Welcome to your October Newsletter Sharing the latest guides, activities and resources from Age UK Islington and other local organisations.
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. GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Please note that booking is essential for all Age UK Islington activities. Tech Break (online) Friday 4 October, 12-1pm Simon, our knowledgeable Tech Break volunteer will provide an introduction to how to keep track of data and wifi usage on your mobile. He will also cover how to choose which apps are allowed to use your data and how to share your data across different devices as part of the session. Please note that from this month, Tech Break will take place monthly online on the first Friday of the month. 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. 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! 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. Green-fingered Volunteers Needed
Tuesday 8 October, 2-4pm North Library, Manor Gardens, N7 6JX Volunteers needed to help make winter hanging baskets for the front garden at the North Library. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Tools will be provided. Just turn up on the day. 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. Islington Working Week - ends Friday 4 October Looking to boost your career? Islington Council are hosting an exciting series of free events designed to help you find your next job, build new skills, and connect with local employers. From CV workshops to meet the employer events and vocational taster sessions - there’s something for everyone, whether you’re starting out or want to make a career change. Come along to any event for a chance to win a GeoBook to help with your job search! 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! LightBox Project for Women
Sundays from September 22 to December 8, 6.30-8pm Little Angel Studios, Sebbon Street Community Centre, Sebbon Street, N1 2EH A free weekly arts and puppetry club for women in Islington with experience of Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse, where they can build confidence, connect with people with shared experiences and feel empowered by exploring their creative, artistic sides in a safe space. This project is mainly for women who live in Islington, but if you live in a surrounding borough you are also welcome to join. 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. 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.
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. 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 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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