Islington Carers Hub is here to provide advice, information and support to all carers aged 18 or over who live or work in Islington or care for someone living in Islington.
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Dear Islington Carer,
Welcome to Islington Carers Hub April newsletter!
We've been enjoying this lovely warmer weather, here at Age UK Islington and Islington Carers Hub. The parks are springing to life and there seems to be more than ever taking place locally. We hope you find the newsletter a useful guide to some of what's going on, together with details of some useful services for carers and money-saving tips.
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NEWS
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The Power of Parks, Pottery and Poetry
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Ever wondered if you should try one of the Islington parks activities and workshops that we've advertised recently? You might be interested in our interview with Age UK Islington client, Magda, who participated in three of the recent parks projects. Find out what Magda discovered, including new fun art techniques. Also how she was taken aback by how supportive the groups were and the power of poetry.
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Save Money on Your Weekly Shop
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A number of our staff have been letting clients know about local Food Co-ops which you can find across Islington. The Food Co-ops buy in bulk from wholesalers and also work with food partners to access good quality surplus food. Please find details of some below - take a look on their websites for more information.
Hornsey Lane Estate Community Centre run a Food Co-op up in the north of the borough on Saturday mornings, 10am - 1pm where you pay £3 for lots of good quality food. Cook for Good run a food pantry in the south of the borough on the Priory Green Estate on Thursdays, where residents can join for free and for £3.50 they can top up their weekly shopping to the value £20-£25. Mildmay Community Centre runs a Food Co-op on a Friday between 11.30am-1.30pm and you contribute £1 per person in your household. Manor Gardens Welfare Trust has a Food Co-op on Wednesdays, 11am - 12.30pm, again for £3. It also runs an Islington Food Partnership, and can help anyone who would like to set up or join a Food Co-op in their local area.
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GUIDES
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Carers Guide to Home Safety
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Sadly, around one third of people who die or are severely injured by fire were in receipt of some form of care or support. London Fire Brigade have shared a Carers Guide to Home Fire Safety. The video will help you to identify key high risk factors and show what actions can reduce these risks as well. It also covers what to do in the event of a fire.
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OUR GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS
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Carers Support Group, Wed 27 April, 10.30am - 12pm
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Will you be able to join us for this month's Carers Support Group? It's a good opportunity to meet other local carers - to share experiences and take some time out for yourself.
This month, Islington Council staff, Danny Taylor and Erin Manning, will present the new Assistive Technology service. Assistive Technology (sometimes referred to as ‘Telecare’) is equipment that can empower Islington residents to remain independent in their home and in the community, and can delay or prevent the need for long term care. This equipment provides residents, their carers, and their family and friends with the reassurance that help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It's particularly useful for adults who are at risk of falling, getting lost outside the home, smoke in the home amongst other situations.
Email the Carers Hub team to let them know you plan to attend and get a zoom link to join on the day. Even if you can't stay for the whole time, do join us for as long as you can.
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Mental Health Carers Support, Thurs 21 April, 1.30 - 3pm
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This is a group for people who are caring for someone with mental health issues. This month, representatives from Camden & Islington NHS Trust be discussing what is being done to address the inequality of people with serious mental illness in terms of life span. There will also be an opportunity for a discussion about any general issues that you've been experiencing and any questions that you might have.
Email the Carers Hub team to let them know you plan to attend and get a zoom link to join on the day.
The mortality gap in serious mental illness: causes and prevention Speakers: Dr Issy Millard (consultant psychiatrist) and Susan Cummins (community matron and senior specialist primary care nurse). Session chair: Dr Philippa Greenfield (consultant psychiatrist) Statistics show that people with severe mental illness die on average about 10 – 20 years earlier than the general population. Find out why, and what is being done to change this. The session will include information on annual physical health checks for people with SMI.
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Park Theatre Get Together & Show, Thursday 7th April, 2pm
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Our much loved Park Theatre shows have started again for Age UK Islington clients. In April there will be a matinee 'pay-what-you-can' performance of "Clybourne Park". Booking with Age UK Islington is essential and tickets will be on a "first-come-first-served basis"! Start with tea or coffee and a chat in a reserved area on the 2nd floor (Park Pizza) and then make your way to the performance which starts at 3pm.
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Create Willow Animal Sculptures, Thursdays 2-4pm
From April 7th to 2nd June
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We invite older artists (and non-artists!) to come and learn how to weave willow into animal sculptures inspired by the historic Caledonian cattle market. Some of the sculptures will be sited in plant beds outside the Cally Cafe. We will also look at other examples of willow weaving in London and try weaving different plant materials. Thursdays 2-4pm, April 7th to the 2nd June 2022, Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park
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NETWORK EVENTS & SERVICES
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Do You Need a Break from Caring?
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Do you remember the article we included about Carefree breaks not so long ago? Unpaid carer, Sue, talked about her very positive experience of a short break in a hotel in the Cotswolds. You might want to read about Sue's experience and contact the Islington Carers Hub team for more information: info@islingtoncarershub.org
Just to let you know that Carefree have extended their eligibility criteria to carers who are 18+ who provide unpaid care for 30+ hours per week.
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Islington Swimming Club for People With Disabilities
Whatever your disability or water confidence, come and join an upbeat, safe and inclusive swimming club that brings people together through swimming. Exercise or swim by yourself, or get help from one of their friendly volunteers who provide encouragement, support and conversation. Tuesday 8 - 9pm, Ironmonger Row Baths, Old Street (£2 per session).
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Enrolment Days for Islington Adult Community Learning
Click below to take a look at the Islington Adults Commuity Learning Summer course brochure. There are also lots of free courses offered by City and Islington College (visit adult students and/or short courses).
Are you looking to start a course in April? If so, you might like to attend their enrolment days on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 March, and Wednesday 20 April any time between 9.30am and 4pm at The Community Centre, 76 Parkhurst Road. N7 0FF. On the day you will be able to speak to a member of staff about any of their courses and sign up. They have a great range of courses starting in late April. Go along to find your perfect course!
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Move on Up
Move on Up, a supportive housing project for young adult carers in London have got new vacancies for their accommodation. Move on Up provides high quality, affordable, shared accommodation to young adults aged 18 to 25 years who provide unpaid care for a family member, or have done a substantial amount of caring in the past, and want to have the opportunity to move out of the family home. Each of their four properties houses up to three people at a time, located in Hackney, Bethnal Green, Stoke Newington and Tottenham.
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Islington Carers Hub Survey
To help us tune into your needs as a carer, we've put together a short survey. Your input is important to us. It will enable us to provide a service that delivers what you and other carers in Islington most need. It should take no longer than 5-10 minutes for you to complete. There's nothing to write, just tick the boxes! We would appreciate your feedback by 5pm on Friday, 29 April.
Covid-19 Spring Booster
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, friends and family from Covid-19 and flu. Click the button below for more information about the Spring Booster, eligibility and how to book for your jab!
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