Please read on for ideas about how to keep your spirits up including a new online cooking event as well as the latest wellbeing "know-how" from the Islington area.
We've also some feedback from the recent Carers Pathway Forum which was held last week, and an overview of what was presented.
If you're not going outside this summer, or going away, you might particularly welcome our online Get Togethers on Zoom. It's easy to join in from wherever you are - all you need is a smartphone, tablet or pc.
Whether you fancy trying out creative writing, getting messy making your own "art journal" or joining with others to share memories, check out what we've set-up, by clicking the button below. We can also help you to get started on Zoom, if you need.
Since lockdown have you been thinking more about cooking? What's good to eat in this heat....What would be fun to make....Is there any cake in the house?
That's been happening to chef Natascha Franklin! She has also recently been running inclusive cookery sessions on Zoom: for people who might not normally cook, and those who love to cook!
She has teamed up with Age UK Islington to host two taster sessions with the theme "Quick and Tasty Breakfast and Brunch ideas". Together we will make a couple dishes in each session.
This monthly cafe was set up by Islington resident Jeanne who cares for a family member living with dementia. The cafe is currently meeting online using Zoom, and this month's theme is Carnival.
They hope to inspire people to host their own mini carnival at home so they are making masks, cocktails and carnival food. They also have lots of entertainment and quizzes and a guest speaker from Arts4Dementia.
This is a fantastic resource from the Learning Group that is available to all Islington residents. It provides FREE, excellent quality, accredited courses from a range of colleges that you can study flexibly from home.
Take the opportunity to refresh your skills, whether for work and employability, helping you to better self-manage a medical condition or to care for someone with dementia or diabetes. Learn about falls prevention, nutrition & health or boost your digital skills.
Course type "flexible learning" is a good place to start.
You might well already know that there are some changes to free TV licences. From 1 Aug 2020 people who are over 75 yrs will no longer automatically receive a free TV licence.
But people who are over 75 yrs and receiving pension credit will still be able to apply for a free TV licence. There are also discounts for people who are blind or have a severe sight impairment, or living in a care home or sheltered housing. Click the button below to find out more, including info about pension credit.
There are sadly reports of a number of scams relating to TV licences, with letters being sent from fraudster organisations. Please make sure you and your older friends and family are clued up on how to spot a scam.
Accessing health services is just as important and possible as we live through the Covid-19 pandemic. Treating serious conditions such as cancer can be much more successful if there is early diagnosis. Local GPs are ready to speak anyone with worrying symptoms which may indicate cancer and they can make appropriate referrals for tests if necessary.
The North Central London Cancer Alliance has teamed up with Healthwatch Islington and the North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group to provide local residents with key information about diagnosis and treatment during Covid-19, during a special online event on Tuesday 25th August 10.30am - 12.
This was information shared by Islington Law Centre – some people are getting calls from someone claiming to be from HMRC. They are falsely saying there is a new law that means people on benefits must pay tax debts, and that they need to make a payment by 2.00pm or the police will be called. There's a link to information about other HMRC scams below and what to do if you think you've given scammers your details.
Are you worried about other things? You can call to talk to us about anything that you are struggling with. This might be if you're feeling low, for bereavement support, or about housing or money worries.....
If you're an unpaid carer, and want to receive these regular newsletters straight to your inbox, and other support for you in your caring role, please contact us on: info@islingtoncarershub.org.uk.
Best wishes,
Islington Carers Hub
Age UK Islington, 6-9 Manor Gardens, London, N7 6LA
