Extra Care scheme in Islington celebrates poetry book launch event with special guests

Excitement is in the air at Extra Care scheme, Mildmays in Islington following a unique event where residents launched their very own poetry book.

The book - Still Life with Movement, includes a collection of poems written by residents and has been created in partnership with the arts organisation, All Change and Associate Artist, Francesca Beard.

(Pictured: The poetry book)

The All Change Team and employees at the scheme organised an event for the residents who contributed to the book to read their poems. The event included music, food and drink to mark the celebration.

British poet, John Hegley, who was born and lives nearby, was in attendance and treated the residents, their families and friends to a very special performance to celebrate the book launch. Other guests from the local community and Housing 21 employees had an opportunity to meet the talented resident poets who contributed to the collection.

Linda, a resident who contributed to the book, said: "It’s been an incredible day to celebrate the launch of our very own poetry book. I would never have thought that I would be doing something like this at my age, I am so thankful to Marian (Activities Coordinator at the scheme) and the All Change Team. I now love poetry!”

The event took place on Tuesday 24 September at the scheme, which is owned and operated by Housing 21. The book will be for residents, their friends and families, and some copies will be stored in local libraries in Islington for the local community to enjoy.

(Pictured: The event at Mildmays)

Residents at Housing 21’s scheme can enjoy the benefits of Extra Care, living independently with access to 24/7 on-site care and support for older people over the age of 55. The scheme also has amenities such as a communal lounge, hair salon, gardens and a guest room.