Dear Islington Carer,
Sharing the latest updates. guides and activities from Islington Carers Hub, Age UK Islington and other local organisations. Click on the links to access a wealth of resources and find out what's available to you here in Islington!
Sharing information from Let's Talk For last month's Let’s Talk, we were joined by Islington Council's housing repair service and Islington Council's Handyperson service. Transport for London also gave a presentation about Dial-a-Ride. Click below to access the presentations and further guides.
A Mother's Unbreakable Journey: Four Decades of Caring
Anna is a member of Islington Carers Hub. She has been caring for her daughter, who was diagnosed with kidney failure from birth. In the article below, she shares her family’s story - the challenges, but also the joy of being a carer and the closeness they still have as a family.
Carer's Allowance Overpayments
The UK government has announced a review of Carer’s Allowance overpayments affecting 185,000 unpaid carers in England and Wales. This follows an independent report published on Tuesday, which found that unclear, confusing regulations had caused many carers to fall into debt.
Looking after ourselves in the cold winter months As we enter the cold winter months, All Change is proud to present 'Fevered', a fun film with a serious message. Created by the Never Blue group at Evergreen Day Centre, it reminds us of how we can look after ourselves and each other in this cold and flu season. See the All Change 'Fevered' video and click below for how to get a covid or flu vaccine.
Candle Making Workshop – Visiting Angels North London
Tuesday 2nd December, 3-4.30pm
Hargrave Hall Community Centre, Hargrave Road, N19 5SP
Join us for a relaxing, hands-on candle making workshop led by Visiting Angels North London. Learn the art of candle making, meet new people and create your own handmade candle to take home. Perfect for beginners or anyone wanting to try something creative. All materials provided. Book your place by calling Islington Carers Hub on 020 7281 3319 or emailing info@islingtoncarershub.org.
Carers Festive Lights Walk
Thursday 11th December 6-7.30pm
Eleanor Cross Monument (in front of Charing Cross Station)
Join David from Islington Carers Hub for a magical central London walk to see the sparkling festive lights and a few of the Christmas markets. Chat to other carers and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Book your place by calling Islington Carers Hub on 020 7281 3319 or emailing info@islingtoncarershub.org.
Carer for Carer Meet Up @ St Luke's
Tuesday 23rd December, 10.30am-12pm
St Luke's Community Centre, 90 Central St, London EC1V 8AJ
As we’re not holding the regular second-Tuesday Carers for Carers Meetup at the Duke of Cambridge in December, we’re inviting you to a special Christmassy meetup at our fourth-Tuesday location instead.
Volunteers Nadine and Melinda will be there, joined by hosts Liz, Stella and Wendy. Everyone’s welcome - regulars and first-timers alike, for a warm, supportive gathering with fellow carers. Enjoy a coffee, mince pies and refreshments. Book your place by calling Islington Carers Hub on 020 7281 3319 or emailing info@islingtoncarershub.org.
AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS
Tech Break (online) Friday 12th December 12-1pm: Festive Tech Quiz
Discover how to make the most of your smartphone, tablet or laptop with our friendly online tech group! December's Tech Break is later in the month than usual, but it will be a fun festive session with a quiz - Santa hats and festive attire most welcome. Click below to register and request a Zoom link to join via your smartphone or pc from home.
Sobell Festive Get Together for Over 50s Tuesday 16th December 10.30am-1pm
Sobell Leisure Centre, Hornsey Road, N7 7NY
Join this sparkly version of the regular Sobell Get Together. Enjoy a relaxed, social game with others in the newly refurbished space – including badminton, indoor bowls and dominoes. Wear your best festive top, or your usual attire, as you feel comfortable. Refreshments and party snacks will be served from midday.
Click below to book a place and pay £2.70 (credit card) at Sobell reception.
ISLINGTON AND NATIONAL PARTNER EVENTS
Whittington Winter Carols
Wednesday 3rd December
Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19 4RS (Hocking Hall)12-1pm: Join Electric Voice Theatre’s Acapella Quartet for a feast of festive carols old and new. Discover a treasure trove of secular winter song by women composers and delight in some sing-a-long fun! For lunch to follow (limited spaces) at a cost of £5 contact penelope@whittingtonpca.org.uk or call 020 3848 9253.
Family Carers Action Group Meeting
Wednesday 3rd December 12-2.30pm
Centre 404, 404 Camden Road, N7 0SJ
The next meeting for Islington Family Carers Action Group will be looking at the Council’s review of "day opportunities" (leisure, clubs, social life etc) for adults with learning disabilities. They are keen to hear your views on what is working well and what is not working well for your family members.
Over 60s groups @ Islington Libraries
Join the monthly meet-up at a library near you, featuring a different theme each time. There’s always something new to discover and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people. Central Library over 60s group 3 December,
11am - 12pm(first Wednesday of the month) Winter Singalong. West Library over 60s group 4 December, 2-3pm (first Thursday of the month). Festive quiz.
What's On in Winter in Caledonian Park
Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF Take part in fun activities with other locals - making Victorian Christmas Cards and Decorations (4th Dec), Carols and Crafts (7th Dec) to Wreath Making (22nd Dec), a Christmas Quiz and songs with Perpetual's Choir (19th Dec). Email: callypark@islington.gov.uk.
Carer's Active Hub
Carers UK are running a series of fun, free Carers Active online sessions on Zoom. Upcoming dates include the Christmas Energising Fitness session on 17 December, 3–4pm, and a Strength, Tone and Balance class with Lewis and Kirstie on 4 December, 10–11am. These sessions are open to carers of all fitness levels.
Well Versed (Thursdays, weekly)4th, 11th, 18th December, 2.30-4.30pm 27 Dingley Place, London EC1V 8BR Well Versed is a vibrant weekly arts and social group for older people, hosted by All Change in Islington. The group meets every Thursday offering a welcoming space to connect, create, and celebrate life through poetry, mindful movement, music, dance, and improvisation.
Refreshments and transport provided. Everyone is welcome. If you would like to take part drop in or call Rachel on 020 7689 4646 or email: projects@allchangearts.org.
Christmas Fayre
Saturday 6th December 11.30am – 3pm
St Luke's Community Centre, 90 Central St, South Islington, EC1V A free day out for everyone. Activities include festive card making, reindeer food making, DIY bracelets, letters to Santa, face painting, cookery school activity, Xmas décor crafts, bauble decorating, decorating Santa hats and stockings. Santa’s Grotto will be open from 12pm, £3 entry with a gift. Lunch available from 12.30pm, £2 per meal.
Cally Festive Event
Saturday 6th December 2-5pm Freeling Street and Jean Stokes Community Centre N1 0DX
The Cally Festive Event has lots on offer for the community including Santa Claus handing presents out, free food and mince pies, music and choir performances, festive arts and crafts, wreath-making, dancing, facepainting.
Cubitt Community Press: Community Risograph Printing
Saturday 6th December, 1–3pm
Cubitt Gallery, 8 Angel Mews, N1 9HH
Join Cubitt Community Press to celebrate their new two-drum Risograph printer! Catch up on past projects, hear future plans, and help vote on printer colours. No experience needed - local residents welcome. Free lunch provided.
Octopus’ Festive Wreath Making
Saturday 6th December 12-3pm
Octopus Community Plant Nursery, Tufnell Park Estate, N7 0EF
Come along to the Community Plant Nursery to create your own festive wreath and nature decorations. Entry is free.
Islington Fixers - Electrical Repair workshop
Saturday 6th December, 12-4pm
Finsbury Library, 245 St John St, London EC1V 4NB
Bring your broken electronics and learn how to fix them with The Islington Fixers! This event is all about sharing repair skills – you’ll get hands-on help to bring your items back to life and reduce waste. Booking and drop-ins welcome (maximum of two items per person). Click below for Eventbrite page.
Tranquil Health and Wellbeing Workshop Christmas Party Saturday 13th December 12-4pm Brickworks Community Centre, 42 Crouch Hill, N4 4BY
Come along to our Christmas party. Activities include chair yoga, zumba fitness, singalong carols, poetry, raffle. Music by Nick Bee. Refreshments served at 1pm. For more information call 020 7263 1067 or email admin@hanleycrouch.org.uk.
Over 55s Christmas Party & Dinner
Wednesday 17th December, 1-3.30pm
Highbury Roundhouse, 71 Ronalds Road, London, N5 1XB£10 for a three Course Dinner, with a glass of wine, music and dancing coffee/tea/juices, mince pie, raffle and prizes to be won, Christmas bingo. For bookings contact: 020 7359 5916 admin@highbury-roundhouse.org.uk.
See details of the regular weekly Highbury Roundhouse Over 55s Activities Programme.
Green Guardians – The Garden Classroom
Wednesdays December 3rd, 10th and 17th 10am-12pm
Newington Green N16 9PX
Discover nature in the heart of Islington with The Garden Classroom. Take part in community gardening sessions - no experience is needed and no booking is required, just turn up and join in! Please wear outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes; gloves and tools will be provided.
Maya Centre: Finding Calm for Your Mind and Body Request a place before Tuesday 13th January A free 6-week wellbeing programme for women of Black and Black Mixed Heritage in Islington. It offers a safe space to learn practical tools for stress relief, emotional regulation, and balance, build a personal wellbeing plan, and explore self-care. Spaces are limited. Self or professional referrals accepted.
Shape Up Weight Management Course: Starting January Arsenal in the Community, 56 Benwell Rd, N7 7BY Shape Up is a 12-week weight-management programme focused on lasting behaviour change. Weekly 90-minute sessions combine practical nutrition education with fun, accessible group exercise, tailored to all abilities and shared goals. New courses start early January in Islington and Camden. Register your interest with Lee Kelleher: 07352 742013 or communityhealth@arsenal.co.uk
4 Week Yoga Programme Fridays 16th January
to 6th February 2-3pm Vibast Centre, 167 Old Street,
EC1V 9NH A free four-week yoga programme.
Places will go fast. For more information and to book contact Lorraine info@yogawithlorraine.org
Dementia-Friendly Activities at Park Theatre, including Carers
'Kick Off with a Verse' offers weekly 90-minute sessions for anyone looking after a family member or friend living with dementia, using poetry to spark conversation and creativity. Sessions include time to relax and chat over tea, coffee, and snacks. Held Wednesdays mornings (term time) at Park Theatre, Finsbury Park. Sessions for people living with dementia taking part at the same time. Sign up: engagement@parktheatre.co.uk
More info on the Park Theatre website.
Elizabeth House Women’s Group
Mondays 11.30am – 1.30pm (term time only)
Elizabeth House Community Centre, 2 Hurlock Street, N5 1ED
The Elizabeth House Women’s Group is now taking on new members! The group is warm, friendly, and creative, offering a welcoming space for women to connect, relax, and support each other. They provide a free cooked meal, hot drinks, and snacks each week. Come along, enjoy good company, and take some time for yourself in a supportive community.
Social Pickleball
Fridays, 10-11.30am
Sobell Leisure Centre, Hornsey Road, N7 7NY
Join our friendly pickleball sessions for all abilities, from beginners to experienced players. Enjoy relaxed, organised games led by an activator—great for fitness and socialising. Equipment provided. Cost: £10.30 non-members, £2.70 with Better Adult Senior 60+ Membership. For details, contact Mikael.Kiviniemi@gll.org
ISLINGTON PARTNER UPDATES
Healthy Minds Healthy Bods 100th Health pack The latest pack from local charity Healthy Minds Healthy Bods is a bumper read - it features Mindset, Nutrition, Exercise and Health, plus Lazza’s first-time recipes, quizzes and games, recommendations, HMHB’s incredible November in photos and words, targets, medical research news and more. See Page 12 for December’s exciting events.
Sugar, Spice and Healtb Advice With the festive season approaching and lots of delicious food around, taking care of our health is more important than ever. Islington Life sat down with Dr Joan, an experienced GP and leading voice in diabetes education, especially for people of African, Caribbean, South Asian, and Arabic ethnicities. She shared tips on how to we can make diabetes care more inclusive. Click below to read Dr Joan's Health Tips.
The Power of MIND: Mums in Data
This is a fully funded, 12-week part-time training programme for mothers with caring responsibilities seeking careers in data roles. It offers hybrid technical learning, project placements, careers workshops, and 1-to-1 mentoring. Designed to be flexible, the programme prepares participants for job-ready roles such as Junior Data Engineer or Trainee Data Analyst. Apply via the Expression of Interest link.
Bladder and Bowel Service - Islington
The service provides assessments, treatment and continence products where needed. Access begins with a continence assessment. Referrals can be made by a GP, healthcare professional, or support worker. Contact: whh.tr.bladderandbowel@nhs.net or call 020 3316 8401. For more information, click below for the Bladder and Bowel Care Service webpage.
Legal Advice Appointments
City Community Legal Advice Centre offers free advice on a range of legal issues. Volunteer students, supervised by qualified solicitors and supported by academic staff and external lawyers, provide assistance to clients. Appointments are currently available. Click below to make an enquiry via the online form.
Contacting Islington Carers Hub
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 mailto:info@islingtoncarershub.org.
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