Sharing ideas and pot plants…

Please note: this post is 168 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

This weekend, North London Cares volunteers were out speaking to our neighbours on the final stretch of our Big Chill campaign, when we came across an inspiring scene…

Turning the corner of an otherwise typical 1960s estate, we were greeted by a wonderful sight -- of windmills and flowers, of green plants and wooden tables and chairs, furnished with cushions and soundtracked by soothing classical music.

This was an area in which neighbours could come together and catch up, to get to know one and another, and to build a sense of community together.

The relaxing garden had been created by Tim Orman, who's lived in the block for many years. It made such a difference to the atmosphere in the block: in an instant, Tim's flowers and windmills made this a welcoming and social place.

Tim and his neighbours value their garden. As he says in this video, they take peace from the refuge it provides, and they take pride in the genuine, lasting sense of community they've built in keeping it up.

In the coming months, we will highlight further examples of where our neighbours are doing innovative things to create community. We hope you are as inspired by Tim's garden as we are.