News from Islington Labour

Islington Labour relaunches Sotheby Mews Day Centre

Local pensioners are today celebrating the relaunch of the Sotheby Mews Day Centre.

Sotheby Mews offers local pensioners a wide range of activities including keep-fit, line dancing, gardening, cake decorating, massage, tai chi, indoor bowls and yoga.

It also hosts an extremely popular lunch club which up to 45 older people attend each day.

A council-funded bus service collects clients from their homes and takes them to the day centre’s doorstep.

The Centre was originally due to close due to government cuts but thanks to a relentless campaign by Islington Labour it has been saved and has its official re-launch today.

Islington’s Labour Council were determined not to let the Centre close and looked carefully for innovative ways to support it. They have agreed a deal with the respected Highbury Roundouse to manage the Sotheby Mews on a day-to-day basis.

Councillor Janet Burgess, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We are on the side of older people and understand the importance of Day Centres as the centre of social life for many older people.

I am glad that the period of uncertainty, brought about by the Government’s unfair cuts has now ended with the re-launch of Sotheby Mews.

We are facing the biggest cuts in cash terms of any London Borough but we are committed to a fair deal for older people, which is why we have worked hard to find a way to continue to fund the service.”

Andrew Berthier, Director of Highbury Roundhouse which runs the Sotheby Mews Day Centre said: “This relaunch is about telling everyone Sotheby Mews is open for business and looking for new customers.

With art classes, music, food and a warm welcome, Sotheby Mews has a lot to offer and alot to be proud of.

Age Concern ran the popular lunch club for many years and we hope to capture this success and build upon it.”

Other news from Islington Labour

• 'Excellent' report for Islington's Children's Services - 21 November 2011
• Three Islington organisations victorious in national awards - 21 November 2011
• Labour Islington promises to get to grips with good nutrition - 21 November 2011