Why Community Connection Matters More Than Ever
If you’ve ever watched a neighbour carry in the shopping for someone else, or had a chat at the pharmacy queue that somehow lifts your mood all day, then you’ve seen community outreach in action.
At our Wimbledon and Kingston Home Instead office, community outreach isn’t a checkbox or a to-do list. It’s a cornerstone of how we care. We believe that being embedded in the local area—knowing the faces behind the businesses, the volunteers behind the events, and the families behind the doors—helps us support our clients and Care Professionals in a deeper, more meaningful way.
When we show up in our community, we’re not just offering care. We’re weaving a network of support around each person we serve. It’s a way to combat loneliness, provide holistic support, and ensure our clients are surrounded by warmth, familiarity, and joy—not just during care visits, but always.
The Power of Social Connection
Loneliness is more than just a quiet house. It’s a public health issue, as we reported in a recent blog, ‘Loneliness, The Hidden Health Risk’.
According to research from the Campaign to End Loneliness, chronic loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It increases the risk of dementia by nearly 50%, worsens depression, and even shortens life expectancy.
On the flip side, socialising—whether it’s through singing, dancing, or simply having a chat—releases oxytocin, reduces stress, and builds what researchers call “cognitive reserve” – a mental buffer that protects against cognitive decline.
It’s not just good for our clients—it’s good for everyone in the care ecosystem.
Social Prescribing in Wimbledon & Kingston
We’re proud to work closely with local partners who offer social prescribing—an innovative model that connects people to non-clinical services, from walking groups to craft clubs, helping reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing.
📍 In Wimbledon, Age UK Merton offers a fabulous “Love to Sing” session every Monday at 1:45pm at the Mansel Road Centre. It’s more than a singalong—it’s an afternoon of joy, dancing, and connection. Learn more: Age UK Merton Activities
📍 In Kingston, Connected Kingston is a brilliant place to explore social prescribing services. From gardening groups to men’s sheds and coffee mornings, there’s a world of connection waiting. Visit: Connected Kingston
What This Means for Our Clients
When someone joins our care family, they’re not just receiving support at home—they’re being welcomed into a wider circle. Our local presence means:
- We know where to find expert help fast—physios, pharmacists, dementia cafés.
- We can gently nudge someone towards an activity that lifts their week.
- We have local insight that helps us personalise care in ways that truly matter.
And perhaps most importantly, we’re always around. We’re part of the community, not just passing through it.
