Having a (pizza) ball in Brixton

Please note: this post is 115 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

Everyone's been to Brixton Village and Market Row, but not all of our older neighbours feel at home there now. We're out to change that, pizza slice by pizza slice!

If you've ever come to one of SLC's Brixton social clubs you'll have met people who've lived in Brixton for 60, 70 or 80 years. Some were born there just before WW2, others made it their home after migrating to London. They've had full lives, careers and brought up families - and have some stories to tell!

Unfortunately these days, parts of Brixton sometimes feel less like home to our older neighbours. The bustling business of Market Row, Brixton Village and beyond can feel intimidating, and unwelcoming for them. Our capital has many unique and special places, and it's important for everyone to feel that they belong, age 88 or 28.

The good people of Franco Manca invited our volunteers and older neighbours to visit for a pizza making workshop earlier in the year, and since then 40 older Brixtonites and 8 volunteers have taken part.

Volunteers Hannah, Lilly, Nancy and Bryony have learnt from the chefs how to make the best sourdough with Jean, William, Miriam, Richard, Doreen and many other older south Londoners. It's been tonnes of fun - and meant a lot:

"I wouldn't have gone into a restaurant in Brixton Row before, because it's so full of young people and it's so busy. But after coming along with the volunteers I'd feel more confident and happy popping in to enjoy a meal or a drink!"

Visits to local businesses like these make a difference to the way that an older person feels as part of their community, and each time our volunteers hang out with them, new bonds and experiences are made. We all need a variety of experiences and interactions in our lives, and for our older neighbours, having the confidence to get out there and spend time with young people new to Brixton is an important part of that.

Thanks to the friendly team at Franco Manca for making our older neighbours across Brixton feel at home making pizza with you!