Haringey Neighbourhoods Connect @128 Myddleton Road

Myddleton Road is an interesting street. And amongst the interesting places along this street is 128, a shop that has been transformed into a community centre with many uses.

Every other Thursday, between 2 -4pm, there is a drop-in for older people, with tea, biscuits and cake provided as well friendly faces and good conversation. The Bowes Park Community Association has worked hard to promote this very handy place.

Two community volunteers have been doing a grand job of running the drop-in sessions, Cathy Herman and Caroline Simpson.


They have now been joined by myself, Ruth Cherrington, Community Development Worker for the Haringey Neighbourhoods Connect project.

Based at Age Concern Haringey, I am not only meeting and greeting, making cups of tea and chatting with the folk who come along, but is also looking out for anyone who might themselves want to be part of the project in some way, perhaps through informal volunteering.

There is plenty to do on Thursdays afternoons for anyone who wants to help out such as with hosting the drop-in, making tea, chatting with the guests who turn up and helping to clear up afterwards. We would welcome volunteers to help out at 128 itself.

And would be pleased if you pass on the word about 128 to anyone who you think might like to come along!

But there is more to do in the community to help reach those who don’t come along, who perhaps don’t know about 128, and who are socially isolated. We would like to reach those people and you might be able to help.

The next drop-in will be Thursday November 25th. Come along if you can!

Volunteer activities can include: assisting with shopping, running a few errands for those who are either housebound or not very mobile, doing a spot of gardening or simply having a cuppa and a chat with them from time to time. They may want some help with form filling or with getting out more.

If you are on the internet (if you are reading this, you probably are!) then you might be able to find out information about services and support for older people in the community in this way. More information is going to be made available such as through Haringey councils own website as well as on Age Concern’s website and other publicity. Some older people may already have computers themselves but need help to get connected. If you are interested in this type of assistance, there is plenty of scope for your involvement, however much or how little time you have to spare.

If you are unsure and would like some tips about approaching older neighbours who might be isolated or a bit more information, we could help you to make your first steps. Age Concern already do much work in this area and have many years of helping people to do volunteer work at both formal and informal levels.

If you would like more information about 128 Myddleton Road and/or the Haringey Neighbourhoods Connect project, then please contact me:

Ruth Cherrington
Community Development Worker
Age Concern Haringey
20e Waltheof Road
London N17 7DN

0208 8012444

Hours of Work:
Monday 9-5
Tuesday 9-5
Thursday – variable contact hours

Age Concern Registered Charity no. 1005145 www.ageconcernharingey.org.uk