We are excited to announce the groups and projects which have been awarded grants by the Golden Grant Makers resident panel 2023-2024. All the awarded projects aim to enhance social connection, wellbeing and essential support for older people in Islington. Read more about our work with residents here, and watch this space for our latest impact report for more interesting insights!Â
Cut Moose – Â Walking Art – After a successful pilot, Cut Moose will expand Walking Art workshops to reach more vulnerable community members, including those with physical disability, mental health issues, and neurodiversity. Held weekly at Hilldrop Community Centre, the workshops provide a safe, social space, incorporating short walks or outdoor time based on participants’ physical abilities, along with other creative activities. The outreach programme extends to care homes, day centres, and individual homes for house-bound residents, aiming to broaden community engagement.
Hornsey Lane Estate Community Association – Our Place Older People’s Project  brings older people together through Lunch Clubs, a Sunday Friendship Project, a range of social activities including yoga, line dancing and bingo, practical support around housing, benefit and health issues. It also offers befriending by phone and home visits, walks or shopping with a volunteer.
Manor Gardens Welfare Trust – Bridge Befriending: Reconnecting Residents – The project addresses post-COVID isolation for elderly residents, seeking 20 bilingual volunteers to offer empathetic support with a focus on language and disability barriers. Weekly calls, home visits, and community activities aim to combat isolation, supplemented by a triage service and bereavement support for a compassionate community in Islington.
“Every participant leaves richer than they arrived…” ~Â Golden Grant Maker, 2023Â
Connaught Opera – Romantic Musical Memories – Connaught Opera plans to run 14 free, vibrant concerts in collaboration with community links and service providers. Prioritising accessibility and relevance for older audiences, the concerts aim to transcend language barriers through the universal power of music. Local day centres, care homes, and supported living housing, including Claremont Project, Age UK Islington; Golden Lane Community Centre; Healthy Generations; St. Luke’s Centre; and Clarion Group, are key priorities.
Mei Mei Social – The Art Laboratory – Islington Art and Around is an innovative arts project for those aged 55 and over, which focuses on combating isolation, loneliness, and mobility challenges. The initiative includes day trips to museums, parks, and exhibitions, a weekly art hub (The Art Lab) with internet-based technologies, and workshops with local artists. The 11-month project concludes with an exhibition / open day, showcasing participants’ work and promoting a sense of purpose, friendship, and community networking.
MRS Independent Living – Fifty-Plus Digital offers free weekly drop-ins at Mildmay Community Centre, providing essential digital support for those 50 and over. With an average age of 71, participants receive one-on-one help, bridging the digital divide and fostering confidence in technology use. The initiative emphasises a warm welcome, real-world problem-solving, and long-term support, attracting 109 attendees this quarter.
Choices CIC – Supporting Community Elders aims to supports Black African Caribbean individuals over 50, addressing social isolation and health challenges post-pandemic. Activities include affordable access to opportunities, a monthly cultural meal lunch club, and events for social connection and well-being. Choices aims to combat loneliness through podcasts, walk and talk sessions, and digital literacy support. Recognising vulnerability, the initiative provides culturally sensitive foods and holistic support. Weekly drop-in sessions target those not computer literate, economically disadvantaged, and socially isolated, emphasising digital inclusion.
“A joyous experience.” ~ Golden Grant Maker, 2023Â
