With the rate of elderly loneliness and isolation rising, third spaces are vital to bringing the community together. SouthLondonLines spoke to staff and residents at Age UK Lambeth to see how it positively affects the community.

Alex Norman is the head of services at Age UK Lambeth. She said the charity helps the elderly to be independent and they “come out of their shells a bit more.” Some of the services run by Age UK Lambeth include “home visits, exercise and social classes, run outreach, different types of events for older people. We have a befriending service where you’re matched with a volunteer; they come home, sort of alleviate isolation.”

Julia De Cruz is a staff member at Age UK. She said, “This morning we had an energy boost drop-in for anyone over 18 in Lambeth that has questions about their gas and electricity.” This is vital to Lambeth as it helps bring together a community that feels like they don’t have enough community. In terms of how people can access this service, she said “They can drop in and find out more details at 10 Acre Lane.”