Let's Get Back Together Oct 2021
Published on 09 October 2021 01:13 PM
To mark Mental Health Day on Sunday 10th October and the importance of social connection for our positive mental health, Age UK Islington invited Islington residents to ‘Get Back Together’ again in person, for a week of free social activities 4 - 8 October. Nearly 200 people of all ages came together for a week of events in leading arts and community organisations across the borough.
Sadler’s Wells Theatre, St Luke’s Community Centre, the Charterhouse, Manor Gardens and Cally Clock Tower Centre all generously hosted events. The events were open to adults of all ages, living in the borough of Islington. Arsenal in the Community also dropped in to share sporting memories at the Get Together on Monday.
People came together to share some food, funded by a donation to Age UK Islington and took part in a variety of activities – from a dance workshop at Sadler’s Wells based on Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! to a workshop with a local artist to create a recipe journal or a 3 course pie & mash lunch for £1!
“Being social again, safely, can make a world of difference to how we feel and is a great recipe for positive mental health, for people of all ages. It was great to see so many people venturing out to take part," said Katie Skea, Communications Manager, Age UK Islington.
Cllr Nurullah Turan, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We want our communities to feel safe, connected and included. We know that social isolation can have a really negative impact on people’s mental health, and the pandemic has unfortunately led to many more in our community suffering its effects.
“So I welcome Get Back Together week, organised by Age UK Islington working with Islington Council. It offered some brilliant ways to meet old friends and make new ones in a supportive environment, breaking the ice while maybe discovering a new passion or hobby at the same time."
"Everyone had a good time. I was lucky enough to be sitting next to someone who was from the Arsenal Museum and we had a good chat...I look forward to future events." John
"I spend so much of my time going to medical appointments. It's nice to speak to people who have happy faces, again!" Benita
"I had a jolly time learning the history of the Charterhouse and it's current residents, meeting such lovely people and of course who doesn't like delicious cakes. It truly was a wonderful day for me." Mary
"The lunch was really good. I haven't been out much recently and it was good to find that I've got a community centre just round the corner from me." Christos
For information about regular Age UK Islington social activities see our Get Togethers webpage and calendar. Every day of the week, there are some taking place online and some, in person. Islington residents (adults of all ages) will receive a warm welcome! If you need any help, call the Age UK Islington Helpline on 020 7281 6018.
For other events taking place in the borough, see the Voluntary Action Islington calendar of events.
