Link Age Southwark is a vibrant, local volunteering charity supporting older people experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Their fantastic network of volunteering provide befriending, group activities, volunteer transport and light DIY and gardening services.

Last year, with the help of their fantastic friends and supporters, Link Age Southwark raised £22,314 through the Big Give Christmas Challenge, an online match funding campaign, which doubles the value of a donation. This money was used to fund transport older people to group activities and parties throughout the year.

This year, the charity is taking part in the campaign again with the opportunity to raise £25,000 to fund their 24 social and activity groups, which include gentle chair-based exercise, singing, reminiscence and three groups specifically for people living with dementia. The groups help to ensure that the older people of Southwark can age healthily and happily, meet new people and remain part of the local community.

Link Age Southwark’s newest group start in December 2017 with members meeting every other Monday to enjoy a varied programme of activities. The day always starts with a catch-up over tea and biscuits before warming up with some gentle chair-based exercise. They then move onto the main activity of the day which can be anything from singing to a quiz, poetry, crafts, reminiscence or listening to a guest speaker.

 

One of the group members, Joan, said, “I really enjoy it. It gives me something to look forward to.”

Mary, who has also joined the group, said, “I really look forward to coming to the group. It’s brilliant and I enjoy every minute of it.”

The exercise and activity groups for older people are central to Link Age Southwark’s vision of friendly, local communities where older people thrive. Group members say they really enjoy the social opportunity provided by the groups, including the chance to make new friends and have conversations with people and that the groups motivate them to go out rather than staying indoors all day.

You can support activity groups for older people by donating to the Big Give Christmas Challenge between midday 27th November to midday 4th December to have the value of your donation doubled. Donations can be made online here.

Link Age Southwark appreciates the value of every donation, no matter how big or small, but if you are unable to donate at this time, you can still support the campaign by sharing with friends, family and colleagues or share on your social media platforms. Any help will be greatly appreciated and help make Southwark a great place to grow old in.