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Dear Islington Resident,

Sharing the latest updates. guides and activities from 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!

Silver Sunday Week, 3rd to 10th October

Join Age UK Islington and other Islington partners including Sadlers Wells, Cubitt Arts and Octopus for a fun week of events. Whether you’re looking to try a new activity, meet new people, or simply enjoy a day out, there’s something for everyone - from guided walks to a ‘pay what you can’ theatre matinee. Bookings are now open!

Richard Osman and Age UK Shine a Light on Older Voices in Thursday Murder Club Film

At the UK premiere of The Thursday Murder Club on 21 August, starring Dame Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, author Richard Osman spoke about the importance of amplifying older voices on screen. Age UK national Chief Executive Paul Farmer also praised the film for celebrating the talents of older people and the joy of seeing them take on unexpected roles, like solving crimes.

Islington artists, some of whom have connections with Age UK Islington and Healthy Generations, took part in a special re-creation of a scene from the film at the time of the premiere - in Leicester Square.

Sharing resources from Let's Talk: Asthma, COPD, diabetes

Our August Let’s Talk session offered practical tips on managing asthma, COPD, and diabetes. We heard from the Whittington Health Community Respiratory Team, Dr Grace McGeoch (who runs local diabetes group clinics), and London Met student dietitian working with Age UK Islington’s social prescribing team. Click below for resources shared in the session.

Getting support to manage at home with mobility issues 

With health and mobility issues making life harder, one Islington resident turned to Age UK Islington. Jenna helped with applying for Attendance Allowance, a Taxicard, and getting practical support at home. Read the full story and find out how similar support could help you or someone you know.

Age UK Islington's quality awards

We’re proud to have achieved both the Age UK Charity Quality Standard and Information and Advice quality programme awards - these show a commitment to providing high quality, consistent advice, meeting rigorous Advice Quality Standard (AQS) benchmarks. 

Lasting Power of Attorney fees going up on 17 November 
From 17 November, the fee to register a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is increasing from £82 to £92, or £41 to £42 if you are eligible for a discount. There is one for Health and Welfare and one for Property and Financial Affairs. The LPAs provide peace of mind and helps manage your finances e.g. paying rent or bills, healthcare and welfare if you're unable to do so yourself. 

The good news is that the Age UK Islington Planning for the Future team has free appointments (you need to book). Appointments are by phone and in-person - and can provide guidance and help with completing the forms. Find out more about the service or click below to request an appointment.

AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS

Let's Talk: Benefits and Saving on Bills

Thursday 18 September, 10.30am - 1.45pm

Relaxed, social, informative and an opportunity to share your views. This month, we'll be preparing for the colder months ahead - get practical tips on managing your energy bills, find out how to deal with energy debt and ways to save money on your energy bills. Also find out about Pension Credit and why it’s worth applying if you’re on a low income and of state pension age. See the Lets Talk poster and agenda.

Park Cuppa Special Edition with guest speaker British Museum

Cally Clock Tower Centre, N7 9HF

Wednesday 24 September 11-12pm

Book to join us for a special session with the British Museum exploring textiles from around the world and the messages they carry. This is a special edition of the regular weekly Park Cuppa.

Volunteering Information Session

Cally Clock Tower Centre, N7 9HF

Tuesday 9 September 3-4pm

Find out how you can make a difference in your community with Age UK Islington and Friends of Cally Park. Find out about local volunteering opportunities, how to apply, and meet the teams involved. If you’ve got some time to spare on a regular basis, book a place to find out more!

Sleep and Anxiety Workshop

Islington Ecology Centre, N5 1PH

Friday 30 September, 9.45 - 11.30am

Struggling to sleep? Occasional sleepless nights are normal, but if poor sleep is affecting your daily life, it might be time to take action. If you have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, you might want to book for our workshop with the Recovery College.

REGULAR EVENTS

Thursdays 12.30-1.30pm
Old Fire Station, 84 Mayton Street, N7 6QT
All ages and abilities are welcome – you don’t need to be a singer. All music, songs and explorations led by participants. For more information call 0207 607 9794 or click below to email.

ISLINGTON PARTNER EVENTS

Wed 3 September, 10am-1pm

HOLDSPACE, Risinghill Street, N1 9SY

The Autumn course guide and calendar is available on the website including courses starting in September, including Assertiveness for all, Building Healthy Relationships, History Wellbeing walk, Writing for Self-Expression (online), Move into Confidence and more. You can enrol online for these free courses. To find out more email: NLFT.recoverycollege@nhs.net.

Inclusive Tennis Sessions

Thursdays 4-5pm from 4th September

Pavilion Tennis, Recreation Ground, Albert Road, N22 7XL

Brand-new, free, inclusive tennis sessions specially designed for young people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent needs. The training sessions include expert coaching for all skill levels for ages 16 to 25 years old. Rackets provided. To find out more contact Nikki Chivers on 07841 033248 or nikki.chivers@elfrida.com.

The Angel Canal Festival

Sunday 7 September, 11am–4pm

City Road Basin, Graham Street & Gardens

A free community festival with family favourites including: Punch & Judy, Morris Dancing, Live Music, Juggling, Have-a-go Canoeing, Craft Market, Art Activities, Pearly Kings & Queens, Boat Trips, Street Food and much more!

Free Textile Upcycling and Repair workshops

9th & 30th September 10am-4pm

If you have some old clothes or textiles that could use some attention, drop into the FC Designer Collective shop on Fonthill Road for free upcycling and repair support and tuition. You'll also have the opportunity to pick up some sewing skills too!

Celebrate your Community Event

Saturday 13 September, 1-5pm

Mildmay Community Centre, Woodville Road, N16 8NA

Come together for a day of upliftment with music, performances, art, puppet making, games, workshops, children’ activities, local information, food & drink.

Whittington Park Community Association Vintage Games Day

Saturday 13 September, 1-4pm

Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19 4RS

Step into the fun with an intergenerational afternoon of classic games, community connection, snacks and drinks. From Dominoes and Lego to paper planes and shared stories – all ages are welcome. There’s something for everyone. Booking recommended.

In-Person Mindfulness Course

Thursdays 1-2.30pm from 18 September

The Stress Project Centre, 2 Shelburne Road, N7 6DL

Free upcoming 8-week Mindfulness Course introducing mindfulness practices that will teach you to replace negative thought patterns with positive ones. Mindfulness has been clinically proven to improve sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.

Learn to Ride Course

Wednesday 24 September

Lee Valley Riding Centre, Leyton

Lee Valley Riding Centre in Leyton is launching a daytime Learn to Ride course for older riders - small groups, social atmosphere, and just £180 (50% off the usual £360). Try the taster session to see if its something you'd enjoy. The 8-week course runs later this year, one hour per week, covering horse handling and riding basics. Helmets and boots provided.

LIFT Digital Futures – Now Open for Applications

Wed 3 September, 11am information session 

A free part-time programme for women (18+) in Camden, Hackney, or Islington, looking to build skills in the digital and creative sectors -

29 Sept – 11 Oct, 2.5 days per week. Complete the course and get a guaranteed interview with global media agency Dentsu.

Islington Bereavement Service – 10-Year Celebration

Saturday 27 September, 12–3pm

North Library, Manor Gardens, N7 6JX

Join a relaxed afternoon of creativity, conversation, and connection, with free refreshments, live music, and a chance to meet the team. Take part in simple creative activities like making a posy, decorating a candle, or stitching a memento. Whether you've been bereaved, supported someone who has, or just want to learn more, everyone is welcome to drop in.

ISLINGTON PARTNER UPDATES

Emergency Alerts - Testing Taking Place

Sunday 7 September 3pm

The UK’s Emergency Alerts System enables people to be contacted via their mobile phone and tablet if their lives are at risk in an emergency. The system will be used to warn you about life-threatening emergencies, such as severe flooding. It will be tested nationally on Sunday 7th September at around 3pm. An Emergency Alert is a loud, siren-like sound with a message on your mobile phone screen.

Seven New Public Toilets in Islington

More clean, safe, free public toilets are set to arrive in Islington, open 24 hours a day. The toilets are free to use and designed to support independent access for wheelchair users. Each unit is self-cleaning, with automatic disinfection of the toilet bowl, seat, floor and walls after every use, and ozone-based night cleaning for added hygiene.

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.

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