Pilar, aged 76 and originally from the Philippines, has been attending CCT for the past three years, joining shortly after the pandemic. She was first introduced to our Tuesday Health and Wellbeing Drop-In at the Community Centre and has since become a regular participant across many of our activities. Pilar has taken part in the walking group, coffee mornings, and the Grahame Park Independent Living Group, as well as dance and craft sessions funded by Barnet & Southgate College Adult Community Learning. She has also benefitted from the Community Fridge.

She first discovered CCT through a friend who encouraged her to attend the Tuesday Health and Wellbeing Group for its bingo sessions. Although her friend, who lived locally in Grahame Park, has since sadly passed away, Pilar has continued to engage fully in the community.

Among all the activities she enjoys, Pilar’s favourite is the Grahame Park Independent Living Group for over-50s. She attends every Monday, taking part in the exercise sessions and staying afterwards to socialise. Through these groups, Pilar has made many new friends and feels a strong sense of belonging.

Pilar shared:

“I enjoy the set times, having to get to the groups on time, this helps me get up and get myself ready, i.e washed and dressed. I would be at home doing housework and lying down, not as active as I am which would make me miserable. I am happy as I have something to look forward to every day. Give’s me more confidence as I have gotten to know my neighbours better as I am constantly in and out of the house therefore around neighbourhood.

I started with the bingo, then the Bollywood and then the keep fit and then the walking group and coffee morning (which I enjoy as we play or just chat, and I learn new things that are happening) – sometimes I leave the housework as I have so many activities to occupy my time. My son sometimes says I am overdoing things, but I disagree as without this I would not feel as happy as I do. I have introduced many friends to the groups, and they all thoroughly enjoy the group activities.”

Pilar also states that the groups make her feel happy, and is helping her to stay fit and healthy.