Local community organisation North London Cares has long been close to our hearts, and we’ve featured it regularly over the last eight years, from appeals to video stories.
Its USP is simply that it brings together older and younger neighbours in the boroughs of Camden and Islington to share “time, laughter and friendship”.
Now it’s launched a matched-crowdfunding appeal to help keep older people connected during the Coronavirus outbreak. With face-to-face programmes suspended, it’s developing new ways to bring the generations together from afar during the period of social isolation.
Along with its sibling charities such as East London Cares, it has already piloted online social clubs, telephone calls between younger and older neighbours, and intensive outreach efforts to help older people stay connected. It’s also encouraged younger people to share poems, stories, messages, drawings and games with older neighbours, and older neighbours to write back to their friends in return.
As the needs of older people develop, these methods will continually evolve. “We work with those who are most at risk of Covid-19 and self-isolation, ” says the charity’s Imogen Duffin. “Our face-to-face activities may have been suspended, but our support to the older people in Camden and Islington have not. Our job over the next few weeks is to ensure neighbours in our boroughs have the support they need and help them stay connected from afar in this moment of crisis. We’re already inspired by the beautiful messages of hope and resilience neighbours have shared with one another.”
The Crowdfunder was launched a week ago, and all donations are being doubled by a generous supporter. Find out more below – and stay safe.