My First 6 months at North London Cares

Please note: this post is 20 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

I joined North London Cares last September as Social Clubs Coordinator and what a journey it’s been! I’ve shared my skill of how to weave using paper, gone on many walks, danced my heart out at Latin and Ballroom, Flamenco, and our Winter Party, and just enjoyed quiet conversations with neighbours where we learn more about each other or debate on our controversial food takes.

At younger neighbour inductions or before new older neighbours come to their first club, we always talk about the clubs being a space where people try new things (or things they already know and sharing that knowledge) whilst getting to know one another, have some fun and eventually feel like a part of your community.

Which is all true, but what I wasn’t expecting as someone who is part of planning the clubs was how much I benefit from them as well!

It’s made me make more of an effort to get to know my local area, I’ve met new people and had conversations with strangers which I typically shy away from. I’ve learned more about London than I have the entire time I’ve lived here, and I now rush to share the information I’ve learned from neighbours with my own community.

I’ve embraced the spirit of social clubs, learned the art of throwing myself into every club, however chaotic it may be, enjoying the process whilst learning something new and getting to know the neighbours.