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Dear Islington Resident,

The start of spring always helps to lift the spirits. We hope the following upcoming events, activities and resources might inspire you to try something new!

Celebrating the Start of Spring at Park Cuppa

Age UK Islington clients enjoyed the Park Cuppa Special at the end of last month, when they were joined by local singer songwriter, Lili. At the end of this month, we're delighted to have a Park Cuppa Special with a gentle Spring Watch Walk around Cally Park looking out for signs of spring.

See photos of the last Park Cuppa Special and request a place at this month's session at the end of March.

Let's Talk February - resources and videos

Last month’s Let’s Talk focused on mental health support, including an overview of talking therapies, what they can help with, and how to access them. We also heard from North London NHS Foundation Trust about changes within the NHS and the wide range of services they provide across Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey, and Islington.

The afternoon introduced drug and alcohol support in Islington including NHS and community-based services, including peer and one-to-one support. See the Rehabit video for signs that perhaps alcohol is becoming a problem for a friend or family member.

Weren't able to attend?  Click below to watch videos of the talks, along with the slides and contact details for services, shared on the day.

AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS

International’s Women’s Day

Tuesday 10 March, 10.45am - 1.30pm

Highbury Roundhouse Community Centre, 71 Ronalds Road, N5 1XB

Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day with an inspiring morning of poetry, storytelling and live music. After the event, stay for a delicious hot lunch together (£4 payable on the day). Click below to request a place via Age UK Islington (limited spaces left).

Let’s Talk Event: ASB and Building Skills & Employment Support

Thursday 19 March, 10.30am-1.45pm

Islington Council (Community Space) 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR

Join us for the March edition of our monthly Let's Talk series, a relaxed social event with discussion, guest speakers and light lunch. This month, hear from iWork about support to build confidence and find employment, as well as advice if you are experiencing anti-social behaviour. Click below to request a place. 

Park Cuppa Special: Islington Parks Spring Watch Walk

Wednesday 25 March, 11am-12pm

Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF

Book for this special edition of Park Cuppa! Experience a gentle stroll around Cally Park looking out for early signs of spring like fresh flowers and birdsongs. Booking essential - click below to request a place.

Tech Break (Online using Zoom)

Friday 6 March, 12-1pm

Discover how to make the most of your smartphone, tablet or laptop with our friendly online tech group! This month take part in Kahoot quizzes to improve memory with knowledgeable volunteer Simon. Click below to request a Zoom link to join via your digital device from home.

Tech, Tea and Biscuits, in partnership with PPCP
Mondays 1pm, 2pm
Dame Geraldine Hall, 6-9 Manor Gardens, London N7 6LA
Get help using your smartphone, tablet, laptop from a knowledgeable, patient and friendly member of the Tech, Tea and Biscuits team. They can help you with things that you’re struggling to do, as well as guide you through getting started using tech. Book an appointment online or call them on 020 3928 9370.

ORGANISED BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS

International Women’s Day Celebration
Wednesday 4 March 2026, 4-7pm
Prospex, The Underground Youth Centre, Piper Close, N7 8TQ
Join We Are Cally and Community Partners for a special International Women’s Day celebration. Enjoy bath salt making, crafts, food, activities for 0–5s, and much more. Delivered in partnership with Church on the Corner, Knit & Natter, Bright Start, and the Local Ward Met Police. See poster for more details.

World Book Day Celebration for Children

Wednesday 4 March, 3.30-5.30pm, Thursday 5 March, 3.30-6.30pm

South Library, 115-117 Essex Road, N1 2SL (4 March)

Mildmay Library, 21-23 Mildmay Park, N1 4NA (5 March)

Join in a World Book Day celebration and face painting for all children! For more information call 020 7527 7860.

Over 60s Groups

Wednesday 4 March 2-3pm

Central Library, 2 Fieldway Cres, London N5 1PF

Thursday 5 March 2-3.30pm

West Library, Thornhill Sq, 107 Bridgeman Rd, N1 1BD

Join a monthly, welcoming group. This month learn how you can access top newspapers and magazines from over 120 countries in 60+ languages, from home. Find out how you can access popular titles like The Guardian, Vogue, and Forbes – using Press Reader with your free library card. 

Limitless Art Studio @ Elfrida

Thursdays 5th, 12th, 19th March, 1-3pm

The Elfrida Society, 34 Islington Park Street, London, N1 1PX

The Elfrida Society is hosting art sessions for adults with learning disabilities and neurodivergence. Artists will be able to attend 1, 2 or 3 sessions for £10 each and be involved in designing work to be for sale in the local community. To book, email advocacy@elfrida.com or call 07801 529 963

Reverse Job Fair

Friday 6 March, 10am-12pm and 1-3pm

Whittington Hospital, Magdala Ave, London N19 5NF

The fair is an exciting, interactive recruitment event which connects local businesses with motivated, reliable, neurodiverse jobseekers. On the day, jobseekers will host stalls, showcasing their skills, experience, and the types of roles they are interested in.

The Garden Classroom Wellbeing Walks

Fridays 6th, 13th 20th, 27th March, 1.30-2.30pm

Join the Garden Classroom for gentle movement, time to pause and enjoy the abundance of spring in the organization’s precious green spaces. The walks are accessible and open to all. See poster for venues and more information.

Brickworks Got Talent

Saturday 7 March, 1-5pm

Brickwork Community Centre, 42 Crouch Hill, N4 4BY

Presented by SAFO Music Group, Brickworks Got Talent promises a night full of singing, dancing, entertaining, and more. Stop by to watch some local talent! For more information, contact admin@hanleycrouch.org.uk

Whittington Park Community Association Games Afternoon

Saturday 7 March, 2-4.30pm

Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19 4RS

Looking for a fun and friendly way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family? Join Whittington Park Community Association at their monthly free Games Afternoon. You’ll find card games, board games, dominoes and puzzles ready to play. Reserve your space here. For more information, get in touch at admin@whittingtonpca.org.uk or call 020 7272 1847.

International Women’s Day: Mums in Data

Tuesday 10 March, 9.30am

45 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB

Grow a Pot of Sunshine
Thursday 12 March, 3-5pm

Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, Islington N7 9HF
Decorate a pot and plant sunflower seeds to give to someone you love! Please book via callypark@islington.gov.uk. 

Minds Together Café: Spring Into Health

Thursday 12 March, 1-3pm

Goodinge Community Centre, 2 Goodinge Rd, 20 North Rd, N7 9GZ

A welcoming monthly café for people living with dementia and their carers. Enjoy relaxed activities and support from professional services in an understanding environment. The March session will feature advice on oral health from ULCH and mindful art and movement with Walking Arts.

For more information, please email goodinge@outlook.com or Partnerships@islington.gov.uk.  See other Dementia-Friendly Activities.

The Stuart Low Trust’s Quiz Night: Travel Through the Ages

Friday 13 March, 6.30-8.45pm

Jean Stokes Community Centre, Caledonian Road, N1 0DX

As part of the Stuart Low Trust’s free Friday events, come along and test your knowledge at our Friday Night quiz on the historical theme of 'travel through the ages'. There are prizes to be won! To book, call 0207 713 9304 or email info@slt.org.uk.

Loose Ends: Sober Open Mic Night

Saturday 21 March, 7-9.30pm

Kahaila, 135 Brick Lane, London E1 6SB

The Energy Xchange CIC hosts a monthly sober open mic night for sober and underserved individuals/communities. Join them at Kahaila on the third Saturday of the month for music, comedy, poetry, and spoken word.

For more information: Contact Kyle at 0770 6019258, info@theenergyxchangecic.com

The Stuart Low Trust’s Music Night with Tonia

Friday 27 March, 6.30-8.45pm

Jean Stokes Community Centre, Caledonian Road, N1 0DX

Bemerton Good Neighbours Scheme Annual Spring Health & Wellbeing Event
Saturday 28 March, 1-4pm
Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, N1 0DX
Join the Good Neighbours Scheme and Help on Your Doorstep for chef-prepared food, a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and opportunities to connect with the community. The event will also feature access to NHS and local health services, consultation for young adults activities at Jean Stokes Centre, and more. For more information, contact Nicky@helponyourdoorstep.com or 07875 224386.

Manor Gardens Centre Weekly Health and Wellbeing Activities
6-9 Manor Garden, Islington, London N7 6LA
Try out different health and wellbeing activities and support groups at Manor Gardens Centre throughout the week. Offered Monday through Friday, the free activities include crafting, art, yoga, and more. For more information or to book a place, contact 07519 588576 or  khadidja@manorgardenscentre.org.

USEFUL UPDATES

Healthy Generations online and in-person activities

Healthy Generations run a wide range of activities in community venues around Islington and online. You can join the online options from your smartphone or laptop at home - definitely worth trying if you are unable to get out and about.

Healthy Minds Healthy Bods March Health Pack

See the latest Health Pack from Lazza at Healthy Minds Healthy Bods. It's packed with recipes, articles and inspiration!

Stay Clear of WhatsApp Scams

Messages promoting a sham service called 'WhatsApp Gold' are currently circulating. This scam claims to offer special features to users that can be unlocked by clicking a link. Instead, the link leads to harmful malware being downloaded onto your device. Which? Shares tips on how to spot and avoid scams on WhatsApp.

Deafblind UK Employability Programme

If you are an individual aged 18-60 with combined sight and hearing loss and are searching for work, consider joining The Employability Programme at Deafblind. The free, specialist programme is designed to help participants build the confidence, skills, and motivation needed to move towards employment, volunteering, or training.

Find Out Your State Pension Age

With just your date of birth, discover the age you can start receiving state pension using the State Pension age calculator tool on GOV.UK. Additionally, use the Pension Credit calculator to check how much Pension Credit you could get — it could be over £4,000!

Immigration Advice Available Through CityCLAC

City Community Legal Advice Centre is an accredited immigration adviser at IAA Level 1 and can advise on naturalisation, citizenship applications, indefinite leave to remain, EU settlement scheme, travel restrictions and re-entry advice, and eligibility for work, student and family visas. Appointments are available.

Free Psychosocial Support for Those Infected and Affected by the Infected Blood Scandal

The Infected Blood Psychology Service based at Royal Free Hospital supports individuals infected and/or affected by the blood scandal by providing assessment, support, and interventions to improve the psychological health and wellbeing. They offer appointments in-person, by phone or by video call.

Active Inclusion Practice Workshop for Older LGBT+ and People with Learning Disabilities
IncludeAge, a research project exploring how middle and older-aged LGBT+ people and / or people with learning disabilities experience inclusion and exclusion, are inviting expressions of interest to take part in an online practice workshop on April 23rd, 9.30-11am. The workshop is designed to shape inclusive practice for older LGBT+ people and people with learning disabilities. 

Can you take a minute to do a Google review for Age UK Islington

We’d really appreciate your support with a quick Google review - it only takes a minute and can help others! Reviews appear when someone searches for Age UK Islington on Google or Google Maps. You can leave a star rating and, if you like, add a comment to share your experience of the information, guidance and any support that you've received.

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.

The Age UK Islington Helpline offers a listening ear, practical information, and support. Our team can connect you to further in-depth assistance from our Enablement or Navigation teams, who have expertise across a range of specialist services. If you need extra guidance, we can also provide regular check-ins and ongoing contact over several weeks to help you navigate what you’re experiencing.

Contact the Helpline to receive our newsletter straight to you inbox (if you're not already on our mailing list)!