There are around 1,500 residents living with a dementia diagnosis in the borough. Some of these people are in the early stages of dementia where the symptoms can be quite subtle.

People with dementia can and do live independent and active lives within their local communities. With more support and understanding from the community and local services, people can live well longer.

In 2021, Islington was recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society as a community working towards becoming Dementia Friendly. Islington Council is committed to making the borough a friendly and accessible place for someone living with dementia and their carers.

We’ve rounded up some of the activities and opportunities for people with dementia, as well as their families and carers

Dementia Friendly Islington Network

Do you provide a service for people living with dementia and their carers?

Are you working towards becoming a more dementia friendly organisation?

Or do you just want to learn how to make a difference to the lives of those affected by dementia?

The Dementia Friendly Islington network brings together people from across the council, health services, voluntary and community sector as well as local businesses and residents.

You are welcome to join our growing network to share resources, find out what others are doing, promote events or just learn more about dementia.

Find out more: DFI@islington.gov.uk

Park cuppa

Every third Tuesday of the month, 10.30am–12noon
Islington Ecology Centre, Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH

Join local people at the Ecology Centre for a cup of tea and a chat. There is a themed discussion every session. Free for everyone, just turn up!

For more information, email ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk or call on 020 7527 4374

Cecelia’s Cafe

Every other Wednesday, 1.30–4.30pm
72–74 Hargrave Park Road, Archway, N19 5JN

Chat to people who have been affected by dementia in a friendly and relaxed social environment at the Cecelia’s dementia cafe.

If you would like more information about any of the services available, call 020 8121 5626 or 07484 089543, or email islington@alzheimers.org.uk

Singing for the brain

Every Monday, 1–3pm
72–74 Hargrave Park Road, Archway, N19 5JN

Singing for the brain sessions are designed to promote wellbeing and build confidence in people living with memory problems.

For more information, contact Alzheimer’s Society Islington by calling 020 8121 5626 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday) or email islington@alzheimers.org.uk

Memory Cafe

Every Tuesday, 10.30–12.30pm
Christ Church Highbury, 155 Highbury Grove, N5 1SA

The Memory Cafe is run by a committee of enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers, with its own constitution, whose aim is to offer free weekly hospitality to older people and their carers.

Find out more and see what’s on at Christ Church Highbury.

Lennox House Dementia Cafe

First Tuesday of every month, 2-4pm
75 Durham Rd, Finsbury Park, London N7 7DS

Aimed at those living with dementia and their loved ones. Join to meet other people, share experiences, take part in our fun activities and get advice and support. Complimentary refreshments and cake are available.

For more information, call on 020 7272 6562 or email Adriana.Bernschutz@careuk.com

Better get together

Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10.30am–1pm
Sobell Leisure Centre, Hornsey Road, N7 7NY

Come along to Better get together sessions for people aged 60-plus and enjoy dominos, table tennis, short mat bowls, zumba basics and senior fitness circuits. A great way to stay active and meet other local people! Sessions cost £2.50 and booking can be made on the day, at reception. Run in partnership with Age UK Islington.

Better leisure centres also offer discounted gym membership for people aged 60-plus: the Better adult senior pay and play membership costs just £6.30 for the year and includes discounts on a number of activities, plus free swimming at off-peak times (8.30am-4pm Monday to Friday) at Archway Leisure Centre, Cally Pool and Gym, Ironmonger Row Baths and Highbury Leisure Centre.

Visit the Better website to see the full range of membership options available.

For more information, email Mikael Kiviniemi: Mikael.Kiviniemi@GLL.ORG

Health and nature walk

First Friday of every month, 10–11am
Gillespie Park, 191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH

Join this monthly walk in Gillespie Park, Islington’s smallest nature reserve, and watch the seasons change as you talk and chat. The walk is guided by Jo, who will speak about the wildlife and history of the park. The walk will last around 45 minutes, depending on the ability of attendees. There are several places to stop and sit throughout the park. The group will then return to the Ecology Centre for free tea, coffee and biscuits.

Book your free spot.

Park Theatre reminiscence classes

Every Monday, 10.30am–12.30pm
Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JP

A free, weekly drama-based session for those living with dementia and their carers. The focus is on gentle, creative expression through a combination of art, tai chi, music and movement.

More information and book

Park Theatre accessible performances

Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JL

Park Theatre provides a range of accessible performances each season. These include captioned, audio described, relaxed and dementia-friendly performances. Scripts and cast lists are available in large print on request.

Visit the Park Theatre website

Together in time singing group

Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, N4 3JL

A fun, friendly and free weekly singing class for those living with dementia and their carers.

Find out more and sign up

Arts for Dementia: arts for brain health workshops

Arts for Dementia run regular creative activities for people living with dementia and their carers. The brain health workshops are for people with early-stage dementia; mild cognitive impairment; and people with memory worries who have yet to receive a formal diagnosis, or are going through memory assessment.

You can self-refer to the programmes or get a referral from your social prescriber.

Arts for Dementia events and workshops

Arts for Dementia: chatty Wednesdays

A weekly opportunity for people with early-stage dementia and their companions to enjoy an hour of creative making and discussion from the comfort of their own home.

Sessions take place every Wednesday, from 2–3pm on Zoom.

More information on chatty Wednesdays

Become a Dementia Friend

A Dementia Friend is somebody who learns about dementia so that they can help their community. These actions do not have to be time consuming! From visiting someone you know with dementia to being more patient in the shop queue, every action counts.

Book a Dementia Friends information session

If you are interested in becoming a dementia friend, watch this five-minute video or sign up to attend a free dementia friend session that explains how it works.

For more information about Dementia Friendly Islington, visit Islington Council’s One You website, which is kept up to date with what the council’s community partners are doing and upcoming events.

Safe Havens

Safe Havens are a practical way of helping everyone in Islington enjoy their community, knowing that support is easily available if they need it. Public places such as shops, cafes, pubs, libraries and other places of interest can register to be officially known as a Safe Haven. Keep an eye out for the Safe Havens stickers in windows.

The Safe Havens Scheme is delivered by Islington Council and supported by organisations within the borough. Visit the council website for more information and to register.

Support and resources

Alzheimer’s Society support: a wide range of information on dementia for families, people with dementia and carers., including a dementia support forum.

Dementia UK: information and a dementia helpline, plus support for carers, admiral nurses and volunteering opportunities.

Islington Carers Hub: information for carers on a range of topics, including dementia.

Public Health One You Islington: information and events available within the community, focusing on dementia.

Age UK: understanding symptoms and support finding social care.

For a list of dementia organisations and information, visit the Find Your Islington directory.