The origins of Likewise
Our founding story
“The highest levels of social isolation and loneliness are estimated to have an equivalent health-harming effect as obesity and physical inactivity, and national prevalence of both are increasing with predictions that they will reach epidemic status by 2030.”
Social Isolation, Loneliness and Community Connectedness in Camden: Health Needs Assessment, 2022
The intention when we were founded was to create a community space for all people to be safe to be themselves, supported by staff and volunteers. Our support offer, membership and the location of our community centre have changed over time. But our founding purpose and values remain. Too many people are excluded from society on the grounds of their apparent difference, whether it’s mental health challenges, neurodivergence, immigration status, poverty or other needs. This exclusion leads to isolation and loneliness, which are proven to make mental and physical health problems even worse.
Why ‘Likewise’?
We believe in the power of our shared humanity, the power of community, and the role that genuine relationships and human connection play in enabling each of us to reach our potential.
The need to belong, to feel safe to be yourself, and to connect with others are universal to all humans, and critical for wellbeing. Likewise is about celebrating the complexity, sameness and difference in everyone – clients, staff, community members and volunteers alike.
Psychotherapist and expert in relational intelligence, Esther Perel