"I decided to do something outside of my comfort zone, and I'm so glad I did"

Please note: this post is 87 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

I got involved with South London Cares just over a year ago, but somehow it feels longer as I have attended and enjoyed so many of its activities. They’ve filled my free time in a positive way. I have even learned a thing or to – more about that later.

Firstly, I would like to explain that there are many varieties of social clubs: about 4-5 a week. I have been on walking tours, dancing, craft making, history talks, tech workshops, parties, and so much more. They’re all very interesting and entertaining.

I have been introduced to activities and events that I would never have thought of, been to, or indeed had the courage to attend or take part in otherwise.  What South London Care does so well is welcoming solo seniors (not just old or lonely) and introducing them to different exciting activities and people. 

For example, I went to the bricklaying social club out of curiosity: I expected to watch somebody laying a few bricks (which I would have enjoyed anyway as I like to watch things being done and maybe learn something from it as general knowledge). But I was pleasantly surprised and happy to watch a full demonstration of building a wall: from mixing the basic materials to laying the bricks one by one. Then we were invited to join in: we were given boots and gloves and in groups created our own. It so much fun, so different, and we had such a laugh doing it. 

I must say that I had a little apprehension with the Boxing Club. I don’t do much exercise and I thought that this is only for young active people. But at the same time I felt excited to try something new. So I plucked up the courage and decided to do something outside of my comfort zone, and I am so glad I did. We learned some practiced some basic boxing moves, posture and stepping. Some chose to watch only, but everybody was smiling and laughing and we all enjoyed it very much. I am so happy that I enjoyed these South London Cares events.