Dear Islington Resident,

Welcome to Age UK Islington's monthly newsletter!

NEWS

Anna, 39 yrs old, Found a Turning Point with Age UK Islington

"I was trying to look for a job, but I couldn't find anything and I was extremely depressed and anxious. I had panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, and slipped into a black hole".

After speaking to her GP, Anna began to receive medical treatment for her depression and was referred to Age UK Islington. Just one week later, Anna received a call from Zlatina, one of Age UK Islington’s social prescribers.

"My social prescriber, Zlatina, was compassionate...., but at the same time she was extremely powerful! After learning about my interests, she introduced me to new opportunities and convinced me to give them a try. This was the turning point for me..."

For Anna's full story and how Age UK Islington was able to help, click below.

Bringing the Generations Together Through Puppetry

During the pandemic, many older people were unable to see friends and family, and a lot of people felt really isolated. As part of our activities programme, Age UK Islington came together with Little Angel Theatre for a joint puppetry project. This was designed to give older and younger people an opportunity to share an experience together, despite not being able to physically meet.

Little Angel hosted a series of three online workshops for older clients, which took place once a week. During these sessions, they made shadow puppets and scenery to accompany stories that were brought to life in final online performances. Younger family members were invited to watch. The results were captivating! Click below to see the video!

Five Tips for Preparing for an Emergency

There's 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 putting together an NHS Advance Care Plan or learning some basic first aid techniques. All of these things can save a lot of stress and heartache.

Look out for our Five Tips for Preparing for an Emergency including our FREE online workshops coming up in September and October. This includes a First Aid Course delivered by the Red Cross and simple, straightforward advice sessions from our Future Matters team.

To get information about the sessions, as soon as the dates are confirmed, please register your interest by clicking the link below.

Email Future Matters team

NETWORK EVENTS & PROJECTS

Training Opportunities and Support

There are a number of traineeship opportunities, programmes for creatives and support for budding entrepreneurs available over the summer or starting in the autumn. One Tech are launching their Enterprise Programme with a series of incubators running over the next 2 years. ITEC has training opportunities for 19 to 24 year olds and Old Vic Theatre Makers is open to applications for its free 6 month programme till 26 July. For further details click the button below.

Stress and Mindfulness Course

Lots of us experience stress and anxiety in life, but too often don't think about taking steps to help reduce it. Practicing "Mindfulness" can improve physical and mental health, e.g. it can improve sleep, relieve chronic pain, improve relationships and much more. Now's the chance to book for a structured 8 week FREE course from the Stress Project, delivered by Holloway Neighbourhood group. Click for more information and to book. There's a new course for all starting on 1st September on Zoom.

Why Buy When You Can Borrow?

There's a new 'Library of Things' in Finsbury Park, which has been introduced by Islington Council in partnership with Bright Sparks. This new Library can help you save money and reduce waste by affordably renting out useful 'Things' like drills, sound systems and sewing machines from local spaces. You can also learn skills like DIY and repair. If you have a job or project in mind or fancy doing a fun activity, you can visit the website to reserve the 'Thing' you need. You then simply return it, ready for another neighbour to use, when you've finished.

Active Spaces is Returning to Outdoor Spaces

Active Spaces is returning to Islington’s outdoor spaces and community centres! For those of you who aren’t quite ready meet us in person, they are still offering a full programme of FREE online activities to join from your home. Joining the Active Spaces community can improve your health, wellbeing and let you connect with others. Click below for the full Active Spaces Programme.