The Big Give by South London Cares’

A community network of young professionals and older neighbours in Lambeth and Southwark has launched a campaign to help older local people stay warm, active and healthy this festive season

South London Cares’ annual Winter Wellbeing outreach project helps older people across Southwark and Lambeth stay connected and well through the cold and isolating winter months.

Their teams distribute free blankets, warm clothes, and fuel grants of up to £100 for those at risk of fuel poverty and exposure to the cold. The project also provides older people with information about accessing local council services and community activities to tackle social isolation.

Brixton-based charity South London Cares brings together younger and older neighbours to hang out and help out in our rapidly changing city.

A recent study by think tank Demos places Southwark and Lambeth in the top quartile for loneliness and isolation amongst older people in the UK. And with the proportion of over 60s expected to nearly double by 2030, this is a problem that is growing in both scope and severity.

Last year, through the Winter Wellbeing project, South London Cares met Bill, 74, by knocking on his door. Bill lives alone, but complications with his health meant that Bill found it hard to leave his flat.

To bring a little of the outside world in, South London Cares matched Bill up with a young volunteer, Josh, through their Love Your Neighbour friendship matching programme.

Josh and Bill have been visiting each other for two months now. Already, Josh has taken Bill out to places he hasn’t visited in 20 years, as well as to some of South London Cares’ regular programme of social clubs.

Alex Smith, chief executive at South London Cares, said: “The Winter Wellbeing project has always been a key part of how we identify older neighbours at risk of isolation.

Through our conversations all across the community this winter, we will connect potentially hundreds of Londoners from different generations to share time, laughter, company, new experiences and friendship.

The Big Give is vital for funding South London Cares’ winter work, and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support, which really does make a difference to people in Southwark and Lambeth.”

The Big Give Christmas Challenge has been launched to raise funds which will allow South London Cares to reach out to more older neighbours like Bill this winter. From Tuesday  until December 5, any donation made to South London Cares through The Big Give will be doubled.

For more information and to donate see https://bit.ly/SLCpledge