Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 59 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
We launched our 9th Winter Wellbeing project back in October 2019, in order to help older neighbours who are over 65 and living in Islington or Camden to overcome the challenges of winter. As we embark upon our next phase of the project, which will run until the end of March 2020 and see us knock on 300 more doors of local residents, here's how we have been supporting older neighbours to stay warm, well and connected inside and outside of their homes too.
To date, we have had conversations with 590 older neighbours through a combination of door-knocking, and community engagements at flu clinics, community centres, carer groups, lunch clubs & coffee mornings, health and wellbeing days, tenant scheme meetings and flyer drops.
This year we've also been speaking with CCG practice managers, district nurses and therapy teams at the Royal Free and Whittington hospitals to raise awareness for the type of in-patient support that is available for older neighbours.
We've delivered 257 thermal items such as hats, gloves, socks, blankets, hot water bottles, scarves and flasks have been handed out to 131 older neighbours, whilst the Small Grants scheme has helped to buy winter bedding, warm clothes and supermarket vouchers. We've also signposted or referred 259 neighbours to 579 local services. Our referral partners WISH plus and SHINE have also provided solutions to home draft proofing, energy & cost saving tips, fire safety checks and emergency broken boiler help.
In December, we hosted our Winter Warmer event at the Goodinge Community Centre, where neighbours enjoyed an afternoon of warm & well tips from local organisations, refreshments and participated in a creative activity.
Whilst we're enormously proud of all we've achieved so far, we want to tell you about the people behind those numbers, because Winter Wellbeing is so much more than the statistics.
In Arsenal, we supported Kathleen by delivering her new blanket and hat to snuggle up in over the coming month. In Kilburn, we delivered socks and a hat to Grace who treated us to a tasty snack of salmon and crackers. The perfect treat for a busy day of door knocking!
In Tufnell Park, we met drummer & swing king Bill, who had an impressive record collection harking back to his youth, where he performed in pub bands for tips. In Finsbury Park, we were able to buy a new duvet for long time resident Roland and his wife through our Small Grants programme (and who wouldn't let us leave until we tried the world's most delicious pineapple juice!)
We also met M again this year, who had been previously nervous about receiving help, but with some encouragement is now being supported to apply for her Attendance Allowance.
Thanks to referrals from community organisations, neighbours and family members, Winter Wellbeing continues to support older neighbours who might have otherwise struggled to stay warm indoors and outdoors this winter.
Working in partnership with the community is at the heart of everything we do here at North London Cares and means we can opens up doors for neighbours in need of life-enhancing information, resources and activities.
