Welcome to your May Newsletter We'd like to share some latest information & advice and details of activities and events that might be of interest to you. There's loads coming up in May! There's also details of what we have planned for Carers Week 5-11 June, hot off the press!
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! Counselling for Carers As part of the support that we provide for Islington Carers Hub clients, we have an opportunity for a limited number of our carers to access up to 20 free weekly counselling sessions. Please click below to email Islington Carers Hub to express an interest. OUR GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Let's Talk Carers, Wed 17 May - 2-3.30pm, Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF Ever wondered what Queen Victoria’s voice sounded like or the rainforest? Hosted by the British Library and open to all, including people living with dementia & carers. Our hosts will be providing an introduction to an assortment of recordings from the British Library sound archive, one of the largest collections of sound recordings in the world. It promises to be fun! Tea, coffee and refreshments. Carers Week, Mon 5 - Sunday 11 June Take a look at what's on! Carers Week is an annual week that's all about celebrating the contribution of unpaid carers! It's a great opportunity to take a short break to try something new and meet other carers. Choose from a cooking session at St Luke's Cookery School, a guided walk, an intro to 'Talking for Health' and a Dance session at Sadler's Wells. Click the button below for more information and to book, or print out the Carers Week poster so you can ponder what you'd like to attend. 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. University College Hospital Carer Governor Vacancy Are you an unpaid carer for a UCLH patient? Do you want to help deliver UCLH’s vision and make a difference for patients? If so, being a Governor could be just the role for you! No particular skills or experience required, just a willingness to contribute your time, enthusiasm and to represent others. They are holding an event for members who are interested in standing for Governor on Wednesday 3 May, 5-6pm at 250 Euston Road.
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. See our Get Together webpage for all the activities hosted by Age UK Islington and Islington Carers Hub. We also have a Calendar if ever you need to check a date for one of our activities or support groups. Contacting Islington Carers Hub If you are in need of financial or practical guidance related to your wellbeing or for the person you care for, or simply need a listening ear, don't forget that you can call the Islington Carers Hub Helpline on 020 7281 3319 (Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm) or email info@islingtoncarershub.org
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