Every year we partner with hundreds of organisations to make life better for everyone in Islington. One of these initiatives is The Good Neighbours Scheme (GNS), a community-led initiative run by Help on Your Doorstep and local volunteers, which builds community connections and belonging on local estates with high levels of deprivation and isolation.
Each GNS runs around 300 activities a year in local community centres, including: arts and crafts sessions, coffee mornings, music, bingo, fitness and gardening, as well as trips and visits, which offer opportunities to try new things and learn new skills.
The projects also help residents access support and advice about housing, health, debt and more – aiming to ensure people have what they need to thrive and build strong support systems.
Suzie’s story: Finding confidence, friendship and joy
When Suzie first joined the Good Neighbours Scheme in 2018, she hadn’t been able to leave her home alone for nearly two decades. Living with agoraphobia meant outings were limited to essential hospital visits, always with support from her husband or son.
A friend encouraged her to try one of the local activities, and that single invitation changed everything.
With her husband and friends by her side, Suzie slowly began attending bingo sessions, coffee mornings, seated exercise, community fun days, wellbeing events, Christmas dinners and other events.
Suzie said that coming to the Good Neighbour Scheme activities has been a turning point for her.
“It has been 19 years since I was able to go out alone, and I feel like I have missed out on a lot over the years. We just feel like one big happy family, everyone supports each other, and I’ve made friends.” ~ Suzie, member of Good Neighbours Scheme (GNS)
“As soon as I walked into a Good Neighbours Scheme activity, I felt welcomed, and it’s still like that today.”
The activities have made a huge difference to my life. My husband has noticed that I’m a lot happier. It has been 19 years since I was able to go out alone, and I feel like I have missed out on a lot over the years.
We just feel like one big happy family, everyone supports each other, and I’ve made friends. I wish the groups would go on longer because I never want to go home! And when I do go home, it makes me feel good, so I think it’s good for my mental health as well”.
We all want to be good neighbours. And with Islington Giving, we can show up for our community – together. Your donation provides support, connection, and hope right on your doorstep.
