Dear Islington Carer,

Welcome to Islington Carers Hub's December newsletter!  

NEWS

Carers Rights Day promoted the importance of self-care for unpaid carers

Carers Rights Day was a great success, with lots of Islington unpaid carers attending the eight sessions that were hosted by Islington Carers Hub and partner organisations. We'd like to extend special thanks to Islington Mayor, Cllr Troy Gallagher, who provided an opening welcome.  

During the day there were workshops to help with personal wellbeing - partners shared tools and opportunities to help increase motivation, boost mood, reduce stress and to enable carers to get a break from caring. For more about the day, and what took place, please click below.

Client, Rose, finds that 'digital support' is more than about the technology!

Islington Carers Hub client, Rose, explains how her one-to-one support to use a pc has been about much more than just the technology.

Rose has been learning how to get more out of her laptop with digital support arranged by Age UK Islington.  She wanted to be able to write letters on her computer and also to send and receive emails from her phone, so that she could better deal with her household admin.

Click the button below to read about how she got on. She had lots of praise for the staff and volunteers who were able to help.

Brighten up December with these Festive Islington Events!

Join us and Islington partners for a month of fun festive events!  There's lots that are taking place in person and some online using Zoom.  

We're delighted to be sharing a selection of events from partners' festive programmes, including: North London Cares, Islington Council, Museum of London, Healthy Generations, Cally Clock Tower Centre, Sadler's Wells, Head Held High, Help on Your Doorstep, Stuart Low Trust, StAn's Cafe, Octopus and Hornsey Lane Community Centre.

There's Festive Lights, Carol Singing, Wreath Making Workshops, Christmas Parties, Lunches and much more, including dementia-friendly events. We've also put some extra sparkle into some of our regular online Get Togethers.

It's a great opportunity to come together with friends and Islington neighbours.  Don't miss out - click below to see what's on and to book!  

OUR GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS

Let's Talk is now at both St Luke's Community Centre and on Zoom

From Wed 1 December, up to 30 people will be able to attend the popular monthly 'Let's Talk' peer event in person at St Luke's Community Centre. There's the added bonus of free refreshments!  But you're also very welcome to continue to join the event from home via Zoom.

As always, Let's Talk will provide the opportunity to talk about anything and everything that's to do with Islington - whether it's something you're having difficulties with or something you've discovered that you want to share.

Find out what's lined up for December's session, including talks about accessible transport from Transport for London and Age UK London. There's also information about London's Stop Smoking campaign. 

Find out more & book

NETWORK EVENTS & PROJECTS

Parks Winter Activities

What better way to get the circulation flowing than by taking a walk in one of the Islington Parks in the crisp fresh air. Cally Park has a Health and Bird-Watching Walk on 2 December and a Special Christmas Themed Walk around Cally Park on 4 December.

If you like crafts, there's a Wreath Making Workshop in Cally Clock Tower Centre on 23 December. Octopus also have a Wreath Making Social on 11 December in Upper Holloway, N7. Everyone is welcome to join!

For young people (18 - 25 yrs) with special educational needs and adults with learning disabilities, there is a Wild & Green Nature Gardening Project taking place at a garden space on Market Road.

For more info & to book, click the links above! 

Free 'Cook at Home' Course

Bags of Taste have a free ‘cook at home’ course running throughout December. If you would like to save money on food costs, learn to eat more healthily, and impress friends and family with your new found skills then it’s the course for you!

Bags of Taste can deliver a bag of free ingredients to your door containing everything you need for 3 tasty recipes. They then provide support, mentoring and encouragement to guide you through the 2 week course. The courses are entirely flexible - you cook at a time that suits you best.

To book your place text Justin on 07986042458 or click the link below to email him (islington@bagsoftaste.org).

Coping with the Festive Season

The festive season can be a difficult time. The pressure to seem to be having a wonderful time can leave us feeling left out, isolated and distressed. Many people feel this way, you are not alone. Focusing on something meaningful to you or reaching out to get help and support can feel liberating and nourishing. Camden & Islington Recovery College are running a course on Thursday 2 December to explore what may make the season challenging for you and discuss different strategies for coping

OTHER NEWS & GUIDANCE

Blue Badge Advice

There have been a number of reports about the theft of blue badges from cars in the local area. In nearly all cases the drivers side window is smashed and the badge is then stolen. If anyone has, or knows of anyone with, a disabled pass please remove the pass every time it is not essential to have it in your vehicle. If you are at home, and your parking space is not dependent on the badge being displayed, please remove it from your vehicle until you need it again.

If you know of anyone who has had their blue badge taken, please click the link below for advice from Islington Council as to what they should do.

Winter Flu & Covid-19 Vaccines

There are two essential vaccines that you may need this winter - flu and COVID-19 booster. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself, friends and family from these dangerous viruses. Click the button below for more information about eligibility and how to book the vaccines (www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations).

Covid-19 Guidance for Unpaid Carers

There is updated 'Guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family’ throughout in line with the latest clinical advice from UKHSA, including details about vaccinations and access to PPE.

Healthwatch Survey - Accessing GP & Dental Services

COVID-19 has led to many changes to health and care services. As services return to something like ‘normal’, it’s important to help decision-makers understand the impact that these changes are having on local people. Healthwatch Islington would like to hear about your experiences of accessing GP services and NHS dental services.