Legacy
Legacy
Love Your Neighbour was our one-to-one friendship programme. We introduced younger and older neighbours in Camden and Islington to share time, laughter, and joy together over the phone, in-person, or a mix of both. Neighbours generally caught up for about an hour a week for company and conversation.
Friendships were genuine, long-lasting and meaningful for older and younger neighbours alike. We matched people based on their proximity to each other and shared interests. Often, friends helped each other discover new interests - and helped one another to feel part of a changing world, rather than left behind by it.
Each friendship was unique – some neighbours headed out to explore north London’s coffee shops, museums and football clubs; others enjoyed staying in, watching their favourite films or TV shows together or just having a cup of tea and a chat.
As with all good friendships, a Love Your Neighbour match could bring company, companionship and connection – as well as stories of love and loss, hope and heartbreak. As Polly told us of her relationship with Audrey:
"I've always wanted to spend time with an older person in the community as I'm so aware of the unnecessary isolation they can feel which is purely through circumstance. There are so many older individuals who have so much to offer, are fun to spend time with, and who you can learn a lot from. If I can help offer some company, I want to do that. I love visiting Audrey every week. We've struck up a great, easy-going friendship. Just because there’s an age gap doesn’t mean we don’t have a lots in common. For example, we both love theatre, reading, ginger biscuits and car boot sales. We also listen to each other’s problems (Audrey always has great advice) and most importantly we make each other laugh."
And of course, the benefit of great friendships was always that they're mutual. Audrey said in return:
"It's like magic. At Christmas, I had a little wrapped present every day from Polly and her husband Charlie. Today’s was a tin of macaroons. Charlie also bought me and Polly a shared gift – a crossword puzzle book, because we both love crosswords. I can’t praise North London Cares enough for the work they do.”
Wael and Mel and Douglas and Jonathan – like hundreds of other older and younger Londoners – also became friends, sharing time together every week and building a friendship that both enjoy and value.
