Reduce loneliness of 300 elderly people in London

Project Progress Report

Over the past year, we have made substantial strides toward our goal of creating a welcoming space for people of all ages to come together, socialise, and learn new skills. Thanks to your generous support, we’ve continued to provide a safe, inclusive environment where individuals can connect and feel supported, even during these challenging times.

Impact and Achievements:

So far this year, our community canteens have served 2,265 guests and provided 6,795 nutritious meals, using surplus food to tackle both food waste and social isolation. With continued support from the National Lottery Community Fund, we are on track to deliver over 38,000 meals in the next three years.

We have also diverted 2,159 kg of food from landfill to hungry bellies, fulfilling our mission to reduce waste and ensure that vulnerable people in our community have access to nutritious food. This effort directly aligns with our goal of fostering stronger social networks and friendships, which are essential to improving both mental and physical health outcomes.

Volunteer Support:

Our progress is in large part due to the invaluable efforts of nearly 200 volunteers who have worked with us over the past three months. With 97% of our volunteer slots for the year already booked, it’s clear that community members are eager to contribute to this mission. The commitment of our volunteers ensures that we can continue offering free, nutritious meals to hundreds of people each week while creating a sense of community and belonging.

Growing Demand:

We’ve seen record-breaking attendance at our canteens, with 36 guests at both our Elephant and Clapham locations—our highest numbers to date. This surge in attendance underscores the growing demand for the services we provide, especially as loneliness continues to be a pervasive issue in London, the loneliness capital of Europe. By offering a space for intergenerational interaction and social support, we’re helping to mitigate the effects of social isolation, particularly among older adults who face increased barriers to social engagement.

Looking Ahead:

As we continue our important work, we are focused on expanding our impact. With more funding, we will continue to invite more of the community to come along to our canteens. Helping to reduce isolation, build stronger connections between young and old, and empower people of all abilities through supported employment and volunteering opportunities.

Your support is vital to our long-term impact. By fostering a community of mutual respect and understanding, we are building the foundation for a more inclusive and connected society. Together, we can continue to offer essential services, reduce loneliness, and empower individuals with skills, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

Thank you for your continued generosity and belief in our mission.