Move for Mood

Start the year by moving more and feeling better - no matter what your age. We can help you to find activities you'll enjoy and that are right for you!

Come along to find out what's available - drop-in to the Move for Mood event on 28th January with the opportunity to chat to local activity providers and free taster sessions! Find out more below.

Discover Islington: Better Multi-Sports Get Togethers

To help you explore what’s on locally, we’ve also created a series of short *Discover Islington* videos.

Our first video highlights the weekly Better Multi-Sport Get Togethers at Sobell and Finsbury Leisure Centres (5 minutes). You’ll get a look at the venues, hear an introduction from Mikael Kiviniemi, Community Sports Manager, and - most importantly - hear from enthusiastic local people who attend most weeks!

Open to adults 60yrs+ - you'll receive a warm welcome - £2.80 is payable at the leisure centre reception. ​

Tuesdays & Thursdays (Sobell Leisure Centre, N7) 10.30am-1pm

Wednesdays (Finsbury Leisure Centre, EC1V) 10.30am - 12.30pm.

Discover Islington:

Men's Health and Arsenal in the Community

Islington Carers Hub recently organised a Men’s Health event for carers in Islington, giving them the opportunity to learn about exercise options through Arsenal in the Community and to hear a men's health talk from local GP Craig Seymour >Take 3 minutes to see the video below!

For more information see the Arsenal in the Community health and wellbeing programme website. 

Exercise at home

If getting out to exercise in person isn’t an option for you, there are still plenty of ways to stay active from home.

Healthy Generations has a range of live online exercise sessions designed to be accessible, supportive and easy to follow (they also have a range of in-person activities that take place in community venues across Islington).

Carers UK has a great collection of exercise videos you can watch at a time that suits you, making it easier to fit activity around your caring role.

You might want to check out the We Are Undefeatable website too, that provides some reassuring guidance about exercising with a health condition.

A reminder of the benefits of staying active

Being active boosts both body and mind. It keeps your heart, lungs, muscles, and bones strong, lowers the risk of long-term conditions like heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and helps maintain a healthy weight, balance, and mobility.

Regular movement also supports mental wellbeing - reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, improving sleep and memory and building confidence. Even gentle activity, done regularly, can make a big difference over time.

Move for Mood – Wednesday 28 January, 1-3.30pm

Vibast Community Centre, 167 Old St, EC1V 9NH (near Old St station)

Find out about physical activity options in Islington and how you can ‘Move for Mood’ in 2026! 

Join us to discover the wide range of accessible physical activities available across Islington. Try out taster sessions, meet friendly local providers and explore activities that are low-cost or free and easy to access.

The event is for anyone with an interest in improving their mental health through physical activity.

Come along for taster activities, refreshments and a warm welcome - and talk to local organisations to find an activity that works for you. No need to book to attend!

• Age UK Islington
• Bright Lives, Islington Council
• CitySport
• GLL
• Healthy Generations
• Holloway Neighbourhood Group
• Parks, Sports and Physical Activity team, Islington Council
• Stuart Low Trust
• Whittington Park Community Association

If you've any questions about the event, please contact John Thorne, Physical Activity Manager, Parks, Sports and Physical Activity Team, Islington Council.

Social Pickleball Taster Session

Social Pickleball Free Taster
Friday 30 January, 10-11.30am
Sobell Leisure Centre, Tollington Rd, London N7 7NY

Book via Age UK Islington to join a fun, introductory Pickleball taster session! Led by an experienced Better Leisure ‘activator’, the session includes relaxed, organised games designed to help you meet new people and discover this exciting, fast-growing sport. (You'll need to register with Age UK Islington).

Usual cost: £2.80 with a Better Adult Senior 60+ Membership, £10.30 non-members.

Find out what's on!

Find out more about the different activities Islington has on offer including free and low-cost options. Visit: islington.gov.uk/active to find out more.

See also the January to March 2026 Get Together newsletter for what's on in leisure centres, community centres, libraries and local parks. You can print the newsletter at home, or pick up a copy from GPs, libraries and community centres.

Need to talk to someone?

If it’s been a while since you joined an activity in-person or online, or if you're feeling a bit unsure about trying something new, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team is here to help you find something that suits your interests, preferences, or any specific needs you may have.

📞 Call the Age UK Islington helpline:
020 7281 6018
📧 Email: gethelp@ageukislington.org.uk
🕘 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm