Legacy
Last month we hosted our first ever Spanish and Latin American Social Club, co-led by Love Your Neighbour match Pepe (70) and Isabel (32). Pepe is from Peru and Isabel is Mexican, and they speak Spanish together. They were keen to share their language and cultures with members of our community network.
The cost of living crisis will plunge the UK further into a loneliness epidemic. With millions of people without spare income to spend on social interaction – particularly over the winter when household bills are expected to rise the most sharply – many are at risk of falling into even deeper isolation, loneliness and disconnection from their communities.
We reflect on the engAGE partnership after a year of events, activities and sharing knowledge and referrals with our wonderful community partners.
As part of Loneliness Awareness Week, Scrabble kindly donated board games to us last month. Pals enjoyed playing together as part of our Love Your Neighbour and Social Club programmes. We recently caught up with friends Alan (86) and Myles (24) and Jose (69) and Isabel (31), to find out why Scrabble has become a regular part of their friendships.
Neighbours have been getting together at our monthly Tech Club to get more familiar with their electronic devices, and ask those burning technology questions. From sending an email, to using Duolingo, neighbours have learnt all sorts, as well as having the chance to get to know eachother better.
Some of our Love Your Neighbour matches have been making the most of everything Manchester Cares has to offer by coming along to our Social Clubs too. From Chippy Club to Desert Island Discs, pals love joining in with new activities together, as well as having the chance to meet other older and younger neighbours in our community network.
Last month Love Your Neighbour pals William (72) and Cindy (37) designed and run a special Social Club. They delved into the stores of the gallery and curator Kate illustrated the evolving purpose of the gallery and its role in our changing city. After we caught up with the pair who shared their top tips on hosting a Social Club.
This week is Mental Health Awareness Week. To mark this we spoke to older neighbour Lynne (69) and younger neighbour Jess (33) about the positive impact that being part of a community like Manchester Cares has on their mental wellbeing.
Too often Manchester is seen as a city just for young people. There are trendy natural wine bars; small plates galore; and art spaces that cater for the weird and the wonderful.
But where is the older population?
Last month we shared older neighbours’ stories, so this month we wanted to shine a spotlight on some of the wonderful younger neighbours who are part of our Love Your Neighbour programme.