Fun, food, and new friendships

Please note: this post is 116 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

Last week, neighbours young and old from across Southwark and Lambeth came together to enjoy an extra special dinner party. Dinner parties are a wonderful opportunity for neighbours of all ages to get together over a hearty meal, to chat with local people they wouldn’t otherwise have met, and enjoy one another’s company.

Thanks to a grant from Age UK Lewisham and Southwark, the lucky partygoers feasted on a fantastic three-course meal, cooked by professional chefs from top local restaurant, Magdalen.

Miriam from Brixton had a great time: "It's all about the people. I come along to these events to feel like I'm not alone, to be surrounded by smiling faces and laughter. It's what keeps me positive and happy."

There was a buzzing atmosphere, thanks to a fantastic turn out of 13 young professionals and 24 of their older neighbours.

94-year-old Frances recounted stories from her ballroom dancing days with new volunteer Ellie, and Ellie returned the favour by explaining all about her biochemistry course.

Meanwhile, John shared memories of what it was like to grow up during the reign of George VI with volunteers Nicky and Zaki. He even brought along his collection of coins from the time, showing them a piece of history. They couldn’t believe how our currency had changed, and how strange it was to see young Liz on a halfpenny.

Attending a dinner party is one great way to get involved with the South London Cares community. But we also have all kinds of other exciting Social Clubs volunteers can come along to, from line dancing to quizzes, and baking to technology workshops. Older neighbours can also enjoy some of the great activities Age UK Lewisham and Southwark put on – to check them out, visit their Living Well blog.

The evening was also a great chance to look back on the Summer Wellbeing project, and celebrate the fantastic collaboration between South London Cares and Age UK, throughout the hotter and colder times of our first year.

Together, we provided older neighbours across Southwark and Lambeth with all kinds of useful information on how to stay well during the hot weather.

Looking forward, the night was also a brilliant opportunity to tell people about our exciting plans for the upcoming winter months. As well as putting on lots more social clubs for neighbours and volunteers to get together, have fun and forget about the cold weather, we will also be collaborating with local organisations and businesses for our Winter Wellbeing project.

The project will consist of a varied programme of door knocking, information dissemination, one-to-one volunteer support, referrals, grants and social activities.

Watch out for ways you can help older neighbours to stay warm, active, connected and healthy, when the bitter weather can bring isolation and disconnection. Sign up below to be part of it!