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Community
News, Social Groups and Events Near You
Keep up to date with what's going on in your area with our Community Page!
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2025 Updates
The Big Knit
Scam Prevention
Help with your Devices
It's time to grab your knitting needles and crochet hooks and get involved - every hat knitted raises 30p to help Age UK Barnet provide much-needed services, activities and support to over 55s in the borough of Barnet
Send your hats to us at Age UK Barnet, Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT by 31 May 2025. Any questions? Email info@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 020 8203 5040. Spread the word - lots of pattern ideas on our website here: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/get-involved/the-big-knit/
Monthly Scams Information and Advice at Hot Milk cafe, 27 East Barnet Road EN4 8RN. Come along with any concerns, get updates on the latest scams and learn how to stay safe. Takes place on the first Wednesday of the month - first one will be on Wednesday 2 April (10-11am)
Any questions? Phone 020 8129 7615 or email scamsawareness@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Help with your laptop, smartphone or tablet: Monday afternoons at The Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. From 2.00pm or 4.00pm. Contact Howard on 0208 432 1415 or email howard.chapman@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Stay in touch with Nature
Walking Groups near you
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Silkstream Park
Wednesday's at 10:30am
Meet inside the park, in front of Unitas Barnet Youth Zone - 76 Montrose Ave, Edgware HA8 0DT. Stay to socialise afterwards inside the Unitas building and see the amazing work they're doing for our younger generations!
03
Stephen's House and Gardens
Friday's at 10:30am
Take a stroll around a grand Victorian House, with free entry to the famous landscaped gardens. Meet at Stephens House Cafe N3 3QE and stay for refreshments afterwards!
02
Lyttleton Playing Fields
Monday's at 10:30am
Socialise and make friends as you explore a 9 hectare public park in Hampstead Garden Suburb. Meet at the corner of Northway & Litchfield Way, NW11 6NY, by the benches at the H2 bus stop.
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Hertfordshire Health Walks
Thursday's at 10:30am
And the first Tuesday of the month at 11:00am. Meet at the Caledon Centre for a fun and sociable volunteer-led walk. Call 01992588433 for further details!
Do more of what you love
Whether you enjoy singing, swimming or simply having a cup of tea and a chat, there's something for everyone (and their carers)!
Weekly Groups
Memory Lane
Cafe and Carers Club
For anyone experiencing memory problems and their carers. Friday’s 10:45am-1:45pm. Takes place at 373 Bowes Road, Arnos Grove, London, N11 1AA. Please note everyone has to be accompanied by a friend, relative or carer. Cost: £2.50. To book a place contact Mandi: 07961 881453 or Adrian: 07788 429470.
Swimming Sessions
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre
Casual swimming sessions for those living with dementia and their carers. Finchley Lido Centre, Great North Leisure Park, High Rd, London N12 0GL. Free of charge, including carers!
Thursday's from 12:00 - 13:00
For more information please contact finchley.lido@GLL.org
Singing for the Brain
Alzheimer's Society
Seated exercise and refreshments for people with dementia and their friends, family and carers. Takes place at The Eversfield Centre, 11 Eversfield Gardens, Mill Hill NW7 2AE. Thursday’s 10:30am-12:30pm. To book a place email. barnet@alzheimers.org.uk Tel. 07522 219 363
Senior Singers
Fun Singalong
Takes place every other Tuesday! Join choir master Jenny La Touché for a fun singalong. All levels welcome!
11am-12 noon at The Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N28LT. For dates and details on how to join in
email pippa.mannerings@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call her on 07379 331807
Social Drop-in
Craft with Friends
Art's Depot
Coffee and Chat
Health Living
Exercise and Activities
Movement to Music
Strength and Mobility
Active Ageing
Circuit and Strength
Tai Chi
Balance and Strength
Stretch 'n' Flex
Strength and Flexibility
Learn to knit, crochet, even bring along some of your own crafts to do! Or, just have a lovely cuppa and a chat with friends...
Wednesdays, 10.00am – 12 noon at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane N2 8LT. £2 per session. Contact Helen Nicolaou for more information on 0738 446 6840 or email helen.nicolaou@ageukbarnet.org.uk
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​Free weekly meet up at the Arts Depot
Every Thursday, 2-4pm
Welcomes older people and their carers with coffee and a chat, this group was started by John for his mother, who is nearly 70 and wanted to get out of the house. Meet at the cafe at the Arts Depot, 5 Nether St, London N12 0GA - all welcome!
Health Living for over 65s - African Cultural Association
Tuesdays (10.30am-12.30pm)
A range of activities is on offer including health talks, art and craft classes, games and bingo as well as exercise, monthly lunch club and regular trips. Takes place at 28 Church End, Hendon NW4 4JX. Call 07903 151159 or email:
info@africanculturalassociation.net for more information.
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Chair Movement to Music
Every Monday at Hope Corner Community Centre, 185 Mays Lane,
Barnet EN5 2DY. 10.30am – 11.30am. Cost £5 per class. For better mobility, strength, coordination, flexibility and balance. To book, call Wendy on 0774 187 7027 or email
wendy.nutman@ageukbarnet.org.uk
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Circuit and strength for active ageing
Circuits and strength exercise class for over 55s - every Wednesday at Comms Unitas YZ in Edgware. Instructor Lance will target different muscle groups, increasing your strength and endurance and boosting energy levels! £5 a session. To book your spot, contact Wendy on 07741 877027 or email her on wendy.nutman@ageukbarnet.org.uk​​
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Tai Chi for Balance and strength
Takes place at Annunciation Royal Catholic
Church, 4 Thirlby Road, Burnt Oak HA8 0HQ. Every Wednesday 2:00 - 3:00pm. For more information, contact Wendy on wendy.nutman@ageukbarnet.org.uk or 07741 877 027.
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Energising yoga moves to boost strength and flexibility. Takes place at the Annunciation Catholic Church, 4 Thirlby Road HA8 0HQ. Costs £5 a class. To register just call Wendy on
It's 2025!
Let's Get Social...
How will you be keeping social this season?​​
Below we'll keep you up to date with events and activities for the over 55's in your area that we think you'll love!
Talks by Professor Catherine Loveday
The connection between memory and love and how we can use this to improve our relationships - Weds 26 March 2025 (6.45-8pm)
Why we swear and how the use of taboo words can deeply affect the way we think, act and relate to each other - Weds 23 April 2025 (6.45-8pm)
All talks are free and take part at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley, N2 8LT. Register on our Eventbrite page here, call Teresa on 07502 989 403 or email teresa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk​
Living Well in Barnet
18th March 2025 (10.30am-12.30pm)
Join us at the RAF Museum in Hendon for a morning of talks and activities focusing on memory and dementia prevention - including Professor Catherine Loveday who will be sharing her science-backed memory strategies. Everyone who comes to our event will be entered into a FREE raffle for a chance to win an airfryer. There will be free refreshments too!
To register, email fiona.cronin@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 020 8629 0269. The RAF Museum is on Grahame Park Way NW9 5LL and there's free parking for all attendees.​
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Stimulate your Memory Course
Chipping Barnet Library, 3 Stapylton Rd, Barnet EN5 4QT.
Aimed at over 55s in Barnet this 6 week Memory course will help you learn techniques and strategies to support and improve your memory! To join this friendly and supportive course led by an experienced practitioner. If you are interested in joining the next course, please contact practitioner Katie on 0747 049 9597 or email katie.grayson@ageukbarnet.org.uk​​
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Dance for Joy
Saturday 15 March 2025, 3pm-8pm
A free dance event giving older adults an opportunity to dance! Authentic disco experience with the intention of promoting health and wellbeing. Come and dance to your favourite songs in a relaxed environment! No routines, no choreography, simply freestyle dancing and socialising! Takes place at MDX House, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BT. Enter via Greyhound Hill. Please contact Lucy on L.irving@mdx.ac.uk or 02084114696 if you have a song request. Free tea and coffee! Free entry. Free parking. Click here to book your tickets.
Matinee Lunch Club
Hop Skotshne Klezmer Band and Hot Lunch - 19 March 2025 11.30am-2pm at Artsdepot
An afternoon of fabulous traditional Klezmer tunes with a twist. Takes place at Artsdepot, 5 Nether St, London N12 0GA. Tickets are £10 each including the hot lunch. To book please complete this BOOKING FORM by 10am on Friday 28 February 2025. Artsdepot will then send your confirmation and payment information. If you have any additional questions, please contact Isabelle by email at isabelle.hetherington@artsdepot.co.uk or phone 02083695462
Over 55s Sunday Art Class
Sundays until April 2025 10.30am-12.30pm or 1pm-3pm
This free class is open to anyone over 55 who is interested in learning some art skills, or simply socialising with a tea and biscuits within a warm space. Takes place at Friary House, Friary Park N20 ONR. For further information and booking email Sarah@communityfocus.co.uk
Loving life activities at Colindale and Chipping Barnet Libraries
Loving Life is an exciting creative health project for older adults with free activities running in Chipping Barnet and Colindale Libraries throughout 2025.. For the full programme, see the Barnet Council website here.
Message Board
Age UK Facebook scam!
Ignore any social media post that claims 'Amazon has partnered with Age UK to give away iPad Pros to people aged 50 and over in the UK'. It includes an 'Apply Now' button that leads to a website with the Amazon logo where it then says you have a chance of winning 'an iPad Pro for only £3' by answering some questions. This is a scam as no such partnership or initiative exists between Age UK and Amazon.
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Warm Space at St Margaret's United Reform Church
Tuesdays 10.30am-12.30pm
Organised by Churches Together in Finchley, this social group for over 55s has restarted at St Margaret’s URC in Victoria Avenue, Finchley, N3 1BD. Everyone is welcome to come along for games, refreshments or a chat.
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Warm space at North Finchley Library
Ravensdale Avenue, N12 9HP.
The library welcomes residents to its warm space at the following times: Tuesday: 2.00pm – 8.00pm; Thursday 9.00am - 12.30; Friday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm; Saturday: 2.00pm – 5.00pm. No food is provided but residents can use the computers and there is free WiFi.​
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Breathe Easy Support Group
The Barnet Asthma and Lung UK Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every month at North Road Community Centre, 230 Burnt Oak, HA8 0AP. Phone Pat on 07712631679 or send an email to pip96@btinternet.com ​
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Winter Checklist
Your Health Matters
From electric blankets to cold and flu medication, take a look at our checklist and make sure you have everything you'll need for a comfortable Winter!
Stay Warm
Hot cups of cocoa, extra blankets, gloves and fluffy socks - get a checklist together of all the things you'll need to stay warm and comfortable!
Soups
There's nothing like a good hearty soup in winter! Keep a notebook to jot down any recipes you'd like to try - tis the season!
Vitamins
Make sure you've got a good amount of high quality, daily vitamins to support your health and wellbeing, especially during flu season!
Movement
Whether it's a short walk around the park, or a gentle swim in a heated pool, stay active to stay warm!
Moisturise
Cold weather can quickly dry out the skin, especially lips and hands. Make sure to apply hand lotion and lip balm regularly!
Warmies
Wheat Bags and Warmies are a great, safer alternative to hot water bottles, simply pop in the microwave and snuggle!
Your Mental Health Matters!
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call NHS 111 at any time and choose the mental health option to talk to a trained adviser.
For Long Term support and counseling, here are some suggestions:
Stay Alive app - a suicide prevention resource packed full of useful information and tools to help people stay safe in crisis. You can use it if you are having thoughts of suicide or if you are concerned about someone else who may be considering suicide. You can download in google play, App store and on the internet.
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Local peer led support groups such as Andy's Man Club and Men Walking and Talking - Barnet offer peer to peer support for men who would benefit from a safe space to open up and talk about their experiences with other men who have also been struggling.
The Listening Place offers free face to face support a warm and welcoming environment; somewhere that individuals can talk openly about their feelings of suicide without being judged or being given advice. .For more information call 020 3906 7676.
NCL Support After Suicide Service (Amparo)
The service offers one-to-one emotional and practical support, short term bereavement counseling and peer group support Amparo is completely confidential and can provide short-term or longer-term support, please visit their website for more information
Age UK Barnet Services
Befriending Service
If you would enjoy a regular chat with a friendly volunteer, try Age UK's Befriending Service on 020 8432 1416
Stepping Out
If you are in the early stages of dementia or struggle with memory issues and would like to arrange short weekly walks with a volunteer, call the Stepping Out team on 020 8150 0963
Handyperson Service
For essential jobs in the home please phone The Handyperson Service on 020 8150 0963. Some jobs such as changing a lightbulb are free of charge!
Living Well Dementia Hub
Dementia adviser service and day clubs for people living with mild to moderate dementia. Phone 020 8203 5040.
Nail Cutting
Basic nail-cutting (£15) at the Ann Owens Centre in East Finchley and, for people with diabetes, taking steroids or warfarin; nail cutting with a podiatrist (£20). For an appointment, phone 020 8203 5040.
Later Life Planning
For advice about benefits, grants, housing and money concerns, phone the Later Life Planning Service on 020 8432 1417.
Useful Links
Let's Get
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