For 30 years, Link Age Southwark has been alleviating loneliness and reducing social isolation for older people and those living with a diagnosis of dementia. To help the charity mark this milestone anniversary, here are 30 Link Age Southwark fun facts:
1. Link Age Southwark started in 1993 as two separate charities, Dulwich Helpline and Southwark Churches Care.
2. The charities merged in 2012 and became Link Age Southwark in 2015.
3. 81 is the average age of the people the charity supports.
4. Four people it supports are over 100 and four will turn 100 this year.
5. It hosts four annual parties for older people. The 30th birthday party will be a super-size event with up to 100 attendees.
6. The charity’s Honorary President, Katharine St John Brooks was awarded a BEM in 2020 for her services to the charity.
7. Iain Glen, the actor who appeared in Game of Thrones is one of the charity’s Ambassadors.
8. The charity’s offices are located behind the United Reformed Church on Tell Grove.
9. As part of their 30th year celebrations the charity is hosting its first-ever Sponsored Strollathon on 10 September in Dulwich Park.
10. The Strollathon will be a fun, accessible event for all ages and abilities. Registrations: www.linkagesouthwark.org/Event/sponsored-strollathon-2023
11. Link Age Southwark is one of six charities making up the Consortium of Older People’s Services in Southwark.
12. Its services are free of charge to Southwark residents.
13. It offers a range of groups for older people including exercise, singing and social groups.
14. As a legacy of the pandemic the charity now runs groups older people can join online or in person.
15. Over 400 volunteers support the charity’s work.
16. Last year they contributed over 24,000 hours.
17. In 2018 Link Age Southwark was awarded the Queen’s Award for Volunteering.
18. Over 200 volunteers are involved in befriending, visiting people and reducing loneliness and social isolation.
19. Befriender and award-winning photographer Nick Dolding is compiling a 30th anniversary photo exhibition.
20. This will take place at Dulwich Picture Gallery as part of Link Age Southwark’s annual Sunset Soiree fundraising event.
21. Sunset Soiree tickets and information: www.linkagesouthwark.org/Event/sunset-soire-2023
22. The charity sends birthday cards to all the older people it supports, handwritten by volunteer Gill.
23. It also sends Christmas cards each year, handwritten by pupils from JAGs.
24. Link Age Southwark’s dementia team undertake many creative partnerships including with the Old Vic.
25. Link Age Southwark has 75 Patrons who donate £500 annually, and aims to recruit 30 new Patrons in its 30th year.
26. It has 2,298 Twitter followers (@LASwark)
27. Several of Link Age Southwark’s staff team started as volunteers.
28. The charity works in partnership with several local churches.
29. Link Age Southwark’s team of Young Fundraisers support the running and promotion of its fundraising events.
30. It has a team of volunteer digital buddies provide IT support to older people in their own homes.