Welcome to your July Newsletter Sharing the latest guides, activities and resources from Islington Carers Hub and other local organisations. From support for carers looking after someone with a specific condition, details about how to access care and support to help manage day to day tasks home and speciality exercise classes, there's lots to share with you! Also, don't forget your photo ID when you vote at the UK-wide General Election on Thursday 4 July. Whether you are getting older, have a health condition or disability, it can sometimes be hard to ask for help. However, there is support available and Age UK Islington has put together an article, including useful contacts, links to useful guides and organisations that can help.
As a carer it is also useful to know about how to access this support in case the person you are looking after requires further help with day to day living. This could include support for aids, home adaptations, finding sheltered housing or having carers come in to help.
There is also a useful guide for carers from partner organisation Mobilise, "Guide to Care Needs Assessments".
Islington Carers Strategy Launch The Islington Adults Carers Strategy launch took place during Carers Week, last month It was an opportunity for carers to hear more about support that’s being planned for Islington carers through to 2030. Carers were involved in helping to shape the strategy, and the ongoing involvement of carers in putting the strategy into practice is equally important.
If you are an Islington carer and would like to contribute your views or thoughts, it would be great to see you at the next Carers Strategy Steering Group on Tues 23 July, 2-3pm at Islington Town Hall. GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Please note that booking is essential for all Islington Carers Hub and Age UK Islington activities. Carers Gardening Group
Thursdays, 2-4pm 8 weeks from 27 June Culpeper Community Garden, 1 Cloudesley Road, N1 0EG Join us for a cup of coffee and to catch up with other carers. Learn new skills and knowledge about gardening. We will learn about growing fruit, growing vegetables and aspects of maintaining a garden over the coming weeks. Carers Strategy Steering Group Tues 23 July, 2-3pm Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD The Carers Strategy Steering Group was set up for carers to have an opportunity to provide their input to the delivery of the Islington Carers’ Strategy. This month we’re welcoming Jenefer Rees, who is one of the Principal Social Workers at Islington Adult Social Care. She will explain how Social Services support carers with respite breaks and how you can apply for this. Let's Talk Peer Event July date & venue to be confirmed
Let’s Talk is a relaxed, informal way to share information and to keep informed. We are looking to move to a different venue on a regular basis to give a fair chance for everyone to attend. We will be sharing the July date and venue in a mailing to clients within the next week. Details also available from the Age UK website homepage and helpline after 8th July. Park Cuppa Special Edition with British Museum Wednesday 3 July, 11am – 12noon Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL Following the success of last month's Park Cuppa with the British Museum, they will be joining us for another Park Cuppa session, but this time at the Cally Clock Tower Centre. We'll be exploring ordinary objects with extraordinary craftsmanship that help us in our daily lives. Find out more about unusual and readily available materials people have used around the world - from ancient traditions such as barkcloth and gourds, to recycled tins and bottle tops. Come along, enjoy a cuppa and explore! British Red Cross First Aid Training Thursday 11 July, 11am - 12.30pm North Library, Manor Gardens, London N7 6JX Are you interested in learning essential, life-saving first aid skills to help in an emergency? If so, our first aid workshop might be for you. These are interactive workshops, run by experienced British Red Cross educators, that build your confidence to help someone in a first aid emergency, using everyday objects around you. Summer Intergenerational Event Saturday 20 July, 10am - 1.30pm Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH Celebrating community and nature. We’ll be enjoying crafts, live music and nature talks. Free food and hot drinks. Event will be both inside and outside. It is wheelchair accessible. Just drop-in, no need to book. Park Cuppa Special Edition with Nature Walk Wednesday 31 July, 11am-12noon Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL As a change to our regular weekly Park Cuppa event at Cally Clock Tower centre, we'll be starting with a short gentle walk around Caledonian Park led by Heritage Outreach Officer, Christopher. Take in nature, ponder the history, and enjoy the changing seasons. We'll go back to the centre for a cuppa and a chat. Dementia friendly. Pickleball (for adults 50yrs+)
Mondays 10am-12pm
Islington Tennis Centre & Gym, Market Rd, N7 9PL A new session for people aged 50+. Join us for a social game and a cup of tea or coffee. All abilities are welcome. For more information, please contact: Mikael.Kiviniemi@gll.org. Sessions cost £2.60 per week. Healthy Generations Remedial Osteoporosis classes
New online session starting Mondays at 6pm Petra Hind is starting a brand new online Remedial Osteoporosis class on Monday evenings at 6pm in addition to the Wednesday and Saturday online classes. Petra is also running an in-person class on Wednesdays at 10am at Cat and Mouse Library. WeSwim - Community disability swim club Tuesdays 7.15-8.30 pm.
Old Street, Ironmonger Pool, 1 Norman St EC1V 3AA
WeSwim is a community disability swim club that supports adults with disabilities and long-term health conditions in becoming more active in the water. The dedicated pool activity sessions provide a space where people can use their time in the water as they wish-improving swimming, working muscles, or simply escaping to a welcoming and engaging environment. All disabilities and swimming abilities welcome. Click below to learn more and sign up to swim. Jointly: app for carers - Wednesday 3 July, 3-4pm Jointly is an innovative mobile and online app, designed by carers for carers. Developed by Carers UK, Jointly helps to make caring a little easier, less stressful and more organised. Join them for an informative session where Geoff from their Carer Services team will be talking through how Jointly works and how it could help you in your caring role. Park Theatre ‘Together in Time’ end of term singing group Wednesday – Wednesday 3 July, 1.15pm Park Theatre, 13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JP
An invite from the Park Theatre to their end-of-term singing group Together in Time next Wednesday – 3rd July at 11.15am. Together in Time is a friendly and free weekly singing class for those living with dementia and their carers. Spaces are limited, so please email Carys directly via - Carys.Thomas@parktheatre.co.uk to book your place. Boxing Fitness events for adults with or at risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Islington Every Saturday 10.30-11.30am from 6th July Claremont Project, 24 White Lion St, London N1 9PD We are delighted that new classes are starting from 6th July. Get fit and fight against Type 2 Diabetes with these Champions 4 Change boxing fitness classes. There is a donate button on Eventbrite for people who would like to make a contribution but it is not mandatory.
The Cally Festival
Sunday 7 July, 1 –6pm
Caledonian Road area, N1 1WP The vibrant streets of London's Caledonian Road will come alive once again on the 7th of July, as The Cally Festival returns for another spectacular year of community celebration and cultural immersion. Age UK Islington will be there on a stall, so come by and say hello! In addition to the array of activities and performances, you can tantalise your taste buds with an eclectic selection of food and refreshments. The Main stage, Discovery zone, Calm zone and more await you. Click below for the full programme. Zaha Hadid Foundation Monthly Art Workshop
Wednesday 10 July 10.30am - 1.30pm
The Peel, Three Corners Centre, Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU
We'll be making sculptures out of clay and natural materials. Beginners are welcome and all materials will be provided. Light refreshments will be served. For more info and to sign up for a session, contact Kimberley - 07535 975244 / k.bottomley@peelinstitute.org.uk Whitecross Street Party, EC1
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July, 12 – 6pm The Whitecross Street Party (WXSP) uses street art and performance to bring people together. Every July, we take over for one weekend, in celebration of this radical community, at one of London’s most distinctive locations. You Can Grow That Here Sunday 14 July, 3-5pm
Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH This session will enhance knowledge and experience of food from other cultures that can be grown in the British climate. Participants will explore various fruits and vegetables and will look more deeply at the benefits and uses of one crop in particular, cho-cho (aka chayote or christophine), including how to grow and use it. This workshop is being organised by Islington Council and Black Rootz, a multigenerational growing project providing opportunities for Black and racially minoritised growers with the aim of improving the food system. Click below to contact the Islington Ecology Centre for more information. ‘Find your strength’ gambling webinar (online)
Tuesday 16 July, 10.30am–11.30am Organised by GamCare, join them and others to hear Nikki’s story, from experience of gambling harm to a journey of recovery. Free textile upcycling and repair workshop Tuesday 16 July, 10am-4pm FC Designer Collective, 113-115, Fonthill Road, N4 3HH Free upcycling and repair support with tuition. Delivered to you by Islington Council and Fashion-Enter Ltd. Information and support session with Fibromyalgia Action UK – Wednesday 17 July, 3-4pm Hazel from Fibromyalgia Action UK will be joining us for an information and advice session focusing on fibromyalgia, a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. FMA UK was established in order to raise awareness of the condition and provide information and support to sufferers and their families, health professionals and others. Boxercise Taster Session
Wednesday 17 July, 11am
The Peel, Three Corners Centre, Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU
Ever fancied trying a new type of exercise? We've got a FREE Boxercise taster session at The Peel. Expect non-contact boxing where you will learn, stance, defensive manoeuvres, foot movements, how to throw punches correctly and an an assortment of bodyweight exercises to develop all round fitness. No experience necessary! All abilities welcome.
Contact Kimberley - 07535 975244 / k.bottomley@peelinstitute.org.uk Waterlow Park: Tending to our Grief Reflective Walks
Every Friday, meet 10.45am, 11am–12.30pm
St Joseph’s Church, 107 Highgate Hill, N19 5NE This is a new project, providing regular reflective walks on Friday mornings at Waterlow park and Highgate Cemetary. The focus of these groups is to spend some time exploring feelings of grief (not only limited to bereavement), while allowing ourselves space and time in a natural setting. It is a gentle morning, and although there are opportunities to share, this is not expected. As it is outdoors, appropriate weather clothing is recommended. To book, contact: jane.faulkner5@nhs.net /07974 840 156. “Free to be me”: A Panel Discussion to Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month in Islington Tuesday 30 July 2024, 5.30pm-7pm
Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Anjna Khurana, warmly invites you to join her at her panel event to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month 2024! The theme of South Asian Heritage Month this year is ‘Free to be Me’ The panel discussion in the Council Chamber at Islington Town Hall and will be followed by light vegetarian refreshments. If you are interested in attending, please email the Mayor’s Office the mayor@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 3113. Healthwatch Islington Project on Home Care Services If you or a loved one receive care at home you can get free, independent information and advice about health and care services from Healthwatch Islington. They are also interested in hearing your feedback about your experiences of home care. What works well and what needs to be improved? To share your views on home care or request information and advice get in touch with Healthwatch: phone 07849 161494 or email megan@healthwatchislington.co.uk Tips for holidays for people with dementia Planning a trip away for a person living with dementia can have a positive impact on their wellbeing by creating new shared experiences, engaging in mindful activities and stimulation through new experiences. However, there are important things to consider when planning a holiday with or for a person with dementia, to make it relaxing and enjoyable for everyone. Read this article from Alzheimer's Association.
Dignity in Care Awards: nominations by 12 July Care workers, volunteers and community members should be recognised for the enormous contribution they make to families and the community in Islington. The yearly awards bring attention to the essential work that carers in Islington do to ensure our residents have a good quality of life by supporting them to keep their independence and dignity and to do more of the things they want.
If you know someone who deserves to be recognised for their care work, you can nominate them before 12 July 2024. This could be a carer (paid or unpaid), support worker, volunteer or colleague.
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. Contact the Helpline to receive our newsletter straight to you inbox (if you're not already on our mailing list)! | 