9 June 2025

We're coming to the end of our Healthy Hearts: Resident Providers project, so Sara, our Voluntary Sector Engagement Lead, chatting with two inspiring sisters, Emily and Caroline, from The Daughters United, who took part in the project to hear about their experience of being a Resident Provider: 

How long have you lived in Haringey?

Emily: We have the privilege of running The Daughters United (an award-winning organisation) in Haringey – an organisation that empowers intergenerational women and girls to reclaim their power through coaching and mentoring workshops and events, whereby we use creativity and education to amplify their voices through storytelling and advocacy. 

Caroline: We’ve worked in Haringey for almost 4 years now, and in that time, we’ve grown deeply connected to the community. It's not just where we work, it’s where we’ve built relationships, grown as people, and become part of something greater. We provide life skills training and leadership opportunities, equipping women and girls with skills that foster confidence and a growth mindset in safe spaces for transformation.

What’s your favourite thing about Haringey?

Caroline: The people. There’s such diversity, passion, and strength in this community. Our favourite thing is how we show up for each other, especially through community-led programmes like '2 Walk & Talk'.

Emily: Whether it’s rain or shine, we see residents coming out, supporting one another, and taking steps — literally and figuratively—to better their health.

Why did you become Resident Providers?

Emily: Caroline and I joined this initiative due to our first-hand experience as caregivers to our late father, who suffered from a stroke and required support for over 18 years. For nearly two decades, our father’s condition left us and our mother, as his primary caregivers, facing the challenges of isolation and burnout. Early on, we learned from medical professionals and training sessions that incorporating regular outdoor activities could significantly improve his quality of life. Local parks and green spaces not only provided a change of scenery but also became essential in managing his physical rehabilitation and emotional well-being.

By engaging with the Healthy Hearts programme, we were able to advocate for structured outdoor activities that offer caregivers like us a much-needed respite. The programme has enabled us to reduce the isolation inherent in long-term caregiving and demonstrated that even small changes, such as a daily walk in a park, can lead to substantial health improvements.

What did you enjoy the most about being a Resident Provider?

Emily: The most fulfilling part was seeing women come out of their shells. I remember one participant saying, “This is the first time in months I’ve walked this far, and I’m not even tired - I’m uplifted.”

Caroline: Being a Resident Provider gave me the chance to hold space for those moments. We laughed, we talked, and through it all, we supported each other’s health, not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well. 

What does having a healthy heart mean to you?

Caroline: To me, a healthy heart is about more than just numbers on a chart; it’s about feeling connected, supported, and forming friendships. Through the '2 Walk & Talk' sessions, we realised that movement, fresh air, and real conversation could be healing.

Emily: A healthy heart is one that beats for others as well as for yourself.

Is there anything else you want to share with the community?

Emily: Yes, if you’re thinking about joining a walking group. These spaces are for everyone. You don’t need to be “fit” or “ready” - you just need to show up. 

Caroline: '2 Walk & Talk' programme has reminded us both that small steps can lead to big changes. It’s not just about walking; it’s about walking with purpose and with people who care. Let’s keep building a healthier, stronger Haringey together!"

To connect with Emily and Caroline, head to https://www.thedaughtersunited.co.uk/ or follow them on Instagram at @thedaughtersunited.

"To me, a healthy heart is about more than just numbers on a chart; it’s about feeling connected, supported, and forming friendships."