An ambitious mum who quit her job while on maternity leave and set about launching a not-for-profit organisation is crowdfunding to make her dream a reality. 

Louise Goulden had worked as a marketing director for 16 years before giving birth to her son Heath last year, which made her rethink her career path.

The mother-of-one set up The Together Project to tackle loneliness among care home residents through weekly singing sessions.  

The 37-year-old of Bell Corner, Walthamstow said: “When I took maternity leave it made me reassess my work-life balance and the kind of things I wanted to achieve.

“I had always had an idea of doing something in an area that is a bit more personal.

“My sister used to volunteer in care homes and she told me to take Heath to meet the residents because he would really brighten up their day.

“He’s a very sociable little boy and he revels in the attention.

“I want to bring friendship to older people because they are often shut away and the interaction is great for children as well to give them confidence.”

Ms Goulden has been leading a small group of parents and babies for Songs & Smiles weekly sessions in Ross Wyld Care Home, Forest Road, Walthamstow since July.

Although she admits venturing into the unknown was “quite scary” she used her background in marketing to conduct in-depth research and create a strong business model.

She was surprised to learn 60 per cent of elderly people living in care homes never receive visitors.

She is now hoping to raise £20,000 over the next month to enable her to expand the project to other care homes in Waltham Forest and eventually across the UK. 

“This is something we have an opportunity to make a difference in,” she said.

“A lot of the residents have dementia and it doesn’t seem to affect the part of the brain that memorises music and it’s great to see someone who is uncommunicative remember the actions to The Wheels on the Bus.

“Lots of other countries are good for intergenerational activities but there is more to do in the UK.

“It’s also good for the parents to speak with the residents who have been through the craziness of parenting and have a few wise words to offer.

“I want to give every care home, parent and child in the country the chance to get involved.”

For more information about The Together Project click here.  

To donate the crowdfunding campaign click here.