9th August: Handling Session: The Islington Gutter Press Archive

2-4 PM

At this handling session, original copies of the Islington Gutter Press will be available to view and browse. The Gutter Press presents a record of local leftist community organising and activism, speaking from the ground in Islington and outwards to national and global struggles and solidarities. Taking the items out of the archive and into the Cubitt, you will be able to experience the publication up close – to see the worn tears, scribbled annotations, coffee stains and connections to contemporary local publishing.

Bemerton Good Neighbours Scheme – Summer Fun Day
🗓️ Saturday 9th August, 2:00–5:00pm
📍 Jean Stokes Community Centre, N1 0DX

Contact: nicky@helponyourdoorstep.com 

Join as we shine a light on everyday women’s health and explore the benefits of plant-based living. From natural remedies to nourishing food swaps, we’ll celebrate holistic ways to care for our bodies, boost energy, and support long-term wellbeing, which is all rooted in the power of plants. We’ll be showcasing plant-based products from Ghana Fresh, celebrating African-grown goodness and wellness traditions.

📅 Monday 11th August 2025

🕚 12:30 PM - 18.30PM

📍 Black Cultural Centre, 16 Hornsey Rd, London N7 7BP

✨ Come connect, learn, and leave inspired to care for yourself, better yet the plant-powered way. Also paulalove bands exercise class, Try out plant based creams, oils and food 
Don’t miss out, bring a friend and join the movement! 🌿💚

Hilldrop Community Centre, Hilldrop Road London N7 0JE

Walking Art is a group of local residents who come together to draw, paint and discover guided by artist Helen Ainsworth. We explores our surroundings, working creatively using pencil, paint, pastel and collage. The group contemplates the world around us in unusual ways - perhaps drawing sounds, perhaps focussing on colour or deeply investigating how to represent movement.

Over the summer we are visiting places further afield exploring the hidden gems of Islington. This week is a mystery location: meet at Hilldrop Community Centre.

All materials are provided and all abilities are welcome!

Do reach out is you have any questions! helen@cutmoose.com

You're Invited!

From Street Parties to a Thriving Community Space.

Join us for a special public exhibition by Go Africa Community Hub, celebrating the powerful work we've done at the Black Cultural Centre from May to August. Come and explore a visual journey of community events, cultural celebrations, and collective impact, all rooted in love, resilience, and unity. This is a moment to reflect, connect, and honour what we’ve built together.

🗓️ 12th – 14th August 2025

🕚 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily

📍 Black Cultural Centre, 16 Hornsey Rd, London N7 7BP

All are welcome, come see what community in action looks like.

Explore nature, learn about local wildlife, and enjoy activities for all ages. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature in the heart of the city. All ages welcome.

Peel Institute, Northampton Rd, London EC1R 0HU

Join us for a creative art workshop using cyanotype, a photographic printing process which uses sunlight to produce images from objects and cut out. Suitable for all levels, and guidance will be given. All materials provided and light refreshments will be served. Meet at The Peel at 10:15am to walk over to Zaha Hadid Foundation.

Email k.bottomley@peelinstitute.org.uk to book.

You're Invited!

From Street Parties to a Thriving Community Space.

Join us for a special public exhibition by Go Africa Community Hub, celebrating the powerful work we've done at the Black Cultural Centre from May to August. Come and explore a visual journey of community events, cultural celebrations, and collective impact, all rooted in love, resilience, and unity. This is a moment to reflect, connect, and honour what we’ve built together.

🗓️ 12th – 14th August 2025

🕚 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily

📍 Black Cultural Centre, 16 Hornsey Rd, London N7 7BP

All are welcome, come see what community in action looks like.

You're Invited!

From Street Parties to a Thriving Community Space.

Join us for a special public exhibition by Go Africa Community Hub, celebrating the powerful work we've done at the Black Cultural Centre from May to August. Come and explore a visual journey of community events, cultural celebrations, and collective impact, all rooted in love, resilience, and unity. This is a moment to reflect, connect, and honour what we’ve built together.

🗓️ 12th – 14th August 2025

🕚 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily

📍 Black Cultural Centre, 16 Hornsey Rd, London N7 7BP

All are welcome, come see what community in action looks like.

As Go Africa’s residency at the Black Cultural Centre comes to a close, they invite you to join in celebrating a powerful season of culture, connection, and community:

From May to August, we've shared space, stories, and strength. Now let's come together one more time to honour all that was put on.

 📅:

Thursday 14th August 2025

🕙:

4 PM - 8 PM

📍

Black Cultural Centre, 16–18 Hornsey Road, N7 7BT

Come connect with the people, partners, and memories that made this residency so special. Let’s celebrate what we’ve created, and what’s still to come. There’ll be food, music, community highlights and more.

All are welcome. Bring a friend. Come as you are.

Overdose Awareness & Naloxone Training

• Understand more about the risk of overdose and how to spot the signs

• Cover what to do in the event of an overdose or if you suspect an overdose

• Learn about naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, and when to use it

• Learn and practice how to use naloxone

This session will be in person in Committee Room 1 at the Islington Town Hall.

Holloway Park Development, Parkhurst Road opposite Islington Arts Factory. London N7

Walking Art is a group of local residents who come together to draw, paint and discover guided by artist Helen Ainsworth. We explores our surroundings, working creatively using pencil, paint, pastel and collage. The group contemplates the world around us in unusual ways - perhaps drawing sounds, perhaps focussing on colour or deeply investigating how to represent movement.

Over the summer we are visiting places further afield exploring the hidden gems of Islington. This week we are at the Holloway Park Construction Site for a day of creativity.

All materials are provided and all abilities are welcome!

Do reach out is you have any questions! helen@cutmoose.com

This training session will be a mix of information delivery and group discussion.

• To understand what alcohol is

• To be aware of the mental and physical effects of alcohol

• Gain awareness of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

• To be aware of harm reduction

Session 2: Substance use and child criminal exploitation

Join Islington Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service to learn more about the link between substance use and child criminal exploitation.

This is one of three sessions in the Drugs and Young People series - the other two sessions cover ‘Communicating with young people about drugs’ and 'Substances used by young people in Islington'

Park Cuppa Special Edition: British Museum

Wednesday 27 August, 11am - 12pm

Cally Clock Tower Centre, Market Estate, London N7 9HF

Join us for this special Park Cuppa session with the British Museum. Explore every day and more unusual objects form the museum’s handling collection and share your own stories and memories.

There will be plenty of discussion, tea, coffee and biscuits! 

Global Generation are building their first permanent community garden (temporarily called the #TriangleSite) in Kings Cross and we want you to get involved! With all our garden projects, like the Paper Garden most recently, we always involve the community in the build and this site will be no different. Join us for a day at the Triangle Site  for our August Community Build Day, completely dedicated to all things cob!

Join Better Lives Family Service to learn more about the impacts of parental or sibling substance use on children and young people.

his training is designed specifically for those working in the Voluntary Sector who want to develop their Project Management skills.

The training will be delivered in two parts over the course of two half days. It is important that you attend both days to fully benefit from the training.

Part 1 Introduction to Project Management

Date: Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025  

Registration: 12:00

Session time: 12:30-17:00

Venue: Voluntary Action Islington, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP

Part 2: Introduction to Project Management

Date: Thursday , September 4th, 2025

Registration: 12:00

Session time: 12:30-17:00

Venue: Voluntary Action Islington, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP

The training will include:

• Stakeholder management

• Scope management

• Benefit management

• Schedule management

• Team management

• Risk management

his training is designed specifically for those working in the Voluntary Sector who want to develop their Project Management skills.

The training will be delivered in two parts over the course of two half days. It is important that you attend both days to fully benefit from the training.

Part 1 Introduction to Project Management

Date: Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025  

Registration: 12:00

Session time: 12:30-17:00

Venue: Voluntary Action Islington, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP

Part 2: Introduction to Project Management

Date: Thursday , September 4th, 2025

Registration: 12:00

Session time: 12:30-17:00

Venue: Voluntary Action Islington, 200A Pentonville Road, N1 9JP

The training will include:

• Stakeholder management

• Scope management

• Benefit management

• Schedule management

• Team management

• Risk management

Escape the busy streets and join other locals for a regular monthly gentle stroll in a small, but lovely local park, surrounded by nature. Led by a knowledgeable guide from the Islington Ecology Centre, each walk offers something new and interesting to discover. The Islington Ecology Centre is set in an area rich in urban wildlife, including a variety of birds, insects, and plants. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some peaceful time outdoors. Free tea and coffee to follow. The walk is dementia-friendly and open to all Islington adults.

No need to book, just turn up! If you have any questions, contact 020 7527 4374 / ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk

This session will focus on:

• Sharing real funding applications -both successful and rejected

• Reflecting on what worked and what didn’t. 

• Talking openly about common challenges

• Exploring ways to diversify funding beyond grants

You are encouraged to bring:

• A past or current funding application if you are comfortable to share 

• A question, idea, or experience you are willing to share

• Your experience- whether you are just starting or well established, everyone has something to offer

Online introductory webinar on Martyn’s Law – a practical walk through the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.

Happening at 2pm on Tuesday 9th September 2025.

London Resilience is working alongside Community Security Trust and the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to host this webinar. This workshop is open to anyone across the community, faith, public and business sectors.

Course: Caring Connections (course worth over £139 – FREE for your team)

Level: Intermediate

Location: In Person 

Quick summary: A course that will enable participants to identifying and support people at risk of suicide. 

Length: Full day

Date: 

In person - St Luke's Community Centre, EC1V 8AJ: Wednesday, 10th September (9.00am to 5.00pm) Book Now

Find out More 

Online course

Course outcomes

· Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention

· Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other supports

· Practise active listening and empathy

· Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma

· Discuss the MHFAider® role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality

· Practise self-care

· Know how to use the MHFAider Support App®

· Know how to access a dedicated text service provided by Shout and ongoing learning opportunities with MHFA England

Online course

Course outcomes

· Recognise those that may be experiencing poor mental health and provide them with first-level support and early intervention

· Encourage a person to identify and access sources of professional help and other supports

· Practise active listening and empathy

· Have a conversation with improved mental health literacy around language and stigma

· Discuss the MHFAider® role in depth, including boundaries and confidentiality

· Practise self-care

· Know how to use the MHFAider Support App®

· Know how to access a dedicated text service provided by Shout and ongoing learning opportunities with MHFA England

Course objectives
By the end of this training participants will be able to:

• Understand the range of factors that influence residents’ decisions about key issues

• Be ready to engage residents about difficulties they face

• Know and be comfortable with a range of conversational skills to support these discussions

• Have access to resources for self-care and signposting

These webinars are informative sessions that will help you to:

• Gain an overview of the grieving process by looking at current models and examples.

• Understand why people grieve differently and the factors that influence how they grieve.

• Explore the impact of loss and grief on individuals, friends, families and colleagues.

• Improve knowledge of how to provide simple emotional and practical support to someone who is grieving.

• Understand how to communicate effectively and compassionately with someone who is grieving.

• Build awareness of organisations that can provide emotional or practical support.

• Develop confidence in talking about a difficult and sensitive topic.

• Be aware of the impact of supporting someone who is grieving and how to look after yourself.

Session 3: Substances used by young people in Islington

Join Islington Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service to keep up with the substances used by young people in Islington.

This is one of three sessions in the Drugs and Young People series - the other two sessions cover ‘Communicating with young people about drugs’ and 'Substance use and child criminal exploitation'

Soul in the City will take place this year on Saturday 27th September from 12- 5pm on the Andover Estate, organised in partnership with St. Mark’s Church and Park Theatre. Soul in the City is an annual community fun day with entertainment, a free BBQ, lots of different activities and information stalls for residents. 

They are on the lookout for organisations who would like to run an activity or hold an information stall. Please can you fill in this short form if you are interested? https://forms.office.com/e/ZeAsjuX0Yw   

11am-12am

Mindfulness

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/join

Meeting ID: 841 4183 7921

Passcode: 454634

Pre-registration required before joining Zoom: Please self-refer to Way Forward Islington service below to become a member:

Link: Way Forward Connect Referral

Email: Islington@forwardtrust.org.uk

Note: You must be an Islington resident, age 18+, and have experience with drug and alcohol issues.

Escape the busy streets and join other locals for a regular monthly gentle stroll in a small, but lovely local park, surrounded by nature. Led by a knowledgeable guide from the Islington Ecology Centre, each walk offers something new and interesting to discover. The Islington Ecology Centre is set in an area rich in urban wildlife, including a variety of birds, insects, and plants. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some peaceful time outdoors. Free tea and coffee to follow. The walk is dementia-friendly and open to all Islington adults.

No need to book, just turn up! If you have any questions, contact 020 7527 4374 / ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk

We are very excited to invite you to
Get Grants FREE Virtual Conference 2025!

Join for TWO days of expert fundraising advice, top tips, Q&As, networking, peer-support, and lots of chat!

Across 7th & 8th October 2025, Get Grants are leading a FREE Virtual Conference full of celebration, inspiration, and practical advice and support.

Over 2 days, Get Grants FREE Virtual Conference will bring together thousands of Fundraisers from across the UK for a programme led by Get Grants Experts, funders, and other speakers from across the sector.

We are very excited to invite you to
Get Grants FREE Virtual Conference 2025!

Join for TWO days of expert fundraising advice, top tips, Q&As, networking, peer-support, and lots of chat!

Across 7th & 8th October 2025, Get Grants are leading a FREE Virtual Conference full of celebration, inspiration, and practical advice and support.

Over 2 days, Get Grants FREE Virtual Conference will bring together thousands of Fundraisers from across the UK for a programme led by Get Grants Experts, funders, and other speakers from across the sector.

Better Lives have a dedicated Family Service who can support families affected by drugs and alcohol. Join to hear more about the services.

These webinars are informative sessions that will help you to:

• Gain an overview of the grieving process by looking at current models and examples.

• Understand why people grieve differently and the factors that influence how they grieve.

• Explore the impact of loss and grief on individuals, friends, families and colleagues.

• Improve knowledge of how to provide simple emotional and practical support to someone who is grieving.

• Understand how to communicate effectively and compassionately with someone who is grieving.

• Build awareness of organisations that can provide emotional or practical support.

• Develop confidence in talking about a difficult and sensitive topic.

• Be aware of the impact of supporting someone who is grieving and how to look after yourself.

Join Islington Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service to explore ways of communicating with young people about substance use.

This is one of three sessions in the Drugs and Young People series - the other two sessions cover 'Substance use and child exploitation' and 'Substances used by young people in Islington'

This session aims to:

• improve your knowledge of substances and their effects

• increase awareness of what drug and alcohol treatment and recovery includes

• share how Islington residents can access support for drug or alcohol use

• empower you to talk about drug or alcohol use with Islington residents

• challenge the stigma around drug and alcohol need so that people feel able to ask for support

Islington Volunteer of the Year Awards 2025

Every year VAI and Volunteer Centre Islington, celebrate the achievements and efforts of all people volunteering in Islington together with the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. 

We would like to acknowledge all the help and support the volunteers provided in Islington through the Volunteer of the Year Awards ceremony. 
This year’s awards will be presented by The Mayor of Islington Cllr Jason Jackson. 
When: Wednesday 5th November 2025, 6 – 8pm 
Please make sure you save the date and time in your calendars! More information regarding the programme will be communicated nearer the date. 

There will be five award categories this year:

1. Young Volunteer of the Year: 16 – 25 year old

2. Volunteer of the Year: 26 - 60 year old

3. Older Volunteer of the Ye ar: 60+ year old

4. Pat Haynes Memorial Trustee of the Year

5. Volunteering Team of the Year

The closing date for nominations is on Wednesday 1st October. A panel consisting of a representative from LBI, DoubleTree and VAI will be judging the nominations. Any individual volunteering in Islington can be nominated for an award in the categories above. All the nominees will receive a certificate.

Award winners will receive a certificate and a prize. Our prizes are sponsored  DoubleTree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross, the official sponsor for this event. 

Nominate your volunteers here!

Know more about the awarded volunteers in 2024 here.  
At the ceremony we would like to show a video of Islington volunteers in action.  
If you have any pictures that you would like to share with us (and your volunteers are happy with it) please feel free to send them to marta.aparicio@vai.org.uk (they don't need to be nominated)

If you have any queries regarding this email or would like to know more about how to make a nomination, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Escape the busy streets and join other locals for a regular monthly gentle stroll in a small, but lovely local park, surrounded by nature. Led by a knowledgeable guide from the Islington Ecology Centre, each walk offers something new and interesting to discover. The Islington Ecology Centre is set in an area rich in urban wildlife, including a variety of birds, insects, and plants. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some peaceful time outdoors. Free tea and coffee to follow. The walk is dementia-friendly and open to all Islington adults.

No need to book, just turn up! If you have any questions, contact 020 7527 4374 / ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk

This training session will be a mix of information delivery and group discussion.

• To understand what alcohol is

• To be aware of the mental and physical effects of alcohol

• Gain awareness of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

• To be aware of harm reduction

These webinars are informative sessions that will help you to:

• Gain an overview of the grieving process by looking at current models and examples.

• Understand why people grieve differently and the factors that influence how they grieve.

• Explore the impact of loss and grief on individuals, friends, families and colleagues.

• Improve knowledge of how to provide simple emotional and practical support to someone who is grieving.

• Understand how to communicate effectively and compassionately with someone who is grieving.

• Build awareness of organisations that can provide emotional or practical support.

• Develop confidence in talking about a difficult and sensitive topic.

• Be aware of the impact of supporting someone who is grieving and how to look after yourself.

Session 2: Substance use and child criminal exploitation

Join Islington Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service to learn more about the link between substance use and child criminal exploitation.

This is one of three sessions in the Drugs and Young People series - the other two sessions cover ‘Communicating with young people about drugs’ and 'Substances used by young people in Islington'

Overdose Awareness & Naloxone Training

• Understand more about the risk of overdose and how to spot the signs

• Cover what to do in the event of an overdose, or if you suspect an overdose

• Learn about naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal medication, and when to use it

• Learn and practice how to use naloxone

These webinars are informative sessions that will help you to:

• Gain an overview of the grieving process by looking at current models and examples.

• Understand why people grieve differently and the factors that influence how they grieve.

• Explore the impact of loss and grief on individuals, friends, families and colleagues.

• Improve knowledge of how to provide simple emotional and practical support to someone who is grieving.

• Understand how to communicate effectively and compassionately with someone who is grieving.

• Build awareness of organisations that can provide emotional or practical support.

• Develop confidence in talking about a difficult and sensitive topic.

• Be aware of the impact of supporting someone who is grieving and how to look after yourself.

Escape the busy streets and join other locals for a regular monthly gentle stroll in a small, but lovely local park, surrounded by nature. Led by a knowledgeable guide from the Islington Ecology Centre, each walk offers something new and interesting to discover. The Islington Ecology Centre is set in an area rich in urban wildlife, including a variety of birds, insects, and plants. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy some peaceful time outdoors. Free tea and coffee to follow. The walk is dementia-friendly and open to all Islington adults.

No need to book, just turn up! If you have any questions, contact 020 7527 4374 / ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk

Session 3: Substances used by young people in Islington

Join Islington Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service to keep up with the substances used by young people in Islington.

This is one of three sessions in the Drugs and Young People series - the other two sessions cover ‘Communicating with young people about drugs’ and 'Substance use and child criminal exploitation'