St Hilda’s Exploring London series was created to bring local residents aged 50+ together through shared experiences, helping to build friendships, strengthen support networks, and stay connected to community life. In doing so, it helps tackle loneliness and isolation, while enabling older residents remain active, engaged, and connected to their community.
The series re-launched in September, providing participants with opportunities to rediscover London’s cultural, historical, and green spaces through a range of free activities, while forming new friendships and exploring the city together.
Discovering London Together
The series combines local nature walks, visits to museums and galleries, and other places of interest across London. Recent visits have included the Bank of England Museum, the Rio Cinema, and the Museum of the Order of St John in Clerkenwell. Upcoming outings include the Museum of Home and the Magritte Exhibition at the Gagosian Gallery.
The series helps older residents stay active, engaged, and connected to the city around them. It also provides opportunities to participate in London’s rich cultural life, helping people feel included, valued, and involved in their community.
One of the highlights for many participants has been the opportunity to revisit places they remember from earlier stages of their lives.
Participants shared:
“I can remember walking here as a child. It’s all changed now and is very interesting.”
“I used to play in this park. It’s good to remember what we did.”
“It’s wonderful to see the river and how the wharves have been changed.”
An opportunity to provide wider support
The series is more than just outings across London. It provides valuable opportunities for St Hilda’s staff to get to know and build rapport with participants, understand their circumstances, and identify any additional support they may need.
Through informal conversations, staff can help local residents access information, services, and support available across the borough. For example, one local resident recently shared their concerns about the upcoming digital switchover and was able to receive guidance and support from our staff.
The personalised support approach helps ensure older residents are not only able to access the support they need, but are also better equipped to remain active and independent.
Exploring London is more than a programme of walks and outings. It creates opportunities for older residents to build meaningful social connections and improve wellbeing, access wider support, and remain active participants in community life.
Our Feeling Good programme
Exploring London is one of many activities delivered through our Over 50’s Feeling Good programme. The programme forms part of St Hilda’s wider commitment to helping people stay connected, independent, and supported through a range of wellbeing activities, advice services, and culturally appropriate care. Over the last year, we supported 580 older people to improve their wellbeing, reduce isolation, and access support tailored to their individual needs.
Support Activities Like Exploring London
Activities like Exploring London are made possible through the generosity of funders, donors and supporters who believe everyone should have the opportunity to stay connected and active as they get older.
Your support helps us continue delivering activities and personalised support that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and help older people remain connected, active, and independent. Together, we can ensure that more older residents across Tower Hamlets have access to the opportunities, support, and community connections they need to thrive.
