Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 89 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
At South London Cares we rely on our fantastic community partners to help us to keep our social clubs programme dynamic, fresh and exciting. This December some wonderful businesses have gone above and beyond: creating extra special Christmas events for their older neighbours.
Every month for the past two years, the team at The Old Red Lion in Kennington have generously invited Helmut, Rani and their local neighbours over for an evening of community companionship, (not to mention a free drink or two!). Last Monday, they even went the extra mile and treated Bola, Jan and their fellow pub club regulars to an afternoon of gravy and good tidings, complete with turkey with all the trimmings.
Meanwhile, over in Brixton last week, thanks to the incredible generosity of Heineken, The White Horse pub also hosted Lambeth locals Josephine, Diana and co for a delicious Christmas lunch. As she was leaving, 81-year-old Stella told us: “I can’t remember the last time I had a meal with other people. This afternoon has been truly wonderful!".
Linking up with local pubs and cafes to run social clubs is a crucial vehicle for neighbours like Stella to not only to feel welcome, but a valued member of their local community. Libraries and community centres are where the majority of our events take place, but once the social club is over, the fun often has to wait until the next session. But by building relationships with local businesses, neighbours can pop in for a cup of tea or a meal whenever they like, always in the knowledge there will be a friendly face to talk to.
A few weeks back, Peter and the team at Southwark Brewery Company kindly invited Tony, Valerie, John and the gang over for fantastic afternoon of beer and cheese tasting. The neighbours chatted about the history of London Bridge, swapped jokes and became experts in all things hops-related. At 91, Daphne loved her first ever brewery visit, and was delighted to learn the tricks of the trade, not to mention the opportunity to sample all the local ales.
But it's not only small businesses who can make a difference to the wellbeing and confidence of their local older neighbours. Last week, for a second year running, Holborn based Trainline shared their office Christmas party with their older neighbours. Cue mince pies, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, festive tunes & even a photo booth.
The lovely team at Snapdragon Consulting also invited their older neighbours over to their Southwark office for a festive celebration, complete with classic party games, questionable cracker jokes & more than a few novelty jumpers.
Many of the older neighbours in our network will be spending this Christmas without family, so to have been able to share so many fun, festive moments throughout December (and created such special memories) with friends old and new, has been fantastic. A big thanks to all the generous businesses who've made those magic moments possible: here's to many more community connections in the new year!
If your business would like to invite your older neighbours over or support us in another way please get in touch with [email protected].