early action
Success Stories
Southwark Circle
Southwark Circle is a membership group, targeted at over 50s, offering cheap practical help and bringing people together for social events. It aims to combat the isolation and lack of practical support elderly people told Participle – its founders – were most damaging in their lives.
Members pay £10 or £20 per year, and have access to a wide range of social events organised by staff and other members. They can also buy £10 vouchers to exchange for small tasks, anything from computer lessons to help planting an apple tree. These are carried out by ‘helpers’ from the community – who can choose to be paid the London living wage or volunteer their time.
Southwark Circle has over 800 members, and with initial funding from Southwark council is on track to be self-sustaining after 3 years.
More information: www.southwarkcircle.org.uk/