Age UK HHB's Caribbean Club

On every second Monday of the month more than two dozen older members of the Caribbean community gather at Townfield Community Centre to eat, socialise, and enjoy themselves.  Colourful flags adorn the walls, and the sounds of calypso and reggae music fill the air.

18 months ago Juliet from Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow & Brent, identified a gap for Caribbean elders needing support and inclusion, and the club has thrived under her vision, providing a vital space for connection and engagement. The group has quickly become a beloved fixture in the community.

Each month, the club’s 2-hour session revolves around a specific activity that attendees can do together – whether that’s a quiz, writing poetry or learning about collective cultural heritage.

“Here, you learn things, you meet people, and it’s just a vibrant atmosphere,” says Jean, who’s been attending the club since it started. “Last year, we celebrated Black History Month which was really interesting. I learned things that I wasn’t aware of about our history, about famous people that I’d never heard of and what they did for the Black community – what they did for the whole world, really.”

The community spirit is a driving force of the group. “I think we offer the people who come to the club a chance to reconnect with things that are familiar,” Juliet explains, “and to re-energise themselves and their identity in an environment where they feel safe and secure.”

Its success in forging new friendships is what has helped the group go from strength to strength.

Read the full article on Age UK’s Discover page Celebrating west London's Caribbean community | Discover | Age UK