Tree of Light raises £2,000+

Thanks to your incredible support, our recent annual Tree of Light campaign raised an amazing £2,242.10 (January 2026).

At the end of last year, we hosted three magical switch-ons for our light-covered trees – each one dedicated to commemorating a loved one or a special cause and sponsorship closed on December 31.

Living best lives

Annie, our Manager, explains: “Our goal is to help people live their best lives – not just exist. Every sponsored light supports our multi-generational initiatives, connecting communities city-wide through our good neighbours’ network.

“We’re on a mission to boost social connectedness and eradicate isolation – issues that affect people of all ages and pose serious health risks. Fundraisers like this are vital, but we also rely on daily donations to continue this work through 2026. If you can, please make a donation today here, thank you.”

Good neighbours

“Along with our band of volunteers, who we call Communiteers, that give their time and support freely, we’re here to help people live their best lives – not just exist.

“Every sponsored light supports our multi-generational initiatives through our good neighbours network, connecting communities city-wide.

“New research in early 2025 from the University of Cambridge and Fudan University shows that social interaction boosts immunity and lowers risks of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.

Loneliness health risk

“Researchers reached this conclusion after studying proteins from blood samples of over 42,000 adults in the UK Biobank. Find out more here. These findings add to growing evidence that loneliness is a serious health risk.

“Our Tree of Light is more than a fundraiser – it’s a way to remember loved ones, pets and mark special occasions or anniversaries, while supporting vital work to combat isolation. That’s why fundraisers like this are vital – but we also need daily donations to keep going through 2026.

Social occasions

“Our annual switch-on events are wonderful social occasions – free and open to everyone. They’re a chance to come together and celebrate.

“We’re delighted with the fantastic response to this year’s campaign. The names of those remembered will soon appear in our Remembrance Book and are already published on our website.

Thank yous

“We’re very grateful to St. James by the Park Church, Woolston Millennium Garden, St Mark’s Church who provided our switch-on venues, as well as The Gardens Group (Castle Gardens) in Dorset, who provide the tree for St Mark’s, and Spectrum Signs, for their support. Thank you also to Ben Clark for this photo. This event is so important in our fundraising and social calendar.”