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 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 art, theatre, music and physcial health 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)

Daytime activities for over 55's include: art/painting, art therapy, theatre group, drama/movement therapy, ballet/contemporary dance, choir, keep fit, sequence dancing, ballroom dancing, creative writing, piano sessions, line dancing, tai chi, arts exploration, yoga, music therapy, psychotherapy, raffles, and occassional parties and outings.

We have also started a "First Friday" recital programme. Every first Friday of the month, we hold special performances with invited guests. For example, our first performance was with the London Symphony Orchestra. Some of these are member-only events and some are open to the public (in accordance with Islington Council's licensing requirements).

How do I Join or Refer Someone to Claremont?

We have over 420 active members, with typically over 50 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 Kirsty 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, Bridge House Trust, the Big Lottery Fund, Richard Cloudesley's Charity, and the Lloyds TSB Foundation. The charity also receives significant support from our local church, Claremont United Reformed Church.