This page is dedicated to the activities you or someone you know, can take part in to enhance health, maintain and develop skills, make social contacts and keep mentally active. If you or the person you assist, would like to contribute an activity or an experience that would help other people please email us and let us know.
The Link Project will assist physically with travelling to and from an activity or with taking part in it.
Memories are valuable and it is important to keep hold of life experiences and the knowledge and insight they bring. Hackney has some wonderful resources that can help with this.
Hackney Archives. The archive department has books and photos of Hackney going back through our lifetimes and beyond. It is a good place to find an old school, workplace, social club or perhaps recall where a spouse was met. The staff are pleased to assist people with memory problems and will welcome a visit.
Hackney Museum. This compact museum has something to remind everyone, whether they were born in Hackney or come from another part of the world, of past experiences . It's well worth a visit.
Hackney Libraries are able to supply books, videos, and other media on any subject from preserving memories to staying fit. The Link Project can help by reading books with service users to keep the momentum going and aid memory.
The Age Exchange in Blackheath is well worth a visit. It aims to improve the quality of life for older people by celebrating their memories through artistic, educational and welfare activities for all ages.
The Link Project can make a scrapbook with a service user to celebrate a life and keep it alive through illness.
Regular exercise will help maintain a healthy circulation. A good circulation helps the brain to function better.
Phone 020 7739 7887 or visit the Sharp End, Newlon House, 204 Hoxton Street, London N1 5LH. They have a wide selection of fitness, yoga, Tai Chi and dance classes in different venues throughout the borough. They will help service users find the classes they need.
The Britannia, West Reservoir and Kings Hall leisure centres in Hackney have a range of fitness classes for people in the over 50 age range. Activities include bowls, Health Suite, badminton, aerobics and water workout. The Link Project can arrange to take a service user to a class and assist with an exercise routine.
Hobbies and Interests. The Sharp End mentioned above will give information about classes run in the borough on
- arts and crafts
- needlework
- flower arranging
- art
- creative writing
- drumming
for any people over 50.
Wildlife. Keep observation skills sharp by enjoying local wildlife! West Reservoir has a wild nature trail that is currently open to the public. Other local places for wildlife are Regents Canal, River Lee, Abney Park Cemetery, Hackney Marshes and Victoria, Haggerston, Clissold and Springfield Parks. The Link Project can accompany service users to any of these venues. The London Wildlife Trust have wildlife outings and activities for people of all ages and abilities at different venues throughout London.
Gardening. Thrive have a local centre called St Mary's Garden which provides free therapeutic gardening. It is situated on the corner of Pearson Street and Appleby Street in E2. Ring John Cliff and his team on 020 7739 2965 for more details or just turn up.
Computing. Open a whole new window in life - develop computing skills!
Hackney Silver Surfers have computers that people who are aged over 50 can use at different venues in the borough. They offer free tuition and will support service users to operate one of their computers. Silver Surfers have a touchscreen computer for people who find the mouse too difficult and will give assistance with how to use it.
Also the Sharp End have an Internet cafe on Tuesdays (with a tutor) 1:30pm - 4:00pm, and Wednesdays 10:30am - 12:30pm. Computer training is available on Tuesday mornings. Phone for details 0207 739 7887.
Complementary Therapies. The Hoxton Health Group offer complementary health care for Hackney and City residents over age 60. These therapies can help alongside mainstream medical treatment. Treatment costs from £9.00 a calendar month and there is a £20 annual membership fee. The available treatments are:
- acupuncture
- reflexology
- aromatherapy massage
- herbal medicine
- shiatsu massage
- homeopathy
- osteopathy
Please phone 020 7739 2533 for more information.
At the Sharp End there are
- Healing sessions on a Monday afternoon and Friday morning
- Reiki sessions on a Friday afternoon.
These sessions are helpful for stress, aches and pains, and can induce feelings of wellbeing and relaxation. Phone 020 7739 7887 to book.
