This Summer, I'll be walking 100km for North London Cares. This will take a very long time and will cause me a lot of pain. 

I've been volunteering with NLC since December. The charity's main aim is to alleviate loneliness and create social outlets for older people in North London (there's a South London sister charity too). This is done through social clubs and events, such as cooking clubs, film clubs, trips around London and so on. For older neighbours who do not have a regular social outlet, it can be as damaging for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, so it really does make a huge difference for those who are brought together by the charity.

According to regular questionnaires that the members fill out, 81% feel more connected, 73% feel less isolated and 86% are more able to appreciate the world. 100% of people I talk to feel more cool for getting to hang out with people like me.

Money raised will go toward making sure these clubs can run, and their outreach program. It doesn't take that much to run a club, so all contributions big and small are certainly welcome and will make a tangible difference. If you want to check out the charity or volunteer at some of the clubs yourself, go to www.northlondoncares.org.uk

Peace and love,

T VINCENT
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