Activities and Classes at Claremont
"Lonliness ends when I walk through the doors at Claremont"
Ruby M., Claremont member.
Claremont's centre serves all Islington residents over the age
of 55. We're particularly interested in serving those who have been
isolated or who are otherwise disadvantaged. We're a bit different
from other day centres. For a start we don't much like the term
"day centre" (would you be happy telling your friends
that you're going to a day centre?) and we're more into personal
and community development than bingo.
Claremont believes that continuing physical and mental health
is rooted in staying connected; connected with others, connected
with the outside world, connected to life and living. We've seen
the implosion that can come from isolation and know that isolation
comes in many forms. Someone could easily attend a day centre and
still remain isolated. Isolation is disconnection and we can disconnect
by simply allowing ourselves to fall into the apparent security
of a static way of life. This is why Claremont, our staff and community,
is so interested in the arts. Arts challenge everything that is
static. Arts inspire us to reach beyond ourselves. Arts rejuvenate,
stimulate and reconnect us to the social and natural worlds.
What kinds of things go on at Claremont?
Timetable
(Word Doc file: 63kb)
There are over 26 regular daytime activities a week for over 55's, including
a wide range of formal psychological therapies, arts, physical exercise,
performances, outings and monthly multi-cultural parties. There
are also numerous special projects often conducted in partnership
with other organisations (such as the Creative Communities Digital
project and the arts masterclasses with Cubitt Studios).
How do I Join or Refer Someone to Claremont?
We have over 550 active members, with typically over 60 people
visiting us on any one day. We are able to accept members who are
able to get here under their own steam but we do not offer a
transport service. Membership is free and simply involves a short
chat with one of the Claremont team. Please call Louise on 020 7837
3402 for an appointment or referral form.
Claremont is currently funded in part by Islington Council's
Social Services. Other support comes from grant-making charities
such as the Cripplegate Foundation and Richard Cloudesley's Charity.
The charity also receives significant support from our local church,
Claremont United Reformed Church.
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