Introducing Morgan – SLC's Projects Officer for Social Clubs

Please note: this post is 110 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

I love London. It’s vibrant, exciting, cosmopolitan, and vast! But I’ve rarely felt part of London.

I moved here four years ago into a community I didn’t understand and whose history I couldn’t relate to. Our older neighbours often feel the opposite of this. They’ve been here for most of their lives, living and contributing to the history of where we live. Yet sometimes they feel that far from exciting and vibrant, London is actually confusing and intimidating.

Our older neighbours and I do share one thing, however. Other than sometimes sitting silently on the same bus together, we rarely interact.

In my first week at South London Cares, I’ve learnt what I’ve missed out on by not knowing my older neighbours. During my first three Social Clubs I’ve chatted with Richard about our possible shared heritage, debated the best Woody Allen film with John, and learnt to swing dance with Anna.

Many of our older neighbours who feel increasingly isolated can benefit from knowing local younger people. We can help them feel part of the ever-changing London, provide new experiences by introducing them to new things, and be new friends who they look forward to seeing.

In my new role as Projects Officer for Social Clubs, I’ll be helping Charlie and the rest of the team connect more young people to their older neighbours so they can share experiences, learn from one another, reduce isolation, and help build friendships across our disconnected communities.

People often define themselves by the things they like, and the clubs and community they are part of; and Social Clubs can provide a powerful way give people meaning and purpose. I, for example, enjoy watching football and going to the pub, I have been part of many sports teams, and now, as a result of joining SLC, I am a bona fide member of the South London community!