Here you can find all community events shared with us.
For organisations:
if you would like to invite our community to an event, please email:
info@islingtoncentre.co.uk
December
Free IT & Cyber Security Bootcamp
Skills Academy Digital Hub at Capital City College
Free and delivered in person at our Regent’s Park campus in London.
Strong job outcomes: a high proportion of graduates secure interviews and move into paid IT support roles.
Candidates have gone on to interview with and join well-known employers including River Island, BT and Transport for London (TfL), among others.
Includes hands-on training plus CV and interview prep, one-to-one mentoring, and direct access to employer networks and job opportunities.
What the course covers: IT hardware, software and networks; cyber security fundamentals; ticket management and remote troubleshooting; and the soft skills employers look for, such as communication, adaptability and teamwork.
Who it’s for: people ready to start a career in tech, with no experience or degree needed. We especially encourage applications from groups underrepresented in the industry, particularly women and those without university degrees.
Key details:
- Start date: Monday 7 December 2026 (subject to change)
- Duration: 10 weeks, Monday to Friday, 9:30am–3:45pm
- Location: Regent’s Park campus, London
- Cost: Free
- Eligibility: Aged 19+, based in London, not in full-time education or employment (zero-hour contracts may be eligible), and with the right to work in the UK
For more information and to apply: IT Support with Cyber Security Bootcamp
November
Islington Council’s Borough of Sanctuary team, with support from Islington Refugee and Migrant Forum, are running a drop-in VCS fair for refugee and migrant residents on Wednesday 11th November, 12.30-3.30pm at Vibast Community Centre.
Organisations that will be available to talk to on the day:
- Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants – English classes (all levels)
- Hotel School – training and work experience programme for the hospitality sector
- KMEWO/ The Samira Project – support for women and VAWG support
- SHINE (LBI) – energy saving tips and advice
- Hillside Clubhouse – volunteering and employability support for residents with a mental health condition
- The Parent House – support for parents
- HealthProm – educational youth club
- Coffee BEAN – barista and ESOL training
- Community Dental Services – oral health tips and free dental packs
- Libraries (LBI) – signing people up for library cards and free children’s books
- Nafsiyat – multi language therapy
- Praxis – immigration advice
- All Change – art activity and promoting their sanctuary arts group
- Recycling team (LBI) – clothes swap
- Better Gym – signing residents with new refugee status up for free membership
Plus free haircuts from kind volunteers at Idris Barbering.
More organisations to be confirmed!
October
The Open Book Experience
Rather than a conventional author event, Go Africa Open Book will create a living literary cultural experience within the library.
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet authors, discover books, purchase signed copies, hear stories, participate in creative activities and explore literature reflecting African and Caribbean heritage and experiences.
The programme will deliberately bring children’s and adult literature together, creating a journey from the stories that first introduce children to identity and imagination through to the books, histories and lived experiences that shape adult understanding.
The space or theatre becomes not simply somewhere that holds books, but somewhere where community history is actively shared and new stories begin.
For booking or more information, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/go-africa-open-book-tickets-2002239753000?aff=oddtdtcreator
Octopus Community Network and Mildmay Community Food Project are delighted to celebrate their award-winning community composting project! They have planned a day of activities, including food, music and workshops:
- mushroom workshop
- pottery workshop
- natural dye workshop
- soil & composting
- arts & crafts
- hot meal and refreshments
If you want to join, use this sign up link.
For all info, see the flyer below:
Celebrating 10 Years of Phosphoros Theatre
2026 marks 10 years since Phosphoros Theatre began. From our first play, ‘Dear Home Office,’ we have created five national touring productions, as well as audio, digital and community touring shows, reaching several thousand audience members. We now have five Community Engagement projects that support more than 400 young refugees and asylum-seekers every year, building creativity, bravery, and a sense of belonging.
We are excited to invite you to celebrate a decade of our work on Saturday 10th October at The Aldgate Centre, Aldgate High St, London EC3N 1AB.
We will have creative activities, workshops, talks and food starting at 1.30pm – the full schedule will be shared very soon. Our celebratory performance will begin at 6pm, and you can book tickets at this link. All tickets are ‘pay what you can’, with any donations going directly to supporting our ongoing work with young refugees and asylum-seekers.
Islington Halloween Trail
Thursday 29th October from 1pm–4pm
It’s a really fun, low-cost half-term activity for local families. Tickets are £3 per child, with all proceeds going to The Toy Project, and the whole idea is to give children something exciting to do while helping families explore the local area and connect with the wider Islington community.
Children collect a trail map from 315 Upper Street, and make their way around different local businesses and community organisations, solving clues, finding hidden spiders and collecting stamps along the way. There’ll be decorations, little treats and prizes throughout the trail before they finish back with us for their Halloween prize.
See the flyer below for more info:
‘Mother as Leader: Advanced Programme’ for refugee/asylum seeking mothers with children aged 0-5
WHEN: 2 hours, once a week on Tuesday mornings (10am to 12pm)
DURATION: 14 week programme starting W/C 12th October 2026
WHERE: Online (Zoom)
FOR: UK based refugees/asylum seekers
The programme is totally free for participants; you are expected to attend all the weekly workshops.
You can find the application form here .
‘School of Entrepreneurship’ for refugees/asylum seekers aged 18-30(ish) with a passion for entrepreneurship.
WHEN: 2 hours, once a week on Monday (10am to 12pm)
DURATION: 8 week programme starting W/C 12th October 2026
WHERE: Online (Zoom)
FOR: UK-based refugees/asylum seekers
The programme is totally free for participants; you are expected to attend all the weekly workshops.
You can find the application form here .
DreamArts Rep Company is a theatre company of young artists from refugee backgrounds that creates original productions theatre, film, music and lyricism.
You can see their work here: 
INTRODUCING DREAMARTS REP COMPANY.
They would love to have you to a free theatre performance of the finale of our touring show What We Do When We Can’t Dance at Marylebone Theatre on Sunday 11 October at 6pm.
Come along to see a vibrant, music-driven coming-of-age story. Expect big laughs, bold beats and a shocking twist in this unforgettable story of friendship, first love and finding your place in the world told by our young company. See what audiences think of our work here: trailer 2 – YouTube
Key details:
- Date: Sunday 11 October
- Time: 6:00pm
- Venue: Marylebone Theatre, 35 Park Road, NW1 6XT (google maps link)
- Tickets: Free! Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-we-do-when-we-cant-dance-by-dreamarts-rep-company-tickets-1999376601236. If you have any challenges booking online, please email or call Catherine: catherine@dreamarts.org.uk / 07395284927
- Accessibility: The show is a relaxed performance and contains no trigger warnings or strong language – making it a safe, inspiring and welcoming event for adults, young people and families to enjoy together. Content themes: contains references to drinking alcohol and pregnancy.
- Synopsis: James has an ambition to live in the city and with a very persuasive, but unreliable older brother, Jackie; James finishes his exams, leaves home and moves in with Jackie in London. However, he leaves behind an unexpected but blossoming relationship with his next-door neighbour Stella as well as his childhood best friend, Moses. Then, on the night of his 18th birthday, a shocking revelation from his best friend threatens to shatter everything James thought he knew about love, loyalty and the future.
- Contact: If you have any questions about the show or want to get in touch: catherine@dreamarts.org.uk and 07395284927.
September
The Green Guardian Community Gardening sessions – from September to December
We run free weekly community gardening sessions in Islington green spaces. Everyone is welcome, under 16’s with a responsible adult, no experience needed and there’s no need to book. We provide gloves, tools, guidance and refreshments.
The sessions are suitable for anyone who enjoys spending time outside, gardening and having the opportunity to meet new people. There’s something for everyone, including simply sitting and enjoying the day. Tasks could include raking leaves, watering, planting bulbs or cleaning tools. The sessions are led by our experienced community gardeners.
All our sessions end with refreshments, and often home made cakes. It’s a great opportunity for chatting and getting to know people.
Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 10am to 12pm at:
Market Road Gardens, Market Road, N7 9PW
Newington Green (the park on the roundabout), N16 9PX
Dates
Wednesday Sept. 16th, 23rd and 30th
Wednesday Oct. 7th, 14th and 21st
Wednesday Nov. 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
Wednesday Dec. 2nd, 9th and 16th
Heart Health Awareness
One of Manor Gardens Welfare Trusts member organisations, Stepping Stone4 www.steppingstone4.org, is hosting a Heart Health Awareness Day aimed particularly at people from African and Caribbean communities, where rates of high blood pressure and diabetes are disproportionately high. The event will provide information, advice and support to help people better understand and manage their heart health.
Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Time: 10.30am to 1.00pm
Venue: No 10 Manor Gardens, London N7 6LA
For further information, please see the flyer below or contact Salna Abdallah at Stepping Stone – stepston4@gmail.com
Islington Dementia Fair – September 24th, 2026
Go Africa Presents: #countdown to Black History Month 2026
https://goafricaworkshop.co.uk/
This is an exciting series of events led by Go Africa Community Hub CIC, bringing together culture, health, enterprise, literature and community to celebrate the Black African and Caribbean Diaspora while addressing some of the inequalities that continue to affect our communities.
Monday 21st September – Black Women’s Health Day
Saturday 26th September – Islington Black Owned Business Market
Friday 16 – Saturday 17th October – Ghana Property & Lifestyle Expo
Wednesday 28th October – Go Africa Open Book
Taking place across Islington, moves beyond the idea of a single festival or event. It creates a journey through different spaces and different aspects of community life – from our health and our stories to our businesses, culture, creativity and economic aspirations.
At its heart is one powerful message:
Our communities should not only be celebrated culturally – they should be healthier, heard, represented and economically empowered.
More information and dates to follow.
