For Karen, attending a Together Better weekly coffee morning at their local surgery has become much more than simply enjoying a cup of coffee. It has provided a vital source of connection, friendship and belonging, helping them take steps towards overcoming depression and enabling them to become more engaged with their community.
Karen has lived here for more than 20 years, but for several reasons has not been able to return to their home country to see her children. This separation from their family, at a time when they were also facing challenges with their living situation, had a significant impact on her mental health, resulting in her becoming increasingly housebound, socially isolated and depressed. Karen‘s GP at the Lea Surgery referred them to the Together Better programme. This is a GP surgery-based project which empowers volunteers to run free activities at surgeries, and supports people to connect and stay active through taking part in activities and meeting people in their local community.
Karen attended a Together Better Coffee Morning for the first time a few years ago and has not looked back since. What began as a weekly coffee morning quickly became an important part of her routine, providing Karen with a regular opportunity to socialise. Attending each week has given her a sense of inclusion and belonging, and has helped her to rebuild confidence. Karen has now also joined the Together Better book club and attended some of the programme’s group outings.
“I wait for Wednesdays and I am always the last to leave after every activity because I enjoy it so much. My favourite is going on trips to different places like museums or picnics with the group. It is fun as I don’t have many friends or family here… I went to Kew Gardens and many places which I wouldn’t go to if I was [not on the programme]…”
The Together Better programme has allowed her to access opportunities and experiences that they may otherwise never have. The regular activities have given Karen something to look forward to each week, encouraging her to leave the house, meet new people and develop new friendships.
Reflecting on the relationships they have built with other activity attendees, and the positive changes in their mental health, Karen said:
“After coming here, I realised how many people come from different backgrounds and they have their own life stories and challenges. Talking to them makes me feel grateful and also know that I am not the only one. It helped me in getting over depression. I would say now my depression is 8 out of 10 times better than before.”
Nuha, who joined Volunteer Centre Hackney in 2026 as the Community Engagement Coordinator for Kingsmead Surgery, has also seen first-hand just how much Karen benefits from the Together Better programme:
“I have noticed a significant increase in her self-confidence. Compared to when I first met her, she now appears much more comfortable expressing herself, sharing her thoughts and representing herself within the group. It has been lovely to see her become more confident and engaged over time.”
For Karen, what started with a referral to a local coffee morning has developed into something much more meaningful — a sense of belonging, new friendships and a renewed enthusiasm for getting out and experiencing life.
Karen’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection. By creating welcoming spaces where people can meet, build relationships and try new things, Volunteer Centre Hackney’s Together Better programme is helping to tackle social isolation, improve wellbeing and strengthen communities across Hackney.
If you are interested in attending or setting up an activity, find out who your nearest surgery’s Community Engagement Care Coordinator is by clicking here.