Welcome to your September Newsletter Sharing the latest guides, activities and resources from Islington Carers Hub and other local organisations. Islington Fitness Week, 16 - 21 September A recent study from the World Health Organisation is a good reminder about the value of keeping active and how this can make the world of difference to our health - physically and mentally.
With it being national fitness day on 18th September, we've come together with partners to offer a week of different ways to keep active:
16 - 21 September. Why not try something new? There's something for everyone - whether you want to give cycling a try (there's special adaptive bikes available too), do some line dancing, multi-sports with a cuppa or a 'healthy minds, healthy bods' session with Lawrence in the park. It's also a good way to meet others and we can guarantee a warm welcome! Can we really heal and recover from a caring crisis? In a heartfelt blog by partner Mobilise, carer Bridget shares her personal journey through a sudden expansion of her caring responsibilities and the toll it took on her health - something many of us can relate to. From spotting red flags early, to prioritising self-care amidst the chaos, read how to spot the signs of a crisis, and ways to safely recover. It's perfectly normal to feel worried about scams, but information and advice can help you spot and avoid the latest scams and keep your money safe. With this in mind, we've teamed up with Islington Police who will be delivering a series of talks this autumn at different community venues. On Wednesday 18 September they'll be at the Elizabeth House Community Centre's over 50s club, as part of this regular weekly session. Changes to Winter Fuel Payment If you were born on or before 22 September 1958 and are receiving certain benefits (see article), you should still receive your Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November. People who receive Pension Credit will automatically be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. It is worth noting that there are a lot of people who could be receiving Pension Credit but have not applied for it. Even if you have savings, this is worth looking into. Click below to find out more. GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Please note that booking is essential for all Islington Carers Hub and
Age UK Islington activities. There is a printable quarterly flyer with details of the upcoming get togethers and activities for Islington carers. Click below to view the flyer and print it! You'll need to book for any of the activities.
Carers Local History Walk Thursday 5 September, 10.30am - 12pm Meet outside Highbury and Islington station at 10.20am This gentle walk will be led by Samir from Arsenal in the Community. He'll be sharing the history of the village of Highbury and its development from Roman times to the present day. Starting at Highbury and Islington station, the walk will go to Highbury Place, Highbury Fields, Highbury Terrace, Highbury Barn, Highbury Hill and the Arsenal Stadium.
Please note that this is not a stadium tour. There are no toilets along the route until we get to Emirates Stadium. There is one flight of stairs to navigate as we get to the stadium to get up to the podium level from Drayton Park. There is an alternative route which we will take if we have wheelchair users with us. Tech Break (online) Fortnightly Friday 6 Sept, 20 Sept, 12-1pm How do you find using your smartphone, tablet or pc? Simon, our knowledgeable Tech Break volunteer puts together a presentation for each session to give you a valuable insight into a new topic. Topics are based on feedback from clients. Our next session on 6th will focus on 'How to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs' or 'How to use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets' on 20th. Click below to request a Zoom link to join on the day. Carers for Carers Meet-Up Tuesday 10 September, 10.30am-12pm Duke of Cambridge, 30 St Peter's St, N1 8JT Three Islington carers, Stella, Jeanne and Wendy are going to be starting a new relaxed, informal group that is run by carers for carers. They are planning to meet monthly, with the first meeting taking place on 10th September. They will be there from 10.30am to 12pm and during this time, you can drop-in at a time that suits them - you'll need to contact us to book in advance. All carers are welcome, but it would be particularly good to meet those carers who've never been to an Age UK Islington or Islington Carers Hub event before. Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods Workshop
Tuesday 17 September, 10.30am – 12noon Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH Join Lazza and Jack for a fun interactive session to discover what micro-changes we can make in our lifestyles to improve our confidence and wellbeing. This is one of the activities that is part of Islington Fitness Week! Carers Strategy Steering Group Thursday 19 September, 10.30am-12pm
Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD Find out more about plans to support unpaid carers in Islington and share your views. Guest speakers from Islington Mind and the Islington Council Coaching Service will be joining us. Let's Talk Peer Event Thursday 19 September, 10.30am - 2pm St. Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX Let’s Talk is a relaxed, informal way to share information and to keep informed. As part of this month's session, there will be discussions about cuckooing, hate crime and safeguarding inequalities. Guest speakers and various providers with information stalls will be providing advice on crime prevention and safeguarding. Park Cuppa Special Edition with British Museum Wednesday 25 September, 11 – 12noon Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL Join us for this special Park Cuppa session with the British Museum. Explore ordinary and extraordinary objects form the museum’s handling collection. Share your own stories and memories about your favourite foods, hot beverages and lovely feasts!
Dementia Information Event Thurs 26 September, 10.30am-12.30pm Arsenal Hub, 56 Benwell Road, N7 7BY Visit information stalls to learn more about local services support that is available for people living with dementia in Islington. A dementia-friendly reminiscence session will run alongside the event. Cllr Burgess will provide an opening welcome. Islington Adult Community Learning Enrolments
Wed 4, Thurs 5, Fri 6 September, 9.30am-4pm (3.15pm)
The Community Centre, 76 Parkhurst Road, N7 0FF
Enrolments are taking place for courses starting in September. There are English courses, Maths, Employability courses, Digital courses and Creative, Practical and Wellbeing Courses. Free to adults who are aged 19+ (as at 31 August 2024) and either unemployed or earning less than £25,642. Future Matters Café (Online)
Saturday 7 September, 10.30am-12pm Future Matters Cafés are friendly, non-judgemental get-togethers designed to increase awareness of end of life care planning, and help people make the most of their (finite) lives. These are informal discussion groups about all aspects of life and end of life, rather than grief support or counselling sessions. One session is never the same as the next and the conversations range from the practical to philosophical. Experienced facilitators will be there to guide the discussions. Please click below for more information and to book. Peabody Careers and Volunteer Fair
Wednesday 11 September, 10am–4pm The Nest, Cygnet Square, SE2 9UH Visit the Peabody Career and Volunteer Fair to explore exciting career opportunities and volunteer positions. To sign up click below. Men's Wellbeing Workshops
Tuesdays 10–24 September, 6.30-8.30pm
Elizabeth House, 2 Hurlock Street, N5 1ED This project delivered by Beyond Equality provides a space to meet others, discuss your mental wellbeing and pick up some tools to support yourself. There are three sessions: Men and Mental Wellbeing, Masculinities and Seeking Support and Building Supportive Communities. Sessions that they've run have had really positive feedback with 96% of participants saying that they enjoyed them. Cook for Health Hugh Cubitt Community Centre, 48 Collier Street, N1 9QZ Did you know that food can transform long-term health conditions such as heart problems, respiratory issues or diabetes? Register for this six month programme where we will help you to look at ways to cook, eat, move and look after yourself to improve your health. To find out more and book your place email martha.ahmet@cookforgood.uk. Expert Patients Programme
In person: Fridays 27 Sept to 1 Nov 1.30-4pm
Hornsey Rise Health Centre N19 3YU
Online: Tues 17 Sept 12–2.30pm to 22 Oct 1.30-4pm A free six-week self-management course for people with a long-term health condition who live in Haringey or Islington or who are registered with an Haringey or Islington GP. It’s about taking control of your health, feeling better and being able to do the things you want to do. Over six 2.5 hour sessions you will develop your confidence to manage your health condition and feel more in control. The course also welcomes family members and carers of people with a long-term health condition.
For more information call 0207 527 1189/ 1707 or e-mail: whh-tr.Self-Management@nhs.net
Recovery College 10th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday 25 September, 10am–3.30pm The Well, St. Pancras Hospital, NW1 0PE Join the Recovery College to celebrate their unique, ever-evolving journey of recovery and resilience. The event will feature student and tutor presentations, a theatre production, a raffle, lunch and more. The event is free, but booking is essential.
Also the Recovery College Autumn Programme of in-person and online courses on recovery and maintaining wellbeing runs from September to December. These educational courses are free for everyone aged 18+ in Camden and Islington. The course brochure is now available. Islington Council Resident Engagement Strategy Islington Council is setting out its commitment to a more transparent relationship with council tenants in its new Resident Engagement Strategy. They want to hear from residents to help them build a more resident-focused housing service. Click the link below to share your views. Closing date for feedback is 29 September. The Autism Project Supported Employability Programmes The Autism Project now has 1-year, 2-year and 3-year pathway options for autistic adults aged 18-25 with an EHCP. Learners will be assessed before joining the project and a pathway will be chosen based on their needs, aspirations and EHCP outcomes. All of the pathways support and prepare learners to identify their aspirations and develop transferrable skills for their futures. To attend one of the monthly information sessions and find out more visit: https://care-trade.org/events/ September Alzheimer's Awareness Month
A number of activities are taking place this month to increase awareness and understanding of dementia. There are also some great courses and activities including the Art of Craft starting on 13 September. This gives people with early-stage dementia and their companions the chance to try their hand at a number of new crafts including ceramics, textiles and silversmithing. The V&A are also offering dementia-friendly tours. Start-up School for Seniors Online 18 September to 6 November Are you aged 50+, based in Islington, with an idea you want to become a business? Enrol in this online course and acquire the knowledge and skills to transform your ideas into a successful business venture. Click below to find out more and register. Manor Gardens Activities for September Manor Gardens' activities include various support groups, yoga classes and introductory courses for ESOL and painting as well as social sessions. Details of the activities can be found at the link below. This year, for International Overdose Awareness Day (31st August) and Recovery Month (September), Islington Public Health Team and Drug and Alcohol Services are hosting a series of learning opportunities to raise awareness of drug and alcohol related harm, treatment and recovery. All sessions are free for anyone working in Islington or with Islington residents, please sign-up here. Training Courses in Mental Health Support Services Online 18 September to 6 November 'We Find Any Learner' provides a comprehensive selection of courses for anyone seeking to acquire new skills and qualifications to enhance their personal development or to start a new career.
Mental Health Support courses coming up include: Counselling Skills, Mental Health First Aid and Understanding Autism. You can easily sign up on the website at www.wefindanylearner.com/book-online/ or by contacting the training team at 01226 958 888. Contacting Islington Carers Hub If you are in need of financial or practical guidance related to your wellbeing or for the person you care for, or simply need a listening ear, don't forget that you can call the Islington Carers Hub Helpline on 020 7281 3319 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) or email info@islingtoncarershub.org.
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