Welcome to your May Newsletter We'd like to share some latest information and advice and details of activities and events that might be of interest to you. There's loads coming up in May!
The life-changing power of poetry Lia shares her thoughts about the benefits of writing poetry as part of our everyday lives and the role it can play in keeping positive mental health. To help with a difficult period in her own life she decided to write a poem every week for a year! Hear about Lia's inspiring story 'Mother of Stories', and her upcoming Poetry Workshop on Tuesday 16 May.
Cost of Living: are you paying too much for a mobile phone?
Research carried out by VirginO2 has identified that too many people are paying too much for their mobile phone contracts, at the end of their contract period that they are tied into. This is an issue that is particularly affecting over 65s. Find out more here together with some latest information about prepayment meters.
Dementia Action Week takes place in May Dementia Action Week encourages people who are concerned that they or someone they know may be experiencing dementia symptoms to seek further help. We can share details of activities that are being organised by Age UK Islington, Islington Carers Hub and other local partners for people living with dementia and their carers in May, together with information about support services on our Dementia Action Week webpage.
Chat to the Future Matters team over a freshly brewed coffee! Our Future Matters team is going to be at Islington Green on the Thursday of #Dying Matters Week on Thursday 11 May, 10.30am - 2.30pm. They will be on hand to make you your favourite brew at our trusty coffee trike! The team is expert about anything related to end of life planning, e.g. lasting powers of attorney, putting in place a will. Come along to simply say 'hi' or come with your questions! Find out more including who else is planning to pop by! OUR GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Let's Talk Peer Event, Wed 17 May, 10.30am-1.30pm LIFT Islington, 45 White Lion Street, N1 9PW or Zoom Let's Talk Peer Event provides 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. This month, we have a special edition to mark the Coronation, with a raffle, songs from the legendary Nick Pritchard, as well as an opportunity to speak to a member of our Information & Advice team one-to-one. Park Theatre Thursday 4 May, 2pm, matinee 3.15pm 13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP Start with tea, coffee and a chat in a reserved area on the 2nd floor (Park Pizza) and then make your way to the performance, which starts at 3.15pm (there is a lift). To attend, it's 'pay-what-you-can' suggested donation of £3. Tea and coffee is £1. This month's play is Snowflakes. Breakfast Club Cafe Get Together Tuesday 30 May, 2-4pm 31 Camden Passage, London N1 8EA Join Age UK Islington and the Breakfast Club team for a chat and a cuppa on the last Tuesday of the month at the Breakfast Club, Angel. There are a limited number of places, and they will be booked on a first come, first served basis. PARTNER EVENTS & SERVICES Big Coronation Event Sunday 7 May, 12pm Zumba, 1pm Picnic Highbury Fields,Highbury Crescent, London N5 1AR Join Healthy Minds Healthy Bods for this event to mark the coronation. Zumba will start around 12pm at the top of the main field (this side of the closed off road, near the benches - you can't miss them!) and bring your own picnic for around 1pm. Juice and water will be provided, no alcohol allowed. It is rumoured that the Mayor of Islington will be visiting around 1.30pm! There will be a quiz, bingo, and games too. No need to book, just turn-up and join in the fun. NHS funded Expert Patient Programme The Expert Patients Programme (EPP) is a six-week course for anyone living with one or more long term health conditions such as asthma, chronic fatigue, COPD, depression, diabetes, heart disease, MS, Parkinson's disease, HIV, ME, on-going back pain etc. Having a health condition like, depression, or diabetes can cause daily challenges. Self-Management support programmes – led by people who know what it’s like – can make all the difference. Click the button below for the latest dates and courses. Mindfulness Courses Stress Project, 14 June - 9 August – 3-5pm or 6-8pm 2 Shelburne Rd, London N7 6DL
Have you ever tried 'mindfulness'? It is a very simple form of meditation. It teaches people how to be in the moment and break away from negative thought patterns that exacerbate stress, anxiety and depression. It provides the tools to replace negative thought patterns with positive ones. Mindfulness helps you become more fully engaged in activities and helps create a greater capacity to deal with difficult events. Why not give it a try! Now that spring is here, it's great to see that there's lots of Walks planned for the coming months. Healthy Generations is planning a new series of walks hosted by Mary Tyler, exploring London’s parks on dates during May through September – all Tuesdays 11am-1pm.
Greater London Walks are planning a series of historical walks around the area, not too long, not too fast specially for Islington’s older citizens to enjoy free walks, and meet other people - all Fridays 11am from June throughout the summer. Around five million people in total will be eligible for a spring covid jab, including over 75s, those with a weakened immune system and older adult care home residents. The spring booster will be available till 30 June. Age UK Islington Get Togethers We've included details of some of our regular in-person and online Get Togethers in this newsletter, but there's lots more! See our Get Together webpage for everything that's going on. We also have an Age UK Islington Calendar if ever you need to check a date for one of our activities or support groups. 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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