Welcome to your October Newsletter Sharing the latest guides, activities and resources from Islington Carers Hub, Age UK Islington and other local organisations.
In everyday lives as carers, it's easy to lose track of who we are, and remember what we like to do outside of caring. Islington Carers Hub's partner Mobilise has put together a great blog of 'Find balance and purpose outside of caring'. International Day of Older People Yesterday was International Day of Older People, a day that is about recognising and celebrating the integral role of older people within our communities. Debbie Bernard-Weekes, Deputy Mayor GLA, attended an event at St Lukes Community Centre to mark both the day and the launch of Islington becoming London's ninth Age-friendly borough. You can read the Deputy Mayor's blog by clicking below. Black History Month in Islington Community Venues In celebration of Black History Month, Islington libraries and community centres are putting on a series of events and talks. Hear fascinating insights from authors, get together with neighbours at fun events, share your own culture and get a rich insight into the backgrounds and histories of others. Photos from Dementia Information Event Islington Carers Hub organised a Dementia Information pop-up event at Arsenal Community Hub last month together with Islington Council. It was well attended by Islington residents, carers and professionals wanting to find out more about the condition and the support available in Islington. Click to see photos and for helpful information. It is World Arthritis Day on 12 October. Arthritis affects 1 in 4 adults and causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. If this is something that affects you, you might be interested in reading the Age UK guide about what can help and practical support there is available. It is World Mental Health Day on 10 October. Depression is more common than many people realise – it affects 1 in 6 people. If you're tending to feel low or anxious you might find this guide from Age UK helpful: Age UK guide: depression and anxiety.
Age UK Islington is running a series of regular workshops with iCope. The next one, focused on Managing Worry is on Thursday 10th October, 1.30-3.30pm at The West Library, Bridgeman Road. N1 1BD. It's not suitable for someone who is receiving support from mental health services or who has had support from iCope before, but if you'd like to request a place, please click below. Or for more information contact: activities@ageukislington.org.uk. These Get Togethers are specifically for Islington carers. Please note that you'll need to book for our activities and events. Mental Health Workshops For Islington carers Thursdays 3rd to 31st Oct, 5.30 - 7.30pm (Five sessions) Mental Health Centre, 1 Lowther Road, N7 8US
and on Teams If you are looking after someone with mental health problems, it can be incredibly challenging - whether they've had a diagnosis or not. We've put together this series of workshops with the North London Mental Health Partnership following feedback from Islington carers that these would be helpful. A different topic will be discussed each week. If you've not already booked, you've still time to book a place. Carers for Carers Meet-Up Tuesday 8 October, 10.30am-12pm Duke of Cambridge, 30 St Peter's St, N1 8JT Three Islington carers, Stella, Jeanne and Wendy are running a new relaxed, informal group that is run by carers for carers. 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. They will be there from 10.30am to 12pm and during this time, you can drop-in at a time that suits them - please book your place if you plan to go along. Carers Art Workshops Wednesdays from 30 October to 4 December, 2 - 4.30pm Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL Come and join Create's Art Workshops! Work with professional artist Anna to explore a variety of visual art and textiles techniques, creating your own original artwork, while meeting other carers, getting some respite, and having fun. The project will be inspired by the theme ‘Putting Carers on the Map’ and artwork will be displayed at our Carers’ Rights Day event at the end of November. Click below to email Islington Carers Hub to request a place. Ideally carers would be able to attend all six sessions. Carers Rights Day Thursday 21 November Upper Holloway Baptist Church, 11 Tollington Way, N7 6RG Carers Rights Day is one of two biggest events in the Islington Carers Hub annual calendar. Book your place today! It's an opportunity to come together with other Islington carers, hear useful talks from partner organisations, enjoy lunch and do something fun to follow. Park Cuppa Special Edition with Arsenal Wednesday 9 October, 11 – 12noon Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL We'll be putting the kettle on for a cuppa and Samir from Arsenal in the Community will join us to talk about something linked to local history, nature and sports. To request a place, click below. Park Cuppa special: Talk from London Canal Museum Tuesday 15 October, 10.30am-12noon Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH For our special edition of Park Cuppa at the Ecology Centre, we will be joined by Brian, an expert volunteer from the London Canal Museum who will give an insight into the history of canals in Britain in the 18th Century, looking at how they rapidly developed over this period. He will then focus attention on London's Regents Canal and its history up to the modern day.
Let's Talk Peer Event Thursday 24 October, 10.30am-3pm St. Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX Community safety information from Islington Police, information from SHINE energy and a celebration of Black History Month with special guest speakers sharing their poetry and their life experiences and live music from Richard Hadfield (Winner of Britain’s Got Talent) performing live, celebrating British and International Black Artists. Pop-up health checks and vaccines. October Future Matters Information Sessions Tuesdays 22 and 29 October North Library, Manor Gardens, N7 6JX In the same way as everyone should ideally have a Will, everyone should ideally have a Lasting Powers of Attorney in place. You might want to consider this for yourself or to encourage friends or other members of your family to complete them.
This means that if someone is in hospital for an extended period or no longer able to manage their day to day affairs, a trusted friend, partner or family member can do so on their behalf. Find out more and book a place on our next Future Matters information sessions. Park Cuppa Special Edition with British Museum Wednesday 30 October, 11 – 12noon Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL Join us for this special Park Cuppa session when special guests from the British Museum will be sharing objects and stories under the theme 'Games & Pastimes'. Explore and handle different games spanning centuries and cultures, share your own favourite pastimes and have a go at playing a special version of Bingo! Health & Nature Walk: Gillespie Park Friday 4 October, 10-11am
Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH A gentle stroll in a local park using nature to boost our mental health. Free tea and coffee afterwards. All Islington adults welcome. Dementia-friendly. No need to book, just turn up! For more information call 020 7527 4374 or email ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk. Gardening and Wellbeing Walks with The Garden Classroom Drop-in community gardening in parks with The Garden Classroom. The sessions offer a sociable opportunity to learn new gardening skills and to help transform local greenspaces. All tools and refreshments provided. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. No need to book, just
turn up! The Garden Classroom are also running Wellbeing Walks on Fridays in October. Click the button below for more information. Camden Harmony Singers Wednesdays from 25 September 6.30-8.30pm Hilldrop Community Centre, Community Lane, Hilldrop Road, N7 0JE Camden Harmony Singers is a friendly community choir, who rehearse on a Wednesday in Islington. They welcome singers of any ability, from the complete beginner to the more experienced singer. Leader Aaron Evans teaches all songs by ear, so there is no need to read sheet music.
Free taster available for all new members! British Sign Language Course
Mondays 6-8pm from 30 September
Arachne Community Centre, 13/15 Hercules Street, London N7 6ATW Arachne Greek Cypriot Women's Group will be offering a free Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) course at their community centre. This introductory course is perfect for anyone who wishes to learn the basics of British Sign Language, improve communication skills with the Deaf community, or simply explore a new language. No prior experience is needed, and by the end of the course, participants will have a foundational understanding of BSL and key phrases.
To register or for further inquiries, please email info@arachne-group.org or call 020 7263 6261 or 07485 399811. Stuart Low Trust: Free Performance Workshops 16 October – 4 December 2024 6.30-8.30pm on Wednesdays Islington venue Join a series of 8 performance workshops for anyone aged 18-35, suiting all levels of experience. Participants will get the chance to develop their performance skills and discover different aspects of theatre making. Whether it is exploring improvisation, character development, script interpretation or creating theatre from personal experience and more, there is something for everyone!
'Spoons, Cups & Other Vessels' (for 55yrs+) Thursday 17 October, 2 - 4 pm The ARC Centre, 98b St Paul Street, London, N1 7DF Join us for an afternoon of creative storytelling and plant lore. Curate your own warm drink, sculpt with ‘living’ and foraged materials, and connect over cups and other vessels. This gathering will be accompanied by cake generously provided by Ottolenghi, Pophams and Violet Cakes, and live cello music. Hosted by Cubitt, Izzy Johns - Rights for Weeds, visual artist Lucy Steggals, The Saturday Socials Art Group, Mildmay Residents, and cellist and composer Tara Franks.
Please contact Harri to book or for more information: 07774 282 167 or Join-in@cubittartists.org.uk
Local buses to The ARC Centre: 21, 38, 56, 73, 341, 476 Nearest Underground: Angel Station Health & Nature Walk: Caledonian Park Thursday 17 October, 10-11am Clock Tower, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF A gentle stroll in a local park using nature to boost our mental health. Free tea and coffee afterwards. All Islington adults welcome. Dementia-friendly. No need to book, just turn up! For more information call 07591 348185 or email callypark@islington.gov.uk.
Health & History Walk: Duncan Terrace Gardens, Colbrooke Row & Regents Canal
Friday 25 October 11am
Duncan Terrace Gardens, N1 8AL This is one in a series of Islington Guided Walks - gentle paced walks through green spaces, with expert local history guides. This walk will explore sculptures in the Duncan Terrace Gardens and enjoy a stroll along the canal. Meet in the gardens opposite St John the Evangelist Church. No need to book. 55+ Social Club
Tuesdays to Thursdays 12-4pm Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road,
N19 4RS Whittington Park Community Association has been running a Social Club for
55+ for over 30 years. Its aim is to help members stay healthy, independent and enjoy being part of the local community. It features art, movies, gardening, games, poetry, visits to museums and places of interest and a home cooked lunch (£4) Healthy Generations, Weekly Menopause Class
Wednesdays 9-10am
Hocking Hall, Whittington Park Community Centre,
Yerbury Road, N19 4RS Leader Val Almeida will cover all aspects of Menopause Health working together with the class to offer, find and try out solutions to discover what works best for each participant together with ways to improve overall health and wellbeing. Dementia-friendly activities and information sessions There are a number of dementia-friendly events and information sessions for both people living with dementia and their carers. Some of these started in September, but are still possible to join. Click below for more information. You might also be interested in reading these Age UK London Cost of Living Survey Are you currently in a position where you cannot afford your essential costs and go without food and heating? Age UK London would like to hear from you. Please consider completing their survey or if you prefer, contact campaigns@ageuklondon.org.uk and they will call you and complete it with you or send a copy in the post. The information you provide is confidential and it takes around seven minutes of your time to complete.
The feedback they collect will be included in their On the Edge report to be published in December this year. The report will be sent to decisionmakers and politicians across London to show the lived experience of many older people in London today who are struggling with the cost of living.
This October, join the 2.5 million people who’ve been inspired by Stoptober. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve tried before, Stoptober gives you the perfect opportunity to quit smoking. Stay smoke-free for 28 days, and you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good. With the right support, quitting is easier than you think. 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)!
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