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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
With just a month to go, Age UK Barnet is calling on the knitting ninjas of Barnet to get stitching and send in their little hats by 1st July 2025 for the innocent Big Knit!
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
01
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.
04
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!
Drag bingo - Tuesday 19 June 2025 (6.30-8.30pm)
Get ready for a fabulous evening of fun, laughter, and lively bingo at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley, N2 8LT. Hosted by the sensational Manuka Honey, our dazzling drag queen will bring plenty of sass, sparkle, and cheeky charm to the bingo calling! There'll be prizes, refreshments, and a bar! To book your place contact Teresa on 07502 989 403 or email: teresa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Summer Music Festival on Saturday 28 June 2025 (11am 3pm)
Enjoy an afternoon of fantastic live music, brilliant food, raffles, tombola, and a selection of great stalls at the Ann Owens Centre. Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. Our musical acts include the brilliant Italian tenor Yuri Sabatini, the uplifting N12 Community Choir, and timeless classics from Once a Favourite. Raffle prizes include 3- month membership to The Muswell Hill Club, meal vouchers for two at The Clissold Arms and The Windsor Castle and tickets for The Phoenix Cinema, Artsdepot and the Tate gallery.Just £3 entry. Any questions, contact Teresa on 07502 989 403 or email teresa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Creative Writing for over 55s - starts Tuesday 3 June 2025 (3.30-5pm)
Always wanted to write? Now’s your time! No experience needed—just bring your imagination. Held at The Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. Just email activities.ageukbarnet@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 07379 331807.
New Flower Arranging Course - starts Wednesday 11 June 2025 (10.30-11.30am)
Get hands-on in this fun and friendly flower arranging course! No experience needed. Make beautiful creations, learn new skills and meet fellow flower lovers. Takes place at Friends Meeting House, 53 Leicester Rd, Barnet EN5 5EL and costs £40 for the full course! To book just email activities.ageukbarnet@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 07384 466840.
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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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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Summer 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!
Hydrate
Remember; staying hydrated is the perfect excuse to try out some new smoothie recipes!
Sun Protection
Sun hats, sun cream, after-sun lotion and all the rest! Make sure you're keeping safe in the heat.
Vitamins
Make sure you're getting enough vitamins to support your health and wellbeing in the hot weather!
Hay Fever
Don't forget to take your anti-histamines and bring extra tissues for those high pollen days.
Moisturise
Hot weather can quickly dry out the skin. Make sure to keep your lotion close by.
Thermostat
Make sure to keep inside temperatures nice and cool, have a hand fan and water nearby at all times!
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
Social
