Dear Katy,
Wishing you a wonderful 2025! Sharing a selection of activities, events and resources hosted by Islington Carers Hub and other Islington partners, to help your new year get off to a great start.
We'd particularly like to draw your attention to a series of fully funded creative workshops, for 15 Islington carers, starting next week. Hosted by the incredibly talented tutors from Create, you'll need to book quickly to secure one of the places (see below).
CARERS GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Carers Creative-Writing Workshops Wednesdays 8 January to 12 February, 10.30am - 1pm The Peel Institute, 3 Corners Institute, 3 Corners Centre, Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU
Looking to explore your creativity and unwind? Book a place on our series of free Creative Writing Workshops hosted by Create! Led by award-winning writer and playwright Martin, you’ll have the opportunity to experiment with creative writing techniques, build fun and interesting characters, and express yourself in new and exciting ways.
This is a fantastic chance to meet other carers, enjoy some respite, and have fun in a supportive, friendly environment. No previous writing experience is required, and all resources and materials will be provided. Please note there are limited places, so early booking is recommended. 'Carers for Carers' Monthly Meetup Tuesday 14 January, 10.30am - 12pm (every second Tuesday of the month) Duke of Cambridge, 30 St Peter's Street, N1 8JT
Come along, take a breather and have a chat with other Islington carers in this comfortable venue over a tea or coffee. Supporting a loved one while trying to cope with everything else that’s going on can be challenging. Connect with others who also look after a friend or family member and discover a supportive space to talk, share and gain insights. Carers Jeanne, Stella and Wendy will be there to welcome you! Click below to let us know if you plan to come along.
Carers Talk Friday 17 January, 10.30am – 12pm Islington Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD
What would you like to see or do in 2025? Who would you like to hear from and what topics are important to you as a carer? This is a chance to meet up in person to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback to help plan our upcoming activities and events for later in 2025! There will be plenty of time to chat to others over refreshment and a great opportunity to connect with other carers!
AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS (for Islington adults 18yrs+) Regular Get Togethers
The weekly Park Cuppa at Cally Clock Tower Centre starts again on Wednesday 8 January 11am - 12pm. It's a lovely venue at the entrance to Cally Park, just by the Clock Tower, Clock Tower View, Market Estate, London N7 9HF. Drop-in for tea, coffee and a chat. In addition to the weekly session, we have a regular Park Cuppa special on the last Wednesday of every month (see further details under 'Partner Events' below).
Healthy Generations Activities including Dance Fitness start back the week of 6th January. Please note the temporary change of venue for Dance Fitness (Tuesdays 3-4pm) to The Cally Resource Centre,140 Copenhagen St, London N1 0SG. There's also a weekly Pilates session that you might want to try on Fridays, 10.30-11.30am at King Square Community Centre, King Square Estate, EC1V 8DY. All ages and levels of fitness. Don't forget the weekly online Art Appreciation session (Tuesdays 9.30 - 10.30am) and the Music Appreciation session (Fridays 5 - 6pm). You'll need to book via Healthy Generations (click button below).
Better Sports Get Togethers (50yrs+): the first session back will be 7 January at Sobell Leisure Centre and 8 January at Finsbury Leisure Centre. In addition to the multi-sports Get Togethers, there's a regular weekly Pickleball session on Mondays at the Islington Tennis Centre which might be of interest. It's similarly social, with tea and coffee as part of the session. Run by GLL, simply pay £2.70 debit or credit card at the sports centre for these sports sessions. Tech Break: Boost your confidence using your smartphone! Friday 3 January, 12-1pm
Are you looking to improve your confidence and get the most out of your smartphone or tablet? Join our monthly Zoom presentations, hosted by knowledgeable volunteer, Simon. Whether you’re just starting with digital devices or want to enhance your skills, these sessions are packed with practical tips and helpful guidance. Each session is tailored to cover the topics that matter most to you, based on the most common questions and feedback we receive. Men’s Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods Workshop Monday 13 January, 12 - 2pm Islington Council (Community Space) 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR
Looking to boost your confidence and improve your wellbeing? Book to join Lazza from Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods for a fun, interactive session to explore simple microchanges in our daily lives that can help us to feel better and more confident. It’s a great opportunity to learn new tips and techniques in a friendly, supportive environment. If you’d like, stay on afterwards for a light lunch and the regular Old Fire Station Men’s Group. Let's Talk Thursday 16 January, 10.45am – 12pm Islington Council (Community Space) 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR
Develop a passion for something new in 2025! Find out about the huge range of free courses in Islington, from sewing, learning a language, improving computer skills etc. Book to join us at the event. As always, it's relaxed, friendly and social with lots of discussion, guest speakers and a light lunch. Health & Wellbeing Walk Friday 3 January, 10-11am (every first Friday of the month) Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH
Escape the busy streets and join other locals for a regular monthly gentle stroll in a small, but lovely local park, surrounded by nature. Led by a knowledgeable guide from the Islington Ecology Centre, each walk offers something new and interesting to discover. The Islington Ecology Centre is set in an area rich in urban wildlife, including a variety of birds, insects, and plants. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some peaceful time outdoors. Free tea and coffee to follow. The walk is dementia-friendly and open to all Islington adults. No need to book, just turn up! If you have any questions, contact 020 7527 4374 / ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk Finsbury Winter Warmers, Walking Football Mondays, starting 13 January, 10-11am Finsbury Leisure Centre, Norman St, London EC1V 3PU
Looking for a fun, friendly, and slow-paced way to get moving? Join others on Mondays for a game of Walking Football at Finsbury Leisure Centre’s outdoor artificial pitch! It’s a great way to stay active, meet others, and enjoy some light-hearted competition. Please wear suitable shoes and clothing, and don’t forget to bring some fluids to stay hydrated. After the match, there's a hot cup of tea and a chat at Islington Museum. Any questions, contact mikael.kiviniemi@gll.org. Expert Patient Programme: Managing Diabetes Starting Friday 25 January, 1.30 – 4.30pm for 7 weeks Hornsey Rise Health Centre, Hornsey Rise, N19 3YU
Manage your Type 2 diabetes and gain control of your health in just 7 weeks. Diabetes Self-Management Programme. For more information and to book for the programme, contact 020 7527 1558 or email: whh-tr.Self-Management@nhs.net Park Cuppa special: 'Birds in the Parks' Last Wednesday of the month, Wed 29 January, 10 - 11am Clock Tower View, Market Estate, London N7 9HF
There will the opportunity to have a chat over a cuppa. The last Park Cuppa of the month will be hosted by the Cally Clock Tower Centre team. We will discuss all the types of birds we saw during the RSPB Big Bird Watch, plus the Peregrine Falcons which have been roosting in the Clock Tower! New attendees welcome. No need to book, just turn up! For info: 07591348185 or email callypark@islington.gov.uk. Contacting Islington Carers Hub For information, guidance or questions, please contact us on 020 7281 3319 or email: info@islingtoncarershub.org.
We look forward to seeing you!
Best wishes, Torps, Yvonne, David, Mary, Chris
Islington Carers Hub |