Legacy
Despite never meeting face-to-face, our older neighbour Benny has been keeping the East London Cares community entertained with his stories about his 40 years spent working on Petticoat Lane market. In our latest blog co-written with Benny, he shares just what makes 'the lane' so special.
Almost 80% of digital exclusion occurs in those aged 65 and over. In our latest blog, we explore the impact supporting an older neighbour to navigate new technology can have, from seeing family on-screen, to watching Lady GaGa's newest music video.
A year ago we kicked off our programmes to tackle loneliness and isolation in Tower Hamlets and Hackney. In our latest blog, we look back on some highlights, and gear up for another 12 months!
From connecting them to our programmes, to supporting them navigate new technology, read about how our outreach work will look, so we can keep helping out our older neighbours in east London.
At the beginning of lockdown, we introduced Val, 80, and Aimee, 27, for regular calls. They’ve been calling each other for over four months and Val says Aimee is "like a daughter" to her now. Recently, they told the story of their friendship on Radio 2.
At the beginning of lockdown East London Cares connected Anthony, 69, and Shams, 32, for regular phone calls. Here Shams tells the tale of their friendship – including nail varnish advice, naming tomatoes after each other, and sharing recipes – and how Shams has learnt "that people can connect and form friendships in all sorts of ways no matter what their age."
Emilia, 25, and Sid, 91, met at an East London Cares social club, and have been chatting on the phone every other day during lockdown. Here Emilia shares the story of their friendship:
"It has changed both of our lives! I’ve gained a friend, role model, life coach and I’m given all the free advice a confused 25 year old could need. Sid is one of the kindest and funniest people I’ve ever met, and at 91, has the most impressive stories of anyone I’ve ever met."
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed their time, skills, stories and bad jokes, so that everyone feels a part of, and not left behind by, our rapidly changing world.
East London Cares' Winter Wellbeing project helps older neighbours to stay warm, active and connected to our intergenerational network during isolating times. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, our Outreach Coordinator Sasha reflects on how to identify isolation where it exists – behind closed doors, in the community. Check out our infographic and report of our first ever Winter Wellbeing project.
While we were chatting to Ruth, 79, on the phone this week, she shared, “There is always light at the end of the tunnel. And we all need a bit of that don't we?” We look back on how light has been found in our east London communities.