Dear Islington resident,
We hope that you're managing to stay cool at home. Don't forget the Cool Spaces in local community venues, where you can take a breather and get out of the heat. As ever, there's lots of wonderful things to do in Islington this August. See some of what's on below!
A Remarkable Milestone and An Exciting New Chapter
Age UK Islington's recent summer picnic marked both continuity and celebration, as we welcomed our new Chief Executive, Adam Moll and recognised Support Services Manager Asfaw Seyoum-Semunigus for an incredible 30 years of service. Read more about the day and the people who make Age UK Islington what it is.
Planning for the Future: Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Universal Care Plans
Planning ahead doesn’t have to be daunting and it can make a real difference to your health, wellbeing and finances. One practical step is setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA).
Islington Council's Islington Life team spoke to Judith King from Age UK Islington about what it is, why it matters, and how local residents can get support. Read the article and find out more.
You can also book to join our free in-person information session to learn about Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Universal Care Plans - on Tues 15 Sept, 2-4pm.
Catch-up on the Let's Talk event: Keeping Safe in Islington
Were you able to attend Let's Talk last month? The session was about hate crime and how to keep safe when out and about in Islington. We were joined by the Islington Council Hate Crime Prevention and Safer Spaces team and the Met Police. There was lots of discussion and questions! Click below for the video of the talk and resources shared in the session and Age UK guides.
Mind the Age Gap: A Podcast Series
Age UK London has recently launched 'Mind the Age Gap', a new podcast giving a voice to the lived experiences of older Londoners facing ageism in everyday life. The podcast follows the publication of Age UK London’s recent research into ageism, which revealed that 1 in 2 older Londoners has experienced ageism.
AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS
Let’s Talk: ICH and Nuffield Health
Thursday 20 August, 10am – 1pm Islington Council (Community Space) 222 Upper Street, N1 1 XR Join Torps from Islington Carers Hub to learn more about what it means to be a ‘family or unpaid carer’ and the support available to help you in your caring role. Joelle from Nuffield Health will also let us know about their popular joint pain programme.
Tech Break – Managing Smartphone Notification Friday 7 August (on Zoom) Smartphones can be helpful, but the constant beeps, banners and alerts can quickly become overwhelming. Simon will explain how notifications work and show simple ways to quieten unnecessary alerts, use Do Not Disturb / Focus modes, and make sure important messages still get through. Click below to register for the event and receive a Zoom link to join.
See also the slides from July's Tech Break: Tech for Summer Travel and Exploration.
Park Cuppa Special Edition - Musical Session Wednesday 26 August, 11am-12pm Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF Join us for our monthly special edition of Park Cuppa. We're looking forward to another musical session with Lili and Dan who joined us a few months ago. At their last appearance at Park Cuppa they delighted us with acoustic original songs and familiar favourites from Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton and Stevie Wonder. There's lots of opportunity to sing-a-long if you'd like to!
Health and History Walk Friday 28 August, 11am Meet at 91 Skinner St EC1 0WX Discover how Spa Fields links to radical movements of 2000 years ago, and view its transformation. On the walk, the expert guide from Islington Guided Walks will reveal how a protest 2000 years ago led to a larger political movement. An Age UK Islington volunteer will also be there to welcome you. Booking essential.
PARTNER ACTIVITIES AND OTHER UPDATES
Free Yoga Sessions Wednesdays 5 & 12 August, 1.30pm–2.30pm Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, Carnoustie Drive, N1 0DX Take time to relax and recharge with free Yoga with Tuula. Suitable for all abilities, these welcoming classes focus on gentle movement, stretching and wellbeing. There is no need to book, but bring your own yoga mat and simply come along to enjoy an hour of relaxation and exercise.
Visit to Kew Gardens Thursday 6 August Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AE
Join the Vibast Community Centre for a special summer visit to Kew Gardens. Adult tickets cost £6, children under 11 cost £3 and children under four go free. Tickets are cash only and must be purchased from Vibast Community Centre. Places are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Health and Wellbeing Walk Friday 7 August, 10am – 11am Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH A gentle stroll around the reserve, noticing plants, birds and nature as we go. Free tea and coffee afterwards. All are welcome and the walk is dementia friendly. No need to book, just turn up! For info: 020 7527 4374 or click below to email: ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk.
Community Wellness Event Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 August, 12.00pm–4.00pm Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF Take part in a community wellness event with therapies provided by Community Angel. The event is open to local residents and booking is required to attend. Please click the flyer below for more information and how to book.
Bemerton Good Neighbours Scheme Summer Event Saturday 15 August, 1.00pm–4.00pm Jean Stokes Community Centre, N1 0DX Help on Your Doorstep invites local residents to the rescheduled Bemerton Good Neighbours Scheme Summer Event. Meet neighbours, enjoy a friendly afternoon and celebrate your local community. If you would like to attend, please click below to email Nicky@helponyourdoorstep.com to reserve your place.
Sky Gardening Challenge Competition Closes Sunday 16 August (entries close at midnight)
The National Trust's Sky Gardening Challenge encourages people living in flats and apartments to share how they have transformed balconies, patios or window boxes for nature and wellbeing. Enter before the closing date for the chance to win gardening prizes and a National Trust day out. Click below for more details and to submit your entry.
Make it Happen Fund Drop-in Session Tuesday 18 August, 4-7pm, Saturday 22 September, 11am-2pm 13 Elliott's Place, London N1 8HX Find out how Islington Giving's Make it Happen Fund can help bring your community idea to life. Meet the team, ask questions and discuss your proposal in an informal setting. Whether your idea is fully developed or just beginning, everyone is welcome. No need to book.
Working Men's College Open Day Saturday 12 September, 11.00am–4.00pm Working Men's College, Crowndale Road, London NW1 1TR
Discover the wide range of adult learning opportunities available at Working Men's College. Meet tutors, explore the campus, take a guided tour and learn about courses designed to develop skills, confidence and career prospects. Everyone is welcome. Drop in on the day or click the link below for more information about the courses and open day event.
Creative Writing and Poetry Course Islington Mind Centre, Archway 8-week course Tuesdays, 1st Sep - 20th Oct, 2-3.30pm A creative writing and poetry course with Bill Dury in collaboration with Islington Mind. To book for the full term, click below to email Stuart Low Trust on: info@slt.org.uk or call: 020 7713 9304.
LGBTQ+ Unpaid Carers Peer Support Group London
Sunday 6 September, 2-4pm Join a relaxed and welcoming space where LGBTQ+ unpaid carers can connect, share experiences, and support each other. Whether you’re looking for advice or just someone who understands what you’re going through, this group is here for you. Carers' social life is often impacted so please come along, meet new friends, and take a little time for yourself!
Friday Nights at Stuart Low Trust Fridays 6.30-8.45pm FORTNIGHTLY Jean Stokes Community Centre, Caledonian Road, N1 0DX
Join Stuart Low Trust for their Friday night drop-in events. On 14th August, test your geography knowledge at Bill’s Quiz Night with a countries and borders theme. Then, on 28th August, join Hugh Dennis for a fascinating look at how London’s main railway stations developed. No need to book - just drop in.
All Ability Cycling Sessions 50+ Every Monday, 10.00am–12.00pm Highbury Fields (near the tennis courts) BikeWorks runs free inclusive cycling sessions for people with physical, sensory or learning disabilities, long-term health conditions and their families and carers. Participants can try a range of adapted cycles in a friendly and supportive environment. This service is well suited for those 50+ who want to find a social, fun way to stay active. Sessions are suitable for all abilities. Click below for more information and to book a place.
Adult Community Learning Enrolment Days 2nd, 3rd, 4th September (See enrolment flyer for dates, times and venue details)
Islington Council is welcoming learners to enrol on a range of free Adult Community Learning courses. Subjects include digital skills, English, maths, wellbeing, creative arts and employability. Courses are open to eligible learners and offer opportunities to gain new skills in a supportive environment. Click the link below for the enrolment flyer with dates and how to register.
Online Mindfulness Course September 2026 (8-week course) The Stress Project is offering an eight-week online mindfulness course designed to help participants manage stress, improve emotional wellbeing and build resilience. The course costs £20–£25 per session and is suitable for anyone looking to develop practical mindfulness techniques. Click the link below for the Stress Project's webpage to book your place.
Hoarding UK Support Groups If managing clutter feels impossible for you or a loved one, you are not alone. Hoarding UK offers free, confidential online support groups. These virtual sessions provide a safe, judgment-free space for individuals and carers to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and find practical steps forward together.
Borrow It – Library of Things Collection from smart lockers (see website for locations) Borrow It scheme lets you borrow useful household, gardening and DIY equipment instead of buying it. Membership costs £3.75 per month with three seven-day loans included, and is free for residents living in social housing. Become a member online and start borrowing today.
Fully Funded Online Courses Enrol now
Build your skills with these three fully funded online Level 2 courses in Counselling Skills, Mental Health First Aid and Understanding Autism. Courses are available to eligible adults aged 19 and over living in England. Places are limited, so click the link to register for more information and how to book or contact the team at 01226 958 888.
Islington Accessibility Group Wednesday, 26 August 3-4.30pm Islington Council Town Hall, Upper St, London N1 2UD The Islington Accessibility Group brings disabled residents together to help improve accessibility across the borough. The next meeting will focus on hire bikes, with Lime and Forest discussing their accessibility and inclusion work. Please send any questions or suggestions for the operators to patrick.ocallaghan@islington.gov.uk by the end of 14 August. If you'd like to share your thoughts, join the group or find out more, please click below to contact Patrick.
Wellbeing Activities Book appointments The Stress Project offers a range of wellbeing services, including Reiki, counselling, therapy and mindfulness courses to support emotional wellbeing. Sessions cost between £20 and £25 per hour, with evening appointments available for people who work during the day. Visit the Stress Project website to learn more or self-refer.
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.
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