Air quality concerns put an end to park barbecues

The current ban on coal and wood-fired barbecues in Islington’s parks and open spaces has been made permanent. Gas barbecues are already banned for safety reasons.       

Not allowing barbecues helps support our efforts as a borough to improve air quality and achieve the targets set by the government and the World Health Organisation (WHO). The ban also helps reduce litter and damage to the ground. Our parks should be safe spaces for everyone to enjoy, so the temporary ban on barbecues, introduced in 2020, will now be made permanent.

Free half term family bike ride 

Grab your bike and helmet and head down to Highbury Crescent for a free fully marshalled bike ride which will take you on a 2 hour-long tour of the local area on quiet streets.    

Children aged 8-15 years old are welcome and must be both competent cyclists and accompanied by an adult (each adult can be responsible for up to two children). The event starts at 9.50am on Friday 17 February. The event is completely free, you just need to register to attend.

Celebrating our LGBTQ community  

Throughout February, we are partnering with local LGBTQ charity forum+ to deliver a range of exciting online and in-person events celebrating the diverse experiences and history of Islington’s LGBTQ community.  

Everyone is invited to join in the festivities, with events including tours around some of Islington’s gay landmarks, a free night of queer cabaret and comedy, and delving into the history of Pride and queer life in Islington. 

Stay up to date with cost of living support 

As the price of food, energy, and bills continue to rise many of us are feeling the strain and are worried about our finances. You can stay up to date with our latest support, grants, and advice by signing up to our free monthly cost of living email updates.  

Helping small, independent food businesses 

We are providing grants of £500 to 150 small, independent food service businesses. Islington has a thriving local food and hospitality economy, but these businesses often use more energy because of their reliance on gas cookers, fridges, chillers etc, and so they will be feeling the impact of rising energy costs. We want to help ease some of the pressure through our Energy Relief Scheme which will help the businesses pay for their energy bills. 

Applications are now open and will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. Find out more on our website. 

Free gardening get together  

Want to learn some gardening skills and meet new people? Why not head down to Wray Crescent open space on Thorpedale Road, N4, Saturday 18 February, 1-2pm, for a gardening get together. You can pot your own plant and then take it home. It is completely free and there is no need to book.  

To find out more about activities in our parks and fun things to do this half term visit the Find Your Islington directory. 

Vincent Terrace Woods Big Clean Up 

Looking for something to do this half term? Want to help keep Islington clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy? Then head down to Vincent Terrace woods, Colebrooke Row, N1, to help with litter picking and maintenance on Friday 17 February, 11am-1pm. 

Everyone is welcome, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Remember to wear suitable outdoor clothing and shoes. You can call the Community Ranger on 07715238075 for more information or visit our website to find out more about Islington’s parks. Let’s work together to make Islington cleaner, greener, and healthier for everyone.

Last chance to get vaccinated at St Luke’s 

Getting your jabs offers the best protection against serious illness and stops the spread of Covid-19 to others. If you haven’t had a first or second dose, now it's your last chance to get vaccinated at St Luke’s.

St Luke’s Community Centre, EC1V 8AJ, is offering booster jabs until Sunday 12 February and primary doses until Sunday 26 February. Flu vaccines are also available. 

If you’re eligible, you can book an appointment online, call 119 for free or find a local walk-in clinic.