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Dear Islington Resident,

October's here, and there’s lots to get involved with locally! 

Join others for local walks, book for a trip to Kew Gardens and help protect yourself against scams with our Park Cuppa talk about courier fraud.

The latest printable Get Together magazine for October to December, is now available! Take a look to see what's on in local venues as well as more about free courses available through Adult Community Learning. There's also useful guidance about Staying Warm this Winter. 

Know a neighbour or someone locally who's isolated? Why not drop a copy of Get Together round to them? Printed copies are also available in Islington's libraries, GP surgeries and community centres. Can't find it at one of these venues, please contact communications@ageukislington.org.uk

Getting out and about

Do you know your state pension age? Could you be eligible for pension credit?

Understanding your pension entitlements can help you plan for later life and make sure you’re not missing out. Check your State Pension age, explore MoneyHelper’s Pension Awareness information and see Age UK’s Pension Credit guidance. Pension Credit can also give you access to other financial support and discounts, yet an estimated £12.9 million goes unclaimed by Islington residents each year.

Helping you to manage your energy bills

Islington Council's Income Maximisation team joined us for our September Let's Talk event, when we also heard from SHINE energy about the support they provide to help people with their energy bills.

At 60, Mahmoud is exploring a new career direction after several months out of work. Age UK Islington connected him with opportunities to build his digital confidence and help him to develop skills in AI and digital marketing. Read Mahmoud’s story to discover how learning new skills has helped him feel more connected, confident and positive about the future.

Age UK Islington teamed up with Highbury Roundhouse for a wonderful morning of storytelling, poetry and music. Cllr Ruth Hayes, Deputy Leader of Islington Council and Executive Member for Health and Social Care, joined the celebrations, acknowledging the valuable contribution older people make across Islington. See the photos and videos of talks and poetry readings from the day!

If you haven’t already completed the Age-friendly Islington survey, please take 10 minutes to share your views. It’s an important opportunity for residents aged 55+ to tell Islington Council what’s working well in the borough, what could be improved.

WEEKLY GET TOGETHERS

Our weekly partner Get Togethers are a great way to keep active and meet people. Try dance fitness, a cuppa in the park, Sobell and Finsbury sports get-togethers, yoga, pickleball and more. Friendly, social and welcoming, there’s something for everyone!

AGE UK ISLINGTON GET TOGETHERS

Booking is essential for Age UK Islington activities - via the links below or call 020 7281 6018 or email: gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk

Let’s Talk Event - 'Discover something new'

Thursday 15 October, 10am - 1pm

Islington Council, Shared Community Space, 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR

Join us this month to discover free learning opportunities, creative activities, local green spaces and enjoyable cultural experiences. Come along, meet others, find out what’s happening locally and discover something new to try. Click below to book a place or any problems using the form, please contact the helpline.

Kew Gardens Walk

Saturday 17 Oct, 11.30am

Kew Gardens, Victoria Gate, Kew Road, TW9 3JR

Book to join us for this free visit to Kew Gardens organised by Age UK Islington. A volunteer will bet here to greet you at the main gate and you’re welcome to stay with them throughout the visit. NB. this is not a guided tour. Maps will be provided if you prefer to explore at your own pace. Remember to wear comfortable shoes! Click below for the booking form or any problems, please contact the helpline.

Park Cuppa Special Edition - History Talk with Samir from Arsenal in the Community

Wednesday 14 October, 11-12pm

Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF

Love history, football or simply a good story? Join Samir from Arsenal in the Community for fascinating monthly conversations, exploring a different history topic each month, including some local history. With his wealth of football knowledge and experience working with Arsenal, there’ll be plenty to chat about too. Come along, enjoy a cuppa and great company! 

Click below to book a place or any problems using the form, please contact the helpline.

Park Cuppa Special Edition - 'Courier Fraud Scams'

Wednesday 28 October, 11-12pm

Cally Clock Tower Centre, Caledonian Park, N7 9HF

Join us for an informative and friendly discussion with the Met Police about courier fraud. Find out how these scams work, the warning signs to look out for and simple ways to stay safer. There’ll be plenty of time to ask questions, share experiences and enjoy a cuppa together! Click below to book a place or any problems using the form, please contact the 

helpline.

Tech Break – Making your phone last longer (battery + free space)

Friday 6 November, 12-1pm (Online via Zoom)

A phone that runs out of battery or storage mid-day is frustrating. Simon will show how to check battery and storage, spot apps that drain power or fill space, and use a few gentle settings so everyday phones last longer — useful ahead of winter and the festive period.

See also the slides from previous month's sessions:

September's Tech Break: Keeping track of data and wifi usage

October's Tech Break: Spotting shopping scams before Black Friday

Click below to book a place or any problems using the form, please contact the helpline.

WHAT'S ON IN ISLINGTON

For all ages, from a nature walks to training courses, see what's on in Islington hosted by other activity and event providers in Islington.

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.

Contact the Helpline to receive our newsletter straight to your inbox (if you're not already on our mailing list)!