Self Care Directory

Open Age offers around 100 hours of physical activities a week for those aged 50+. Activities range from chair exercise, Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba to boxing, ballet and other dance. Included in this are our clinical exercise suite of activities: Steady and Stable (Falls prevention), Osteo Blast (to improve bone health) and Healthy Lungs (for those with diagnosed lung conditions). We also have a sports offer which includes walking football, cricket, bowls and badminton. The physical activities are delivered by qualified instructors across numerous community venues as well as online.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
Steady and Stable is an evidence based falls prevention exercise programme that helps to improve balance, strength and confidence. Taking part will help you to keep mobile and able to do the things you want to do. Classes are free, designed to be fun and can be accessed for up to 38 weeks. Sessions are offered in person and online for residents aged 50+
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
A programme providing weekly activities and trips to give older unpaid carers time for themselves away from their caring role
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster
A variety of different opportunities to volunteer within the charity this includes teaching activity sessions, reception, admin, data entry, finance, marketing and publicity, trusteeship
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
Every year, Opera for Thought brings to life an Opera Holland Park production for people living with dementia and their carers. Through six weekly workshops and a live performance at Opera Holland Park, participants sing, draw, drink tea, tell stories and bring a new voice to one of our productions.

Opera for Thought is run by OHP’s Inspire and Resonate Arts, and is developed to allow local people living with dementia to experience and participate in an Opera Holland Park production, and to increase their access to the theatre. The project works with the Young Artists programme to support early career musicians in developing their understanding and experience through hands-on opportunities and mentored work experience.
Where they Work: Queen's Park & Paddington, Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham
If you live in Westminster and are aged 50 plus or a carer, the Penfold Community Hub has a wide range of opportunities available to you. We offer stimulating and accessible activities, as well as advice and counselling services, to help you remain healthy, independent and active in your local community.

Activities and services
Physical activity classes, including exercise, music, Tai Chi and chair-based yoga
Age UK Westminster drop-in sessions (twice-weekly) for confidential help and advice
Introductory painting and drawing classes, along with craft sessions
Cook and Eat sessions – cooking up a weekly healthy lunch for older residents in the community
Drop-in Sewing Café, with free access to sewing machines and a friendly group of people
Gardening – growing vegetables and flowers for the Centre, and if you wish, in a patch of your own
Well-being services, including reflexology, massage, acupuncture, beauty therapy, hairdressing and more, all at very reasonable cost
Regular health information sessions on issues such as diabetes, dementia and preventing falls
Social lunches (weekly) with accessible activities in the afternoon
Singing groups, Bingo, minibus and coach outings, visits to the theatre and art galleries, and the list goes on!
Where they Work: Westminster
The Pepper Pot Centre’s kitchen is open for breakfast from 10:00-11:00 and for lunch from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Delicious freshly cooked, hot and nutritious African and Caribbean meals are available every day, from Monday to Friday at just £5 for members and £6 for non members.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
Peer support sessions about care issues for anyone who receives care and support, whether paid for by a council Personal Budget, through CHC Personal Health Budgets, paid for privately, or support from a friend or relative.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
A monthly workshop providing members with one-to-one support to develop their skills and interests.
Where they Work: Kensington & Chelsea
Community advocacy service for aged 18 to 64 for physical and sensory disability (those 65 and over, or with mental health, dementia, learning disability etc. service provided by The Advocacy Project)
The Community Advocacy service will support issues such as:
• Disputes about social care
• Legal issues (or income maximisation issues beyond CAB’s remit)
• Disputes with organisations concerning the person’s disability or other needs
• Complaints – against social services and others e.g. British Gas etc.
• Safeguarding
• Dignity in Care in the community or residential settings
• Supporting Personalisation
• Making contact with wheelchair repairs, utilities, issues around blue badge parking etc.
• We can help people attend court but will not be representing them there.
• We can help with benefits and PIP/ESA support at assessments with preparation, and can attend appeals, but cannot support them with appeals process other than attending meetings with them
• We can help people with child protection cases to support qualifying adults to attend meetings but not the child.
• We can help with employment issues
Where they Work: Westminster