Welcome to your February Newsletter We are hoping that the start of the new year has been a good one for you. Read on for the latest guides, activities and resources from Age UK Islington and other Islington organisations.
Staying Well Event
Over 100 residents attended our Staying Well event earlier this month (photos above). Arsenal in the Community and Healthy Generations got everyone moving, The Garden Classroom guided a natural creative activity and Connaught Opera joined us for a light hearted concert featuring "romantic musical memories". Huge thanks also to the organisations that came to share details of their activities. Take a peek at some more photos! How Age UK Islington Navigator Rob was able to help a client re-find hope in the face of the Cost of Living crisis The cost of living crisis continues to squeeze the income of Islington residents but there is help available. Read an interview with one of our Navigators, Rob Butler (pictured above), for an insight into how he was able to help Islington resident, Amelie, turn a corner by helping her to get the support she needed. When she was first in touch with Age UK Islington, she had no money for either food or heating. The article also includes helpful links to information and resources. Cost of Living Day: Thursday 15 February, 1-3.30pm Walter Sickert Centre, Canonbury Crescent, N1 2FB Drop-in to another Cost of Living Day event organised by Help on Your Doorstep, Octopus Community Centres and Age UK Islington, there will be practical help and advice about energy bills, debt and other issues, with support and information to take away.
Hot food and refreshments will be available, plus a pop-up vaccine clinic and some give-aways.There's also the option to arrange follow-up appointments. Household Support Fund Application Apply before end of March The Household Support fund is open to Islington residents who have a deduction for either a debt such as rent arrears or have a welfare reform such as a bedroom tax deduction in their benefits. This support is only available until the funds run out and the scheme must close before the end of March 2024. For more information and how to apply click below. GET TOGETHERS & SUPPORT GROUPS Please note that booking is essential!
Let's Talk Peer Event Thursday 29 February, 10.30am - 1.30pm LIFT Islington, 45 White Lion Street, N1 9PW Join us for our monthly Let's Talk event. It's relaxed, friendly & social. This month is going to be focused on Cost of Living issues with an opportunity to hear from guest speakers Stop Loan Sharks and BetKnowMore. Please contact letstalk@ageukislington.org.uk to request a place. Saatchi Clay Workshop Wednesday 7 February, 2 - 3pm Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF Inspired by the works of Bridget Heriz and Christine Kowal-Post as exhibited in Saatchi Gallery’s exhibition If Not Now, When?, this workshop uses clay modelling to create otherworldly beings, representations of people, animals, or anything that inspires you. You will learn some clay techniques, while also just getting to mould the clay and see what happens! Materials will be provided and no previous experience is required.
Please contact activities@ageukislington.org.uk to request a place. Limited places are available. Tech Break Friday 9 Feburary & 23 February, 12-1pm (Zoom) Want to explore what your smartphone, tablet or pc can let you do? The next Tech Break session on Fri 9th February will be focused on "Making the best of your mobile camera". On Fri 23rd February, knowledgeable volunteer Simon will be providing "Tips to extend the life of your mobile vs. Signs it’s time to get a new one". It's always a friendly, lively discussion and whether you're a novice when it comes to tech or are an experienced user of tech, you'll receive a warm welcome.
Email activities@ageukislington.org.uk stating which session you'd like to join, and we'll send you your Zoom link. Winter Intergenerational Event Friday 16 February 4 - 6pm
Islington Ecology Centre N5 1PH Wrap up warm and come join us as we celebrate winter and learn all about bats! With activities for all ages: arts and crafts, story telling, a
lantern lit walk, live music and singing and lots of incredible bat facts!
Free food and hot drinks to stay warm! The event will be both inside and outside. It is wheelchair accessible. To book a ticket please email activities@ageukislington.org.uk or ring 020 7281 6018 Park Cuppa @ Islington Ecology Centre (3rd Tuesday) Tuesday 20 February, 10.30am - 12 Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, N5 1PH Drop-in for a cup of tea and a chat with other Islington locals in the sanctuary of the ecologycentre. The centre is situated in Gillespie
Park, Islington’s largest nature reserve, home to a wealth of wildlife.
No need to book. Dementia-friendly venue. Breakfast Club Get Together Tuesday 27 February, 4 - 7pm We will be having a special edition of our Breakfast Club Get Together "Curry Night & Quiz" on Tuesday 27 February 4 - 7pm at this popular Angel cafe. It's essential to request to book - please note that there are a limited number of places and clients who have not previously attended will be given priority booking. Please contact activities@ageukislington.org.uk. Health & Wellbeing Walk, Islington Ecology Centre Fri 2 February (1st Friday of the month)10am, Drop-in! Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH Take a breath of air and have a gentle stroll around Gillespie Park in the company of others. Jo from the Islington Ecology Centre, always provides a fascinating insight into the surrounding nature reserve and how it changes with the seasons. There's free tea and coffee afterwards. No need to book, drop-in! It's also dementia-friendly.
Any questions, call the Islington Ecology Centre on 020 7527 4374 or click the button to email if you'd prefer. Finsbury Winter Warmers Various venues in EC1 area Finsbury Winter Warmers are a series of free heritage events for the local community. From fermentation workshops, to dancing, history and guided walks, see what’s on and get involved. There's lots going on from 1 February – 8 March. Escape and Recharge Carefree Breaks Treat yourself to a rejuvenating short hotel break with Carefree – exclusively for full-time (30+ hours per week) unpaid carers aged 18+.
Carefree transforms vacant accommodation into vital breaks for unpaid carers. They are a multi-award-winning digital charity with a mission to offer every full-time unpaid carer in the UK the chance of an annual short break by partnering with the hospitality industry to donate their excess rooms. Contact Islington Carers Hub for more information. Character in Costume – 60+ Acting Class
Mondays 1.30 – 3pm. Free!
Young Actors Theatre Islington, 70-72 Barnsbury Road, Islington N1 0ES
A fun, inspiring and inclusive drama class for anyone aged over 60 interested in learning, playing and practicing together in the performing arts. Each class is its own acting adventure to enjoy, even if you’ve not been before or missed previous sessions! For more information email info@yati.org.uk or tel: 020 7278 2101 The Café at 91
Every Thursday from 1pm 89-91 Holland Walk, N19 3XU Enjoy a free home cooked lunch as well as snacks and hot drinks. Bread and cakes giveaway. TV, computers, pool table and games. Coats and jackets rail. Free wifi. Vintage Valentine’s Day Card Making Workshop
Wednesday 14 February, 12.30pm Clock Tower View, Market Estate, London N7 9HF There will be a selection of objects from Islington Museum and Islington Local History Centre on view to inspire the most imaginative Victorian Valentine’s Day card you can make. An assortment of materials will be provided including lace, ribbons, cut-outs, and flowers from the park. Open to all skill levels. Booking essential. Talk for Health February Special - Different Ways of Understanding Mental Ill-health & Treatment
Wednesday 14 February, 6 - 8pm - Online
An online session led by Dr Iain Jordan Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Director of Clerkenwell Health. For more information and for a link to join the session please contact: info@talkforhealth.co.uk, tel: 020 3409 3201. Soaring Dragon Lunar New Year Celebration Saturday 17 February 11.30am-4pm Islington Chinese Association, 21 Hatchard Rd, N19 4NG Organised by the Islington Chinese Association, this carnival-like event offers an opportunity to learn and appreciate Chinese culture. Everyone is welcome to attend. Free admission. Advance registration is recommended. Complimentary gift for every participant (while stock lasts). Tranquil Health & Wellbeing Valentines Special Saturday 17 February 12-4pm Brickworks, 42 Crouch Hill, Finsbury Park, N4 4BY Join a fun-filled afternoon free at Brickworks. Entertainment includes sing along, chair exercise, zumba fitness, music, raffle and dancing. Donations appreciated. Talk for Health Peer Counselling Skills Programme
Fridays 23 February to 15 March, 10.30am – 4.30pm
The Talk for Health Peer Counselling Skills Programme teaches the skills of authentic talking, empathic listening and managing a group. There's then the option to join or set up your own ongoing group for connection and wellbeing. The idea is that by learning these basic skills, people can support each other and make a real positive difference to their emotional health. There are two programmes coming up that are free for Camden and Islington residents. Book via the link below. Art School with Central St Martins Mondays February 26 to March 18 (4 weeks), 2 - 4pm Central Saint Martins, 1 Granary Square, N1C 4AA Take part in a 4-week intergenerational Visual Arts programme with second-year Fine Art students learning contemporary art techniques under the guidance of the fabulous artist Shepherd Manyika. They will be working with sound and sculpture. This is always an incredibly popular programme so if you would like to attend, please get in touch ASAP! To register please contact Emily Taylor on 020 3633 9954 or email emily@arts4dementia.org.uk. Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2024
Forum+ is very proud to present a fantastic programme of activities and events celebrating Camden & Islington LGBT History Month 2024. All the community is invited to join the festivities and explore LGBT history through art workshops, exhibitions, film screenings, guided walks, history talks, spoken word and more! Dementia Information Session Thursday 15 February, 10 - 11.30am
Islington West Library, Bridgeman Road, N1 1B Around 1,500 people in Islington live with dementia. These free Dementia Friends sessions can help you understand more about the signs and symptoms of dementia. You will also get tips on making a difference to the lives of people affected by dementia. Dementia Friends is an Alzheimer’s Society initiative that aims to change the way we think, act and talk about dementia. Booking for the sessions is encouraged, but not essential. NHS Apprenticeship Session
Tuesday 13 February, 11am - 1pm - Online
A virtual session which will focus on apprenticeships as a route into the NHS. You'll hear from current and former apprentices about what it's like to earn while you learn. The session is ideal for anyone who is thinking about a career in the NHS but not sure what is out there or where to start. Please note that while these sessions are aimed at 16-25 year olds, the session is open to people of any age who are looking at NHS career options. Everyone is welcome. Click to book your place via Eventbrite. Futures in Tech
Friday 23 February, 11am - 4pm
Google: 6 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG Join for an empowering day dedicated to creating opportunities for 18 - 25 year old Camden, Islington, Tower Hamlets & Hackney residents interested in the Tech & Digital sectors. You will have the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, explore training and job opportunities, receive industry-specific careers advice and participate in a Digital Skills Workshop. This event is ticketed. For more information and tickets click below. What's on at your local Islington library? It's astonishing what's taking place at the local libraries. In addition to books and large print books, talking books, DVDs and Music that's available to loan, and access a range of national daily papers online. Also look out for English Conversation Classes, Chess Clubs, Chair-based exercise and lots more! Click below to see what's on where. There are also free period products available. Islington Adult Community Learning
First Steps Learning Centre, 2nd floor, Central Library,
2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF Are you looking to improve your current skills, or looking for work but not sure where to start? If so, come along to the drop-in assessment session every Monday (in term-time) 1pm where you can enrol in a range of courses. You must be 19 or over, unemployed or low-waged to be eligible for the free courses. For more information call, text, or WhatsApp: 07734 777 466. Do you use Home Care Services? Healthwatch Islington would like to hear from people using home care services. They would like your feedback on the care you or a loved one receive at home. What works well and what needs to be improved? Please phone 07849 161494 or email megan@healthwatchislington.co.uk to share your views. Get your COVID-19 and flu vaccines if you’re eligible. Read more. 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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