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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!
2026 Updates
Monthly Bingo
NEW Drop in!
A chance to have fun, enjoy some friendly competition, and connect with others at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane N2 8LT from 2-3pm. Dates for 2026 are: January 30, February 27, March 27, May 1, May 29, June 26, July 24, August 21, September 18, October 16, November 13 and December 11. £3 donation.
Pop Up Café at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. 10.30-12 noon. Free fresh pastries, coffee and tea beginning 31 January 2026, then on 28 February, 28 March and 25 April. FREE but donations welcome. No need to book, just turn up!
Book Club
Tuesdays (monthly) 2-3pm. For those who enjoy reading and discussing books with friends! Held at Wilmot Community Centre, Wilmot Close, Tarling Road N2 8LB. For details on how to join contact Helen on 07384466840 or email helen.nicolaou@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
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.
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
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
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.
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
How are you keeping Social
this Spring?
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!
TECH TALK: Understanding AI and ChatGPT
Monday 13 April 2026 (2-4pm).
The third of six tech talks taking place during Age UK Barnet's free weekly digital support sessions on Mondays at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. Just come along or contact Howard on 020 8432 1415 or email howard.chapman@ageukbarnet.org.uk
NEW Drop in pop up cafe
Saturday 25 April 2026 (10.30am-12nooon)
Enjoy free fresh pastries, coffee and tea, a warm welcome, and plenty of good company at our new monthly relaxed and friendly drop in. Takes place at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane N2 8LT. No need to book - just come as you are or bring a friend. For more info, call Tamara on 020 8129 7619 or email activities@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Musical Afternoon with violinist Sandy Thompson
Thursday 16 April 2026 (2-3pm)
Join us for some classic tunes at Avery Barnet Grange, 59 Wood St, Barnet EN5 4BS. Costs £5 on the door which includes refreshments. To book, call 07384 466 840 or email activities@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Free parking is available on-site or catch bus 263, 107, 307, or 84B and hop off at Manor Road Barnet – just a short walk to the venue!
MONTHLY BINGO
Friday 1 May 2026 (2-3pm). A chance to have fun, enjoy some friendly competition, and connect with others at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane N2 8LT. We suggest a £3 donation. For more info, email activities@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 07384 455840.
4 week flower arranging courses
Starting 13 May and 17 June 2026 (10.30-11.30am) Takes place at Finchley Fire Station, 227 Long Lane N3 2RP. Costs £40 for the four week course. Booking essential. Just email: activities@ageUKbarnet.org.uk or tel: 07384 455840
New Vinyl Club for over 55's
'From Elvis Presley to Elvis Costello, from The Ronettes to The Ramones, we’re up for whatever you want to hear,' says Age UK Barnet volunteer and journalist Phil Hilton, who will be hosting the group. 'There will be short, informative talks, shared passions, memories and actual vinyl records!'
Bring your favourites, discover new artists and connect with others who share your interest. Sessions will take place at 5pm on Tuesdays at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane N2 8LT and first meet up is on Tuesday 21 April 2026. There'll be a charge of £3 which includes all refreshments!
Interested? Get in touch and Age UK Barnet will send you a short survey to ask about your music tastes so we can kick off with the right tunes. Contact activities@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 07379 331807
Quiz Night fundraiser
Wednesday 22 April 2026 (6.45pm for 7.15pm start)
Join us for our next Quiz Night at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. Tickets cost £20 and includes a tasty two-course meal, plus there’ll be a raffle and a bar.
Make up your own team of 8 or join another team. Places will be limited so book yours soon! All funds raised on the night go towards helping us to reduce social isolation among older people in Barnet and ensure we provide our essential services and activities.
Contact Teresa on 07502 989403 or teresa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk to book your place and receive the payment link.
Message Board
Need help with laptops and smartphones?
Helping you with your devices every week at 1pm - NW7. BOOKING ESSENTIAL! Call on 02084321415 or email howard.chapman@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Later Life Planning & Scam Prevention
For advice about benefits, grants, housing and money concerns, phone Later Life Planning Service on 020 8432 1417. For scams advice and support, call Scams Prevention Service on 0208 129 7615 and 0208 129 7627
Advice Clinics in Chipping Barnet and Burnt Oak
For Barnet residents over 55 who might be struggling financially. The Age UK Barnet advice team will be giving benefits checks, pension credit checks and winter fuel payment advice. Chipping Barnet Library, Chipping Barnet Library, 3 Stapylton Rd, Barnet EN5 4Q - 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. 1st Tuesday session of 2026 will be held on 20 Jan 2026. Burnt Oak Library, 99 Watling Ave, Burnt Oak HA8 0UB - 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month. The clinics are open from 10am-1pm and 2-4pm. To book an appointment, please call 0208 432 1417 or email us on laterlifeplanners@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Spring Checklist
Your Health Matters
Take a look at our checklist and make sure you have everything you'll need for a comfortable season!
Stay Hydrated
Water, juices, teas and good old Jelly Drops are all great ways to stay hydrated in warm weather!
Stay Connected
Schedule regular check ins with friends and family members to reduce isolation.
Vaccinations
Make sure you're fully up to date with your cold and flu jabs!
Eat Well
Make sure you're getting plenty of nourishment to help fight off colds and flu!
Weather
Plan for the changing weather! Make sure sun hats, glasses and cream are all within reach.
Stock Up
Bottled water, medications and jelly drops - make sure you've got enough of what you need!
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.
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
