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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
Loving Life
Christmas Lunch
How Ageist is London?
Loving Life is an exciting creative health project for older adults with free activities running in mainly Chipping Barnet and Colindale Libraries throughout 2025. November activities include yoga, tai chi, flower arranging, origami and pottery. For the full programme, see the Barnet Council website here.
Look also at the creative communities website here
The Rotary Club of Barnet will be providing a festive lunch and musical entertainment for older people who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. The lunch will take place at Ewen Hall, Wood St, Barnet EN5 4BW. If you know someone who would enjoy some company and Christmas cheer, please email info@barnet-rotary.org.uk for more details.
To help Age UK London with its new campaign on ageism in London, it is asking people to fill out a survey about their own experiences of ageism. It is looking for as many people as possible, from a diverse range of backgrounds, to share their experiences of ageism in London. You can complete the online survey HERE or if you require a print version, please email campaigns@ageuklondon.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.
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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
Autumn is here!
How are you keeping Social?
​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!
​The Royal Air Force Museum Autumn/Winter sessions.
A series of four sessions exploring fascinating collections. Every Thursday fortnight from 2.00pm - 3.30pm Beginning 23 October then on 6 November, 20 November and 4 December 2025. Held at the RAF Museum, Grahame Park Way, Hendon NW9 5LL. Free and open to Barnet residents over 55. Contact Helen Nicolaou on 07384 466840 or email activities@ageukbarnet.org.uk
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TALK: The Psychology of Happiness
Wednesday 12 November 2025 (6.45-8pm)
Think you know what makes you happy? Neuropsychologist Professor Catherine Loveday, a regular on BBC R4's All in the Mind, reveals what the latest science tells us about happiness - and how our brains can sometimes lead us astray. A fascinating, uplifting and myth-busting talk on what really makes us feel good.
To register, contact teressa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 07502 989403. You can always register on the Age UK Barnet eventbrite page here
Beginners Guide to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Staying Safe Online
A team of Microsoft experts will be running three workshops in November to understand AI, give people the tools to stay safe and avoid scams.
Monday 17 November 2025
10am-12pm at Colindale Library, 7 Bristol Ave, London NW9 4BR
2om-4pm, Chipping Barnet Library, 3 Stapylton Road, Barnet, EN5 4QT
Monday 24 November 2025
2 -4pm - Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane N2 8LT
No need to book, and all over 55s welcome. To find out more just contact howard.chapman@ageukbarnetorg.uk or call 0208432 1415.
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Dance For Joy
Saturday 22 November 2025 (3-8pm)
Come and dance to your favourite songs in a relaxed environment at MDX House, Middlesex University, The Burroughs, NW4 4BT. Entry is FREE. Parking is FREE. Tea and coffee are FREE. Booking is essential - just email Lucy on: L.irving@mdx.ac.uk
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Free Christmas Concert And Singalong
Monday 15 December (3-5pm). There’ll be musical performances, a singalong, mince pies and nibbles, a glass or two of hot spiced apple juice, a tombola stall, puzzle stall and a chance to buy cards designed by Age UK Barnet’s art group. Takes place at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. It would be great if you could let us know you're coming - just email: teresa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call Teresa on 07502 989 403.
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Disco for Over 55's
Tuesday 2 December (6-8pm)
A feel-good festive disco for over 55s at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. Dust off your dancing shoes and boogie to the best hits from across the decades!
"It's harder to do some of things we loved doing when we were younger, such as going out for a good old dance, so we want to bring some of that joy back," says CEO Helen Newman. Suggested donation is £3.
To book, contact teresa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call her on 07502 989403.
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Living Well In Barnet
4 December 2025 (10am-12pm) Join us for a morning of talks and activities focusing on memory, dementia prevention and living well with dementia - including Professor Catherine Loveday who will be sharing the science behind food and memory. Free entry and free refreshments too! Takes place at The John Keble Church (Baden Powell Room) Deans Lane, Edgware HA8 9NT. You can register on our Eventbrite page HERE or email fiona.cronin@ageukbarnet.org.uk or call 020 862 0269. Buses that are near to John Keeble Bus: 221, 240, 292, 303, 384.
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Dealing with Bereavement Event
7 December 2025 (10am-1pm)
Are you, or someone you know, bereaved and looking for support? Meridian Wellbeing is putting on a morning of talks and advice plus real life stories plus information stands. Refreshments and free parking. Takes place at Manor Drive Methodist Church, Manor Drive, N20 0DZ
Any queries please contact Donna Chan - donna.chan@barnet.gov.uk
Message Board
Help with energy bills and food costs
If you or someone you know needs support with essential living costs, please call Age UK Barnet on 0208 203 5040 and ask for the Household Support team or email support@ageukbarnet.org.uk
See the Age UK Barnet website HERE for more details about who can apply plus both the professional referral form and self referral forms
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Free Energy Advice and Support
The charity Shine offers free energy advice and home visiting service which aims to assist people who are struggling to pay their fuel bills. They can help with fuel debt advice and utility related benefits and offer home energy visits plus installation of free energy efficiency measures. To find out more, see the Shine website here.
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Free Leak Fix
If you get your water supply from Affinity Water you may be entitled to a free leak fix.
Small problems like a dripping tap, a leaking pipe, or a damp patch on your ceiling can lead to costly repairs if left unchecked. Affinity's Leak Visit service is there to fix leaks, big or small.
Affinity's plumbers can fix common household leaks like toilets, taps, isolation valves, compression fittings, and flexible pipes. Whether it’s a minor drip or more serious, the leak must have a constant flow and be easy to reach for its plumbers.
Report your leak for a free repair here
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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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Autumn 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
Keep blankets, extra socks and hot teas nearby for those chilly days!
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 so you can stay healthy in the colder months!
Weather
Plan for disruptions due to weather, and have a plan for emergencies!
Stock Up
Tinned food, 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.
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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.
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