The Together Project, founded by a local mum in 2017, aims to reduce loneliness through “joyful intergenerational experiences”
A Walthamstow charity fighting loneliness through intergenerational friendship needs help from residents to win £40,000.
The Together Project was set up by local mum Louise Goulden in 2017 to arrange “joyful intergenerational experiences” to reduce loneliness and foster “stronger, happier communities”.
One of its programmes, Songs & Smiles, ran weekly events in care homes across Waltham Forest, inviting in young children with their parents or guardians to spend time with elderly residents, “before Covid struck and the funding ran out”.
Now, the charity is one of five community projects in London vying to win a grant from the National Lottery by securing enough votes from the public in The People’s Projects competition.
The top three projects in the London region will receive their grant – with The Together Project requesting £40,000 – while the runner-up will be awarded £10,000.
Founder Louise said: “The People’s Projects has given us an amazing opportunity to raise awareness and support for our work and, with your help, secure this additional much-needed funding.
“If we win, our project will make a real difference to our local community by bringing different age groups together to spread
joy and reduce loneliness.
“Covid was a tough time for all of us, but particularly for people in care homes. We want to bring some sunshine after such a dark time and we need local people to get behind us, to show their support and vote.”
Other projects seeking funding in London include a social space for those affected by cancer, a sports programme for young people, a play café for bereaved children and a gardening club for isolated residents.
David Knott, chief executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “The People’s Projects delivers much-needed funding to the heart of communities and showcases the incredible efforts of hard-working projects across the UK. The short-listed groups are truly inspirational, each delivering life-changing support to their community in different ways.
“It is now time for the public to have their say in how vital National Lottery funding is used in their area to make a difference to people’s lives, particularly in these challenging times.”
Voting closes at noon on Friday, 26th May, and people can only vote once per region. Vote on The People’s Projects website here.
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