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!
Do you or someone you care for experience ongoing pain? It’s estimated that nearly 28 million people in the UK live with some form of chronic pain. It affects around 30% of young adults of working age and up to 62% of people over 75.
For the October Let’s Talk, we were joined by UCLH Complex Pain team who gave a really helpful talk, sharing practical strategies to help manage pain and improving wellbeing. If you couldn't attend the last Let's Talk, click below for pain management resources and a video of their talk, so you can watch this at home. We'd highly recommend it!
Women's Health Issues in Mid-Life
Olga Andres-Moreno, an Age UK Islington Social Prescribing Link Worker, has shared her reflections on women’s health and the challenges she frequently sees amongst women in mid life and as they start to get older. Women in their late 40s and 50s experience a variety of challenges in everyday life, but as Olga explains, few recognise that menopause may be a factor contributing to some of the issues.
Click below for the article and also for the resources shared by Healthy Generations in their presentation about Menopause at the last Let's Talk.
Staying Healthy in Winter As the days get shorter and we head towards winter, it’s easy to want to curl up under a blanket until spring. But staying healthy over winter doesn’t have to feel like hard work, just a few small things can keep our bodies strong and our spirits high. Click below for the article and suggestions for local services that can help - from helping with your energy bills to lunch clubs and how to get vaccines locally.
Carers Rights Day Thursday 20 November, 10.30am-2.45pm
Upper Holloway Baptist Church, 11 Tollington Way, N7 6RG Do you look after a partner, relative or friend, or know someone who does? One of the biggest events that Islington Carers Hub hosts during the year, this is a chance to connect with other carers and local services. Discover your rights as a carer, learn about the help available, and enjoy talks, lunch, and fun activities. Click below for further details and to book. AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS
Ask ‘Planning for the Future’
Wednesday 5 November, 11am-12pm
Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF
Do you have questions about how to put a Lasting Power of Attorney in place? How about Wills or Funeral plans? Whatever your age and whatever your question, book for a space at this relaxed, informal session with the Age UK Islington Planning For the Future team. The team can answer questions and organise follow-up appointments to help you to put plans in place. Click below for further details and to book.
Recovery College: Low Mood and Depression
Tuesday 11 November, 1.30-3pm
Dame Geraldine Hall, 9 Manor Gardens, N7 6LA
If you've been feeling a bit down or lacking in energy or motivation recently, or know someone who has, you might be interested in our special taster workshop hosted by The Recovery College. Together, we will explore and uncover strengths and resources, practical tools and techniques to support common symptoms of low mood. The workshop will also provide tips to break negative thought patterns. Click
below to book your place.
Park Cuppa Special Edition - Sugarcraft
Wednesday 26 November, 11am–12pm
Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF
Get into the seasonal spirit with our Sugarcraft Decorations Workshop! In just one hour, you’ll learn simple techniques to craft delightful sugar decorations for your cakes and desserts - from holly leaves to snowflakes and festive flowers, or simply try it just for fun! Book your place at the Park Cuppa via the link below.
Let’s Talk Peer Event: Housing Repairs and Handyperson Service
Thursday 13 November, 10.30am-1.45pm
Islington Council (Community Space) 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR
Learn about Housing Repairs in Islington, responsibilities of your landlord and how to get repairs actioned. Find out about the Handyperson service and get tips and guidance to help choose and hire local tradespeople. Click to see the poster and the button below for the booking form.
Age UK Islington Weekly Get TogethersSee the regular weekly Get Togethers that we offer together with Islington partners in community venues across Islington - from Sports Get Togethers to Pilates and a regular Park Cuppa.
Monthly Community Lunch in Islington
First Tuesday of every month, 1-2pm
Whittington Park Community Centre, Islington, N19 4RSEnjoy a delicious two-course lunch for just £5!
Open to all ages and a wonderful opportunity to meet new people in a friendly setting. Seats are first-come, first-served, so please arrive on time to secure your spot at the table.
Active Space - Strength and Balance for 55+
Thursdays, 11.30am-12.30pm
Loraine Estate Community Centre, Holloway Road N7 9SA
Come and join Arsenal in the Community for this free Active Spaces class. These gentle exercise classes are suitable for people with movement-limiting conditions such as COPD and arthritis. You can stay seated or work on improving your balance and becoming steadier on your feet. Click the link below to explore more and book your space by contacting Rhys on 07548 107576 or email communityhealth@arsenal.co.uk.
The Black Health Hub in Islington
Multiple dates in November
The Finsbury Park Trust, 225-229 Seven Sisters Road, N4 2DAA welcoming space to connect, share stories and seek friendly advice, with free health and wellbeing information tailored for the community. These sessions are held every other Monday and focus on health topics affecting African and Caribbean communities. Free to attend – for more information, please click the link below or contact hub@goafricaworkshop.co.uk.
Community Choir
Saturdays, 5-6.30pm, running until December
Church on the Corner, 64 Barnsbury Road, N1 0ES
Join a free community choir and get into the festive spirit by learning some Christmas songs! All singing abilities are welcome, so come along and bring your friends. Free to attend.
Wellbeing Choir
Tuesday 4 November, 5pm
London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Rd, N7 8DBA monthly workshop that invites you to sing for wellbeing - free and open to all. Sign up through the link below to reserve your spot.
The Garden Classroom – Community Gardening at Whittington Park
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. Several sessions will be run through November and to January at different locations across Islington.Click below for further details and upcoming dates.
Over 60s group
Wednesday 5 November, 11am-12pm
Central Library, 2 Fieldway Crescent, N5 1PF
Join the monthly meet-up at Central Library featuring a different theme each time. There’s always something new to discover and it’s a great opportunity to meet new people. Click the link below to visit the website.
Breathe Easy Group Launch
Wednesday 5 November, 1.30-3pm
Bingfield Health Center, 8 Bingfield Street, N1 0AL
A welcoming support group for people with lung conditions and their friends, family, and carers. The group offers peer support, talks from healthcare experts, practical tips and information, and occasional social outings. Events are held on the first Wednesday of every month. Contact 0750 8009004 or 0207 288 5474 for more information.
Expert Patients Programme(EPP) for Cally residents with long-term health conditions
Starting on Wednesday 5 November, 1.30-4pm - 6 weekly sessions
Jean Stokes Community Centre, Coatbridge House, N1 0DX
Run by Whittington Health, the 6-week programme is designed to help you confidently manage your health and feel more in control. It includes tips on managing symptoms and coping with the challenges that come with health issues. Check out further details of the programme offering via the link below. Sign up for the programme by emailing whh-tr.self-management@nhs.net.
Pop-up shop with The Parent House
Thursday 6 November, 12.30–3pm
Cally Clocktower Centre Caledonian Park, N7 9HF
As the weather turns colder, drop by our pop-up shop to browse a selection of pre-loved winter clothes for women, all at great value. Bring your own bags to take your finds home! Enjoy free tea and cake while you shop, plus a wellbeing session included in the event. Contact aki@theparenthouse.co.uk or call 0207 837 1383 for any questions.
Islington Fixers - Electrical Repair workshop
Saturday 8 November, 12-4pm
West Library, 107 Bridgeman Road, N1 1BD
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 to find out more and see which items can be repaired.
Totally Flawed - Saturday Socials
Saturdays, 8 & 22 November, 12–3pm
Finsbury Park Trust, 225-229 Seven Sisters Road, N4 2DA
Come along and enjoy hot soup and drinks, with a variety of wellbeing activities including crafts, poetry, and singing. No booking required, just drop-in!
Community Crime-Fighting: Islington
Tuesday 11 November, 6-9pm
London Metropolitan University, 166-220 Holloway Road, N7 8DB
Featuring Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, this event will reflect on our progress since the launch of A New Met for London (2023) and highlight the ongoing crime-fighting efforts across Islington. This is not only an opportunity to showcase the work of our officers and partners - it is, above all, a space for our communities to speak, ask questions and share their concerns. Register below and secure your free ticket.
Fast Friends: Make New Friends in London
Thursday 13 November, 7-9pm
Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, N19 Looking for a relaxed evening to meet new people? This event is all about easy conversations and building connections in a friendly setting. Perfect for anyone new to London or simply wanting to expand their social circle. Tickets are £6 per person, and the event is for ages 18+. Health Messages for Muslim Communities Workshops
Mindsavers is a workshop designed to integrate
Islamic principles with contemporary mental health understanding to promote
mental health awareness, prevention and recovery within the Muslim community. Free
to attend and booking is required. Two different sessions are held at various
times and locations. Please see the link below for details and registration for
each session.
LIFT x Revolt - SPONGE: Creative & Design careers event
Thursday 20 November, 6.30-9pm
Better Space EC1R 3DA Sponge brings underrepresented talent closer to industry opportunities through events featuring seasoned professionals. The upcoming session focuses on creative and design, in collaboration with LIFT and Better Space. Pizza and soft drinks available. Photos and videos will be recorded throughout the event. Please click below to see more information and book your place.
The Minds Together Cafe Launch on Thursday, 20 November
Thursday 20 November, 1–3pm
Goodinge Community Centre, N7 9GZ A new Islington initiative for residents living with dementia offers a welcoming space for connection, carer support and access to local health services. Join the opening day for refreshments and to meet the Goodinge community. The Minds Together Café will officially begin its regular sessions on Thursday 15th January 2026, running monthly on Thursdays, each with a unique theme. The first theme in January will be “Winter Warmers & Wellbeing.” Click the link below to find out more.
For details of other events designed for people with dementia and their carers, see the Age UK Islington website.
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration - Creative Art Workshops
Friday 21 November, 12 December, 23 January, 10.30am-12.30pm
Church on the Corner, 64 Barnsbury Road, N1 0ES
Join the
free creative workshops where you can make new friends and a community along
the way. Free snacks, soft drinks and hot drinks are provided, everyone is welcome and no previous experience is needed. To book a place, contact: community@qbcentre.org.uk.
Type 2
Diabetes Education Programme for Turkish Speakers Friday, 21 & 28 November, 9.30am-12.30pm
Whittington Education Centre, Highgate Hill, N19 5NF
Join the free face-to-face sessions from Whittington Health to help manage your Type 2 diabetes and gain control of your health. These sessions are for Turkish speakers. Call 020 7527 1558 or email whh-tr.Self-Management@nhs.net to find out more information.
Set Ready Course
27 & 28 November, 10am-4pm, Apply by 6 November
Whittington Park Community Association, Yerbury Road, N19 4RS
Set Ready is a free two-day training programme by FilmFixer, the UK’s largest film service provider, designed to teach essential skills for working on film and TV shoots as a Location Marshal. Applicants must be residents of Camden, Islington, or Barnet, aged 18 or over, and no previous industry experience is required. Click below to learn more and apply.
ISLINGTON PARTNER UPDATES
The Family Service from NHS
The Family Service (NHS) offers confidential, non-judgemental support to adults and children affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use. We provide emotional, practical, and therapeutic help through one-to-one, family, group, and peer sessions, as well as parenting support, education, training, employment assistance, and complementary therapies. For more information, call 0203 317 7437 or email nlft.blfamilyreferrals@nhs.net.
Older LGBTQ+ Londoner’s Guide to Socials, Events & Services 2025
LGBT+ Consortium facilitates a quarterly roundtable with LGBTQ+ organisations that support or are led by people over 50. Together they have created the Older LGBTQ+ Londoner’s Guide to Socials, Events and Services 2025.
Parks
satisfaction survey Share your views by Thursday 6 November
Park users are invited to share their views on Islington’s parks through a satisfaction survey. The feedback helps the service understand what matters most to local people and guides how we prioritise our resources.
Age UK London Ageism Survey
Ageism may become a more visible issue in London, the UK’s fastest ageing city, and this is a really important issue that affects thousands of older Londoners. Age UK London are preparing their new campaign on ageism in London. They want to hear from as many people as possible, from a diverse range of background, about their experiences of ageism in London. The responses received will help the team at Age UK London develop a campaign for action, to be launched in the new year.
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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