Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 93 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
In her first blog, Jasmin describes her journey from South London Cares volunteer to the newest member of the SLC team.
I moved from Bournemouth to London two years ago. The city and all it has to offer was both exciting and daunting. I found myself in constant awe – and constantly lost – as I tried to navigate around the city’s diverse places and people. I had managed to find a flat in Nunhead, south London, but I needed to find a job and quickly. That pressure combined with not knowing many people or the area was challenging, and at times, very isolating.
During this time I fortunately heard about South London Cares. I jumped at the chance to volunteer and meet new people from the area of all different ages and experiences. I signed up to choir in Peckham which is one of many different clubs that make up the South London Cares social clubs programme. As soon as I entered the room I was greeted with friendly faces, tea and biscuits and an enthusiasm from all the neighbours to get stuck In and involved. That session we laughed about missed high notes, delighted in singing as loud and theatrical as possible, giggled as we did various voice exercises that made us sound utterly ridiculous. Simply and most importantly we connected through chatting and learning about one another and that’s why I have been attending ever since.
Attending SLC’s social clubs has given me the opportunity to make friends with neighbours who I may not have had the opportunity to meet. They have helped me to better understand my area, different perspectives and feel a part of my local community. I was and still am fascinated by the stories I hear from the older neighbours; about their experiences of living in south London and how it has changed over the years. Being a part of the SLC community and the friends I have made have enriched my life so much over the last two years. I have seen first-hand the impact the programmes have made on the individuals involved (81% of neighbours involved in SLC feel ‘less lonely’).
One of South London Cares’ objectives is to bring people together to reduce the gaps across social, generational, digital, cultural and attitudinal divides which in 2017 is more crucial than ever. One of my favourite examples of this was during a miserable commute home. I was at the bus stop standing in the rain desperately waiting for the bus to arrive (the final leg of my journey) and as I got on the bus I was greeted with an instantly soothing smile from my friend Sid who I have known for a year now. We often get the P12 bus home together after choir. We had a big hug and sat together as we told each other about our days. Sid is such a vibrant and fun person we were both laughing by the time I got to my stop. I think connections like this are key to building and sustaining strong and trusting communities.
Over the last couple of years SLC has been a big and wonderful part of my life: from meeting neighbours at clubs, celebrating our impact at SLC’s birthday parties and even taking on new challenges. Earlier this year I joined other neighbours in walking 13 hours straight from London to Brighton to fundraise for SLC. Now I’m joining the team as the Programme Coordinator for the Love Your Neighbour programme – connecting younger and older neighbours one-to-one for weekly visits and longterm friendship – and I couldn’t be happier. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to support other people on their journey with South London Cares and I can’t wait to meet you all!
