South London Cares is a community network of young professionals and older neighbours hanging out with one another in a rapidly changing city: to reduce loneliness and isolation; improve resilience, skills and confidence; and to bridge the gaps across generational and social divides.

 

We do this because our communities are changing right in front of our eyes. Trends such as globalisation, gentrification, digitisation, migration and the housing bubble are transforming our city at a rapid pace. That leaves many older people over 65 – who have lived in south London much of their lives – with deep roots but no connections, while young professionals often have hundreds of connections but few roots.

 

South London Cares' Social Clubs and Love Your Neighbour programme bring these two groups together to share time, laughter and connections for the benefit of all. 

 

Our activities create relationships that might not occur naturally to help people build networks. Regular Social Clubs include brunches, technology workshops and arts and craft clubs. Our one-to-one Love Your Neighbour project is home based, with young professionals visiting their older neighbour once a week. With all of our activities, we aim to make older neighbours feel more valued, vibrant and visible.