A companion who shares their interests, in Hackney

Somewhere to go

Level lakeside loop at a reservoir turned nature reserve

Woodberry Wetlands, Stoke Newington

A former Stoke Newington reservoir run by London Wildlife Trust as a free wetland reserve with a path round the water, a cafe in the Coal House and reed beds full of birds. A carer can time a short visit for the quieter morning hours, carry binoculars and plan stops at the benches along the route.

Getting around: London Wildlife Trust says access is level, the main path to the Coal House is wheelchair accessible with no steep gradients, seating is provided at points around the route and there are disabled parking bays.

Source: wildlondon.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Flat park circuit with a cafe and animal enclosures

Clissold Park, Stoke Newington

A 55 acre park open since 1889, with the New River running through it, lakes, a deer and goat enclosure and a cafe in the old house. A carer can drive or bus to the Church Street entrance and break the walk with tea and a look at the animals.

Getting around: A reviewer on Euan's Guide describes the park as flat with wide tarmac paths, plenty of bench seating, a cafe and an accessible toilet.

Source: euansguide.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Small jazz room with nightly live music

Vortex Jazz Club, Dalston

A volunteer led, not for profit club in Dalston programming jazz and improvised music seven nights a week in a room seating about a hundred people. A carer can book seats in advance, arrange the journey and stay for the first set only if that suits better.

Source: hced.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Grade II* music hall still staging variety and concerts

Hackney Empire, Hackney Central

Built in 1901 as a music hall on Mare Street, where Marie Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin once appeared, and now an off West End theatre with a highly decorated auditorium. A carer can arrange tickets and step free seating with the box office and handle the short trip from Hackney Central station.

Source: officiallondontheatre.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Sunday football on the marshes

Hackney Marshes

A large expanse of pitches beside the Lee Navigation, reached from the Homerton Road entrance near the Hackney Marshes Centre, and a fixture of London Sunday league football. A carer can drive to the car park and find a spot to watch a match, then take the towpath back for a short stroll.

Source: hackney.gov.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Walking football for over 50s

Arsenal in the Community runs walking football sessions several days a week across Islington, Camden and Hackney, open to men and women aged 50 and over. A carer can ring ahead to confirm the nearest Hackney session, sort the kit and stay for the tea afterwards.

Source: arsenal.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Knit and Natter drop-in at the central library

Hackney Central Library, Hackney Central

A friendly weekly knitting session run by Hackney Libraries at Hackney Central Library, open to all levels from beginners upwards, with no need to book. A carer can bring the wool and needles, sort the journey and sit in on the first session until the group feels familiar.

Source: eventbrite.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to join

Wednesday knitting hour at Shoreditch Library

Shoreditch

A free group for all ages and abilities that meets every Wednesday from 11am to 12pm, with yarn and needles provided. A carer can make it a fixed weekly date and use the short session length to keep the outing manageable.

Source: lovehackney.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.