Does the London Borough of Richmond provide the best community support network for older people in the entire UK? Yes, very possibly.
Richmond has eight local charities, neighbourhood care groups (NCGs), offering practical support, for older people or those with extra needs, enabling people to stay in their own homes. Each NCG covers a specific postcode area and can easily be reached by local people using accessible public transport.
Why is this support unique?
While Richmond upon Thames is often associated with affluence, the reality is more complex. There are pockets of significant deprivation across the borough, including in parts of Hampton and Hampton Hill (TW12), where residents may be asset rich but cash poor. These financial pressures can impact daily living, especially for older adults and those on fixed incomes.
Yet, the borough’s wealth also brings with it a strong culture of philanthropy and civic participation. Many residents actively give their time, resources, and skills – from volunteering in schools to running community groups, organising local events, and supporting vital services. Richmond benefits from a long-established and vibrant voluntary sector, with organisations and individuals alike showing deep commitment to supporting their neighbours and strengthening the community.
Richmond’s ‘Great Eight’
The eight local Neighbourhood Care Groups (NCG) are:
- Ham and Petersham SOS Neighbourhood Care Group
- HANDS covers Twickenham and St Margaret’s
- Richmond Good Neighbours for residents in central Richmond
- Teddington & Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group (TedCare)
- Whitton Network
- Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care (H&HHVC) / Greenwood Community Centre
- FiSH Neighbourhood Care – covers Barnes, Mortlake and Sheen
- Kew Neighbourhood Association
Each NCG offers some or part support such as:
- telephone befriending
- face-to-face befriending
- shopping assistance
- transport to social and medical appointments
- weekly social and interest groups and
- interesting local excursions as well.
Amazing volunteers
All the NCG’s rely on local volunteers to provide their vital services. Without volunteers, their services simply would not exist. When a volunteer gives someone a lift, for example to a hospital appointment, it is so much more than just a lift. Friendly chat and that personal connection can relieve a bit of the anxiety and stress of the forthcoming medical challenge.
As our volunteers are often engaged with other local people and organisations, the two strangers can often, even on first meeting, find something of mutual interest. And it is this real-life, interpersonal connection that makes all the difference. If someone lives alone, then this may be their only personal interaction that week. The volunteers, often usually no longer spring chickens themselves, can offer a bit of kindness, care and personal attention. For an older person or someone going through one of life’s challenges, this can mean everything.
Community Centres and local charity networks
The neighbourhood care groups are part of the excitingly named ‘CILS’ or ‘Community Independent Living Service. The CILS contract is between 20 local charities and Age UK Richmond which manages the council funding and co-ordinates the partnership, providing vital support to people. CILS ensures that the network of support for older people living in the London Borough of Richmond is as best it can be.
Richmond CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) is the fantastic umbrella organisation supporting a the voluntary sector network of local organisations in the Borough enabling them to get on and do their positive stuff in the community.
Your Community Centre Week 22 – 28 September 2025
Some local charities have their offices within community centres, like Hampton and Hamton Hill Voluntary Care at the Greenwood Community Centre. And each September there is a Boroughwide event called “Your Community Centre Week“.
This year 2025 for Your Community Centre Week, Richmond’s community centres will be inviting residents to move, connect and celebrate through Come Dance With Us – a joyful programme dedicated to dance and movement for all.
This year’s events promise even more variety, energy and inclusivity. From expressive contemporary dance and vibrant Latin themed workshops to gentle seated movement sessions and lively daytime discos, there is something for every age and ability. Whether it’s your first time dancing or you’re a seasoned mover, everyone is welcome to join in.
Look out for the full schedule and get ready to step into the rhythm of 2025 with Come Dance With Us! See more at: yourcommunitycentres.org
Richmond’s celebration of ageing: The Full of Life Fair
Held every autumn, The Full of Life Fair is Richmond’s flagship event celebrating older residents. Organised by Richmond Council, it brings together local charities, businesses, public services, and entertainers for a day of inspiration, information, and interaction. With free workshops, wellbeing activities, dance and taster sessions, and opportunities to meet local services and groups, the Fair helps residents discover everything on offer to stay active, healthy, and connected.
It’s a brilliant showcase of Richmond’s commitment to ageing wel, placing older people not just at the heart of services, but at the heart of the community itself.
Authour: Chris Lofthouse (Opertions Manager, H&HHVC)
