East London charity friendship-matching scheme boosted by generous donation of equipment

East London Cares is a charity that tackles loneliness and isolation by bringing older and younger neighbours together through their Love Your Neighbour programme. A recent friendship match between a young volunteer and an elderly local neighbour quickly identified an individual facing mobility problems. A tri-walker listed via A Good Thing by the Jump in Puddles Consultancy provided the perfect solution.

Neighbours getting to know neighbours

Love Your Neighbour is East London Cares' friendship-matching scheme, bringing older and younger neighbours together to spend time one to one. The charity pairs up younger and older neighbours in Hackney and Tower Hamlets to share time, laughter, and joy together over the phone, in person or a mix of both. Each friendship is unique and different – some neighbours head out to explore east London’s coffee shops and museums, while others enjoy staying in, watching their favourite films together or just having a cup of tea and a chat.

A neighbour with a need

A recent friendship match quickly highlighted a need. Sadik, an older neighbour, was experiencing mobility issues and had lost confidence when walking outside. He was in desperate need of a mobility aid, like a tri-walker, but couldn’t afford to buy one.

“Sadik has been matched through our Love Your Neighbour programme, and likes to walk with the younger neighbour he spends time with. The tri-walker will help him to achieve this and enable him to get outside independently, improving both his confidence and strength.” Anna Howe, East London Cares

A small piece of happiness

After sadly losing her mother-in-law, Janine Chandler (owner of the Jump in Puddles Consultancy) was looking for a new home for a number of items of specialist mobility equipment – and she came across A Good Thing.

“A Good Thing connects businesses that have items to donate with local charities. Through this, I was able to donate a tri-walker that my late mother-in-law used so it could be useful again. A small piece of happiness from a sad time. Thanks to both organisations for the work they do.”  Janine Chandler, Jump in Puddles Consultancy

The charity collected the item and it quickly made its way to Sadik (pictured) who is feeling much more confident about getting out and about with his new companion.