Aimee's neighbourly journey - East London Cares

Please note: this post is 38 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

Aimee has been an East London Cares younger neighbour for two years after joining our first volunteer induction in 2019. She has attended over 20 social clubs, in person and online, and has been a Phone a Friend match with Val for over a year. As part of our second birthday celebrations, we caught up with Aimee to hear more about what brought her to East London Cares.

How did you first hear about East London Cares, and what inspired you to sign up?

I first heard about East London Cares on the Reason to be Cheerful Podcast. I heard an interview between an older and younger neighbour and was totally invested in what The Cares Family were doing and wanted to get involved. I then searched for my nearest Cares family and signed up!

Have you ever experienced feeling lonely? What helped you overcome that feeling?

I think especially over the past 18 months everyone has experienced moments of loneliness. Things that help me overcome that feeling is calling up a friend or relative, and hearing some else's voice and hearing their stories and what they have to say to get out of my own head and my own thoughts. Another thing is getting outside and connecting with nature and feeling part of something bigger in the universe.

How does coming along to social clubs make you feel?

I LOVED coming along to Social Clubs, there's such a community feel and everyone is always so friendly, welcoming and fun!

What is your favourite thing about living in east London?

I've now moved out of East London, however it will always have a really big place in my heart. I first signed up to East London Cares a year into living in East London after living in West London for 3 years. Being part of East London cares taught me so much about East London, all it has to offer and its rich and diverse history and culture.

Aimee and Val were interviewed last year by BBC Radio 2, check out our past blog to hear more about their friendship.