Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 24 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
With the new academic year on the horizon many of us are prepping new notebooks and feeling like September will bring a bit of a refresh to our routine. However, for the students among us it really is a new year with new challenges, opportunities and experiences to be had!
As students from across the globe return to another term in Liverpool we wanted to showcase our network and share the positive experiences of students who have gotten involved with our Social Clubs and Love Your Neighbour programmes. We hope to spread awareness of what we do amongst even more students, and let people know how they can get involved.
Love Your Neighbour is our one-to-one friendship programme. We introduce younger and older neighbours living across Liverpool, to share time, laughter, and joy together over the phone, in-person, or a mix of both. Neighbours generally catch up for about an hour once a week for company and conversation. We create Love Your neighbour matches based on mutual interests, personality type and location so you can get to know someone like minded in your area from a different generation!
Garbriella was matched with Trish last October and, though their match ended when Gabriella’s degree and time in Liverpool came to an end this year, during their friendship they enjoyed chatting on the phone and visiting local cafes for coffee and catch ups.
"I will really miss my regular visits to see Trish - she has shaped my university experience and made me feel so welcome in Liverpool, I can't imagine doing it without her. I will really miss Liverpool Cares, it has genuinely made me so happy to help and connect to people of all ages, I have benefitted massively. The whole team has been a great support - thank you again."
Our Social Clubs are a combination of in-person, over the phone or Zoom group activities where older and younger neighbours enjoy learning new skill together, hanging out and sharing conversations with each other. The clubs take place on weekdays, evenings and weekends and include all sorts of brilliant activities. September's programme includes an acting class, bread making session and theatre trip to name a few!
Younger Neighbours Madeline and Jiaying have been kind enough to share their experience of coming along to our social clubs alongside their studies-
What do you like about coming to social clubs?
M: I like the social clubs because you are always meeting new people and having entirely different conversations with them each time, no two conversations are the same. The social clubs are also very different which is great as you can try things you have never done before. So if you are signing up to one of them, chances are you are going to meet fellow people with the same interests as yourself, whether they are younger or older neighbours.
J: The best part about social clubs is building relationships with real people. I socialise with real people and get the care I want from them, feeling wanted at the same time
How does it fit in around your studies?
M: There are so many different social clubs on at different points within the week, so if I can't make one club because of lectures or university engagements, I can join a different one or wait until the next time it comes around. You don't feel like you are missing out because there is always something going on. As well as this, there are social clubs online, so it removes the rush of trying to get to a set location in time for a social club after lectures.
J: The club has events almost every day from Monday to Sunday and I usually choose which ones I can attend depending on my class schedule. Each event lasts roughly two hours, and these two hours of socialising do not have a negative impact on my studies. On the contrary, attending events with friendly people is a great way for me to decompress!
What has been your favourite moment with Liverpool Cares?
M: My favourite moments with Liverpool Cares would have to be the technology help sessions; these sessions mean a lot because we are helping the older neighbours to get a better understanding on how technology works. So much these days is reliant upon technology including communication, I hope that what is covered in the sessions helps them to feel more connected with others and less isolated.
J: I took part in many activities in just two months, boxing lessons, bread making, tennis lessons, museum trips etc. Each activity has left me with very fond memories. For me, the best moment is when we all greet each other before each event- new and old members alike, no matter how old or young they are, they always get on well together! Makes me feel like we are family, I belong in the club.
What would you say to other students thinking about getting involved with Liverpool Cares?
M: To fellow students thinking of joining, go for it. There is no pressure to go to sessions, if you are snowed under with university work then you don't have to sign up for the sessions, only attend when you can. You meet so many interesting, new people and are doing an activity which you and the others can enjoy together, you feel like a part of a community.
J: I remember what the organiser said when I first attended the event: We are not only accompanying the elderly, they are also accompanying us. Companionship is a mutual thing, I help others and make social connections with others. Join us and become a better version of yourself！
