Welcome to your February Newsletter Sharing the latest guides, activities and resources from Age UK Islington and other local organisations here in Islington.
If you couldn’t make Age UK Islington's January Let's Talk session, don't worry! We have video extracts of the talks given by Adult Community Learning and Recovery College, so you can still hear what they had to say. The talks brought to life some of their huge range of courses and opportunities. Incredibly, these courses are available for free for many Islington residents.
Click below to see the short videos together with slides from their talks and course guides. Whether you're interested in learning English and maths, sewing, DIY, building computer skills, or exploring self-care tools for better wellbeing, it's definitely worth checking out! We'd also like to share a glimpse of the recent Healthy Minds Healthy Bods workshop run by Lawrence which took place at Holloway Neighbourhood Group at the Old Fire Station. It was brilliant! Lazza did a great job of enthusing those who took part and a few men who took part even stayed on for the regular Monday afternoon Men's group.
Click below to see the video together with information about other Healthy Minds Healthy Bods walks and fitness sessions, local men's groups, multi-sports sessions and walking football. What's on at Holloway Neighbourhood Group, N7 Eira, Centre Manager at Holloway Neighbourhood Group and colleagues Chelsey and Lola were great hosts for the Healthy Minds Healthy Bods workshop. Click below to see an introduction to the centre by Eira and Chelsey. For further details about what's on, see their website. Let's Talk: Housing Options Thursday 20 February 10.30am-1.30pm Islington Council Community Space, 222 Upper St, N1 Let's Talk is our regular monthly information sharing event. It's informal, relaxed and social. This month, we'll be joined by members of the Islington Council Housing team who will be talking about housing options in Islington, including sheltered housing. They will also explain how the points system works and give an insight into housing options outside the borough. There will also be practical guidance about what steps to take if you are ever at risk of losing your home. Booking for the event is essential - click below for more information and how to request a place. Singing Workshop, The Recovery College
Wednesday 26 February, 2-4pm King Square Community Centre, Kings Square, Central St, EC1V 8DA Join us for a workshop that invites you to rediscover the power of singing in community. Led by Ulanah, a professional mindfulness practitioner and coach, the session begins with relaxation techniques and vocal warm-ups. You’ll then sing in small groups before coming together as a larger ensemble. Booking is essential - request a place by clicking the button below. Park Cuppa Special Edition: Arsenal in the Community
Wednesday 12 February 11am-12pm Cally Clock Tower, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF Join us at the charming Heritage Cally Clock Tower Centre for the second Park Cuppa of the month, hosted by Samir from Arsenal in the Community. It’s a fantastic chance to dive into a lively discussion about local history and all things community-related. And of course, the kettle will be on - so come for a cup of tea, great conversation, and find new local friends. Park Cuppa Special Edition: 'How to Read a Painting'
Wednesday 26 February 11am-12pm Cally Clock Tower, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF Join us for the last Park Cuppa of the month at the Cally Clock Tower Centre, when we always welcome a guest speaker. This time, we’ll dive into the world of art - have you ever looked at a painting and thought, "What am I looking at?" We'll explore some of the most iconic paintings on display in London’s museums and discuss how to truly understand and appreciate them. And, as always, the kettle will be on for a warm cuppa and a good chat. Tech Break
Friday 7 February, 12-1pm via Zoom Join knowledgeable volunteer, Simon, for this month's Tech Break. In this session we will learn about another charity called AbilityNet that does technology webinars like AgeUK's tech break. We will watch a few together and discuss some of the recent topics that they covered. Looking for a gentle fitness activity to enjoy weekly while meeting new people? Check out some of the regular weekly Get Togethers hosted by Better Leisure and Healthy Generations including multi-sports sessions, dance fitness and pilates. There are also fun in-person activities like the Lego Get Together, Park Cuppa, and online options like Music and Art Appreciation. Details of these weekly Get Togethers are always available on the Age UK Islington website. Art Appreciation: Special Editions via Zoom
Tuesdays 4th and 25th February, 9.30-10.30am Art Appreciation is a weekly online session run by Healthy Generations. There are two special editions on 4th and 25th February coming up that are a must for art lovers! The group will be joined by experts from the art world for talks about 'Social Class in Art' at the Wallace Collection and Leighton House: 'Frederic, Lord Leighton and Mary Lloyd'. Creative Writing and Poetry Course Tuesdays 28 January to 18 March 2-3.30pm Islington Mind, 48 Despard Road, N19 5NW Come along and self-express in a safe, friendly space with like-minded people. Each week they will explore a different theme and experiment with different techniques and writing styles. All levels of experience are welcome. English Language Conversation Tuesdays 9.15 to 10.30 am, starting 4 February (during school term times only) Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19 4RS New class for English Language Conversation. Run by a local retired teacher to help those learning English to practise real life conversations. Drop-in, no need to book. Performance course run by Odd Eyes Theatre Wednesday 5 February - 2 July, 6.30-8.30pm Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, N1 0DX Organised by Stuart Low Trust and open to anyone aged 18-35, with all levels of experience. There will be drama exercises and professional training to support, inspire and challenge you in this process with three opportunities to perform. The final performance will showcase as part of Cally Festival 2025. You will develop a performance in a style and medium of your choice and learn about autobiographical writing, devising and script development. "Exceeded my expectations". "I was inspired." Click below to email Stuart Low Trust.
Over 60s Club Quiz Wednesday 5 February 11am-12pm Central Library, 2 Fieldway Cres, N5 1PF Challenge
yourself against others and keep the brain cells active with a general
knowledge quiz. Refreshments available, and a prize for the winner! Drop-in for this fun session.
Health and Nature Walk Friday 7 February 10-11am (first Friday of the month) Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Pk, N5 1PH Have you tried the monthly Health & Nature walk in Gillespie Park? If not, why not go along (it's always the first Friday of the month). The walk is guided by Elena from the Islington Ecology Centre in Gillespie Park, run by Islington Council. Elena has a wealth of knowledge about nature and the session always finishes with tea and biscuits. All welcome. Dementia-friendly. Drop-in, no need to book.
Zaha Hadid Foundation Creative Art Workshop Wednesday 12 February 10-12pm The Peel, Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU Join the Zaha Hadid Foundation for a creative art workshop
where you can design and paint your own tile, inspired by nature and
architecture. Suitable for beginners. All materials provided and light
refreshments will be served. You might also be interested in the Quentin Blake Art Workshop on Fridays at 10.30am-1pm. For further information contact Kimberley on 07535 975 244 or K.bottomley@peelinstitute.org.uk Tranquil Health and Wellbeing Valentines Party Saturday 15 February 10am-4pm Brickworks Community Centre, 42 Crouch Hill N4 4BY Join Glenda and the Brickworks team for a fun filled afternoon. Entertainment includes sing along songs, poems, speakers, chair yoga, Zumba fitness, music, dancing, games and prizes. Refreshments served at 1pm. Sing for Wellbeing Choir Tuesday 25 February 5-6.15pm (last Tuesday of month) London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Rd, N7 8DB Join us on the last Tuesday of the month at London Metropolitan University for a fun and uplifting hour-long singing workshop. You don't need any prior experience so come along to learn some songs, meet new people and have some fun! This event is open to all. Health and History Walks Friday 28 February, 11am-12pm Grimaldi Park, Cumming Street, N1 9JU (meet by the entrance) Enjoy a gentle-paced walk through green spaces, led by Islington Guided Walks. They have expert local history guides to give you fascinating facts about Islington's past. On this walk, find the musical Grimaldi sculpture and the grave of politician Henry Penton, who gave his name to the Pentonville area. For a list of future walks, see the Islington Life website. Aqua Fitness Tuesdays 12-1pm Caledonian Road Pool, 229 Caledonian Road, N1 0NH A good cardiovascular workout, delivered by Healthy Generations. Great for helping to improve heart health. It strengthens and tones muscles and improves flexibility, while the support of the water greatly reduces the risk of muscle and joint injuries. Free with £5 optional donation. Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2025
Welcome to Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2025. There is going to be so much to enjoy this February! Everyone is invited to explore LGBT history through art workshops, exhibitions, guided walks, history talks and more! Community Gardening for All, The Garden Classroom
Tuesdays 10am-12pm @ Market Road Garden, Market Road Wednesdays 10am-12pm @ Newington Green
Wednesdays 10am-12pm @ Grenville Road Gardens
With energy bills on the rise, why not head to a warm space? Several venues across Islington offer warm spaces throughout the week, including some evenings and weekends. Everyone is welcome to join. Enjoy hot food and drinks, take part in wellbeing activities, and connect with others in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Getting Vaccines and Access to Healthcare For details of how to access urgent walk-in treatment centres, get vaccines, help from pharmacists and other healthcare teams, click below. Employment bulletins and resources Islington Council provides employment support and a regular 'Islington Working' email bulletin. See the recent bulletin including details of National Apprenticeship Week opportunities in February, courses, grants and job opportunities. Peabody also has a range of resources from tips and guidance for CV preparation to how to use 'Linked in' to find employment and subscribe to their regular Jobs Bulletin for training or employment opportunities. Smart Works offers Career Coaching for any unemployed woman currently job searching and looking to secure an interview, offering tangible advice and next steps for their employment journey. They can also provide high-quality interview clothing and interview coaching. Call 0207 288 1770 or click below to see their website. Islington Council Consultation on Private Rented Housing Licensing The private rented sector in Islington has grown considerably over recent years, with a number of landlords providing poorly managed and unsafe homes. The Council has considered options to tackle problems of poor housing, anti-social behaviour, crime and deprivation to protect the health, safety and welfare of the occupants, and to improve the areas where these problems are most significant. The council would like your views on their proposals. Islington Dementia Friendly Activities 3D Sculpture Arts Programme Thursdays 11am-1pm, 6 February to 3 April
Arsenal Community Hub, 56 Benwell Rd, N7 7BY An 8-week programme for local Islington residents living with early-stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their companions exploring 3D art forms such as wire-model making, clay ceramic building and flag making! This programme is free of charge. All materials are included. To register contact Christina Bryant on 020 3633 9954 or email christina@artsfordementia.org.
For other Islington dementia-friendly activities including: monthly Dementia Information Sessions (including 6 February), regular Singing for the Brain Sessions, monthly Fish & Chip Fridays, see the Age UK Islington website. Drop-in Clinic for E-Visa Help Thursdays 11am - 3pm (13 February - 3 April*) North Library, Manor Gardens, Islington, N7 6JX Drop-in for support to submit an e-Visa application. Please bring your BRP / BRC and your passport, if available. Please note there is no clinic on 13th March. For more information, contact Migrant help: evisa@migranthelpuk.org or call 07483 170100 Islington Council Adult Social Care Accommodation Strategy Islington’s Adult Social Care Accommodation strategy
outlines the long-term plan to provide accommodation for people with care and
support needs. The strategy was shaped by residents who use the services, their
carers and the people who support them. Islington Council Stop Smoking and Weight Management Activities Islington Council is running two 12 week services to help residents stop smoking or manage their weight. For more information on the stop smoking service please contact info@breathestopsmoking.org or 020 3633 2609. To sign up for the weight management service simply click below to complete a short online form or call 0333 2221333. Feedback on 'Stop Smoking and Weight Management' Services and Campaigns Islington Council and Camden Council Public Health teams are using a research agency to find out how stop smoking services and communications campaigns can be improved to engage with even more Islington residents. There are also a number of follow-up workshops taking place at St Luke's Community Centre 12th - 17th February for different groups of residents. Each participant will receive a £20 voucher and a hot meal for attending the workshops. Review of Access Guides to Local Venues Islington Council are currently reviewing the Islington offer of online guides to local venues including accessibility information and would love to hear from you. Click below for their simple online survey open until 16 February. Contacting Age UK Islington If you are finding things difficult and need someone to talk to, don't forget that you can call the Age UK Islington Helpline on 020 7281 6018 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) or email gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk.
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