Islington Carers Hub is here to provide advice, information and support to all carers aged 18 or over who live or work in Islington or care for someone living in Islington.
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Dear Islington Carer,
Welcome to Islington Carers Hub's October newsletter!
NEWS
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Getting Back Together Again!
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We invited Islington residents to ‘Get Back Together’ again in person, for a series of free social activities (week 4th to 8th October) taking place in leading arts and community organisations across the borough. People came together to share some food, take part in an activity and meet new friends and neighbours. There's a short film coming soon, but in the meantime take a peek at some photos and feedback from people who took part - click the button below.
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Carer Sue Talks about her Caring Experience and Going on a Carefree Break
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Sue Searle talks about caring for her mother - the joys, the challenges, how they spend time together and how she finds time for herself. In the interview, Sue talks about the short break from caring that she's been able to go on through Carefree break, as part of the support she's received and been referred to through Islington Carers Hub. Following the break, Sue says she was able to return to her caring duties with batteries recharged! Read about Sue's caring experiences and by clicking on the button below!
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Managing your Energy Costs
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Lots of people will have seen the reports about energy shortages and price hikes coming soon. It’s hard enough for many to keep warm through the winter as it is and lots of people will be feeling anxious as a result. Hopefully this factsheet will be useful to help manage your bills and what to do if you're having difficulties. Age UK Islington is also able to provide further information and guidance should you need it.
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OUR GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS
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Find the Right Carers Support Group for You
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Caring can be a very rewarding experience, but it also has times when it is challenging and stressful.
According to Sue in the interview above, the regular monthly Carers Support Groups are a "good opportunity to talk to other carers and find like-minded people who are coping with similar situations to yourself....Before I attended my first event, I have to admit, I thought it would be a forum for people who wanted to complain about their role. But I could not have been more wrong!".
We have two regular monthly Carers Support Groups that are still currently taking place online - the group on 21 October, is for carers supporting a friend or family member who has mental health issues; the group on 27 October is an opportunity for all carers to meet. And the forum an opportunity to raise issues relating to caring that will be shared with Islington Council.
All Carers Support Group Meeting - Wed 27 October, 10.30am - 12pm
We are going to be joined by Daniel Cooper from the BBC TV Licencing Team. He will talk about the changes to the TV Licence for the over 75s (they are no longer free for over 75s) and ways of helping you to pay, whatever your age. There'll be plenty of opportunity for questions & answers: more info & to book.
Carers Pathway Meeting - Tuesday 19th October 2 - 3pm
The session will be led by Ismail Bahriyeli, Head of Services, Carers & Community. The forum is a great place to raise any ideas or issues to do with being a Carer in Islington, which we can then share with the council and to learn about available support: more info & to book.
Mental Health Carers Support Group - Thursday, 21 October – 1.30-3pm The Role of Medication in Health Treatment. Medication is just one aspect of treatment and care offered in mental health services. For some individuals this will be a vital part of achieving and maintain recovery from a mental health condition. This workshop is delivered by Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, as part of this monthly group: more info & to book.
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SAVE THE DATE - Carers Rights Day, Thursday 25 November, when we will be hosting a day with presentations from organisations that provide vital support to unpaid carers. We'll be sharing more information shortly!
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Intro session Thursday 28 Oct at 11am, then Thursdays at 2pm
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Take part in a unique art project that recreates history! Did you know that there used to be cast-iron animal heads on the railings of Cally Park when the animal market was in operation?
Join us for an intergenerational art project creating 3D printed sculpted heads for the railings of Cally Park. The participants will go through a process of research and design, learning techniques and then individually creating finished high relief heads in sculptors clay to be 3D-printed. No experience is needed! Places are limited.
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Wednesdays 11am - 12noon at Cally Clock Tower Centre
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Our Reminscence sessions have returned to being back in person! They're taking place at Cally Clock Tower Centre, just off North Road, N7. Booking is essential. It's a lovely venue with a cafe and the added bonus of being next to Cally Park.
Reminiscence is about remembering events and experiences from the past. Our host will introduce a subject for the day's discussion and invite the group to share any memories! There's always the opportunity for a cuppa too.
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Autumn Workshops with Future Matters
There is lots we can all do to prepare for an emergency - putting in place some basic plans and starting conversations with those that are close to us. From something as simple as letting people know where our spare keys are in the event of a medical emergency to creating an NHS Advance Care Plan or putting in place a Lasting Powers of Attorney. All of these things can save a lot of stress and heartache.
To find out how you can best protect your health and financial wishes and those of the people who you are closest to, book onto a free online workshop!
Death Café – an informal gathering to discuss end of life in an open, friendly and non-judgemental way: Monday 18 October 12:00 - 13:30hrs
Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney (“LPA”) – make sure you have a spokesperson and your wishes are known: Tuesday 19 October 14:00 – 15:30hrs
Develop your unique Advance Care Plan – record your wishes and vital information in one place: Thursday 28 October 14:00 – 15:15hrs
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NETWORK EVENTS & PROJECTS
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Islington Black History Month Events
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October is Black History Month and there is a jam-packed programme of free events promoted by Islington Council. From guided tours of historical walks around the borough and places of significance in Black history, to interviews with prominent Black female MPs shining a light on inequalities at a local and national level. There are lots of opportunities to explore Black culture, dance, food and exercise, from Africa to the Caribbean and beyond. If you haven't already seen the programme, do see what's taking place in the coming weeks!
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Islington Together: Let’s talk about a greener future
Islington Together: Let’s talk about a greener future’ is a two-week programme of free events and activities (18 - 29 October) to inform and inspire, so we can all take steps to be greener, cleaner and healthier. Everyone can make a difference. See Islington Life for more information.
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Online Boxing & Mindfulness for Young Carers
Mindful Peak performance deliver weekly online groups for young carers that combine non-contact boxing training and mindfulness. Delivered by experienced mindfulness teachers and pro boxing instructors, the innovative sessions are tailored specifically for young carers, are accessible for all ages and abilities and are designed to enhance physical and mental wellbeing in a dynamic and fun way. Register on their website via the button below - maximum age is 18 years old. Their promotional video: https://vimeo.com/449275280
North London Cares events
North London Cares is a community network of older and younger people sharing time, laughter and new experiences in Camden and Islington. They host regular free social clubs and group activities for older and younger people, taking place in local community centres across Camden and Islington. There are virtual group activities online and over the phone, so you can join the fun from the comfort of your own home.
This October they have a jam-packed month of fun from a lunchtime concert at the London Symphony Orchestra, to guided walks and Halloween Parties. Check out all their upcoming clubs by clicking the button below. They’d love to welcome new older and younger people to their clubs this October.
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Kickstart Scheme for 16 - 24 year olds
The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create new six-month job placements for young people who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Kickstart placements will enable young people to gain work experience and develop skills such as teamwork, communication and organisational skills. To be eligible to apply you must be: Aged 16 – 24 In receipt of Universal Credit.
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Cally Clock Tower events
Have you discovered Cally Clock Tower Centre yet? They offer a varied programme of events that take place both in the newly refurbished centre and in Cally Park. The Cally Clock Tower has recently re-opened to the public after a long period of closure due to Covid-19. Now you can explore the tower and learn about the history of the local area. There are tours on Sat 16 Oct and Sat 6 Nov. For details of these events and their full events calendar, click below.
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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. Find out if you’re eligible now by clicking on the button below (www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations).
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Islington Council Covid-19 Survey
Islington Council (Public Health) is undertaking a survey with residents to learn more about how local people may still be experiencing the impact of Covid-19 and their feelings at this point in time. Islington residents are invited to share their experiences of daily life and any concerns they have, especially with relation to ongoing effects of Covid-19. All answers will remain anonymous so residents can be as open and honest as possible. Feedback from the survey will enable the council to use this insight to shape services to meet current local needs.
Everyone who completes the survey can enter into a prize draw to win one of three £50 shopping vouchers. The survey is organised in partnership with NHS North Central London Clinical Commissioning Group and Healthwatch Islington. It ends 21 November.
Access the survey online by clicking the button below. They want the survey to be accessible to as many Islington residents as possible so are offering
the option to complete the survey over the telephone by contacting
covid-19survey2021@islington.gov.uk or calling 07813545613. An easy-read version of the survey is also available on request.
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