Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 95 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
It is estimated that there are 75,000 over-75s in London who feel lonely most of the time. In our latest blog, our Volunteer and Outreach Co-ordinator Elyssa shares the importance of reaching out, how South London Cares approaches outreach, and the wonders of talking to strangers.
At South London Cares we have four core programmes: Social Clubs, Love Your Neighbour, Community Fundraising and Outreach. Outreach does exactly what it says on the tin: it’s about reaching out. It connects people to our activities, but also to other local groups and services. Though 935 older neighbours receive our social clubs programme each month, we know there are still many more neighbours in Southwark and Lambeth that don’t know about what is going on in their community.
It can be a challenge to reach people: many isolated older neighbours may only leave their homes to go to a doctor’s appointment, pick up a prescription, or do their food shop. So, we find older neighbours where they are. We speak to people face-to-face at bus stops, GP surgeries, pharmacies, supermarkets and on the doorstep. All over the boroughs you’ll find us striking up conversations with strangers and building on our already thriving community
What do you say?
It can seem intimidating to go up to a stranger and introduce yourself. However, the worry of being ignored or declined is soon replaced by the excitement of meeting people who would love more social connections. We recently met Barbara, 78, in Streatham Common Sainsbury’s, and she told us:
“I’ve got nothing to do. This is brilliant. I’m so pleased you came and spoke to me! Do continue to go up to people: they may not want to speak to you at first, they’ll be so pleased you did, to find out about what’s going on.”
Barbara’s since been along to lots of social clubs – and knowing there are thousands of people in Southwark and Lambeth like her who’d love to get involved if they only knew what was going on makes the first “hello” all the easier. From there it’s all about building a rapport, giving easy-to-digest information that’s about the immediate local area, and importantly, smiling! If people don’t want to speak, we don’t take it to heart – some people can understandably be nervous about friendly strangers, but we believe the more we all give it a go, the less intimidating it will become.
Why not give it a go?
Next time you see an older neighbour at a bus stop, doing their shopping, or on the same train as you, smile and say hello. Get to know them and share things about yourself. You could ask them if they get out and about much, and if they would they like to get involved with local activities and get to know new people of different ages. You might find that you’re sitting next to the newest member of the South London Cares family – and your newest friend.