17 & Central Partners with The Together Project for a Charitable 2024
We’re thrilled to announce that The Together Project, a cherished Walthamstow-based organization, has been selected as our Charity of the Year for 2024 at 17 & Central.
In our quest for a new charity partner last year, we were deeply moved by the community’s support for both The Together Project and Walthamstow Toy Library. After much deliberation, and having partnered with Walthamstow Toy Library in 2023, we’ve decided to join forces with The Together Project this year. Their remarkable efforts in bridging generational gaps, combating loneliness, and fostering a sense of wellbeing have not only impressed us but also resonated strongly with the local community, as evidenced by the numerous heartfelt endorsements we received.
Established in 2017, The Together Project stands as a beacon of hope, championing the cause of national charity through the power of joyous community activities. With a dedicated part-time staff of six, a board of seven trustees, a cadre of freelance practitioners, and an army of incredible volunteers, they’re on a mission to tackle one of society’s most pressing issues: social isolation. Their programs are designed to cultivate community spirit and reduce loneliness by organizing intergenerational activities that promote fun and friendship among diverse groups.
A few words form Louise Goulden, the Founder and CEO of The Together Project:
“We're overjoyed to have been selected as 17&Central's charity partner. As an organisation that was born in Walthamstow, our local community is at the heart of The Together Project, from team members and volunteers to service users and supporters. We can't wait to work with the 17 & Central team on our mission to tackle loneliness and spread joy. Our partnership will involve putting on some inspiring, joy-filled activities such as music, art and stories to bring our local community together across the generations.”
Donations are vital to helping the charity continue its work within the community, as Louise explains: “Donations from guests will have a direct impact on addressing loneliness and spreading happiness throughout Waltham Forest and beyond by helping fund our different programmes. For example, our intergenerational music group ‘Songs & Smiles’, runs in five Waltham Forest care homes every week, bringing together 0-4-year-olds, their parents/guardians, and residents of the homes to sing, move, play and form long-lasting friendships. A donation of £10 could buy enough bubble liquid to fill a care home with bubbles for a year. A £20 donation could buy a set of coloured scarves for children and care home residents to play peek-a-boo while £40 could buy a full set of percussion instruments for everyone to make music together.”
We’ll be fundraising at lots of other events throughout the year and have set up a JustGiving page (link below) for any guests who wish donate.
As we embark on this partnership, we look forward to engaging with the community and celebrate the power of connection and the spirit of togetherness. Stay tuned for more updates on our joint initiatives with The Together Project as we strive to make a positive impact together.
