Spades at the ready...

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Every day our volunteers bring joy, laughter and new friendships into the lives of their isolated older neighbours. We wanted you to hear about a another way that you can help your brilliant older neighbours in Southwark and Lambeth this summer. Spades at the ready...

The summer is trying to get going and London's gardens are blooming. Some of them are blooming a bit too much. Lots of our older neighbours aren't able to keep their gardens in shape any more, which can prevent any enjoyment of the outdoors at the best time of year.

We've all seen an overgrown garden. Would you be up for helping an older neighbour or two to enjoy theirs again? 

SLC volunteer Lucy has transformed her older neighbour Patrick's garden from a mini forest to an oasis of outdoor calm. He told us that it's changed his outlook on the summer now that he can enjoy it by spending it in his garden. 

And Annette regularly helps her older neighbour Edna to keep her allotment in top form, making the most of the fruit she grows there. 

You could do the same and make a huge difference to your older neighbours' enjoyment of summer. All this requires is to pledge a few spare hours to help an older neighbour over the summer. The gardening dates will be coordinated by Tess who manages SLC's Love Your Neighbour programme.

If you're interested in taking part or lending your gardening tools, please email Tess: [email protected]. Speak to you soon!