Welcome to your September Newsletter Sharing the latest guides, activities and resources from Age UK Islington and other local organisations. Islington Fitness Week 16 - 21 September A recent study from the World Health Organisation is a good reminder about the value of keeping active and how this can make the world of difference to our health - physically and mentally.
With it being national fitness day on 18th September, we've come together with partners to offer a week of different ways to keep active:
16 - 21 September. Why not try something new? There's something for everyone - whether you want to give cycling a try (there's special adaptive bikes available too), do some line dancing, multi-sports with a cuppa or a 'healthy minds, healthy bods' session with Lawrence in the park. It's also a good way to meet others and we can guarantee a warm welcome! It's perfectly normal to feel worried about scams, but information and advice can help you spot and avoid the latest scams and keep your money safe. With this in mind, we've teamed up with Islington Police who will be delivering a series of talks this autumn at different community venues. On Wednesday 18 September they'll be at the Elizabeth House Community Centre's over 50s club, as part of this regular weekly session. Changes to Winter Fuel Payment If you were born on or before 22 September 1958 and are receiving certain benefits (see article), you should still receive your Winter Fuel Payment automatically in November. People who receive Pension Credit will automatically be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment. It is worth noting that there are a lot of people who could be receiving Pension Credit but have not applied for it. Even if you have savings, this is worth looking into. Click below to find out more. GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Please note that booking is essential for all Age UK Islington activities. Age UK Islington Get Togethers Did you know that Age UK Islington provides a number of weekly and monthly regular Get Together activities, including social sports get togethers, dance fitness, Park Cuppas, online music appreciation and more? Let's Talk Peer Event Thursday 19 September, 10.30am - 2pm St. Mary’s Church, Upper Street, N1 2TX Let’s Talk is a relaxed, informal way to share information and to keep informed. As part of this month's session, there will be discussions about cuckooing, hate crime and safeguarding inequalities. Guest speakers and various providers with information stalls will be providing advice on crime prevention and safeguarding.
Tech Break (online) Fortnightly Friday 6 Sept, 20 Sept, 12-1pm How do you find using your smartphone, tablet or pc? Simon, our knowledgeable Tech Break volunteer puts together a presentation for each session to give you a valuable insight into a new topic. Topics are based on feedback from clients. Our next session on 6th will focus on 'How to use Microsoft Word or Google Docs' or 'How to use Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets' on 20th. Click below to request a Zoom link to join on the day. Park Cuppa Special Edition with Arsenal Wednesday 11 September 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. Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods Workshop
Tuesday 17 September, 10.30am – 12noon Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH Join Lazza and Jack for a fun interactive session to discover what micro-changes we can make in our lifestyles to improve our confidence and wellbeing. This is one of the activities that is part of Islington Fitness Week! Park Cuppa Special Edition with British Museum Wednesday 25 September 11 – 12noon Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9PL
Join us for this special Park Cuppa session with the British Museum. Explore ordinary and extraordinary objects form the museum’s handling collection. Share your own stories and memories about your favourite foods, hot beverages and lovely feasts!
Park Theatre Get Together
Thursday 5 September, 2pm 13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP This month's Park Theatre Get Together is the play Bitter Lemons (dementia friendly performance). In the pressurised worlds of football and finance, two women carve their own path. It's a pay-what-you-can performance. The play starts at 3.15pm and there's a social beforehand. Please note we will only know the number of available tickets the day before and will confirm bookings at this point. Islington Adult Community Learning Enrolments
Wed 4, Thurs 5, Fri 6 September, 9.30am-4pm (3.15pm)
The Community Centre, 76 Parkhurst Road, N7 0FF
Enrolments are taking place for courses starting in September. There are English courses, Maths, Employability courses, Digital courses and Creative, Practical and Wellbeing Courses. Free to adults who are aged 19+ (as at 31 August 2024) and either unemployed or earning less than £25,642. Future Matters Café (Online)
Saturday 7 September 10.30am-12pm Future Matters Cafés are friendly, non-judgemental get-togethers designed to increase awareness of end of life care planning, and help people make the most of their (finite) lives. These are informal discussion groups about all aspects of life and end of life, rather than grief support or counselling sessions. One session is never the same as the next and the conversations range from the practical to philosophical. Experienced facilitators will be there to guide the discussions. Please click below for more information and to book. Peabody Careers and Volunteer Fair
Wednesday 11 September 10am–4pm The Nest, Cygnet Square, SE2 9UH Visit the Peabody Career and Volunteer Fair to explore exciting career opportunities and volunteer positions. To sign up click below. Dementia Friends Information Sessions
Thursday 12 September 10.30am–12pm West Library, Thornhill Square, 107 Bridgeman Rd, N1 Islington Council offer monthly Dementia Friends Information Sessions open to all to attend. Become a Dementia Friend, understand more about dementia and the small things we can all do to make a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia. Booking is encouraged, but not essential. Tranquil Health and Wellbeing Workshop - Wellness Day
Saturday 21 September 12–4.30pm
Brickworks Community Centre, 42 Crouch Hill, N4 4BY Activities include chair exercise, Zumba fitness, poems, dancing, stimulating games, speakers. Refreshments served at 1pm. Donations accepted. For more information call 020 7263 1067 or email admin@hanleycrouch.org.uk. Men's Wellbeing Workshops
Tuesdays 10–24 September 6.30-8.30pm
Elizabeth House, 2 Hurlock Street, N5 1ED This project delivered by Beyond Equality provides a space to meet others, discuss your mental wellbeing and pick up some tools to support yourself. There are three sessions: Men and Mental Wellbeing, Masculinities and Seeking Support and Building Supportive Communities. Sessions that they've run have had really positive feedback with 96% of participants saying that they enjoyed them. Cook for Health Hugh Cubitt Community Centre, 48 Collier Street, N1 9QZ Did you know that food can transform long-term health conditions such as heart problems, respiratory issues or diabetes? Register for this six month programme where we will help you to look at ways to cook, eat, move and look after yourself to improve your health. To find out more and book your place email martha.ahmet@cookforgood.uk. Expert Patients Programme
In person: Fridays 27 Sept to 1 Nov 1.30-4pm
Hornsey Rise Health Centre N19 3YU
Online: Tues 17 Sept 12–2.30pm to 22 Oct 1.30-4pm A free six-week self-management course for people with a long-term health condition who live in Haringey or Islington or who are registered with an Haringey or Islington GP. It’s about taking control of your health, feeling better and being able to do the things you want to do. Over six 2.5 hour sessions you will develop your confidence to manage your health condition and feel more in control. The course also welcomes family members and carers of people with a long-term health condition.
For more information call 0207 527 1189/ 1707 or e-mail: whh-tr.Self-Management@nhs.net
Recovery College 10th Anniversary Celebration
Wednesday 25 September 10am–3.30pm
The Well, St. Pancras Hospital, NW1 0PE Join the Recovery College to celebrate their unique, ever-evolving journey of recovery and resilience. The event will feature student and tutor presentations, a theatre production, a raffle, lunch and more. The event is free, but booking is essential.
Also the Recovery College Autumn Programme of in-person and online courses on recovery and maintaining wellbeing runs from September to December. These educational courses are free for everyone aged 18+ in Camden and Islington. The course brochure is now available.
Islington Council Resident Engagement Strategy Islington Council is setting out its commitment to a more transparent relationship with council tenants in its new Resident Engagement Strategy. They want to hear from residents to help them build a more resident-focused housing service. Click the link below to share your views. Closing date for feedback is 29 September. Conservation for Wellbeing Course Friday afternoons 12.30-3pm starting 6 September for 10 weeks Learn how heritage collections are protected and stored at the London Metropolitan Archives. This is an interactive, hands-on course with the chance to examine real historic documents and practise conservation techniques. Learn from the friendly staff in a relaxed, social setting, with a tea and coffee break in the middle of each session. Book at info@slt.org.uk or call 020 7713 9304. September Alzheimer's Awareness Month
A number of activities are taking place this month to increase awareness and understanding of dementia. There are also some great courses and activities including the Art of Craft starting on 13 September. This gives people with early-stage dementia and their companions the chance to try their hand at a number of new crafts including ceramics, textiles and silversmithing. The V&A are also offering dementia-friendly tours. Angel Canal Festival
1 September 11.30am-4pm Get down to the Graham Street/City Road basin area for a boatload of activities including a regatta, boat rides, live music, Pearly Kings and Queens, and Morris dancing. You can also have a go at juggling, canoeing and pottery, and plunder the craft stalls, before energising with plenty of global street food. Entry is free. Start-up School for Seniors Online 18 September to 6 November Are you aged 50+, based in Islington, with an idea you want to become a business? Enrol in this online course and acquire the knowledge and skills to transform your ideas into a successful business venture. Click below to find out more and register. Manor Gardens Activities for September Manor Gardens' activities include various support groups, yoga classes and introductory courses for ESOL and painting as well as social sessions. Details of the activities can be found at the link below. This year, for International Overdose Awareness Day (31st August) and Recovery Month (September), Islington Public Health Team and Drug and Alcohol Services are hosting a series of learning opportunities to raise awareness of drug and alcohol related harm, treatment and recovery. All sessions are free for anyone working in Islington or with Islington residents, please sign-up here. Training Courses in Mental Health Support Services Online 18 September to 6 November 'We Find Any Learner' provides a comprehensive selection of courses for anyone seeking to acquire new skills and qualifications to enhance their personal development or to start a new career.
Mental Health Support courses coming up include: Counselling Skills, Mental Health First Aid and Understanding Autism. You can easily sign up on the website at www.wefindanylearner.com/book-online/ or by contacting the training team at 01226 958 888. 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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