You’ve got a friend in me
Finding connection in Tower Hamlets
Friendship day. It’s more than twinning bracelets and matching hairdos. Not just for teenagers or tweens. It’s a reminder that true friendship is rooted in empathy, presence, and community. And that’s at any age.
At Globe Community Project, friendship isn’t a buzzword. It’s a lifeline that lives in every conversation, gathering, and shared activity across Tower Hamlets.
At GCP we build friendships through projects like Wellbeing for Over 60s, Touching Safe Ground and Feasts for Friendship. Through these, people discover shared strength, belonging, and healing.
Real care and connection
Friendships can often be overlooked when it comes to older people. It’s assumed that it’s a time new friendships wouldn’t blossom as easily, having already established those in earlier years. But connection and care is important for any season of your life.
Even more so in later years, as situations and life circumstances change, leaving many more isolated and overlooked.
Wellbeing for Over 60s shows how friendship can bloom through shared stories, gentle movement, and group reflection. As one participant, Thomas, 60, shared:
“I liked the focus and how the course was facilitated. There was time for everyone to share something and to listen to each other.”
“Human connection is what really matters”
This sentiment comes straight from Vimalamani, a dedicated facilitator:
“Human connection is what really matters.” Her commitment shines through in her weekly gentle yoga with language classes, and support for refugee women. She admires:
“The resilience of the women and their determination to forge a new life for themselves… I am grateful to be able to have a strong thread of continuity now with this work in our local community.”
Feasting for Friendship
Connections can also be cooked at the dinner table. During GCP’s Feasts for Friendship, hosts and guests come together over food and conversation. In one fundraiser:
11 feasts brought people together, raising £5,840 to support the Touching Safe Ground project.
These gatherings celebrated friendship and raised vital funds, showing that connection can be through a shared interest, love of food, and practicing generosity.
Shared spaces of belonging
Across every GCP initiative we strive to create safe spaces where people feel they belong. From the Over 60s course: Mary said: “I made friendships that are still going.. and I’m going out more.” These quotes remind us, friendship isn’t just social, it’s essential for mental health, resilience, and joy.
Everyone deserve to belong
From elders rediscovering purpose to refugee women gaining confidence, Globe Community Project shows that friendship heals, uplifts, and transforms.
There’s plenty of ways you can show up. To lend an ear, brighten someone's day with a smile, or share a cuppa.
Here's how:
Invite someone for a meal
Join or support a local group
Listen deeply
Let’s choose to be present, to listen, to share, and to build a world where no one feels alone.
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How you can get involved:
If this Refugee Month has touched your heart, consider supporting Globe Community Project in any way you can. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply helping to raise awareness, every bit of support helps build a stronger, kinder community.
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Let’s keep building connection, compassion, and community together.