives.

What advice would you give to a neighbour coming along to a club for the first time?

Perhaps choose a club that involves an activity you know you'll enjoy, to set yourself at ease a little - but really don't worry about anything! Everyone is so friendly, so as long as you're prepared to have a good chin-wag, and make a few cuppas, you'll fit right in.

Where do you go in Camden or Islington to feel happy?

I love reading a book in Regent's Park, and walking through to Primrose Hill, strolling up to the top to overlook London in all it's glory... then heading back down for a coffee and cake in one of the quaint cafes along Regent's Park Road.