News and More
Stay active with Age UK: free information event in Islington
Islington residents are invited to a Keep Active Information Event at Islington Central Library on Wednesday 7th May, 11am–1pm. The event will showcase free and affordable ways to stay active, with advice on activities like guided walks, community gardening, yoga, and more. Representatives from Better Leisure, Arsenal in the Community, Healthy Generations, Healthy Minds, Healthy Bods, and Islington Council will be on hand to offer personalised guidance. If you plan to attend, you are encouraged to fill out the Keep Active Day booking form in advance.
Staying active can cut the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and depression by up to 40 percent. Even small steps—like stretching or a short walk—can bring lasting benefits. The library, located just off Holloway Road, is accessible by bus and tube, and the event will be held on the first floor with lift access available. For more information, or if you have any questions, you can email Katie Skea at kskea@ageukislington.org.uk.
Launch of community presence at Islington’s Access Hub
Today, 16 April, marked an exciting first for Rehabit, as we hosted our debut table at Islington’s Access Hub, 222 Upper Street — a significant step in our wider community engagement plan.
From now on, we’ll be attending the Hub every fortnight, forming a consistent presence within the borough. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to embed ourselves more deeply into the local community, with ongoing attendance at drop-in sessions, food banks, residential centres, hostels, and local events across Islington.
Our aim is simple yet vital: to raise awareness and gently guide those in need toward the support we offer. By being present in these spaces, we hope to identify and signpost individuals who may benefit from our in-house counselling and peer support services — particularly those who do not require detox but are seeking meaningful change.
This is not about delivering on-the-spot advice or immediate interventions. It’s about listening, informing, and connecting people with appropriate support when the time is right. We look forward to meeting more members of the community in the coming weeks and building trust, one conversation at a time.
Community event in Islington brings hope and understanding on addiction
Over 40 people joined us at our event at the Jean Stokes Community Centre in Islington on 12 March. We invited the friends and family of those in the community who might be struggling with drugs or alcohol to help them understand more about addiction, to bust some of the myths, and explain why people become dependent in the first place.
There was also an excellent talk from Bright Lives on their coaching programme and Minds Matter ran a great session on techniques to manage anxiety and stress – all supported with stands hosted by Better Lives, Age UK and Stuart Low Trust.
Garry Durston, a trustee, who ran one of the sessions, said: “Dependency on alcohol or drugs is a desperate way to exist and Rehabit helps those in the community to find a way out. In my experience, everyone knows someone who’s struggling with drugs or alcohol so it make sense to explain addiction to the whole community not just those who have a problem”.
Honoured to meet HRH Princess Royal
On 14 January, we were privileged to be guests of Cranfield Trust at their 35th anniversary event and honoured to be introduced to their patron, HRH The Princess Royal.
We were one of 10 small charities selected to attend the event to showcase our work and to acknowledge achieving Cranfield Trust’s Journey to Excellence Recognition Badge, awarded for our progress in turning round a struggling charity, establishing a clear and sound business plan, and helping more beneficiaries.
Small charities are the backbone of our society, delivering trusted and essential services relied upon by millions of people every day of the year. Yet now, more than ever, with mounting pressure and demands, their services and survival are under threat.
Sean Robinson, Rehabit CEO, said: “It’s brutal out there at moment, with many grant organisations closing down and even more charities seeking funds from a diminishing pot. Working with Cranfield Trust helped us to plan more clearly and make the best out of the resources we have – and make more confident decisions.”
Dave Smith, chair of trustees, said: “It was very rewarding to be acknowledged for the work we do helping vulnerable people struggling with drugs and alcohol. We will do our best to remain resilient and are committed to making sure Rehabit can continue to help people for many years to come.”
Big thank you!
Big thanks to TK Maxx and Homesense Foundation who recently donated £500 as part of their Community Fund where employees nominate a charity of their choice.
And thank you to the anonymous donor who generously made a contribution in lieu of sending flowers for the funeral.
Rehabit AGM in June 2025
This is notice that our AGM will be held between 19.30-20.30 on Tuesday 3 June 2025. This year it will be an online video meeting. If anyone wishes to attend, please contact sean.robinson@rehabit.uk for access details.
Union Chapel drop-in
Sean and Garry attended their first community drop-in session at Union Chapel in Islington to mingle and chat to those interested in talking about drug and alcohol problems. Hopefully, this will be the first of many visits.
Peer supporters wanted
We are always looking for peer supporter volunteers with lived experience of addiction to join our team. This role is critical to our service and the best way for clients to connect with us. We are particularly looking for volunteers to meet with our clients or who can be regular attendees (weekly or monthly) at some of the community events in Islington such as drop-ins, food banks and so on. Contact sean.robinson@rehabit.uk to discuss.
National Lottery and Partners for Health grants provide lifeline for addiction recovery
Grants from the National Lottery Community Fund and Partners for Health (a union of London Catalyst and the Hospital Saturday Fund) are making a massive difference to those who need our help.
The Partners for Health grant has provided funds for our much-needed counselling service that helps those struggling with drugs and alcohol to find abstinence. These are often people who are falling through the cracks in society or stuck in the system.
We offer up to 26-weeks of counselling for clients, who also get partnered with one of our peer supporters with lived experience of addiction.
Money from the National Lottery Community Fund supports our counselling efforts and the costs needed to run the charity on a daily basis. As we start to get bigger, albeit cautiously, our running costs are also increasing.
Sean Robinson, CEO, said: “I’m so grateful for these grants. They are our lifeline and mean we can continue to keep helping those struggling with drugs and alcohol – a desperate existence – to find productive and fulfilling lives.”.
Journey to excellence
We are pleased to have been granted a Cranfield Trust Journey to Excellence badge for our work with them to establish a charity that is committed to being the best if possibly can. It’s been great working with them and their brilliant volunteer management consultant.
St George’s residents’ session
Sean and Garry ran a well-received addiction awareness training session for residents at St George’s on Camden Road, part of Richmond Fellowship.
We’re looking for a patron
We’re still looking for a patron to be a figurehead for our charity and to help further our presence in the community and generate even more interest in our services. If you’re interested or know someone who is, please contact sean.robinson@rehabit.uk