Drovers Activity Centre Update

With the start of the New Year, we would like to bring you an update as to how we are getting on in finding new homes for activities that currently take place at the Drovers activity centre, with its closure at the end of January.

We are delighted to confirm that the majority of the activities which are currently taking place at Drovers will move to six Islington Community Centres. 

Those activities that have already been confirmed as moving, are listed in the Get Together magazine on pages 2 – 3, together with details of transport links.  The six Community Centres will be welcome new venues in our network of Get Togethers.  Our Get Togethers are designed to appeal to a broad audience, enabling people to keep active, develop new skills and interests – either for free or at an affordable price. 

Keeping in touch

Whilst the venues have been agreed, we’ll be able to confirm the days and times of the activities via the Age UK Islington website – on the “Activities” page, and via regular monthly email updates in our AUKI Wellbeing mailing.  We’ll also have printed information available at our Contact Centre, 9 Manor Gardens and our Age UK Islington Helpline – 020 7281 6018, for queries or bookings.

Despite Drovers closing at the end of January, Age UK Islington will continue to keep you in touch with lots of activities and events that take place in Islington, including our extended network of Get Togethers, in venues such as cafes, museums, leisure centres and community centres. 

Supporting people

We’ll be supporting people who currently use Drovers to continue attending their favourite activities in new locations or to find something new that matches their needs and interests.  We’ll be working closely with Islington Council to achieve this, taking into account the individual needs and circumstances of service users, as well as social groups and friendships.

As part of the transition plans, Age UK Islington arranged a drop-in session for two social workers from Islington Council to be available to meet with any clients who think they might be in need of a Care Needs (Social Care) Assessment. The aim of a care needs assessment is to work out if more indepth help might be needed to help an individual to live as independently as possible, e.g. disability equipment or home adaptations. 

Helping people who are “stuck” at home

Going forward, we’ll also be supporting people who might find it really difficult to get out in the first place and who are “stuck” at home.  Our caseworkers will be able to provide support to overcome barriers to them getting out, and the help and encouragement to find activities of interest, and places to find friends.

Our aim is to work with people, no matter what their circumstances, to ensure that we play a key role in combatting social isolation in Islington, and helping to keep people active and connected.

Make sure that we have your latest email and mobile phone number, so that we can keep you in touch with the activities and support that is available to you in Islington – please call our Helpline 020 7281 6018 to let us know.