Camden magazine February 2019

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | February 2019 | camden.gov.uk

Camden apprenticeships Getting a foot on the career ladder @CamdenCouncil

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Argyle Primary School pupils Aisha (left) and Mohammed get to grips with a building challenge during a science and technology workshop. Read about Camden Learning, our schools partnership, on page 24

camden.gov.uk

camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk

The Camden magazine is distributed free to all homes in Camden to give you information about our services.

It costs 15 pence a copy to produce, and is printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources.

Cover image: Philip McCorkell

@CamdenCouncil

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Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 6 February 2019

You can request your copy of the Camden magazine in large print, audio format or in another language by phoning 020 7974 5717.

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Camden this month Give your views on our plan to tackle air pollution in Camden.

Staying active as you get older.

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We’re investing in projects to prevent youth violence.

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Introduction to the February edition

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Welcome

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Helping rough sleepers to get off the streets.

Support with Universal Credit.

Features

5 Turning up the heat on bad landlords Camden’s financial challenge Cover story Recycling and rubbish information Camden apprenticeships 25 Greenwood Centre opening

Helping rough sleepers News HS2: what can we expect this year?

The Council’s new Chief Executive 6 Camden Learning partnership Town Hall refurbishment update 6 Jobs in film and TV Homelessness and rough sleeping consultation 7 Support with Universal Credit Brexit and the EU Settlement Scheme 8 Staying active as you get older Give your views on our draft Clean Air Action Plan 8 My Camden – Anna Bowman Youth Safety Fund applications 9 Measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations 10 Have your say on new council ward boundaries 10 Listings Active travel awards for schools 11 Free and low-cost events Camden 2025: citizens’ assemblies 12 Your views on living and ageing well 12 New Dementia Wellness Café 13 New homes in Gospel Oak 14

15 16 18 20 21 22 24 26 27 30 31

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• Free 15 hour places for all 3 and 4 year olds • Eligibility criteria applies to 2 year old places and extra hours for 3 and 4 year olds To find out more, visit your local Camden Sure Start Children’s Centre, call 020 7974 1679, email freeearlyeducation@camden.gov.uk or visit camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart

Looking for the perfect place for your special day?

Then look no further than Camden.

We have over 45 venues to choose from, including the historic Tavistock House overlooking beautiful Tavistock Square.

So, whether you’re looking for a glamorous hotel, a historic building or something quirky and unusual – you’ll be sure to find your ideal setting.

Book your ceremony using our quick and easy to use online services. camden.gov.uk/marriages 4

Welcome

to the February edition of Camden magazine We are calling for their rights to be protected and the public to have the final say on the future of our country.

14 | N ew homes in Gospel Oak

16 | Our financial challenge

24 | Camden Learning Welcome to the first edition of the Camden magazine in 2019. I am looking forward to an exciting year, being out and about in our communities, sharing ideas and working together on some of our key challenges.

We face some huge challenges and as I write this it’s still unclear what will happen nationally with Brexit. Our pledge in Camden is that our borough will always be a welcoming, inclusive place that celebrates diversity. EU nationals who’ve made their home here are a vital part of our community.

Since I last wrote, we have published a three-year plan for how we’ll close the estimated £35-40 million gap in our budget due to government cuts and increased demand on services.

Following this, we will be setting our budget for 2019/20 at the next full Council meeting on 25 February.

In early March you’ll receive your council tax bill for the coming year, and you can read about how this gets spent in next month’s magazine.

As we continue to face national government cuts, we are going to have to make some difficult decisions, but we are committed to doing this with residents every step of the way. Community activism is at the heart of what makes our borough special, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to contribute, including through being part of local decision making.

Find out more about our financial challenge on page 16.

At Camden we are proud of our commitment to protecting frontline services, and investing in communities. This month, you can read about new homes we’re building through our Community Investment Programme (page 14), Camden Learning, our partnership between the Council and Camden’s family of schools (page 24), and how we’re creating careers opportunities for residents through our apprenticeships scheme (page 25).

In 2019 we also plan to make real progress on some of the difficult issues we explored last year. One of the things we are looking at closely, as Universal Credit is rolled out, is how we support people into work and how we help low-paid workers progress and access better jobs. I am proud that we are challenging our business community to think about what makes a good job as part of the launch of our Camden Business Board Charter, and you can read about this on our website.

In the magazine this month you can also read about how we’re investing in projects to keep young people safe (page 9), and how to give your views on our plans for preventing homelessness and rough sleeping (page 7).

Last month we announced the appointment of the Council’s new Chief Executive, Jenny Rowlands.

Jenny has been our Executive Director for Supporting Communities since 2016, and takes over from Mike Cooke next month. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mike for all the work he has done as Chief Executive since 2012. His experience and leadership has meant that we will continue to deliver on our commitments to make the borough a fairer, more equal place where no one is left behind. Read more about Jenny’s appointment on page 6.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

News

Jenny Rowlands to be new Chief Executive Jenny Rowlands has been appointed as Camden Council’s new Chief Executive.

Jenny, who has been our Executive Director for Supporting Communities since August 2016, will take over from current Chief Executive Mike Cooke in March.

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council, said: “We are very fortunate to be able to appoint someone of Jenny’s calibre. She is absolutely committed to our vision, that in 2025, Camden will be a place where everyone has a chance to succeed and nobody gets

left behind – a borough that works for everyone and where everyone has a voice.

“I’d like to thank Mike Cooke for the work he has done during his seven years as Chief Executive, which means that Jenny will inherit a modern, progressive organisation.”

Martin Pratt, the Council’s Director of Supporting People, will also take up the role of Deputy Chief Executive.

Town hall refurbishment update We have revised our plans for a fourth floor extension of the town hall.

Following the temporary closure of our town hall in August 2018, we have continued to hold discussions with local residents and community groups about our plans for refurbishment.

The refurbishment will restore and modernise the historic Grade II listed building, improving its sustainability and environmental performance, reducing long-term running costs, and transforming the way we use some of the space. This includes leasing office space to local business start-ups, and to Camden’s creative, science and technology industries.

Find out more 6

Following public consultation, we have decided not to go ahead with the original plans for a fourth floor extension, which would have had a significant impact on the building.

The project will now continue as a refurbishment of the existing building.

A planning application for the project is expected to be made in the spring and, subject to approval, construction is likely to begin at the end of the year.

All council services have been relocated while the works take place.

camden.gov.uk/townhall

Visit our website below to find out where to access services.

News

Give us your views on preventing homelessness We support hundreds of families to help them avoid losing their homes, as well as helping rough sleepers to rebuild their lives.

Changes to the benefits system, a shortage of affordable housing and increased private rents are all having an impact nationally, contributing to a homelessness crisis. In the worst cases, this can result in rough sleeping.

Building on what we know from experience works well, we have drafted a strategy for preventing homelessness and helping rough sleepers find a long-term way off the streets.

Our plans focus on supporting people threatened with homelessness to stay in their homes, by working together with private sector landlords and their tenants, a range of voluntary organisations, housing associations and other sectors, to tackle some of the deep-rooted issues around homelessness.

Our plans also look at how we can provide the right support and services to rough sleepers.

We are also calling on the government to increase funding for new affordable housing in Camden and sustainable, long-term support to rough sleepers.

Find out more

People who are homeless may be ‘sofa surfing’, living in temporary accommodation such as a hostel, or rough sleeping

How to get involved Tell us your thoughts on our priorities and actions. Your feedback will influence the development of our plan. If you have experienced or been at risk of homelessness, we want to hear from you too.

Visit the website below and complete the online survey by Monday 18 February.

If you would like to make more detailed comments, please email us.

camden.gov.uk/homelessconsultation

Turn to page 21 to find out more about how we’re working to support rough sleepers in Camden, and how you can help.

homelessconsultation@camden.gov.uk 7

News

Brexit and the EU settlement scheme We know many residents are concerned about the effects of Brexit.

There are 24,000 residents in Camden who were born in EU countries, as well as 36,000 EU citizens who work in our borough. The government recently announced that they have scrapped the proposed £65 fee that EU residents would have needed to pay to apply for settled status to continue living in the country after 31 December 2020.

Find out more

We’ll continue to monitor the government’s plans around Brexit. We are determined to do all we can to support residents and businesses in Camden at this uncertain time.

Camden’s European citizens can get useful information on their rights and access to document checks for citizenship, along with other guidance, on our website below.

camden.gov.uk/europe

Camden’s plan to tackle air pollution Have your say on our draft Clean Air Action Plan.

 reducing emissions from buildings  cutting construction emissions

Our draft Clean Air Action Plan sets out our vision to reduce pollution in Camden and we want your views on the actions we’re proposing to take.

 reducing pollution from vehicles  supporting communities and schools to cut pollution

The plan has been developed with the help of our Clean Air Partnership, made up of Camden residents, schools, community groups and businesses. You have given your feedback on the partnership’s ideas and everything you’ve told us has helped to refine the draft Clean Air Action Plan, which focuses on seven key areas: Find out more 8

camden.gov.uk/cleanair

 reducing emissions from delivery services  raising awareness and improving public health  lobbying central government.

We want to hear your thoughts so we can make sure our final Clean Air Action Plan reflects our residents’ clean air ambitions for Camden. Visit our website to give your feedback before Friday 15 February. @CamdenCouncil #CleanAirCamden

News

Youth Safety Fund applications open additional £400,000 to fund youth work charity Redthread’s Youth Violence Intervention Programme in the accident and emergency department in partnership with the NHS’s major trauma network.

The aim is not only to reduce serious youth violence but also to revolutionise support available to young victims of violence.

Camden Youth MP Athian Akec (left) with Youth Safety Taskforce co-chairs Keir Starmer MP, Councillor Abdul Hai, and Leader of the Council, Councillor Georgia Gould

We have launched a Youth Safety Fund to support work to prevent youth violence in Camden.

Bids to the fund, part of the £500,000 announced by the Council last year to support youth safety work, are invited from small and large organisations from Monday 18 February onwards.

Local young people will be involved in assessing applications.

approach to tackle youth violence. Other developments since the Youth Safety Taskforce concluded its work last autumn include a Metropolitan Police operation to disrupt the drugs trade in Camden Town, and our youth service’s successful bid to the government’s Early Intervention Youth Fund to enable more support to be provided within police custody suites to young people.

The fund will help us to act on the recommendations of the Youth Safety Taskforce, which called for a whole community

And within health services, the University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has committed to invest an

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/youthsafetytaskforce

Councillor Abdul Hai, Camden’s Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion, who co-chaired the Youth Safety Taskforce with Keir Starmer MP, said: “We believe that no young person should feel unsafe in their community – that’s why we want to continue to work with the enthusiasm and engagement of the community and other partners to make this change in Camden.

“We expect to see new ideas coming forward now that the Council’s Youth Safety Fund has been established – and we are happy to announce that applications for funding will open this month.”

To keep up to date with our youth safety work or apply for a grant from the Youth Safety Fund, please visit the website or email the address below.

youthsafety@camden.gov.uk 9

News

Are your children protected against measles?

Vaccinations are free, quick and available from your GP surgery.

Three-year-olds need a second dose of the MMR vaccine for full protection

Find out more

The MMR vaccine will protect your child from measles, mumps and rubella. For lifelong protection, the vaccine is given in two doses, one around your child’s first birthday and another at three years. Measles is a highly infectious and unpleasant illness that can cause serious health problems.

nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/mmr-vaccine/

Since the first measles vaccine was introduced in the UK, an estimated 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been avoided.

Dr Oliver Anglin, Lead GP for Children and Young People in Camden, said: “I urge all parents and young people in Camden to contact their GP surgery if they or their child have not had two doses. It will take a few minutes, and protect for life.”

camdenccg.nhs.uk

Have your say on new council ward boundaries The independent Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking residents for help to draw up a new pattern of council wards in Camden.

The consultation on ward boundaries is part of a wider review of electoral arrangements in Camden and across 25 London boroughs.

As part of the review, the Commission has announced proposals that Camden should have 54 councillors in future: no change from the current arrangements.

In drawing up new boundaries, the Commission aims to make sure that each councillor represents Find out more 10

roughly the same number of voters. The review also aims to ensure that the new council wards reflect, as far as possible, the interests and identities of communities across Camden.

Submit your views by Monday 4 March on the Commission’s website below, where you can also see current ward boundaries.

Any changes as a result of the review will come into effect at the next local council elections in May 2022.

consultation.lgbce.org.uk

camden.gov.uk/elections

News

Awards for travel to school STARS Camden schools have been recognised for their commitment to encouraging active, sustainable and safe travel to school.

Transport for London’s north regional STARS (Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe) programme encourages children, parents and teachers to travel to school, nursery or college by walking, cycling or using public transport. The London-wide programme aims to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

travel and to reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. We’re encouraging more schools to sign up as part of our campaign to improve air quality across the borough.

STARS schools can expect to see a reduction in the number of trips made by car. Gold schools must

demonstrate a shift of at least 6% away from cars or at least 90% of pupils travelling to their school by modes other than a car.

We support local schools to achieve STARS accreditations by offering free initiatives such as Bikeability cycle skills training and pedestrian skills training.

Participating schools are judged on their success in promoting sustainable travel to school with bronze, silver and gold awards, depending on the number of activities they do.

Camden schools took part in Transport for London’s north regional STARS schools celebration event held at the Kia Oval cricket stadium in November.

Student representatives from Camden schools participated in workshops on road safety and sustainable travel and received their STARS awards.

There are currently 38 Camden schools with bronze, silver or gold STARS awards for their achievements. This figure is up 73% from the previous year as more schools commit to healthier Find out more

tfl.gov.uk/stars

Netley Primary School pupils Erica (left) and Mariam, both aged nine, celebrate with their school’s bronze STARS Award

schooltravelplans@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 5537 11

News

Hearing from residents is vital as we continue to work together towards the ambitions set out in Camden 2025.

Camden 2025 is our community vision for the borough, developed with residents, local organisations and businesses. We want Camden to be a place where everyone has a voice, and are committed to bringing you closer to the Council’s decision making.

Citizens’ assemblies bring together residents, broadly representative of Camden’s diverse population, for in depth conversations over several Find out more

months about the borough’s most complex challenges.

Trialled while developing Camden 2025, we heard fantastic ideas for new ways of working and innovative solutions, and residents felt it was a great way to share their views.

As such, we have pledged to continue, and have since held assemblies focusing on issues that our residents expressed a

desire to work together on, from homelessness to air quality, to the redesign of Euston station.

This year, assembly members will continue discussions, including how the Council can make the biggest impact in achieving our shared ambitions in the context of Camden’s financial challenge – find out more on page 16.

We will keep you updated on these conversations, as well as opportunities to get involved in discussions.

camden.gov.uk/camden2025

Your views on living and ageing well Feeling well and active, connected to the community and safe are among the top priorities of older and disabled residents.

We recently brought together residents at events to ask what a good life and living well means to them, and how we can tell adult social care is doing a good job.

People told us things like: • “I must have a safe home and community.”

• “I want to be supported to Find out more 12

connect to my community, not just signposted.”

• “I need accessible, useful and up-to-date information at the right time.”

• “I want my social worker to understand what’s important to me.”

Hearing what is important to people is key to making sure we work closely with residents in a way that builds on their strengths, and helps them to lead healthy, independent lives – one of the key ambitions of the Camden 2025 community vision.

camden.gov.uk/ascplan

Feedback from residents was drawn live during the events

Find out more about the Council’s plan for living and ageing well, ‘Supporting people, connecting communities’, on our website below.

News

New Dementia Wellness Café in Highgate A new Dementia Wellness Café, the first of its kind in Camden, has opened at Highgate Newtown Community Centre.

People with dementia and their carers can drop in on Tuesdays between 10am and 3pm when there are free activities, including memory painting and drawing, board games, a nail bar, arts and crafts, and singing. Those who stay for lunch can enjoy a meal at the centre’s café for just £2.50.

The Dementia Wellness Café is the idea of Larraine Revah, head of older people’s services at Highgate Newtown Community Centre as well as a Camden councillor. Larraine, whose mother has dementia, said: “We’ve started with one day a week but I’m hoping this will develop and we can open on other days. We’re hoping local museums will also visit and bring artefacts. Anyone from any part of Camden is welcome to attend.”

The centre is a member of Camden Dementia Action Alliance, which has more than 50 members who are committed to making Camden a dementia-friendly borough.

Alliance members commit to sending their staff on dementia awareness training, and making their venues and activities more accessible to people with dementia and their carers.

The Dementia Wellness Café opened on 20 November, when guests included Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Pat Callaghan, Cabinet Member for Tackling Health Inequality and Promoting Independence.

Find out more

Camden talking

Community comments on social media.

Camden Community Festival Grants Are Open! Adding brightness, culture & diversity to #Camden, thanks to the local #communities that work tirelessly to put on these #festivals.

Apply for a small grant or large depending on the size of your event. vac.org.uk/camden-communityfestival-fund-2019-2020 @OneCamden via Twitter

We are very excited about our jam packed programme for the Horticulture Hub. castlehaven.org. uk/news/horticulture-hub-news @CCA_Camden via Twitter

We are looking for fabulous #volunteers for our older people’s project. Check out our ad here artsjobs.org.uk @KentishTownCC via Twitter

Angus Anderson (right) runs a memory painting session at the Dementia Wellness Café

*Funding Opportunity* The HS2 Camden Fund exists to support Camden communities during the construction of the high speed railway. Find out more and apply here: camdengiving.org.uk/thecamdenfund @abc_camden via Twitter

Membership of Camden Dementia Action Alliance is open to any group, organisation or business in the borough that is committed to making a real difference to the lives of people affected by dementia. Visit dementiaaction.org.uk/london or email priya.satish@alzheimers. org.uk to find out more.

highgatenewtown.org.uk/dementia-wellness-cafe revah.larraine@outlook.com 020 7272 7201

Our well established dance classes for 4-10+ years old are a great space for children/young people to get active and learn in a relaxed creative setting. Try out a taster class for £5 holborncommunity. co.uk/Event/ballet-class @HCANews via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden @CamdenCouncil 13

News

New homes for the New Year Homes on Barrington Close and Lamble Street are the latest in the Community Investment Programme’s development of Gospel Oak. The five new homes have been built where old storehouses once stood. Three of these are council homes and local families were able to move in just in time for their New Year’s celebrations.

The other two have been sold to help fund the costs of the council homes and landscaping improvements across the estate, new planting and investment in the play area. Mr Miah and Ms Begum have been Camden residents since 1996 when they moved into a one bedroom flat with their first-born child. At the time their flat was the right size, but as their family grew they found that they were soon sharing one bedroom with three children aged between five and 14.

“As our family grew so did our need for extra space,” said Mr Miah. “Now we have three bedrooms, a big living room and two bathrooms – the extra bathroom has made our morning routine so much easier.”

Ms Begum said: “The children love that they’ve got more space to play and our daughters are really happy to have their own Find out more 14

Mr Miah (left) with Ms Begum and their daughter in their new home

room. We even have private space to ourselves that we didn’t before, it’s great.”

Mr Miah and Ms Begum’s new home also includes a separate kitchen and a balcony, testament to high quality housing delivered through our Community Investment Programme. In addition, the family’s eldest children attend Parliament Hill School where we are building improved classrooms and science and sports facilities as part the programme’s investment into Camden schools.

Hundreds of new homes The homes at Barrington and Lamble are the latest in our plans to build new homes and facilities for Gospel Oak and Haverstock.

Nearby schemes include Cherry Court, which was completed in 2015, Kiln Place where homes are

camden.gov.uk/cip

currently under construction, and upcoming projects such as the next phase of Bacton Low Rise and Maitland Park.

Each development also includes community benefits, for example play areas at Cherry Court, a community garden at Maitland Park, and improvements to surrounding streets.

Reflecting on the rejuvenating effect of these Community Investment Programme-funded improvements, Mr Miah said: “I used to walk down Barrington Close when it was old store rooms and garages. I watched the new homes be built from scratch and I never thought there’d be anything like this here. I think it’s great that we’re getting new homes in the area, I hope people will take even more pride in Gospel Oak with every new home that’s built.”

Feature

Turning up the heat on bad landlords We’re making sure private renters’ homes are warm for the winter.

Landlords are required by law to make sure the properties they let out to new or existing tenants have an energy efficiency rating of at least E, helping households to keep warm and have low energy bills.

In Camden, we estimate that over 1,000 privately rented properties are below the legal requirement for a warm, affordable home.

We’re working with landlords and letting agents to make sure they are aware of their responsibilities, and providing support and advice for improving their properties.

Since the new regulations came into force in April 2018, we’ve issued 114 improvement notices to landlords, requiring them to carry out heating or insulation works within a specific time frame. We’re particularly targeting households with vulnerable people who often live in fuel poverty.

Support for private tenants If you’re a private tenant living in a cold home, which could have an energy efficiency rating of F or G (new homes will not qualify), Find out more

We’re working to make sure landlords meet their responsibilities for keeping homes warm

you can contact the Green Camden helpline below for advice and support.

tenancy or licence, you could be eligible for a grant to make energy improvements to your property.

Grants are also available for energy efficiency improvements, such as central heating and loft insulation.

If you’re a private tenant receiving income support or other benefits, or you are over 65, you could be eligible for a grant. For more information visit our website below.

The grant is up to the value of £15,000 and can help with the cost of energy efficiency measures including loft insulation, and insulation of external cavity and solid walls. The grant can also help with environmentally friendly improvements including solar water heating, air source heat pumps and green or brown roofs (roofs covered in vegetation). For more information on the grant visit our website, and find out more about the LLAS on their website below.

Support for landlords If you’re a member of the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS) and let your property on a shorthold tenancy, statutory

camden.gov.uk/energyefficiencygrants

londonlandlords.org.uk

0800 801 738 15

Feature

We face a huge financial challenge and need to make difficult decisions about how we invest our money.

Public services in Camden and across the country are at tipping point as a result of government cuts and increased demand on services. The Council’s funding from the government has been cut by 49% since 2010, and we’ve already had to make savings of £169 million.

We now need to save a further estimated £35-40 million from

Community safety

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our annual budget by 2022, including £23 million in 2019/20.

Even given our history of managing money carefully, this is a huge amount and will require some difficult decisions.

Our approach With less money and increasing demand, we have to prioritise how we spend our budget.

Support for adults with mental health problems

Waste collection

Camden 2025, our community vision for Camden, sets out the five areas you told us were most important to you over the next few years. Our Camden Plan looks at how we as an organisation will support these ambitions.

To make savings we will make sure services are the best value possible, meaning we reduce unnecessary costs – for example by joining up similar services to make them more efficient.

However, we also need to review how we deliver some of our services, which in some cases may mean changing the support we provide. Throughout our work our focus will be on how our services can have the biggest impact long term.

Investing in the right ways now can also help make savings later on. For example, making sure we get to the root of problems when they first appear will stop

Feature The five priorities set out in our Camden 2025 community vision will be at the heart of everything we do: Homes and housing

JOBS

Safe, strong and open communities

Strong growth a nd access to jobs

Clean, vibrant and sustainable places

them from developing into worse problems. This both helps us to support residents and makes good financial sense.

service to help residents get jobs, and to help reduce the impact of benefit changes such as Universal Credit.

Our proposals You can read our plans in full on our website below.

• Using technology to give people with care needs more independence, including through personalised travel plans and expanding our use of assistive technology.

A few examples include: • Considering the number and type of nursery settings that we continue to invest in. This is part of reviewing how we can encourage greater take-up of nursery places in our school nurseries, which are currently undersubscribed.

• Building on our close relationship with our voluntary and community sector (VCS) and helping the VCS to be increasingly financially independent, in some instances sharing space in council-owned buildings to reduce costly rents and deliver more services together.

• Investing £2 million up front and £1.5 million annually in an improved employment and skills Find out more

Healthy, independent lives

• Using our new website to focus on communications tailored to residents’ needs, in turn reducing our core customer service hours to 9am to 5pm and the amount of printed publications, including reducing the Camden magazine to four issues a year.

Next steps At the heart of our work is protecting frontline services and supporting our most vulnerable residents. There are challenges ahead, but we will continue to work with our communities to tackle these head on and deliver the ambitions of the Camden 2025 vision.

The majority of proposals will require further development.

There will be also be opportunities to help shape decisions around individual proposals through public consultation and engagement. We will keep you updated as plans develop.

We will also continue to find ways to urge the government to provide us with enough funding to meet the rising costs and growing demand on services.

We’re committed to working with our communities to find new ways to bring residents closer to the Council and decisions that affect you – find out more on page 12.

Watch our video Visit our website below to watch a short animated video that explains more about why and how we will make savings.

camden.gov.uk/financialchallenge 17

Feature

Recycle right with your neighbours Managing shared bins correctly is important to keep communal areas clean and tidy. We’ve put together some tips to recycle right with your neighbours.

65%

Did you know? Nearly two thirds of Camden residents live in flats.

Most estates, blocks of flats and some rows of houses have shared rubbish and recycling bins. This can cause problems if they’re not collected or if the wrong items are put in the recycling.

That’s why we’re encouraging neighbours to work together to manage their bins. Not only will it help boost recycling, which is good for the planet, it’ll also create a cleaner and happier environment at home.

Good habits for shared bins

✔✔ Talk to your neighbours about your shared bins and what can and can’t be recycled.

✔✔ If you’re not sure about what can and

can’t be recycled, you can find out on our website.

✔✔ Put all recycling, rubbish and food waste in the right bins, keeping the area clean and safe for everyone.

✔✔ We can provide posters for your shared

hallway to remind your neighbours of how the bins are managed. Email us at the address on the next page.

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✔✔ If shared bins need to be moved before

collections, consider taking it in turns. Bins should be put out for collection within one metre of the entrance to your property.

✔✔ If you think your neighbour can’t manage

the bins by themselves, ask them to contact us, and we’ll see how we can help.

✔✔ We can replace large shared wheelie bins with smaller ones if you have the space.

If you do have individual bins, it’s a good idea to label them with your property number.

Feature

Does it have to go in the bin?

One person’s rubbish can be another’s treasure.

Before throwing something in the bin, consider whether your old clothing, furniture or household items might find a happy new home elsewhere.

There are several charities that take reusable items – some will even collect for free.

British Heart Foundation

Bright Sparks

Freecycle and Freegle

Little Village

Free collection of unwanted furniture, beds and mattresses.

Free collection of your unwanted, reusable furniture.

Online groups where you can give stuff for free.

brightsparksonline.com

freecycle.org ilovefreegle.org

Like a foodbank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for babies and children up to the age of five.

bhf.org.uk

littlevillagehq.org/camden

No good to anyone?

If something’s broken or useless, but too big for your bin, consider taking it along to one of the household reuse and recycling centres on Hornsey Street or Regis Road. If you live on an estate in Camden, talk to your caretaker as you may have a bulky waste collection store on site.

L arg e c o l l e i te m ct s e r v io n ic e

We also offer a large item collection service. This is a paid-for service for most Camden residents, though if you’re aged 65 or over, or receiving maximum council tax reductions, you will be entitled to free collections.

To get a quote and book a collection call us on 020 3567 8105.

Don’t fly tip.

Find out more

It’s illegal and you could be fined hundreds of pounds. camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

uk.ecocamden@veolia.com 19

News

Camden Disability Action get ready for Greenwood opening When it opens, the Greenwood Centre in Kentish Town will be a one-stop shop for residents with a range of care needs to access the support they need to live more independently.

Camden Disability Action (CDA) have now moved into the new facilities at the Greenwood Centre, getting set up and settled ahead of the centre’s official opening in a few weeks.

Built and paid for by our Community Investment Programme, Greenwood will provide activities and services to local residents with a range of care needs.

CDA, a service run by disabled people for disabled people, will manage Camden’s first Centre

for Independent Living from Greenwood, providing information, support and activities to help empower residents to live more independently.

Councillor Pat Callaghan, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Tackling Health and Inequality and Promoting Independence, joined Councillor Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, to mark the building’s handover to CDA. Councillor Callaghan said:

“Nobody is better placed to develop our offer for disabled residents than disabled residents themselves. That’s why I’m particularly excited to work with a resident-led organisation like CDA at Greenwood. I think they can help revolutionise Camden’s offer to disabled residents, co-designing a service that gets to the heart of residents’ needs.

We also hope that by enabling residents to co-design their services, they can become more confident in themselves, opening doors to all kinds of opportunities to live independently in the borough.”

Once opened, residents with different needs will be able to make use of the range of new facilities at Greenwood, including an art room, music room, outdoor spaces and more.

Camden Disability Action with Councillor Pat Callaghan (left) and Councillor Danny Beales (third from right)

Find out more 20

camden.gov.uk/cip

For the last few months residents and carers have had the opportunity to attend tours of the centre and take part in transitional sessions. For residents with particularly complex needs, these tours have been vital in helping them familiarise themselves with their new surroundings, easing their transition into the new centre.

Feature

Helping rough sleepers to get off the streets Our Safer Streets Team Leader, Saul Freeman, explains how you can help us to support people sleeping on the streets.

Our Safer Streets team is dedicated to identifying and supporting rough sleepers.

Our team works across the borough seven days a week, helping rough sleepers rebuild their lives away from the street.

“There are many complex reasons people end up sleeping on the streets,” said Safer Streets Team Leader Saul Freeman.

• supporting people with mental and physical health problems to access medical support.

Our team identifies hotspots – areas with a high number of rough sleepers such as King’s Cross and Euston stations, Tottenham Court Road and Camden High Street. We work regularly in these locations to develop relationships with rough sleepers and connect them with support services.

Saul said: “Unfortunately we can’t keep an eye out on every street in the borough. We rely on the public letting us know about rough sleepers in less prominent areas like side streets and doorways, and places you wouldn’t commonly see lots of people sleeping rough.”

Saul Freeman, Safer Streets Team Leader

This is why we create tailored plans for each rough sleeper, which include: • moving people into accommodation • helping drug and alcohol users to access treatment Find out more

camdensst.com

When you report a rough sleeper, our team will visit them, offer support and update you on how we’ve helped.

“We aim to find particularly vulnerable people so we can get them urgent help,” Saul explained.

“If you see an elderly or frail person, a pregnant woman or someone who seems really unwell sleeping on the streets, please let us know as soon as possible. streetsafe@cgl.org.uk

“Of course, if it’s an emergency you should always call 999.”

Throughout winter, we have been providing extra cold weather beds and aiming to bring all rough sleepers indoors under Severe Weather Emergency Protocol. This is activated across London when the temperature is set to drop below freezing for at least three consecutive nights.

Saul said: “We have been working with everyone who accesses emergency shelters to offer long-term support and develop a plan to help them get off the streets for good.”

Let us know about someone sleeping on the streets Email or call us using the contact details below, or download the free StreetSafe app – go to camdensst.com or search ‘Camden safer streets’.

020 7833 7970 21

Feature

HS2: what can we expect this year?

Now that High Speed 2 (HS2) construction is in full swing, we update you on how we continue to work on behalf of Camden residents to make sure HS2 Ltd deliver on their commitments to local people.

Looking back on 2018 Last year saw spades finally go in the ground around Euston for HS2 – and some of the commitments we fought hard for start to materialise.

We completed construction of replacement homes for all council tenants and leaseholders losing their homes to HS2. Residents have now moved into the new flats, across nine sites on Regent’s Park Estate, meeting residents’ requests to stay in their local area.

HS2 construction will bring more lorries onto our roads, so we’ve been doing all we can to minimise the impact. HS2 Ltd has changed the construction lorry route past University College

London Hospital following our advice, making sure traffic and noise on an already busy loop road does not get any worse. A lorry route that needs to use roads through Regent’s Park Estate was approved with the condition that lorries should use the lowest speeds possible when travelling on residential roads to address safety concerns.

We also launched a £3.5 million HS2 Camden Fund, which we secured funding for in Parliament, to support our communities affected by HS2. So far, 12 community organisations have benefited from the fund, including Women and Health, and the Bengali Workers’ Association.

Ravenglass, one of the replacement housing blocks on Regent’s Park Estate

22

This year there will be opportunities to have your say on the future of Euston station

Looking ahead to 2019 The first phase of the new railway is predicted to open in 2026, so there is still a lot of work to do.

We will continue to push HS2 Ltd to increase the amount of material that is removed from construction sites by rail instead of road. This will help address our concerns about pollution and road safety.

One of the most significant commitments we secured in Parliament was a compensation scheme for residents in urban areas, such as Camden, who will be severely disturbed by HS2 construction. The Council and residents commented on a draft scheme last year and requested changes that would make the scheme more accessible.

This year we will support residents to access compensation wherever possible.

Feature We will continue to work with HS2 Ltd, Network Rail and the government’s development partner, Lendlease, to try to achieve a fully redeveloped, comprehensively redesigned Euston station. This would create the potential for a new piece of city that maximises new homes, open space and new routes through and around the station.

Later this year, HS2 Ltd will be consulting on their ideas for the new HS2 station. Following this, we are expecting them to submit the station design for planning approval. We will consult on a draft planning brief that provides more detailed guidance for development above and around Euston station and tracks, including the delivery of homes, jobs, open space and other community facilities. Find out more on the Euston Area Plan website below.

The new Maria Fidelis Catholic School building

You will also be able to give your views on the Phoenix Road greening project, which aims to create new green space for communities in Somers Town.

for the loss of green space during construction. We’ll be developing ideas with residents for improving green spaces around Regent’s Park Estate throughout this year.

Funding for this, and to make improvements to other open spaces in the impacted area, was secured from HS2 Ltd to mitigate

This year sees a significant milestone for education in the area, when Maria Fidelis Catholic School completes their move to the new consolidated site on Drummond Crescent. This was made possible due to early negotiations around the impacts of HS2. New school buildings bring the upper and lower schools together for the first time, allowing them to share resources and learn together away from disruptive construction activities.

We’ll be asking for your ideas for creating new green space along Phoenix Road

Find out more

We will continue to work alongside HS2 Ltd and their contractors to make sure they meet their commitments to residents, and we are working hard to represent the concerns of Camden’s communities.

eustonareaplan.info/planning-in-euston camden.gov.uk/hs2 HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk 08081 434 434 (HS2 Ltd 24-hour Freephone helpdesk) 23

Feature

Camden Learning Camden Learning is a new education partnership created for the benefit of children and schools.

It enables local schools to work together for the good of their pupils – sharing expertise in teaching and learning to drive improvement across the borough.

Camden Learning is a limited company, set up as a joint venture between local schools and the Council.

Building on our strong relationships with schools to create more innovative connections,

Camden Learning works with schools to improve teaching and learning, while sharing responsibility for the achievement of children and the excellence of all schools.

Although other education partnerships have been set up across London, the depth and degree of collaboration in Camden goes way beyond what exists in other parts of the capital or the country.

Ninety-six per cent of Camden schools are currently rated either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, which is 10% above the national average. We have more than twice as many outstanding primary

schools (40%) compared with the rest of the country.

Former Ofsted Chief Inspector Christine Gilbert, who is Chair of Camden Learning, said: “By harnessing the talent and potential of those who work in our schools, we are sharing learning, and creating better and more innovative practice in our classrooms. Although much remains to be done, we have shown that bringing teachers, headteachers and other education professionals together can make a real difference to children in our schools.”

Developing inspiring teaching and learning through school-led hubs has been a priority. There are 10 learning hubs running this year, covering key areas ranging from primary reading assessment and secondary maths to music learning, early years education and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths).

Well over three-quarters (87%) of Camden schools participated in at least one learning hub last year, with some schools taking part in more than one.

Teaching and learning is developed through 10 school-led hubs, including music

Find out more 24

camdenlearning.org.uk

Nicholas John, Headteacher of Acland Burghley School, said: “What’s good about Camden Learning is that it’s innovative, collaborative, sustainable – and it’s local.”

Feature

A foot on the career ladder If you’ve got ambition and want to earn while you learn, a Camden apprenticeship is a great way to get your career started.

The Camden Apprenticeships service supports anyone aged 16 to 65 living in the borough or who attended a local school. About a fifth of the people recruited in Camden are aged over 25.

became a personal assistant and supported the Children, Schools and Families department for two years until I started as the Camden Safeguarding Children Board Development Officer.

“I’d really encourage anyone to do an apprenticeship because, not only are you learning, you’re gaining qualifications, experience and learning skills, as well as having a full-time job.”

“I never thought I’d be in the position that I’m in now without going to university but doing my apprenticeship really helped give me the experience and the skills needed to be able to do this role.

Flexible working As well as full-time roles, the Council also offers some part-time apprenticeships. As a leading flexible employer and Timewise Council, our aim is to offer more jobs on a part-time basis.

An apprenticeship allows you to earn a salary, get work experience and complete a qualification at the same time.

Camden Apprenticeships offers a wide range of roles with great local employers, including Exterion Media, the Francis Crick Institute, Wellcome Trust and the Council.

Jerrie’s story Jerrie Andrews, 23, began as an apprentice with the Council and has since progressed to a senior role as Development Officer for the Camden Safeguarding Children Board.

Jerrie said: “I started working at Camden Council when I was 17 years old after being in retail and not enjoying it. I was an apprentice for two years here and completed my level two and my level three NVQs in business administration. Following this, I Find out more

Jerrie Andrews completed NVQs in business administration while working as an apprentice at the Council

camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships

apprenticeships@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 8778 25

Feature

Jobs in TV and film We’re helping Camden residents to get paid experience in the TV and film industries.

Camden is one of London’s most popular filming destinations, from last year’s BBC series Bodyguard featuring the Whittington Estate, to Highgate’s West Cemetery appearing in Fantastic Beasts 2 on the big screen.

Our Film Office, run by Filmfixer, manages professional film and photography in the borough and makes sure that our communities fully benefit from the advantages of filming here. That includes encouraging companies to offer training and job opportunities to local people.

Lime Pictures recently filmed E4’s Celebs Go Dating in the borough and agreed to take on some talented new runners who are Camden residents.

Charles Roskilly, from Camden Town, spent 10 weeks as a freelance ‘runner’, or general assistant, on the show, after applying through our Film Office. Charles, who had been unemployed and trying for many years to break into the TV industry, said: “It wouldn’t have happened without Camden’s Film Office.”

Find out more 26

Charles Roskilly secured a job at Lime Pictures through our Film Office

Having impressed Lime Pictures, Charles was invited to return on a full-time contract for the next series. He said: “I felt really welcomed by the production team as well as the crew and celebs on the show. As a runner on a production you have to be prepared for hard work, long hours and all with a smile on your face, but it’s also fun and when you’ve got an idea of what it might be leading to, you don’t mind.

industry and get to tell their stories.”

“I’m determined to make the most of the opportunity, not just for myself but also in order to make sure other people from working class or underclass backgrounds, are properly represented in the TV

For more opportunities to get a foot on the career ladder and earn while you learn, visit our apprenticeships webpages below or find out more on page 25.

sue@filmfixer.co.uk

camdenfilmoffice.co.uk

Charles is already discussing his next steps with our Film Office to achieve his goal of a career in TV development.

Get into TV and film If you are looking for trainee or entry-level work in TV or film, contact the Camden Film Office at the email address below.

camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships

Feature

Support with Universal Credit If you are worried about Universal Credit or managing your money, Citizens Advice Camden can help.

Universal Credit has replaced six existing benefits for residents of working age who are making a new claim: • Housing Benefit • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support • Child Tax Credit • Working Tax Credit.

We know many people are concerned about the changes, so we are working with Citizens Advice Camden to support

residents. Judy Whalley, Director of Advice and Income Generation at Citizens Advice Camden said: “I would encourage anyone who is worried about Universal Credit or is experiencing any financial difficulties to get in touch with us.

Whether you’re already claiming Universal Credit, need advice about claiming, or have concerns about debt or managing money, we’re here to support you.

sometime between July 2019 and 2023. Judy said: “People receiving the existing benefits aren’t affected by the changes at the moment unless they need to make a new claim for benefit, but I would encourage you to contact us if you need any advice about this or getting ready for Universal Credit.”

“Our advisers will work with you to understand your situation and find the best way forward for you. That might include making sure you’re receiving all the income you’re entitled to, helping you to save money on bills, support with budgeting, or giving advice about debt.”

• If you are already claiming Universal Credit, phone UC SmartMoney helpline: 0300 303 0308 (Tuesday 2 to 6pm and Thursday 1 to 4pm) • Get advice about claiming Universal Credit and other advice: 0300 330 1157 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm) • Drop in for advice: 141a Robert Street, NW1 3QT or 2 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3LQ – see opening hours at camdencabservice.org.uk If you are a council tenant claiming Universal Credit and worried about paying your rent, speak to your rent officer first on 020 7974 4444.

For residents receiving the existing benefits, the government has said it will roll out Universal Credit

Judy Whalley (left) from Citizens Advice Camden

Find out more

Get in touch with Citizens Advice Camden:

Universal Credit claims are made online at gov.uk/ universalcredit. If you need support to improve your digital skills, contact our Adult Community Learning service on 020 7974 2148.

camden.gov.uk/universalcredit 27

Listings Arts and culture Architecture Embodied workshop Thursday 21 February, 7 to 8.30pm How do the buildings we occupy affect how we move and how we feel?

Workshop to explore the relationship between our bodies, movement and space. Booking essential.

Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE wellcomecollection.org/events 020 7611 2222 Ilana Crome: One World exhibition Wednesday 27 February to Sunday 10 March, 12 noon to 5pm from Wednesday to Friday and Sunday Exhibition from artist Ilana Crome, drawing on artistic influences from different countries and cultures.

Burgh House and Hampstead Museum, New End Square, NW3 1LT burghhouse.org.uk/whatson 020 7431 0144 Under the Skin exhibition: late opening and guided tour Thursday 7 March, 5.30 to 8pm, exhibition tour 6pm Join a guided tour of the Royal College of Physicians’ new exhibition ‘Under the Skin: Illustrating the human body’ and explore their museum collections. Booking advised for the tour.

Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrew’s Place, NW1 4LE history.rcplondon.ac.uk/events 020 3075 1510 A Great Garden of Death exhibition Extended to Saturday 30 March, Monday to Thursday 10am to 7pm, Friday 10am to 5pm, Saturday 11am to 5pm An exhibition of Highgate Cemetery in archive images.

Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre, 2nd floor, Holborn Library, 32–38 Theobalds Road, W1X 8PA

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All activities are free unless otherwise specified. camden.gov.uk/localstudies localstudies@camden.gov.uk Youth Collective at Camden Arts Centre Saturdays, 2.30 to 5pm For 15 to 25-year-olds. Get involved behind the scenes at Camden Arts Centre and gain skills and knowledge for a creative future. No experience necessary.

Camden Arts Centre, Arkwright Road, NW3 6DG camdenartscentre.org 020 7472 5500

Community Camden’s Wedding Fair Saturday 9 February, 11am to 4pm Wedding venues and suppliers are exhibiting at our wedding fair.

Booking essential.

5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG weddingfaircamden.eventbrite. co.uk 020 7974 5633 events@camden.gov.uk Game Over Friday 22 February, 7 to 11pm Get ready to be entertained with consoles such as Nintendo Wii and Sega, board games, music and pizza. £6 online, £10 on the door.

Holborn Library, 32–38 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PA eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Game Over’ Camden repair café Sunday 10 March, 9.30am to 12.30pm Come along and learn repair skills to give new life to your bike, clothes or furniture.

Queen’s Crescent Community Centre, 45 Ashdown Crescent, NW5 4QE wiseuptowaste.org.uk/eventscalendar

Learn English in Camden Register with the Camden ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) advice service by attending one of our sessions, and get help to find a class that suits you.

Tuesdays 10 to 11am: Holborn Library, 32–38 Theobalds Road, WC1 8PA. Wednesdays 10 to 11am and Thursdays 1 to 2pm: 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG. Tuesdays 6 to 7pm and Wednesdays 1 to 2pm: Kentish Town Library, 262–268 Kentish Town Road, NW5 2AA. Thursdays 10 to 11am, Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA. esol@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 1618 Women At The Centre employment skills Weekdays, 10am to 4pm Individually tailored and culturally sensitive employability support for women.

Hopscotch Asian Women’s Centre, 50–52 Hampstead Road, NW1 2PY hopscotchawc.org.uk 020 7388 8198

Families Make a mosaic mask: digital workshop Sunday 17 February, 11am to 4pm Discover the tradition of Aztec masks and use tablets to create your own striking design. Drop-in family workshop for children aged five and over.

British Museum, Samsung Centre, Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8000 Half term holiday sports scheme Monday 18 to Friday 22 February Fun sports activity scheme for four to 14-year-olds during the

Listings school holidays.

Day scheme, eight to 14-year-olds: full price £129.55, standard membership £74.60, concessions £37.50.

Mini camp, four to seven-yearolds: full price £63.45, standard membership £40.85, concessions £25.80. better.org.uk/talacre sportsdevelopment@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 8765 Stay and play together Mondays during term time, 9.30am to 11.30am Activities for children up to age four and parents, including messy play, rhyme time, story time and more.

Maiden Lane Community Centre, 156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9XZ maidenlanecommunitycentre.org 020 7267 9586 Little Green Fingers Mondays, 11am to 3pm Gardening and environmental activities for under fives. £1.50 parents and carers; £2 nannies and childminders.

The Calthorpe Project, 258–274 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8LH calthorpeproject.org.uk/classes 020 7837 8019 Castlehaven youth sessions Tuesdays, 4.45 to 8.45pm, 11 to 15-year-olds; Thursdays, 4.45 to 8.45pm, 16 to 19-year-olds Youth sessions with fun activities every week: arts and crafts, sports, fitness, cooking, day trips, residentials and summer holiday activities.

23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU castlehaven.org.uk 020 7681 8643 collette@castlehaven.org.uk 15th St Pancras Scouts Thursdays: 6.30 to 8pm for cubs (eight to 10-and-a-half-year-olds), 7.30 to 9pm for scouts (10-and-a-half to

14-year-olds) New scout group that meets weekly in term time. £10 a month.

Basil Jellicoe Hall, NW1 1LE 15thStPancrasScouts@gmail.com Football training Fridays during term time, 4 to 5pm Football training for all children aged eight to 14.

Bourne Estate, EC1N 7UP bloomsburyfa.com info@bloomsburyfa.com

Get active Learn to cycle Adult courses at weekends, children’s courses at half term, Monday 18 to Thursday 21 February ‘Learn to cycle’ for beginners, or ‘Building cycle confidence’ to prepare for riding on the road.

Booking essential.

Haverstock School, 24 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2BQ camden.gov.uk/cycleskills 020 7974 1451 Tai chi Mondays, 12 noon to 1pm Volunteer-led tai chi exercise session. £2.

N1C Centre, 1 Handyside Street, N1C 4BP dragonhall.org.uk 07779 636 978 TCV Camden Green Gym Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10.45am to 2pm Activities include planting new wildlife gardens, trees and wildflowers, woodland maintenance, and work in orchards and community gardens.

Locations vary weekly tcv.org.uk/camden 07768 710 359 or 07768 421 881

Older people Walk around Bloomsbury and British Museum visit Wednesday 27 February, 1.30pm Gentle walk for older people, includes a visit to the British Museum for an object-handling session.

Organised by Kilburn Older Voices Exchange (KOVE).

Meet at Goodge Street tube station kove.org.uk 07973 845 285 Gentle yoga Thursdays, 3 to 4pm Yoga class for over 60s that focuses on gentle stretching to boost flexibility and balance at your own pace.

Equipment provided.

Weedington Hall, off Grafton Road, NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk 07419 820 503 Legs, bums and tums exercise classes Thursdays, 6 to 7pm Fun and friendly exercise for all women over 60.

Asian women’s health calendar Last Wednesday of the month, 1 to 3pm A different health topic each month for Asian women over 50.

West Hampstead Women’s Centre, 26–30 Cotleigh Road, NW6 2NP whwc.org.uk 020 7328 7389

Gardening Fridays, 11am to 3pm Community gardening sessions for older people.

The Calthorpe Project, 258–274 Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8LH calthorpeproject.org.uk/classes 020 7837 8019

Event details may change. Check with the organiser before you attend.

Want to have your event listed here? Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to make a request.

Space is limited and we prioritise free and low-cost community events.

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Feature

Staying active as you get older No matter your age, moving more is great for your health.

Physical activity can help you to stay healthy, energetic and independent as you get older.

On average, adults aged over 65 spend 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down.

Being physically active is one of the best ways to keep healthy and independent as you get older. Getting regular exercise and moving more hugely benefits your heart, lungs and joints as well as helping to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise also reduces your risk of contracting heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers, as well as helping with your mental wellbeing.

Jenny Clarke attends tai chi classes at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre. She said: “When you watch you don’t think it looks like a workout, but the control of the movements really does work a lot of different muscles. It’s so much fun and the people who come to the session are wonderful too.”

Find out more 30

Jenny Clarke attends tai chi at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre

Recommended weekly physical activity for adults over 65: • 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity, such as walking, cycling or swimming • Muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days a week, such as carrying heavy shopping, yoga or dancing.

Ways to get active • Online activity finder: Visit recommendme.today to find activities in your local area.

• Community connectors: A free service from Age UK Camden for anyone aged 60 or above to help you find local activities that work for you.

Visit ageuk.org.uk/camden or call 0800 161 5716.

• Better 55+ club: Based at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre with 20 weekly sessions, including tai chi, swimming and badminton.

camden.gov.uk/active

Visit better.org.uk/camden or call 020 7974 2012.

• Ageing Better in Camden partners: Local organisations offer activities and events for older adults, including Bangladeshi Community Action Project; Kilburn Older Voices Exchange; LGBT+ Connects: Opening Doors London; Our Three Points (Gospel Oak and Haverstock); Third Age Project; and We Are Ageing Better Together in St Pancras and Somers Town. Contact organisations directly – find out more at ageingbetterincamden.org.uk or call 020 7239 0400.

If you have a medical condition, there are still ways to be active safely and in the first instance you should speak to your GP. They may recommend the 12-week Camden and Islington exercise on referral programme for residents with a health issue.

My Camden Anna Bowman is a volunteer with West Hampstead Women’s Centre

Anna Bowman at West Hampstead Women’s Centre

What’s your Camden connection?

I grew up in Melbourne and as a student shared a flat in Priory Road with some other young Australians from around 1969 – 50 years ago. I’ve lived mostly in Kilburn and West Hampstead ever since, and also worked locally for 30 years.

Tell us about your work or volunteering in Camden I make films and document events for local organisations including the gallery at St Pancras Hospital,

Kilburn Grange Park Festival, Sidings Community Centre, Kingsgate Workshops and West Hampstead Women’s Centre (WHWC).

The film work I do for local organisations is voluntary and I love it because I meet so many fantastic people and have the opportunity to document some of the wonderful work they do.

For the last five years I’ve been volunteering at WHWC, taking photos and filming events. WHWC provides personal advice, learning and training, and space for self-help groups, as well as essential support for refugee and migrant women.

WHWC is an oasis of calm, healing and learning for women, occupying a beautiful former library with a garden in Cotleigh Road.

I love the warmth of staff and volunteers at WHWC as well as the lovely space. I enjoy volunteering and using my professional skills to help document and celebrate the often hidden work of local organisations.

Best park or open space?

Kilburn Grange Park, Waterlow Park, and for a longer walk, I head to Regent’s Park.

What makes Camden special?

outside a building in Mill Lane, which he and some friends wanted to use. I was part of another group interested in the same space.

The groups combined forces, and worked on lots of projects in West Hampstead and Kilburn, including Kilburn Festival, West Hampstead Housing Co-operative, Swiss Cottage Market and the Kingsgate Workshops. And my children were born at University College Hospital.

Favourite place in Camden and why?

Camden Arts Centre because of its exhibitions, café and garden.

Camden has so much variety and cosmopolitan character.

Most memorable thing to happen to you in Camden?

I met my late exhusband, Michael Napier,

Camden Arts Centre

Do you know someone who has strong community connections in Camden that we should profile?

Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to tell us more.

Find out more

whwc.org.uk 31

We support Camden’s EU citizens Camden’s European citizens are friends, family, neighbours and colleagues – they shape our communities and play a vital role in our economy and public services.

If you are a European citizen concerned about Brexit, visit our website for guidance and useful information.

We will continue to speak up on behalf of our communities and businesses about what’s best for Camden after Brexit.

camden.gov.uk/europe

24,000 residents born in an EU state

36,000 EU workers in Camden