Athletes in a race on an athletics tracktrack

Healthy lives

Although it can be tough to do the right things, the benefits for mind and body of a healthy lifestyle are well known:

  • you have more energy.
  • you don’t get ill so often (as a result of a boosted immune system)
  • you feel happier (as you feel better about yourself and grow in self confidence)
  • you’re less likely to feel depressed

Here are some 'Things to Do' to keep you fit and healthy.

Islington has a strategy for the health of its children and young people, explained in this video about the strategy by some of Isington's young people.

Also watch this video from Kooth, the mental health and wellbeing charity.

If you need medical help or information check out the NHS website at any time for advice on any health question or ring the NHS non-emergency advice line on T: 111

Lift in Islington can help you develop and stick to a healthy lifestyle from exercising regularly through to healthy eating. There are:

  • drop in gym sessions
  • exclusive gym use for Lift members
  • dance classes
  • cooking
  • nutritional advice
  • lots of advice available.

Organisations that can help:

Alcohol, drugs and smoking

Drugs and alcohol affect different people in different ways.

You can end up doing things you wouldn’t normally do like fighting, having unprotected sex or driving dangerously. And you may not always know what’s in your drink or drugs.

If you think you, or someone you care about, may have a problem with drugs or alcohol, you can contact someone with experience, who will understand and not judge.

Organisations that can help:

For further information look at the services, related information and videos below and check out our drugs and alcohol section

Disability

If you have a learning disability or a physical disability there are lots of local and national organisations that offer support.

If you have a question about:

  • a specific learning disability or medical condition
  • support for children with disabilities and their families
  • education and training opportunities

take a look at the related information and related services on this page. 

Mental Health

Mental health problems are more common than you think.

These include depression, stress, eating disorders, self harm, bipolar, suicidal feelings and more. Things like changes to family life, the death of someone close, and bullying can also lead to problems. One in four of us experience some form of mental illness during our life.

Pressures or stress can become so strong that they affect the way we think. You can talk confidentially to someone who understands.

Jobs in Mind run the Wrap Project for young people aged between 16 and 25, living in Islington and Camden and experiencing stress related or mental health conditions T: 020 7281 8097.

Organisations that can help:

Worried about a friend or family member? Take a look at the video below on how to start a conversation with someone about mental health.

Sexual health and relationships

It is important you look after your sexual health.

Our three services, Pulse, Brook Euston and the Brandon Centre can help you access contraception, tests and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy tests, support around relationships and much more.

Visit the relationships and safer sex page for contact details and further information on sex and relationships.

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