How are you? Already we're a month beyond the shortest day and despite the snow there's already signs that spring might be round the corner! To help us all on our way to brighter times, we'd like to share the latest information, activities and workshops taking place in the next couple of weeks.
Keeping Happy & Healthy
1) What's happening this week?
We've introduced a calendar for our Get Togethers to make it easier for you to see what's on and when. There's lots of fun and informative online Get Togethers, as well as the opportunity for discussion with peers in our Let's Talk and Carers Support Groups.
Let us know your favourite groups
Do you have any favourite activities run by other organisations that you'd like to share with others? If so, please email Carmen Alcovedes, Activities Co-ordinator. We're looking to add selected activities to the calendar from trusted partners.
Help from our lovely Digital Volunteers
Do you need any help trying out an online activity using Zoom? If so, call our helpline on 020 7281 6018 and they can book you some one to one support from one of our Digital Volunteers. They can also help with helping you to get started with online shopping, or things like how to add family members as contacts to your phone.
Grab a cuppa and join the Museum of London & New Earth Theatre in this relaxed, chatty session for older people. Hear how Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated and learn about London’s first Chinese community in Limehouse.
With opportunities to reminisce, sing, discover something new and meet new people, there’s something for everyone in this interactive, dementia-inclusive Zoom session. After you have registered for the session, an email will be sent to you including the Zoom link and further instructions for joining.
This February, we all need some uplifting, fun, and free online events to distract us and entertain us. Islington Life has a great feature on LGBT+ History Month 2021 including details of the "Body, Mind & Spirit" programme of events organised by Forum+. Take the opportunity to celebrate and explore local LGBT+ heritage through digital trails, online seminars, book groups, film clubs, poetry events, history talks and more!
1) Start a conversation to help you and your loved ones
Thursday 11th February, 10am - 11.15am
Have you ever wondered how to start a conversation about how you and your loved ones might want to be cared for - not just in the here and now but also in the future?
Conversations like these can make all the difference in the event of an emergency, and avoid rushed, stressful decisions for friends and family members.
Our quarterly Death Cafes provide a forum to meet with others and and have an open conversation about dying and bereavement, over a cuppa, online from home.
For more information about Future Matters "Death Cafes" and to book click below. The deadline for booking is today, Wednesday 5pm!
Pension Credit is a benefit for people over State Pension age. It tops up your income if you're finding it difficult to make ends meet. If you find that you are eligible for pension credit, then it can also open up other possible sources of financial support e.g. to apply for a free TV licence if you're over 75 years old.
Age UK National has some useful information about pension credit on their website and how you can check if you're eligible. To see this, please click the button below. If you need further help applying for pension credit, please contact the Age UK Islington helpline on 020 7281 6018 / gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk
Are you getting the most from your smartphone, tablet or pc? This is a fantastic opportunity to get some free one-to-one support to help you use your device. Book a session to get answers to any questions that you might have, or ideas as to what else you can do using your device, e.g. sharing photos with friends or family, booking an online shop and much more!
The sessions take place every Thursday at 12 noon. Please let us know if you'd like to book by Wed 5pm. For more details and how to book, please click below.
Are you 70 or over and not yet had the Covid-19 vaccine? If you are over 70 and don't yet have an appointment, you are now being asked to contact the NHS to book an appointment online (click on the button below) or by calling 119 free of charge.
If you have any questions about the vaccine, there is useful information available in this factsheet. There is also an excellent "guide for older adults" leaflet which is available on the North Central London NHS website in English and different languages.
The Covid-19 vaccines are effective, have been tested and are safe. Watch leading medical expert Professor Jonathan Van-Tam explain more about vaccines in this short video.
Are you worried about other things? You can call to talk to us about anything that you are concerned about. This might be if you're feeling low, for bereavement support, or about housing or money worries.....
If you have friends or family who help you, we can help them too (via our Islington Carers Hub service). Just give them the phone number above.
Please share with friends & family
Please do share this e-newsletter with friends and family (over 18yrs), by forwarding it to them!If they'd like it to be delivered to their personal email inbox, they can request this by emailing: