Dear Islington resident,
Wishing you a very happy start to the new year from everyone at Age UK Islington. We’re delighted to share a range of upcoming events, activities and useful resources! Hoping that you're all keeping warm.
Getting Active this New year in Islington! A new year is a great time to move more, feel better and try something new – at any age. Getting active doesn’t have to be intense; it’s about finding activities you enjoy and that work for you.
To help you explore what’s on locally, we’ve created a series of short *Discover Islington* videos. Click below to get an insight into the Better Multi-Sport Get Togethers at Sobell and Finsbury Leisure Centres (60yrs+) and Arsenal in the Community's health and wellbeing programme.
There's also a Move for Mood event taking place on Wednesday 28 January at Vibast Community Centre at 1pm, perfect for chatting to local activity providers, taking part in short taster sessions and finding out what's right for you! Refreshments will be available.
Anything you'd like to share?
Have you found any advice, services, or activities particularly helpful? Or perhaps you’ve overcome a challenge with the support of others and would like to share your story in next month’s newsletter. If so, we’d love to hear from you - please get in touch: communications@ageukislington.org.uk. AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS
Let's Talk Wednesday 21 January 10.30am-1.45pm
Upper Holloway Baptist Church, 11 Tollington Way N7 6RG
Join Let’s Talk - a friendly, relaxed and informative session. Take part in the discussion! This month we’ll be talking about local volunteering opportunities - a great way to build skills, connection and confidence. Healthy Generations will also be joining us for practical sleep and stress-reduction tips and to share details of their full activities programme.
Park Cuppa Special Edition: Herbal Teas Wednesday 28 January, 11am-12pm
Cally Clock Tower Centre, Market Estate, N7 9HF
Book for this special edition of Park Cuppa! Enjoy teas from fresh herbs and find out how they can influence our moods, e.g. calming or sleepy teas. Set on the edge of Cally Park, off North Road, Cally Clock Tower Centre is the lovely venue for our regular Park Cuppa event every Wednesday.
Social Pickleball Taster Session Friday 30 January, 10-11.30am Sobell Leisure Centre, Hornsey Road, N7 7NY Book to join a fun, introductory Pickleball free taster session. Led by a Better Leisure 'activator', the session includes relaxed, organised games designed to help you meet new people and discover this exciting fast-growing sport. It's easy to pick up, social and suitable for adults of all ages.
Let's Talk Mental Health: Building Positive Habits
Thursday 22 January, 1–3.30pm Islington MIND, 76–80 Isledon Road, N7 7LB A small, friendly support group for people receiving mental health support. Learn practical tools to build positive daily routines, set SMART goals, reduce stress and track progress. Includes guest speakers, reflective activities and peer support. Booking essential via Age UK Islington.
ORGANISED BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS
Camden & Islington Recovery College – Spring Courses
Courses start 5 January The Well, St Pancras Hospital, 4 St Pancras Way, NW1 0PE The Recovery College offers practical, interactive courses designed to support wellbeing and self-care. Enrolment for the Spring term is now open. Visit the website for the course guide, or attend the open day at St Pancras Hospital.
Green Guardians Gardening Groups – January 2026
Whittington Park, N19 4BQ Tuesdays 6, 13, 20, 27 January, 10am–12pm
Join community gardening sessions across Islington with The Garden Classroom. No booking needed - just turn up. Gloves, tools, guidance and refreshments provided. Tree planting, hedge work, and habitat creation.
Other sites:
Market Road Gardens, N7 9GR – Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10am–12pm
Newington Green Gardens, N16 9PX – Wednesdays 10am–12pm
Islington Adult Community Learning – Spring Enrolment
Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 January 2026, 9.30am–3pm
Community Centre, 76 Parkhurst Road, N7 0FF Drop in to enrol on free adult learning courses, including English, maths, digital skills and employment-focused classes. Open to adults aged 19+ who live in London and meet eligibility criteria. Bring ID and proof of residency. Staff will advise on courses and help you register.
Minds Together Café Thursday 15 January, 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 friendship, relaxed activities and informal support from professional services in a warm, understanding environment. No booking required - just drop in and join others for conversation, connection and support.
Community Gardening
Saturday 17 January, 10am–12pm – St John’s Garden, EC1
Join the Friends of St John’s Garden for gentle gardening in this peaceful woodland space. No experience is needed and all abilities are welcome. Enjoy being outdoors, help nature thrive and meet others in the community. Tools and guidance provided. Drop-in, no need to book.
Mildmay Library Re-opening Celebration
Saturday 24 January, 11am - 5pm Mildmay Library, 21-23 Mildmay Park, N1 4NA Join us at Mildmay Library for a fun, welcoming day for all ages. Enjoy adult taster sessions like chair yoga and line dancing, family-friendly activities including crafts, facepainting and storytime for under fives and the chance to meet others in your community — including the Mayor.
Health & History Walk: Whittington Park
Friday 30 January, 11am Whittington Park, N19 4BQ Enjoy a gentle, guided walk through green spaces with Islington Guided Walks. Learn fascinating local history while improving health and wellbeing at an easy pace. For meeting point details and accessibility information, visit the Islington Guided Walks website.
Intergenerational Event
Saturday 31 January, 10.30am–1pm
Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH
A fun, free event bringing generations together. Enjoy fireside singing, crafts, Zoolab, local sport talks, plus food and refreshments. Designed for all everyone, younger to older - drop in and take part in activities celebrating community, connection and creativity.
Warm Spaces in Islington
Warm community spaces are open across Islington this winter including Islington libraries and other local community venues: Mildmay Community Centre, Woodville Road, N16 8NA – 9.30am weekdays
St Luke’s Community Centre, 90 Central Street, EC1V 8AJ – times vary
Hilldrop Community Centre, 1 Hilldrop Road, N19 3QP – Monday & Friday 10am–2.30pm, Wednesday 10am–12pm
The Stuart Low Trust – Free Drama Performance Project
Taster session: 28 January 2026, 6.30–8.30pm – Venue in Islington
Free performance project for people aged 18–35, supporting confidence, communication, and social connection. Email info@slt.org.uk from 5 January to register interest and receive full details including venue.
Free Swimming Lessons for People Aged 60+
Ironmonger Row Baths, 1–3 Ironmonger Row, EC1V 3QY
Swimming is excellent exercise to maintain strength and mobility. Suitable for beginners or those wanting to build confidence in the water. Apply online to take part and stay active, healthy, and connected (limited time only).
Finsbury Winter Warmers There are a small number of Winter Warmers with places still available. Enjoy talks, activities and social sessions, with refreshments provided at every event. Click below to find out more.
Sit Down Tai Chi for Feeling Good Every Thursday 2pm Minerva Lodge, 42 Roman Way, N7 8XF No movement required, ideal for elderly participants.
Sound and Calligraphy: trace paths on special calligraphy while immersed
in calming, healing sound. Spaces limited - no charge/free activity for all. Enquiries call: 07862257197.
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
Warm Home Discount More households in England and Wales now qualify for the Warm Home Discount, a one-off £150 energy bill reduction for people on low incomes. Payments are usually automatic but rely on matching benefit and energy account details. Check your bill and any letters received.
Staying Well This Winter Find guidance on pharmacies, GP access, NHS 111, urgent care, winter vaccines and free medicines.
Tips to Make a Bathroom More Accessible Bathrooms can be challenging for carers and those they support, but small changes can make a big difference. The Mobilise community shares practical tips, from non-slip mats to accessing funding for larger adaptations. Discover 10 simple changes to make the bathroom easier to use.
All-age Autism Strategy – Have Your Say
Islington Council is developing a new All-age Autism Strategy to improve the lives of autistic people and their families. Autistic residents are encouraged to share their views through a survey co-designed with students from the Courtyard School and members of the Autism Hub.
Council Tax Support
Islington residents can reduce their council tax bill through a range of discounts and support schemes. You may qualify for reductions if you’re a single occupant, a student, older, disabled, giving or receiving care, or on a low income. Full details and application forms are available online.
Healthy Minds Healthy Bods January 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 and more.
FCA Scam Checker
The FCA’s Firm Checker helps you confirm whether a financial company is legitimate before you invest or buy services. Click below to give it a try.
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.
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