Dear Katy,
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!
Need support after 5pm? Try our new Carers Chatbot!
Islington Carers Hub has a new digital helper which can answer carer-related questions 24/7. Whether you need some input to your caring siutation or want to know something about support that's available for Islington Carers, why not give it a try!
We also have a handy Carers Allowance Checker - answer a few simple questions and check your eligibility. if you've any feedback on using these tools, we'd love to hear from you:communications@ageukislington.org.uk.
A Remarkable Milestone and An Exciting New Chapter
Islington Carers Hub is a service run by Age UK Islington. Our 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 the organisation what it is.
Planning for the Future: Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Universal Care Plans
Lasting Powers of Attorney 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) - whether for yourself or someone you look after.
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. Contact Age UK Islington on 020 7281 6018 / gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk if you'd like help to put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place.
Book for a free in-person information session: Universal Care Plans You can also book to join our free in-person information session to get an introduction to Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, with a more detailed look at Universal Care Plans - on Tuesday 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.
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.
EVENTS FOR ISLINGTON CARERS
First Aid Workshop (Online) Thursday 6 August, 6pm – 7.30pm If you're caring for a loved one or supporting someone in your community, having basic first aid skills is essential. Run by experienced British Red Cross educators, the workshop will help build your confidence to help someone in a first aid emergency, using everyday objects around you.
Carers for Carers Meetup Tuesday 11 August, 10.30pm – 12pm Duke of Cambridge
Join us and share a coffee and cake followed by Maria Piroli from Islington Carers Hub who will give a talk on why putting a Lasting Power of Attorney for the person you're caring for is so important.
Carers' Coffee and Cake: Met Police talk about Courier Fraud Tuesday 25 August, 10.30am – 12pm St. Luke’s Community Centre, 90 Central Street, EC1V 8AJ
Come and join us for a coffee, cake and a catch up. This month we will have the Met Police joining us for a session on fraud - and specific vulnerability signs when it comes to Courier fraud. What to be aware of and things to look out for to protect against this in communities.
PARTNER ACTIVITIES AND OTHER UPDATES
Design Futures Information Session (online) Tuesday 4 August, 12.00-1.00pm Thinking about a career in graphic design? Join LIFT and Capital City College's online information session to learn about Design Futures, a four-week programme for aspiring designers aged 19+ living in Camden, Hackney or Islington. Find out about the course, paid internship opportunities and how to apply before the deadline.
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.
Dads Who Walk Celebration Event Sunday 16 August, 10.30am–12.30pm Foxham Gardens, London N19 4QA The Mandem invites dads, children and partners to celebrate another successful season of Dads Who Walk. Enjoy a short nature walk, a community picnic and free family portraits by an award-winning photographer. Everyone is welcome. Book your place through the website to join the celebration.
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.
The King's Trust Explore Programme Group Induction Wednesday 19 August Course Tuesday 25 August-Friday 25 September, 10.30am-3.30pm Islington Delivery Space, 8 Macclesfield Road, EC1V 8DG The King's Trust Explore Programme helps young people aged 16–25 build confidence, develop life skills and improve employability over five weeks. Participants will take part in team activities, life skills workshops and employability sessions, followed by three months of ongoing support. Click the link below to register your interest.
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 Available year-round Collection from Help on Your Doorstep smart lockers (see website for locations) Help on Your Doorstep's 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.
Carers Active Online Fitness Sessions Various dates Carers Active offers free online fitness sessions designed specifically for unpaid carers. Join energising exercise classes with experienced instructors or take part in the new block of Zumba sessions suitable for all abilities. Booking is essential for every class. Click below for the Carers Active activity calendar and to reserve your place.
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.
Government Call for Evidence on Carer's Allowance Consultation closes Tuesday 18 August The Government is seeking views from unpaid carers, carers' organisations and people receiving care on how Carer's Allowance could be improved. Carers UK encourages anyone with lived experience to contribute to this important consultation. Scroll to the end of the page at the link below to share your views online before the closing date to help shape future policy.
Have Your Say on Employment Rights for Carers Consultation closes Tuesday 1 September Carers UK is encouraging unpaid carers to respond to the Government's consultation on employment rights, including proposals for paid Carer's Leave. Your experiences can help influence future policy and improve support for working carers. Completing the consultation takes as little as 15 minutes. Submit your response before the deadline.
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.
Carers Active Wellbeing Resources Available anytime Carers Active regularly shares free wellbeing resources, including podcast recommendations, home exercise ideas and practical support for unpaid carers. Visit the Carers Active Hub to explore resources and discover new ways to support your wellbeing.
Contacting 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.
Contact the Helpline to receive our newsletter straight to you inbox (if you're not already on our mailing list).
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