Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 25 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
As with any birthday, when we reach another year in the calendar we like to take the opportunity to celebrate the unique journey the community of South London Cares has taken together. It’s a time to look back on all the great things that have happened so far, and all the great things that are yet to come.
It would be easy at this point to focus on how our resilient community has overcome the struggles of the past two years. To share stories of connection despite the odds. However, there is so much more that’s happened in the past eight years that we have to celebrate, and so many more stories that have defined us and shaped the charity into what it is today.
This August marked our eighth birthday! That’s eight years of friendships built through the Love Your Neighbour and Social Clubs programmes, eight years of working with amazing community partners and eight years of getting to know the incredible neighbours that make South London the beautifully diverse and exciting place that we know and love.
For the first time since South London Cares turned five years old, we were able to host a full scale birthday party with everyone in the community who could make it. The theme of this event was ‘Summer of Love’ which saw neighbours, volunteers and the South London Cares team dressed up in their best 70s gear! It proved to be the most appropriate theme with the blazing sunshine outside and love felt in the rooms between everybody. Older and younger neighbours came together, reuniting in the same spirit to celebrate this vibrant community - some old faces who we hadn’t seen since pre-2020 even came along! It was a brilliant time of people uniting to mark this special occasion, with over 80 people in attendance enjoying an afternoon full of laughter, joy and friendship.
No restrictions meant that the infamous Bring ‘n’ Share table was brought back and even more excitingly, we saw the return of the dance floor! There’s nothing like an iconic tune being played through speakers to get everyone moving, and for the neighbours that anthem is none other than UB40’s ‘Red Red Wine’. The Ballroom and Latin social club regulars showed off their steps whilst Anita, Jess and the other neighbours let the music flow through them, their hair let loose just having the best time moving in rhythm together.
For those who needed to take a time out from all the fun on the dance floor, there was plenty of food to enjoy. Put together as a special spread from many of the neighbours, from vegan bean stew to cultural delights all the way from India, there were many satisfied tastebuds!
The party took place at the Jubilee Community Centre in Tulse Hill, a venue at the heart of the community that does so much for the local area. We were delighted to use the space and it was perfect for everything we needed to celebrate together.
Another classic part of a South London Cares party is the infamous raffle, and this year did not disappoint! Many local businesses donated generous gifts for the neighbours. Older neighbour Josie particularly enjoyed the comedic delivery of the prize draw by our very own Dupe. One of the big ticket items was tickets to a performance at Clapham Grand, which older neighbour Liza was over the moon to win! Arguably the most exciting gift was our brand new limited edition tote bags designed by our community partner F.A.T. Studio!
Looking ahead to all that’s in store for the future, we are so excited for everything that’s to come. Quite a few neighbours tried to get a head start on seeing their future with the pop-up tarot card reader - a little more entertainment for a very fun-filled party! But seriously, we are so proud of the journey South London Cares has been on over the past eight years, and even more proud of the extraordinary neighbours who have made everything happen. We are so looking forward to what’s coming up. Here's to the next chapter at South London Cares!
