In January this year we awarded funding to Aishah Help. They are a charity based in East London, whose mission is to give people hope and serve vulnerable communities in dignified ways. They reach out to those individuals who are in the greatest of need, suffering hardship, are disadvantaged or isolated from society and help them become independent.
With our grant they engaged 85 men and women, primarily older individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including older BAME community members who face language barriers, cultural stigmas, and social isolation.
The grant facilitated three distinct events. The first event, a Welcome Mixer, had 20 participants. Designed to introduce members in a relaxed environment, it included icebreaker games, a shared meal, and small group discussions.
The second event, a Community Celebration, brought together 35 participants in a festive gathering. It included music, dance, a celebratory meal, and storytelling sessions. Participants gained insights into each other’s cultures and traditions, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The third event, a Skills Sharing session, attracted 30 members. This session featured interactive sessions where individuals showcased talents ranging from cooking to digital literacy and shared a meal.
Overall, these events significantly combated social isolation, strengthened community bonds, Our funding supported both younger and older individuals, encouraging community cohesion and fostering intergenerational friendships through the Mind the Gap Befriending Programme.
In their feedback report the charity added a few memorable anecdotes that highlighted the positive impact on the participants:
A Heartwarming Friendship: At the Welcome Mixer, an older participant named Mrs. P, who had recently moved to the area and was struggling with loneliness, met a younger participant named S through an icebreaker game. Despite their age difference, they discovered a shared love for gardening.
Intergenerational Bonding: A particularly touching moment occurred during a group discussion at the Welcome Mixer. A young participant, J, shared his struggles with anxiety and how he often felt misunderstood by his peers. Mrs. O, an older member, listened intently and then shared her own experiences of overcoming similar feelings when she was younger. This exchange led to a deep conversation about mental health, bridging the gap between generations.
In summary, these anecdotes illustrate the profound and lasting impact of the grant-funded activities, showcasing how they fostered connections, built confidence, and enriched the lives of the participants.