Over the last 12 years of running a care company, I have met so many older people who's lives have been changed by having the opportunity to remain part of their community.

With grants and funding, local groups are able to run fantastic weekly sessions, giving people a date in their diary to look forward to each week, to get out of their armchair, get out of their house and be with people, sharing experiences and having fun and talking.

We have already supported two local charities with grants from Home Instead Charities. The Lantern Art Centre in Raynes Park received a grant for a new projector for their Silver Screen Cinema -a bi weekly film club for oldies.

Also in receipt of a grant was the Wimbledon Foundation - who with our help are running an Active Ageing Club each week at Wimbledon's Football ground.

With your donations, we will really be able to keep it local and support people right here in the borough of Merton and Kingston, stay independent, living their best life! No one wants to get old. Let's make sure our old folk have the best time doing so!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.