Your Brent - Winter 2021 edition

Winter 2021 www.brent.gov.uk/yourbrent The magazine about life in Brent, published

by Brent Council

United to tackle climate crisis

MONEY WORRIES?

SHOP LOCAL - BUY BRENT

ICONS OF COLOUR

Extra help for people struggling to make ends meet. Page 16

Show your local traders some love this winter. Page 30

Free exhibition celebrates Brent’s change makers. Page 38

BACK INTO WORK

Has COVID-19

Are you sending

Are you selling

left you

applications and

yourself short

struggling to find

not hearing

in job

work?

back?

interviews?

ese hard h t g in r u d u support yo We want to ceive free e r o t le b a e u may b times and yo aw Trust. h S m o fr t r o upp specialised s Features and benefits of the JETS Programme

Find out how we can help you by scanning the QR link above or going to: https://tinyurl.com/BrentSupport Alternatively, to speak to your local Brent representative you can contact Tristan WLAintegration@shaw-trust.org.uk

Personal advisor Direct access to live vacancies CV building and Interview skill building Learn new skills and change sector Confidence building and job search guidance

YOUR BRENT

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IN THIS ISSUE...

NEWS 4 A round- up of the latest news in Brent

14

ACTION PLAN TO TACKLE VIOLENCE AND ABUSE Taking action to keep women safe

ENDING MALE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

BRENT CLIMATE FESTIVAL

18

16 FAMILY SUPPORT THIS WINTER

ANOTHER STRING TO HER BOW

21

facebook.com/BrentCouncil twitter.com/Brent_Council

Brent Customer Services 020 8937 1234 www.brent.gov.uk

Issue No.170 WINTER 2021 Distribution queries and editorial: yourbrent@brent.gov.uk

PRODUCTION EDITOR Charlie Graham Edwards graham.edwards@brent.gov.uk ADVERTISING SALES advertising@brent.gov.uk

FAMILY SUPPORT Get extra financial support

16

ROYAL PHILHARMONIC Opportunities for young people in Brent

18

YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS Mental health support this winter

20

BRENT CLIMATE FESTIVAL The time to act is now

22

STAY GREEN Brookfield Crescent Biodiversity project 24 AROUND THE WORLD WITH 9 COOKS ‘From Brent to Bowl’: A community cookbook that chops up food waste

26

LOCAL LOVE AFFAIR Bag a bargain on your local high street

30

COMMUNITY CASH BACK 34 Community projects benefiting from grants, generated by regeneration

YOUR BRENT is available in large print.

Please call 020 8937 1234

EDITOR Marilyn Ayoade Marilyn.ayoade@brent.gov.uk

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THE DARK DESTROYER’S VACCINE FILM

Published by Brent Council Brent Council does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council of goods or services advertised.

Printed on 100 per cent FSC paper. Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this magazine and other paper. 8596BDU0820

GET YOUR GRIT ON Ready for the cold snap

37

ARTS & CULTURE AND WHAT’S ON Events, activities and much more

38

USEFUL CONTACTS Your cut out and keep council services page

46

YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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REINFORCING THE SAFETY NET THROUGH THE WINTER Christmas and New Year is a special time for families, friends and loved ones to come together to spend time and have fun. However, the holiday season can also be a lonely time for anyone without friends or family nearby so please remember to look out for anyone who may need a kind word or helping hand this winter.

With fears over the rising cost of living across the country and the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, many families are facing a difficult time. As the council recognises that many hardworking people are struggling to make ends meet, we have put in place a special package of support called the Residents’ Support Fund. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you have money worries, as you may be eligible for interest free loans or a grant. More details are available on page12. The council is also providing free school meals to children, who would otherwise face holiday hunger, during the Christmas holidays.

The council’s ‘winter preparedness’ plan is also in place with our fleet of electric hybrid gritters on standby ready to grit the roads and keep the borough moving if another cold snap hits.

You can read more on page 37 – including the number to call if you see someone sleeping rough in freezing weather.

In this edition you will also find details of Brent’s first ever Climate Festival which took place as world leaders met in Glasgow at COP26. The council is committed to doing everything we can locally to tackle the climate emergency and make Brent a carbon neutral borough by 2030.

Finally, women’s safety and, more specifically, ending male violence against women is rightly a major focus for the council and the Police.

We are working hard to end all forms of violence and abuse as part of our tackling Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) initiative, which you can read more about on page 14.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy and peaceful New Year!

Cllr Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council

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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021 Cllr Muhammed Butt

Leader of Brent Council

‘Protect yourself from COVID this winter’ warns doctor As a new variant of COVID 19 ‘Omicron’ spreads, Brent’s Director of Public Health is advising residents to follow some practical steps to keep the virus at bay this winter.

Wearing a face covering in shops and on public transport is now mandatory, unless you are exempt. Masks block up to 80% of the virus spreading into the air from infected people and protects wearers from breathing in up to 50% of particles, according to research.

At the time of going to press, all contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status or age.

“We’re still learning about this new variant but the best line of defence against COVID is to get vaccinated,” said Dr Melanie Smith. “Get all three jabs to ensure maximum protection for you and your loved ones.”

“Testing yourself for the virus is also vital – especially before you meet older or more vulnerable people or if you plan to mix with people you

Dr Melanie Smith

don’t live with. Tests are still free and can be ordered online or collected from pharmacies.

Opening windows to let in fresh air, wearing a facemask and washing your hands, all help to stop you unwittingly passing the virus on if you are infected with the virus but don’t have symptoms.”

The Government is set to review the current rules the week before Christmas. For the latest information visit: www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus

Happy 100th birthday Bettina Congratulations to Willesden resident, Mrs Bettina Brown who celebrated her 100th birthday on 12 October.

Bettina arrived from Jamaica in 1954 and made Brent her home. Originally, a dressmaker in Jamaica, she worked at

Bettina with one of her sons

Biro Swan in Park Royal, later moving to Drings sausage factory, near the old Wembley Stadium in 1965.

Her husband of 60 years, children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren helped her celebrate her special day.

NEWS

Winterfest makes spectacular return to Wembley Park The packed event featured live bands, choirs, circus acts, Panto performers including spectacular lights throughout the evening. Guest of honour, Strictly Come Dancing superstar Neil Jones, (bottom right), took to the stage to switch on the hugely popular super-tall, walk through Christmas tree, still the largest LED Christmas tree in London.

Everything’s coming up roses The Brent in Bloom competition 2022, which gives local people the chance to show off their green fingers and gardening skills, is now open for entry.

The competition is free and winners will receive up to £100 worth of vouchers! www.brent.gov.uk Deadline for entry is 29 August 2022.

Don’t leaf me this way During the winter, you may see council leaf clearing teams out and about, clearing fallen leaves from paths in parks and high streets. Once collected, the leaves are sent to be recycled as compost.

Blooming marvellous wins for Brent parks Six of Brent’s parks won Gold at the prestigious London in Bloom awards.

Harlesden Town Garden, a community garden not only won Gold in the Small Park of the Year category, but also rated Outstanding in the ‘Your Neighbourhood’ category.

Roe Green Walled Garden was the overall category winner for Small Conservation Area of the Year, a fantastic achievement for the Barn Hill Conservation Group, for a second year.

YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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NEWS

BR EN T

Small Business Saturday reaps big success

In 2020, a whopping £1.1 billion pounds was spent with small businesses across the UK on Small Business Saturday, which occurs on the first Saturday of December each year.

Across Brent, the day celebrates the small independent businesses that offer so much to our high streets and neighbourhoods.

If you missed it this year, don’t worry, you still have time to show your support for local traders by popping down to your local high street to explore what is on offer. Independent shops are full of unique gifts that are perfect as Christmas stocking fillers.

To find out more about the Shop Local campaign in Brent visit www.brent.gov.uk/shopsafeshoplocal or to find out more about the exclusive offers available on the new BuyBrent app turn to page 31. brentworks.brent.gov.uk

Michael Roberts, Manager of Michael Styles in Willesden

Insight Day opens doors for young people More than 300 young people attended a skills event focussing on building confidence, effective interview techniques and CV writing.

The Insight Day, which took place at Brent Civic Centre in October, is part of the Brent Black Community Action Plan (BCAP). One of the main priorities of the BCAP is to support employment, enterprise and early intervention for children, young people and families.

Employers from across Brent were on hand throughout the day to talk about the job opportunities available to young people in the borough.

Wembley resident Iyoni Bent, 17, said: “I found the day incredibly useful. I learnt about the different opportunities and pathways into the career I want. As well as being introduced to different job opportunities and sectors.”

The council worked with Newman Catholic College, Ultra Education, West Side Young Leaders, Young Brent Foundations and the Jason Roberts Foundation to organise the event. Find out more about employment, apprenticeships, and careers at: https://brentworks.brent.gov.uk/

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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

Hundreds of young people attended Insight Day

NEWS

Residents tap into free digital skills training A cutting-edge new training platform, with more than 220 free courses to choose from, is now available for Brent residents looking to boost their digital skills Designed by global tech leader Infosys and launched in partnership with Brent Council, the platform aims to help residents looking to improve their digital skills and give their CV a boost.

From digital skills for beginners to coding and cyber-security training, the new Springboard website offers something for everyone.

“Having digital skills opens up a world of opportunities,” said Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council. “Our borough is awash with opportunities and, as a council, we want to help local people develop the skills and the confidence they need to get out there and snap them up.

Mohit Joshi, President of Infosys, added: “Supporting local communities, such as Brent, to secure sustainable employment starts with equipping residents for the demands of a new and evolving workplace.”

The free courses can be completed anytime, anywhere on your computer, laptop or mobile device. To find out more visit: https://infyspringboard.uk. onwingspan.com/en/login

Don’t lose your right to vote With local borough elections set to take place in May 2022, Brent residents are being encouraged to check that they are registered to vote. Voting in elections can make a real difference both locally and nationally and getting your voice heard gives you the opportunity to decide who should represent the interests of your local area over the next four years. For further information, please visit www. brent.gov.uk

A time to remember Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January is the day for everyone to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and other genocides such as Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia, Darfur and elsewhere in the world.

Brent Health Matters

Springboard launch

Follow the trail to Ealing Road

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high which is largely preventable through healthy living such as adding more physical activity and a balanced diet into your lifestyle. Find more information at www.brent.gov.uk/diabetes

Green light for Europe’s largest Ultra Low Emission Zone Southern parts of Brent are now inside London’s new Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which discourages the most polluting vehicles from entering. The new zone charges drivers of the most polluting vehicles at least £12.50 a day to enter. All of central London up to, but not including, the North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads are inside the zone, which is the largest zone of its kind in Europe. This means cleaner air for millions of Londoners. To check your vehicle visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/ driving/low-emission-zone

Recycle your Christmas tree

Art Trail Ealing Road

A new art trail along Ealing Road, celebrating the vibrant cultural heritage of the local community, is adding a splash of colour to the area.

The colourful installations were devised by Artists in Residence, Alperton Community School and local residents, and funded from the council’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL).

Take your Christmas trees to be recycled at designated drop off points in a number of local parks, over a two-week period from Boxing Day, 26 December.

There will also be a pickup service at some locations. Check for specific dates and times to recycle your Christmas tree at www.brent.gov. uk/christmastree

YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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NEWS

A palace fit for a community Residents will soon benefit from a new community centre in the heart of Harlesden as the historic Picture Palace transformation continues.

Originally a cinema and most recently a pub, the iconic venue on Manor Park Road is undergoing a major makeover to transform it into a new hub for the local African and Caribbean community to call their own.

In its 1940’s heyday, the once beautiful art deco building premiered all the latest Hollywood movies.

Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, said: “This project is a cornerstone of the Black Community Action Plan, our ten year strategy to eradicate the multiple inequalities experienced by many residents. This is one of many joint ventures to realise that vision.”

A partnership between the council and the Assets for Brent Community (ABC), a consortium including Step Up Hub; CVS Brent; Young Brent Foundation; Westside Young Leaders Academy; BANG Edutainment and Connect Stars will complete the project.

Abdi Farah, Director of Connect Stars, said: “This centre will be world class, representing a prosperous future for African heritage and Caribbean communities. To be a part of ABC is a real honour, showing that, together, we are so much stronger.”

A steering group from ABC is overseeing the first phase of the development, which is set to see the new community centre open in 2022.

For more information visit www.brent. gov.uk/bcap

Religion, climate change and me

12 religious leaders from the borough’s mosques, churches, synagogues and temples gathered together in November to launch a unique new photo exhibition. Climate Change and My Religion explores the ways in which faith and our beliefs inform individual thinking and motivation to act on climate change. www.brent.gov.uk/climatechangeandmyreligion

Dr Raja Amjid Riaz – Treasurer and Trustee, Central Mosque of Brent

Reverend Ali Taylor – Anglican Vicar, St. James Church, Alperton

Kirit Wadia – Interfaith Coordinator, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden

“Islam teaches us to respect and protect the earth and promote conservation, using only what is required. These principles are core to the faith.

“In Christianity, our tradition and holy book tell us that God made the world, and He asks us to look after it. As a Christian, I have a mandate to speak up for the environment. I honour God by looking after it.

“Hinduism teaches that the whole of creation is infused with life and the presence of the Divine. Thus, looking after nature becomes both an ethical and sacred duty for all human beings.

“I pledge to work with the Church to stop using single-use plastic.”

“I pledge to walk or use public transport rather than use my car.”

“The Central Mosque of Brent pledges to reduce plastic usage, promote recycling and use all means necessary to reduce energy wastage and increase the use of solar energy.”

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Abdi Farah, Director of Connect Stars

YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

Opening January 2022 Brand new state of the art nursery and pre-school from 3 months to 5-years in Regency Heights Easily accessible from Park Royal, Ealing, Acton and Alperton • 500m from Park Royal and 700m from Hanger Lane tube stations • 3 minute drive from Hanger Lane Gyratory north of the A40 • Ample space for drop off and pick up.

DAY NURSERY & PRE-SCHOOL

Contact us today t 0204 553 0790 e littletigers@littlenurserygroup.com Little Tigers Day Nursery & Pre-school 8 Lakeside Drive | London | NW10 7GS

PART OF THE

littlenurserygroup.com

NURSERY GROUP

Little Tigers Half Page advert.indd 1

01/11/2021 12:27

BRENT’S LOCAL GRADUATE SCHEME IS NOW OPEN! Brent Council appreciate the importance of investing in their residents and want to do more!

Brent’s local scheme is a unique opportunity for committed graduates to make a positive impact in Brent and provide experience in a dynamic, exciting and socially responsible council.

Benefits of the scheme include: • Starting Pay of £27,483 • Support throughout the application process • Optional third year: Brent Council guarantees a further 1-year fixed-term contract to those who complete the 2-year core programme satisfactorily.

• Live and work in a diverse area you are familiar with

• Exposure to senior leaders: All graduates are assigned a senior mentor and the opportunity to have informal lunches with the Chief Executive.

• Strong support network: with 16 graduates currently on the programme, peer support will be provided throughout.

You can apply for the scheme if you obtained a 2:2 (or higher), regardless of when you graduated, and have the right to work in the UK.

Visit the Brent webpage www.brent.gov.uk/graduates to find out more and apply NOW! YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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NEWS

Time to relax with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performed a relaxed concert for adults and children with learning disabilities, movement disorders and autistic spectrum disorder in The Drum, at Brent Civic Centre, in October.

Photo credit: Umi Nur

New website for SEND young people A new website designed specifically for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is providing helpful advice on independent living, education, employment and training. Find out more at www.brentyouthzone. org.uk/pfa

Preparing for Adulthood launch

Remembrance Sunday marked in Barham Park Brent residents and leaders gathered to pay their respects to the fallen at the Borough Civic Remembrance Service in Barham Park on Sunday 14 November.

Headed by the Regent Brass Brand, the parade included groups across the community such as the Army, Navy and Air

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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

Force Cadets, Police Cadets, St John’s Ambulance, and Sea Cadets.

A free exhibition about The Royal West African Frontier Force in the Second World War will be available until 30 January 2022, at the Library, Willesden Green. www.learningthroughthearts. co.uk/

Councillor Butt laying the Remembrance wreath in Barham Park

NEWS

Sterling idea to kick-start young people’s life chances

England football hero Raheem Sterling MBE launched his new foundation at his former school in November. Speaking at the Ark Elvin Academy, on Cecil Avenue Wembley, the ‘Boy from Brent’ explained his aim to improve the life chances of young people in London, Manchester and Kingston, Jamaica. Raheem, who scored his first major tournament goal at the national stadium that is just yards away

Festival of Lights celebration

from his childhood home, said: “My journey to date has been well documented but nothing would have been achievable without belief, family, great mentors and the opportunities I have embraced. My foundation is built on my experiences, successes and the many challenges I overcame, I now want to help young people achieve and be the best they can be.”

More than 3,500 people enjoyed traditional food, music and performances during a special Diwali festival of lights celebration held in Wembley at the end of October.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council said, “Diwali is a special time for our local communities who celebrate it. I spoke to many people who attended and I’m pleased that so many families enjoyed themselves after we couldn’t hold the event last year due to COVID.”

Diwali festival in Wembley

YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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NEWS

£1,000 grants up for grabs Community groups across Brent can now apply for two grants, worth up to £1,000 each, from two separate funding pots.

The council has doubled its Love Where You Live grants from £500 to £1,000 for projects that improve local neighbourhoods. If you have an idea that could bring your local community together, such as supporting vulnerable neighbours to join a celebration, find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/ lovewhereyoulivegrant or by emailing

lovewhereyoulive@brent.gov.uk.

The new Together Towards Zero grant, also worth up to £1,000, is for projects that help tackle the climate crisis. If you have an idea that could have a positive environmental impact, for example by protecting and sustaining nature, cutting pollution, reducing waste or encouraging recycling email: ecogrants @brent.gov.uk.

Vending machines Interest free loans or grants to offer free period help you through the winter products in Residents facing money worries due to unforeseen circumstances could be eligible for extra financial support from the council this winter. trailblaizing The Residents’ Support Fund (RSF) provides interest free loans, grants or both to help Brent residents struggling to make ends meet.

London first Stonebridge resident Felicia Asamoah, 46, said: “I applied for assistance to help with my increasing rent and council tax arrears. It was a very stressful time for me. I was unemployed and feeling extremely anxious about the pandemic and it was all having a real impact on my mental health. I was getting into serious debt and couldn’t see a way out.

“I got in touch with the council and explained my situation. Although the process meant I had to find supporting documents, I received just under £10,000 that helped me to clear my debts. I think Brent Council and the individuals who were involved in my case were extremely helpful.”

To make an application visit: www.brent.gov.uk/ResidentsSupportFund

Councillor Southwood

Free sanitary pads and tampons are now available in six public toilets across Brent as the council takes a lead in tackling period poverty.

Brent is the first London borough to introduce Flow Free vending machines with free period products in six public buildings.

Period poverty is a London-wide issue with 3 out of 10 girls struggling to afford or access sanitary wear, according to Research from Plan International UK. Shockingly, 54% of these girls said they used toilet paper as an alternative to period products.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for Housing and Welfare Reform, said, “It is absolutely right that everyone has access to the essentials of daily life. That should include period products.

“By making these products freely available, we are fulfilling our commitment to creating a fairer and more equal Brent by reducing period poverty.”

Find out more: www.brent.gov.uk/flowfree

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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

Freedom of the City of London honour

Congratulations to Councillor Parvez Ahmed, a former Mayor of Brent, who has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his services to the local community.

M E E T I N G S • C O N F E R E N C E S • E V E N T S

HYBRID EVENTS AT THE DRUM Our AV technicians can cater for all types of events - ranging from simple requests such as providing a laptop and presentation clicker for a meeting to providing a full hybrid event equipment package.

Accommodate your Hybrid event in one of our Spaces: The Grand Hall is equipped with a 200’’ projection screen, 6 cameras which combine with our table top microphone system to zoom and focus on the person speaking. Ideal for larger hybrid events with space to accommodate up to 750 people in a theatre layout.

CONTACT US:

Offering a similar experience to the Grand Hall, the Conference Hall is equipped with a 160’’ screen, 3 cameras which combine with our table top microphone system to zoom and focus on the person speaking.

All of our boardrooms are equipped with 65” screens with wireless connectivity for laptops and mobile devices resulting in a more efficient and professional experience. You can easily connect your laptop to our Poly Studio bars, which are a premium videoconferencing solution featuring a camera which focusses and zooms on the speaker, or speakers.

e. events@thedrumwembley.com t. 020 8937 4340 w. thedrumwembley.com @drumwembley

SAFER BRENT

Tackling violence against women Ending male violence against women and ensuring women’s safety in public places have been pushed into sharp focus after the tragic double murder of sisters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman in Fryent Country Park in 2020 and other high-profile murders of women, by men, across the UK.

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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

SAFER BRENT

T

he Met Police and council are working to improve women’s safety, to prevent harm and make a positive difference to the women who experience violence or threats.

The action to end Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) is part of an action plan that focusses on tackling all forms of violence and abuse that disproportionately affects women and girls. Targeted support to victims, survivors and perpetrators of violence and abuse is also provided under the plan.

Despite the tragic and high profile murders, in 2019 and 2020, there was a 5.4% decrease in reported sexual offences and a 3.6% decrease in reported domestic abuse with injury offences in Brent when compared to the previous year.

Brent is part of the Mayor of London’s Women’s Night Safety Charter working with nighttime venues, such as bars and restaurants, to increase the safety of female customers and staff.

Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, said: “The council is working hard to address women’s safety when out and about in Brent,

‘‘

The council is working hard to address women’s safety when out and about in Brent, particularly to allow our residents to feel safer when they are out at night.

‘‘

Councillor Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement

particularly to allow our residents to feel safer when they are out at night. The ‘Good Guys Guide’ is a set of simple steps that men should take to play a part in the wider issues of tackling male violence against women.”

Tell us about your experiences and ideas on improving the safety of women and girls in public spaces by visiting www.brent.gov.uk/ domesticabuseandvawg. For help and support ring the National Domestic Violence Helpline (Freephone) 0808 2000 247 In addition, the council’s Community Safety team has developed free online training sessions for pubs, bars and restaurants across the borough to help their staff spot vulnerable women who may need help when they are out. Find out more by emailing community.safety@brent.gov.uk.

Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman

Good Guys Guide

A set of simple rules - the ‘Good Guys Guide’ - highlights how men can help to make women feel safer on the streets.

1

Don’t approach her – If you can see she is safe, avoid talking to her

run close to her – Or say 5 Don’t “left” or “right” to announce you’re overtaking

Talk on the phone – Show her walk behind her – Slow 6 2 Don’t you’re doing your own thing down and show you’re not following her

and call up a friend

your mates the street – Give her as 3 Cross 7 Educate much room as possible They are good guys too.

4

Hood down hands out – Show you have nothing to hide from her

Share this guide and let’s make the streets feel safer for everyone

YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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HAPPY & HEALTHY

As household incomes are squeezed and prices rise across the UK, some families are facing a difficult winter. However, help is at hand, as the council moves to increase support and reinforce the safety net for struggling households this winter.

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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

Kids tuck in over Christmas The holiday activities and food programme returns over the Christmas school holidays (18 December to 3 January) for eligible school-aged children in Brent who receive benefits-related free school meals. Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/haf Councillor Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment & Skills, said: “The summer programme was very successful, with over 3,000 places offered across 47 sites in Brent. So I’m pleased that we’ve been able to bring the programme back this Christmas to provide families in Brent further support in what can be an expensive time to entertain and feed children.”

‘‘

The summer programme was very successful, with over 3,000 places offered across 47 sites in Brent

‘‘

H

ouseholds across Brent can now get their share of a new £2.7million Household Support Fund. Residents, aged 18 and over, can apply for cash to pay for essential items, such as food and utility bills as the council moves to support people in need and ease the financial pressure on low income families.

“The pandemic is still affecting many of us financially,” says Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council “Over the next few months we hope that this fund will support residents and families that are most at financial risk.”

You can apply more than once for different types of support up until March 2022 when the scheme ends.

Apply at www.brent.gov.uk/ ResidentsSupportFund.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform said: “This can be a difficult time of year. In addition, households across Brent are feeling the impact of the end of furlough and changes to Universal Credit, along with rising living costs. We’re committed to supporting our residents financially and this short-term fund is a vital part of that.

Councillor Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment & Skills

HAPPY & HEALTHY

support Two-year-olds go free More than 1,770 two year olds have taken up free childcare hours since January 2021. That is over 1 million hours of learning through play! Families claiming Universal Credit benefits and on a low income, below £15,400, with children with special education needs or disabilities are eligible for free childcare for two-year-olds. Each child can use 15 hours a week of free childcare for the equivalent of 38 weeks per year. Check your eligibility www.brent.gov.uk/neg2

Mayor of Brent, Councillor Lia Colacicco, cuts the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Family Wellbeing Centre’s.

Close to home

lasting friendships.”

Family Wellbeing Centres can make a big The Family Wellbeing Centres were opened difference to the lives of families by offering in October at a special ceremony attended local services, support and advice to parents,

by Mayor of Brent Councillor Lia Colacicco, carers and children from birth to 18 years old Cabinet Member for Children’s (or up to 25 for young people with special Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care educational needs). www.brent.gov.uk/ Councillor Mili Patel, community guests and familywellbeingcentres partners from Barnardo’s.

Councillor Mili Patel said: “Family Wellbeing Centres play such a crucial role in the support network of families. I am pleased that we have developed these services to help Brent families access a wide range of support and advice.”

Nasmin, a local parent who has used her local Family Wellbeing Centre, said, “I am beyond grateful that these Family Wellbeing Centres exist. I moved to Brent and didn’t know any other parents, so going to my local centre, not only helped me navigate the journey as a new parent, but I have met some great people and made YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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MY COMMUNITY

Adding another string to your bow Young people in Brent are taking advantage of opportunities to work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) while developing their interest in playing classical music on a professional stage.

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YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

Khadra Mohamed

E

ighty three percent of young people under 25 years are listening to and enjoying classical music, according to the RPO’s research.

This is great news for local young people who now have the opportunity to shine in an area of music that many may previously have felt excluded from.

Khadra Mohamed, 22, jumped at the chance to become a Production Assistant intern with the RPO as part of a scheme supported by the Mo Siewcharran Fund.

Khadra said: “I have lived in Brent all my life and jumped at the opportunity to work on Wemba’s Dream. It felt like fate had landed me this opportunity when I finished my degree.

“I knew nothing about the RPO or any orchestra before I joined the production of

Wemba’s Dream

Wemba’s Dream. I am not from a musical background, don’t play any instruments and can’t read music.

“Seeing the look on people’s faces during the performance really made me appreciate the importance of this event; it brought the community together. My little brother was so inspired he asked to join Brent Youth Theatre.

This has been a fantastic opportunity and I’m excited about my next adventure.”

Over the past 15 years, the RPO has worked with more than 9,000 young people in Brent. To find out more about the RPO visit: www.rpo.co.uk.

For more information about the Mo Siewcharran Fund, which helps people from under-represented backgrounds to thrive in the creative industries, visit: www.creativeaccess.org/uk

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY THIS WINTER

Answering your questions on the Covid-19 booster and flu jab.

Looking after our health during winter is really important and the NHS is reminding residents of the importance of having the flu vaccination and Covid-19 booster.

Which vaccinations should I have this winter?

Everyone over 50, or those with a health condition that puts them at higher risk from Covid-19 is now eligible for the Covid-19 booster vaccine and a flu vaccine. Both are serious illnesses. If you are in these groups, having both the Covid-19 booster vaccine and flu jab is the best way to protect yourself this winter.

I’ve had 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine, why do I need a booster?

The Covid-19 booster will help improve your longer-term protection against getting seriously ill from the virus.

Will the flu jab give me flu?

No, the flu jab cannot give you the flu. It is an inactivated vaccine, which means it does not contain any of the live flu virus.

Can I have both vaccines at the same time?

Yes, If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.

Is it still safe to get the flu jab if I’ve had Covid-19?

If you've had Covid-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

I’m pregnant, will the flu jab or booster vaccine harm me or my baby?

No it won’t. Having both the flu and Covid-19 vaccine will help protect you and your baby. It's safe to have the vaccines at any stage of pregnancy.

How do I get my vaccinations?

Everyone eligible for both vaccinations will be contacted by the NHS/GP practice to arrange an appointment. If your second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine was more than six months ago you can go to the NHS booking website nhs.uk/covidvaccine and book your booster.

Find out more about winter vaccinations and services at: www.nwlondonics.nhs.uk/Winter

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MY COMMUNITY

Your mental health matters This Christmas and New Year many of us will be looking forward to spending a joyous time with family and friends. For others the festive holiday season can be a difficult and often lonely time more so this year, due to fears over jobs, the economy and the on-going pandemic.

T

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‘‘

Your mind matters, so if you are struggling with your mental health, get the help you need.

Councillor Neil Nerva

‘‘

he Brent Health Matters programme, which looks to address health inequalities, has made mental health one of its key priorities. In September, it formed the basis for our regular Community Forum, which is an opportunity to listen to the views of the community.

‘Black Men and Mental Health’ was recently the subject of the monthly phone-in on the The Beat radio station, which in turn has led to a new film on the subject.

In October ‘The Brent Emotional Wellbeing Mental Health Project’ report was published, drawing together findings from surveys in Church End and Alperton.

Councillor Neil Nerva, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure, said: “Your mind matters, so if you are struggling with your mental health, get the help you need. It’s out there and we are working to make it better.”

“The physical impact COVID has had on health may be well known, but we shouldn’t overlook the damage it has inflicted on mental health. The anxiety the virus has caused, the effects of isolating, and the impact of missing out on social interaction – these factors have all taken their toll.”

If you are struggling to cope this winter, please ask for help, you are not alone.

For further help and advice on Mental Health Services and Mental Wellbeing, see www.brent.gov.uk/mentalhealth.

The Beat session is available on the council’s YouTube channel: youtube/ Ki00iB3Qick The Brent Emotional Wellbeing Mental Health Project report is available at: https://helpforce.community/enabling/publications

MY COMMUNITY

The Dark Destroyer shines a light on the vaccine The star of TV quiz show The Chase and Brent resident, Shaun Wallace has joined forces with the council to shine a light on how COVID has affected his community.

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nown to millions as ‘The Dark Destroyer’ Shaun has made a film explaining why getting the vaccine has been a difficult decision for many.

The short film explores Shaun’s own questions about the vaccine and why many in the Black Caribbean community feel hesitant about getting the jab.

“I can understand the reason why they are so reticent,” he explains in the film, drawing on various concerns including historic mistrust of vaccines and the fact the vaccine was developed so quickly. However, Shaun revealed that he eventually got vaccinated and explains how he was able to overcome his initial concerns.

“Over time I was won in relation to the various clinical trials which were conducted in relation to the two leading vaccines in this country and it eventually persuaded me that its effectiveness was not only for my betterment, but I think for the betterment of the whole of our community,” he said.

Watch the film at https://youtu.be/j0uv2rUTksc or for more information about the vaccine visit www.brent.gov.uk/vaccine

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CLEANER & GREENER

The time to act is

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eld in November, as world leaders met in Glasgow for the COP26 Climate Conference, the two-week long programme of activities and events aimed to raise awareness of the threats posed by climate change and inspire action locally.

Climate change can sound like it’s too big to be a local issue until you realise everything is linked – from wildfires in California to the flooding in Kilburn over the summer.

The Brent Climate Festival took the themes Presidents and Prime Ministers talked about in Scotland, from insulating our homes to reducing the rubbish we produce, and made it local.

Another message from the Climate Festival was ‘Together, we can make a difference’.

Climate change affects every single one of us, and we need to take action as a community.

This is the message coming out from Brent’s first-ever Climate Festival.

Let’s Talk Climate!

Tell us how to make local neighbourhoods more sustainable.

We have launched Let’s Talk Climate to ask for your ideas on how to make local neighbourhoods greener and more sustainable. We want to get more people involved in talking about our impact on Many of the changes we must make will not only protect our planet, they can also save money, improve air quality and help with feeling healthier.

The festival launched with an interactive sensory installation at Brent Civic Centre (left) with schoolchildren and residents exploring the structure, and learning more about climate change in a fun and engaging way.

The council also premiered the exclusive ‘Climate Change and my Religion’ photography exhibition detailing what local religious and community leaders had to say about the importance of the environment to their beliefs and what pledges they are taking to reduce their carbon footprint.

‘‘

There is no escaping climate change; it is with us now and is a threat to our existence.

‘‘

now!

CLEANER & GREENER

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment

the environment, focusing initially on two key areas, waste and green space.

We want to hear your ideas on what you can do differently and what you expect from us as we work together towards a cleaner, greener Brent.

Start sharing your ideas straight away at www.brent.gov.uk/letstalkclimate

Make a climate pledge There are practical steps everyone can take to protect the planet. Make a pledge, and start a big change for the better.

Here are some simple steps you can take: Re-use clothes and shop second hand Reduce food waste

Avoid singleuse plastic

Recycle more

Walk, or cycle, rather than using a car

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “There is no escaping climate change; it is with us now and is a threat to our existence. Climate change affects everyone and we need to make changes as a community, which will have an impact globally. We are committed to reach our goal of zero carbon emissions by 2030 by working together. Please take a pledge for climate change to make a positive change for you and your loved ones.” Make a climate pledge at: wwwbrent.gov.uk/ brentclimatefestival. Check out the ‘Climate Change and my Religion’ Exhibition www.brent.gov.uk/climatechange andmyreligion YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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Hearty goodness

From Brent to Bowl is a new community cookbook developed by Brent residents and budding chefs, featuring dishes from around the globe, with a focus on tackling climate change by reducing food waste and using up leftovers. Get your free e-book copy now at www.brent.gov.uk/frombrenttobowl or borrow a copy from any Brent library.

Sky’s the limit for Brent 2020 podcast star

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ising star Suprina Thapa knew from age 17 that she wanted to be a presenter.

A seventeenth birthday present from a Virgin Experience day unlocked her passion for presenting. After a rigorous audition for international media platform Vice, Suprina was chosen as one of the presenters of the ‘VENT Weekly’ podcast.

The podcast hit the right note with audiences going on to win Podcast of the Year at the British Podcast Awards, an achievement that Suprina calls ‘mind-blowing’.

Suprina, of Nepali heritage, has seized every opportunity that came along since and presented behind the scenes for Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture events, interviewing the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and then hosting Beyond Brent 2020, Legacy.

The Wembley local has now bagged a role presenting new Sky Arts show ‘Unmuted’. Suprina added: “My first foot in the door was with Vice, without the competition I wouldn’t have had access and it made me realise my passion and helped hone my skills.”

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MY COMMUNITY

Kenton locals transform wasteland into bio diversity garden

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derelict patch of land in Kenton has been transformed into a vibrant new biodiversity garden. The community around Brookfield Crescent, including children from Uxendon Manor Primary School, came together to turn the strip of wasteland into an area bursting with plants, wildlife and nature. The Mayor of Brent, Councillor Lia Colacicco attended the ribbon-cutting before exploring the new flowers, plants and newly painted mural created by Positive Arts.

Crocheting it all together to brighten up street trees

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illesden resident Flick Thorley has become a star in the community with her cosy crocheted designs that decorate the trees on her street.

Flick, who is originally from New Zealand and has lived in Willesden for 25 years, said: “As a neighbourhood group, we decorate the streets at Christmas with fairy lights in the hedges and front gardens and the trees on the streets with lights and tree decorations.

“After Christmas, I decided to dress up the stakes around the trees with yarn to bring more colour to the street, then everyone asked me to do the same for them. The requests and compliments kept rolling in from passersby, as I put them up, so I continued.

“I love bright colours and I researched the best type of yarn to use to avoid it rotting quickly.

“I love living in the borough and feel lucky to have lovely local green open spaces, like Gladstone Park minutes away, Paddington Old Cemetery where we walk our three dogs and the Welsh Harp.”

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HAPPY & HEALTHY

Around the world with nine cooks!

‘From Brent to Bowl’: A community cookbook that chops up food waste

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omeone once said ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, but what if a community came together to cut food waste and rethink traditional recipes made from leftovers?

Well, local residents and budding chefs have done just that, taking action against climate change through their love of food, by sharing tasty recipes through a new community cookbook.

‘From Brent to Bowl’ includes tips on how to make mouth-watering dishes from around the world with a Brent twist. The 48-page cookbook, which is available online at www.brent. gov.uk/frombrenttobowl, celebrates the rich diversity of culture and food in Brent and tips for reducing food waste from across the world that have been passed down through the generations.

Fighting food waste means fighting climate change Food waste is a serious issue. Food that is still good enough to eat is thrown out for reasons ranging from ‘its bruised, passed its sell-by date or I don’t fancy it anymore’.

In the UK, we waste 6.5 million tonnes of food every year, 4.5 million of which is edible. Those 4.5 million tonnes are enough to fill Wembley Stadium at least nine times over.

The journey of getting food to your plate leaves a large carbon footprint, which involves food wrapped or packaged in plastic and created from fossil fuels. Often transported by plane, boat, lorry or car, it is important that nothing is wasted and every food item bought is eaten.

Everyone can do their bit to tackle climate change by reducing the amount of food wasted and taking small steps each day to help get closer to solving the climate and ecological emergency.

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Love your leftovers, control your portions By loving your leftovers, you can save yourself a lot of money, while also saving a huge amount of food from going to waste.

Refrigerate or freeze leftovers to save them for another day, or turn them into a completely new meal. Why not dedicate one evening each week to make a meal entirely out of leftovers?

Leftovers are great because: They are already cooked You can save money Mix it up by adding some variety – soup can be turned into a pasta sauce and stale bread makes the perfect breadcrumbs to top the pasta

• • •

“The best mangoes from India and Pakistan are sold in Kingsbury.

You can also grab the most authentically delicious Caribbean food, Eastern European delicacies, Middle Eastern favourites, Somali produce and so much more.”

Asma Khan

Founder of the Darjeeling Express restaurant, Covent Garden, and featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table

Shop local You will find a huge range of fantastic independent shops and markets across Brent that stock foods from around the world.

Shopping in your neighbourhood helps the local economy but is also better for the environment.

Shop Local, Buy Brent. Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/shopsafeshoplocal

Eat for the planet Becoming aware of what you eat, how it has been sourced and your eating habits are ways you can start to think about how to reduce your carbon footprint when it comes to food consumption.

Some things that have the potential to make a big impact: Eat more plant based meals Eat local and seasonal produce

where possible Use wonky veg – they are often cheaper and more regularly wasted, but taste just as good Eat less meat Grow your own food

• • • • •

HAPPY & HEALTHY

A selection of recipes from the cookbook:

Moroccan Tagine

in Brent since I relocated Hi, I’m Ikram. I was born and raised in Morocco and have been living h. boroug six years ago. I love being part of this multicultural INGREDIENTS Olive oil or 1tsp Salt 1tsp black Pepper argan oil Green olives for 1tsp Turmeric decoration 1tsp ginger and extra taste powder For best results 2 Grated fresh use a clay pot tomatoes or a casserole 1 onion dish Harissa (Moroccan Chilli sauce) if available (1/2 tsp) Parsley (1 tbsp) 2 cloves garlic

METHOD - PREPERATION 15 MINS. COOKING TIME 45 MINS

1. Heat the pan on a medium heat. Add oil, then add the chopped onions 2. Wash and cut all vegetables into circles and add them to the clay pot (pan) bit if 3. Mix all spices with the garlic, parsley, harissa, grated tomatoes and a little es vegetabl the over mixture the water, and pour 4. Put some olives on top es 5. Cover the clay pot and let it cook on low gas for 45 minutes or until the vegetabl are tender.

Mama Jacq’s Caribbean Stew Baked Chicken

Hi, I’m Jacqueline. I was born on a small Caribbean island called St. Vincent & The Grenadines, one of seven children. Cooking was the centre of all family activities and events.

INGREDIENTS 1 red bell pepper 1 yellow bell pepper 1 green bell pepper 1 onion 4 grated cloves of garlic 1 chicken stock cube 3 vegetable stock cubes 1/4 cup mixed herb 2 tsp black pepper 1/4 cup curry powder

METHOD - PREPERATION 15 MINS. COOKING TIME 50 MINS 1 tin of 400g 1. Remove bell peppers from the seed. Slice all bell peppers diagonally and place Tomato puree in a bowl to pour into the pot later. Do the same for your onion. Grate garlic 1800ml water into a bowl with onion and bell peppers.

1 hot whole scotch 2. Add vegetable stock cubes, mixed herbs, black pepper, curry powder, all bonnet pepper purpose seasoning to the bowl with bell peppers and onions.

3. Place the pot on medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pot, then pour 1 tsp all purpose seasoning all ingredients in the pot. Stir for 2 minutes.

4. Add tomato puree, and water to the pot.

2 tbsp of honey 1 kg of jerk grill or 5. When mixture begins to boil add 2 tablespoons of honey and place jerk baked chicken chicken in a pot.

6. Allow the mixture to simmer for 30 minutes, this will get all the seasoning from the jerk chicken into the tomato sauce. The chicken will begin to soften and become succulent with the sweet tomato sauce.

7. The last 10 minutes place a whole scotch bonnet in a pot. Do not cut the scotchbonnet, it is used simply for flavour and not for heat.

8. We recommend eating it with rice and steamed vegetables.

Zuppa Primavera (Spring Soup) Hi, I’m Ilaria. I have been living in Brent since 2010. Cooking has a long tradition in my family back in Southern Italy and I am definitely carrying on everything my parents taught me.

INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 leeks, halved, thinly sliced crosswise (you can use carrots or courgettes if you do not have leek) 1 medium onion, halved, thinly sliced Salt, freshly ground pepper

METHOD - PREPERATION 15 MINS. COOKING TIME 35 MINS 2 potatoes (if you have them boiled from the day before as leftover, even better) 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp cayenne pepper ½ tsp ground turmeric 3 handful of green peas (fresh or frozen)

1. Pour the oil in a large pot and add all the vegetables sliced. Add salt and pepper and cook on a medium heat for 10 min, mixing now and then.

2. Add cumin, cayenne, and turmeric to the pan and stir to combine.

Add peas and stir to coat; season with salt.

3. Stir in 6 cups of water and simmer for 20 minutes. Add more water as necessary.

4. Once ready use a food processor to puree it. (Depending on taste you can have half puréed and the rest in hard pieces).

5. If you have leftover bread, pita or wraps, cut them into strips or pieces, mix with oil, salt and smoked paprika and bake them in a tray for ten minutes.

They will be a great addition to your soup.

6. If you want you can add tiny pasta shapes or rice instead of bread.

7. Serve piping hot and enjoy!

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HAPPY & HEALTHY Kale Dhokra (Spicy Cake)

Hi, I’m Gita. My love of food has developed from being a doting mother and wife, and always wanting to give only the best to my family and loved ones.

INGREDIENTS 1 cup kale 1/2 cup gram flour 1/2 cup semolina 3 tbsp plain yogurt* 1 tsp minced ginger/ garlic Salt to taste A pinch of red chilli powder A pinch of sugar Oil

METHOD - PREPERATION 10 MINS. COOKING TIME 30 MINS

1 tsp Eno (if you don’t have Eno try using 1tsp bicarbonate of soda) 2 tbsp oil 1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1. Add all the spices, oil, flour and yogurt to the kale and mix well.

2. Fill the base of a steamer with water, cover, bring to boil and simmer on low heat.

3 Add 1 tsp Eno into the kale mixture and mix well. The Eno should be bubbly. If not, add a few tablespoons of water and mix well.

4. Grease a deep 9 inch plate, add all the kale mixture and steam for 20 mins.

5 After 20 minutes, allow to cool and cut into squares.

6. In a frying pan heat oil and add mustard seeds and then add spicy cake dhokra. Cook until crispy - serve hot or cold.

Cheesy Baked Bean Potato Pie Hi, I’m Nisha. I have lived in Brent for 32 years. I was born and raised in lovely Wembley. I am a civil servant and I love what I do!

INGREDIENTS 1kg baby potatoes 1x400g tin of Baked Beans 1 cup of sweetcorn (you can add 2 if you love sweetcorn) 1 or 2 red onions (depending on your taste buds I use 2) 3 vegetarian sausages cut into pieces Sprinkle of mixed herbs

METHOD - PREPERATION 10 MINS. COOKING TIME 30 MINS Sprinkle of thyme 3 tbsp olive oil Salt to taste Pepper to taste Chilli flakes (optional, put 2 teaspoons if you like a kick) Cheese of your choice and cheese quantity of your choice, grated (I use 250 grams of mature cheddar

1. Wash the potatoes. Parboil in a saucepan with a pinch of salt for 7 to 10 mins.

You can check that they are almost cooked by piercing with a knife. Drain using a colander and put into an ovenproof dish. Skip this stage if you’re using leftover roast potatoes / baby potatoes.

2. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, pepper, thyme, and salt. Cook for 10 mins at 180oC in a preheated oven (cook for 5 mins in a preheated oven if using leftover potatoes).

3. Take the oven dish out safely using oven gloves. Shake the potatoes in the ovenproof dish and top with baked beans, sweetcorn, red onions and cheese.

Sprinkle with mixed herbs and chilli flakes.

4. Put the dish back into the oven (180oC) and cook for a further 8-10 mins.

I like my cheese brown so I take mine out once browned.

5. Once the cheese has browned, take the dish out of the oven and let it stand for around 5 to 7 mins. This will ensure the dish is settled and ready to serve.

6. Enjoy! Chilli lovers you can go ahead and add green chilli pieces or hot pepper sauce!

Beetroot Sensation

Hi, I’m Jean. I am a retired widow with two grown up sons and three grandchildren, living in Roe Green Village, a conservation area of Brent. I have lived here since 1969 and love the area.

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INGREDIENTS Fresh Aldi Beetroot, including the stalks and leaves Carrot Courgette Spinach leaves Cucumber Iceberg lettuce Cauliflower Beef tomato Strawberries Blueberries Kiwi fruit YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021

Banana and nectarines Fresh mint Lemon juice Coconut water Greek Yogurt an optional extra

METHOD - PREPERATION 10 MINS. 1. Get the remaining raw ingredients together and combine with cooked beetroot.

2. If you like a thicker, fibrous smoothie, add the stalks of the cauliflower and fruit peels. Fruit skins from the cucumber, bananas and kiwi fruit can hold lots of nutrients and the blender can change to a nice puree.

3. Add coconut water and lemon juice at the end to enhance the flavour.

HAPPY & HEALTHY Muhalabi

Hi, I’m Lamise. I am 25 years old, born and raised in Brent. I have life. I love cooking classic Arabic food.

INGREDIENTS 500ml almond milk (Blue diamond preferable) 40g cornstarch 40g sugar One teaspoon rose water

lived in Wembley my whole

METHOD - PREPERATION 10 MINS. COOKING TIME 20 MINS (PLUS 4 HOURS FREEZING TIME)

Half teaspoon ground cardamom Tablespoon of crushed pistachios*

pot.

1. Add 450ml of the almond milk along with the sugar in a thick bottomed Gently heat over medium heat. is 2. Mix the remaining 50ml almond milk with the cornstarch until the starch aside. completely dissolved. Put 3. As soon as the milk is about to come to the boil (5 minutes) add the starch mixture while stirring vigorously.

The mixture will immediately thicken somewhat. Keep on the heat and continue stirring for another 2 or 3 minutes. heat.

4. Add the rose water and ground cardamom and mix well then take off the 5. Pour into a serving dish of your choice - if using a plate make the level even.

6. Let it cool then refrigerate for 4 hours, serve chilled.

Ras Malai Cake

Hi, I’m Nadiya. I’ve chosen this particular recipe for you try and I am sure you will enjoy creating this beautifully fragrant cake as much as I have. Ras malai is Bengali for ‘juice creams’.

INGREDIENTS 10 strands of 150ml boiling saffron dropped water into 4 tablespoons Cardamom seeds, of warm milk removed 250g unsalted from the pods and butter ground 250g caster sugar Buttercream 5 medium eggs, 2 cardamom pods, beaten crushed 250g self-raising 3 tablespoons flour whole milk 1 teaspoon baking 300g unsalted powder butter,softened Milk drizzle 600g icing sugar, 100g milk powder sifted

METHOD - PREPERATION 1HR. COOKING TIME 1HR 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C/fan 150°C. Grease and line two 20cm sandwich tins.

2. Saffron milk. Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and whisk until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs a little at a time, keep whisking. Add the flour, baking powder and saffron milk, and fold the mixture until you have a smooth, shiny batter.

3. Divide the mixture between the two tins. Bake for 20–25 minutes.

4. Make the milk drizzle by mixing the milk powder with the boiling water in a bowl. Add the ground cardamom seeds and mix. As soon as the cakes are out of the oven, drizzle some of the milk all over the top of both cakes and leave in the tin for 10 minutes before turning them out and removing them to cool on a rack.

5. To make the buttercream, put the crushed cardamom pods in a small bowl of the milk and leave to infuse.

6. Meanwhile, put the butter into a mixing bowl and whisk until very soft and light in colour. Add the icing sugar a little at a time, whisking after each addition, until all combined. Then pour the cardamom milk through a sieve into the buttercream and whisk until really light and fluffy.

Ratatouille Tart

Hi, I’m Joanna. I am a mum of one and have lived in Brent for 17 years. I have a real passion for cooking and I love walking around Welsh Harp!

INGREDIENTS 1 cup milk 2 cups cooked rice that has been Cheese (to your refrigerated (do liking) not reheat rice that Salt and pepper is older than 1 day old) 3 eggs Vegetables - any leftovers you have!

METHOD - PREPERATION 20 MINS. COOKING TIME 20 MINS 1. Preheat the oven to 180oC. 2. Mix ready cooked rice with one egg and place in a tart tin. Shape the rice to the base of the tin. The rice will form our base.

Note: reheating rice can be dangerous to eat if it is not cooked through properly. Make sure that the rice is steaming hot and cooked all the way through before eating it- do not reheat rice more than once.

3. Chop all of you r vegetables and place them on top of the rice ‘base’.

4. Mix one cup of milk with two eggs. Season with salt and pepper and pour over vegetables.

5. Top with your choice of cheese.

6. Bake for 20 minutes.

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MY COMMUNITY

Local love affair this Christmas ‘Tis the season to be jolly and to show some love to your local high street by shopping for gifts or festive nibbles.

Bag a bargain this winter!

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MY COMMUNITY

S

mall businesses and independent retailers across Brent are counting on your support during the festive season to help them bounce back from a tough year.

Shopping locally is a great way to get to bag a bargain, support your local community and preserve the character of your high street. Every pound you spend on your local high street helps keep money circulating around the local economy.

It’s easy to forget how spoiled for choice we are in Brent with delicious food from all over the world available on our doorstep, as well as talented designers and craftspeople making locally produced items.

Independent shops often stock one-off items not available elsewhere which can make the perfect special gift for loved ones. From artworks, textiles, jewellery, homeware, fashion, and lots more – small businesses have something for everyone.

Current offers include ‘two for one’ tickets at the Kiln Cinema in Kilburn, which are available until February 2022, and a free cocktail or mocktail with your main meal at Spasso Restaurant in Willesden Green – which is available until 31 December 2021.

App users get instant access to discounts, offers and rewards. You can also place orders with a number of local businesses and view events and attractions nearby.

Download BuyBrent from the App Store or Google Play Store today or visit: www.brent.gov.uk/buybrent.

Don’t own a smartphone? Email business@brent. gov.uk or speak to a member of staff at one of our hubs or libraries to receive a physical rewards card.

Let’s do it for Brent, support your local shops this Christmas.

#LocalLoveAffair #BuyBrent

You can also enjoy exclusive deals when you download the completely free BuyBrent mobile app, designed to help everyone to make the most of their local high street. It supports all the wonderful independent traders and saves you some cash in the process.

BuyBrent app

The launch of BuyBrent at Blue Check Restaurant in Wembley

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MY COMMUNITY

The Kiln Cinema “We are thrilled to be part of BuyBrent. Offering affordable cinema tickets to our local communities is so important, and we’re excited to welcome more residents from Brent through our doors.”

Ben Prudhoe-Zdzieblo, Head of Marketing and Communications at The Kiln

Spasso Restaurant “We loved the idea of BuyBrent, so we signed up straight away.

The team at Spasso is very community minded, and being part of this new initiative makes us super excited to meet more locals and make them feel special through our exclusive deals for them.”

Luigi, business owner of Spasso Restaurant

Pick up a free ‘shop local’ tote bag from your local library to help show your support for the brilliant small businesses.

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MY COMMUNITY

Supporting your local high street

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ost people have been spending more time at home due to the pandemic. This has meant that the local neighbourhoods are becoming more visible and attracting more visitors.

There are so many local hidden gems that you may not already be aware of to discover. From walking routes and parks to shops and restaurants, there is a feeling of closeness about local areas in the borough.

High streets are a vital part of our communities, and that is why the council is revitalising high streets across Brent – starting with Wembley High Road and Church Road.

The council’s revitalisation programme includes everything from new lighting and greenery, to a new youth hub and café, public artwork and a whole host of projects that will provide opportunities to come together and celebrate culture.

The goal is to create vibrant, attractive and inclusive spaces that you can be proud of.

The improvement works currently taking place in Wembley High Road includes new paving, lighting, seating areas and greenery to enhance the appearance and character of the high road.

There will be some temporary disruption whilst whilst this work is underway, although there will be no works taking place for two weeks over the Christmas period.

After evaluating the results of the first two schemes, the council will then roll out the best initiatives across more local high streets.

For more information visit: www.brent.gov.uk/highstreets.

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MY COMMUNITY

Community Community projects across Brent are benefiting from grants generated by regeneration in the borough.

‘‘

Regeneration is about supporting all of our residents and it’s fantastic to see Ealing Road come alive with colour.

‘‘

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Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning at Brent Council YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

MY COMMUNITY

cash back A

have been shown, including a variety of workshops across the borough, providing over 5,000 people with a platform to watch exciting cinema. Follow them on twitter @ othercinemas to find out about the latest screenings near you.

t least 15 per cent of all the money the council collects from the developers of new, eligible, buildings in the borough is spent on priorities that are agreed in consultation with the local community.

Known as the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), the pot of money created by each new development is pumped back into supporting local community projects.

Ealing Road art trail A mural tribute, celebrating the area’s rich cultural heritage and the life of Jayaben Desai, painted by Mr Cenz, is visible along the Ealing Road. Jayaben worked at the nearby Grunwick film-processing factory in the 1970s where workers were subjected to degrading treatment and poor work conditions. Jayaben went on to become a prominent strike leader of the 1976 Grunwick dispute.

Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning at Brent Council, said: “Regeneration is about supporting all of our residents and it’s fantastic to see Ealing Road come alive with colour, reflecting and celebrating the local South Mr Cenz Asian community.”

Youngs Football Club Community Project St Cuthbert’s Church renovation Built in the 1940s, the facilities at St Cuthbert’s were outdated and had fallen into disrepair.

The grant has breathed new life into the church, with a refurbished kitchen area, heating system, disabled access along with new disabled toilet facilities.

The much-loved space at St Cuthbert’s is now home to a nursery during the day and hosts community events in the evening, along with a number of fitness classes including Tai Chi, Indian Classical Dance and Zumba.

Other Cinemas

In 2020, a film school and exhibition programme that focuses on Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) creatives and communities in Brent, won the award for Best Programme and Best New Society at the Cinema for All annual awards.

As part of the council’s Black Community Six students successfully completed the first Action Plan (BCAP), SWAY has worked with the yearlong course with ten spaces available for council to establish a three-year mentoring 2022. If you are aged 18-35 and interested in support programme in three local scondary developing your film making skills in film schools for black boys aged from 12 to 16 . industry, please email: hello@othercinemas.

Outside of the school grounds, the initiative co.uk. Hurry, the deadline for applications is also provides free activities for students over Thursday 16 December 2021. the holidays, including sweatshirt designing So far, 15 independent films, showcasing the and kayaking throughout the summer. brilliant work of talented BAME filmmakers

SWAY: Mentoring for Moving Forward

A new two-year football scheme for young people from low-income backgrounds has started a new training programme for children aged 4 years or over and FA coaching for young people aged 16 years or over. The coaching course provides recognised qualifications that will help students with their future career prospects. The project is already a huge success with over 120 enrolments.

For further information visit: www. youngsfc.com.

The latest round of NCIL funding closes on 30 January 2022.

If you are part of a registered organisation (e.g. charity, business, community group, school) and would like to help make a difference and support the development of your neighbourhood please apply for a grant by visiting: www.brent.gov.uk/ncil.

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Get your grit on W

ith five large electric hybrid gritters on standby, the council’s team will be out working hard to keep main roads moving if a cold snap hits this winter.

Running from early November to the end of April, the council’s winter service grits the main priority roads to ensure emergency vehicles and buses can keep moving if snow or ice strikes.

1,200 tons of salt are stockpiled by the council before the winter and 326 grit bins are filled and available for residents to use.

The fleet of gritters have state-of-the-art electric spreading mechanisms to reduce CO2 emissions, lower noise, and increased fuel efficiency while the council receives a bespoke weather forecast three times a day to ensure the gritters can be deployed speedily when needed.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “As they do every year, our winter preparedness teams will be showing their true grit over the coming months if a cold spell strikes. If snow or ice hits, our gritting teams will be out and about in the early hours of the morning to make sure the main roads are passable. It is another example of key workers making a difference.

“If the cold weather does set in, I hope that residents will look out for older or more vulnerable neighbours as I know many people did last winter.”

For more information, visit www.brent. gov.uk/gritting #Workinghardforbrent

MY COUNCIL

Finding and filling potholes this winter As the weather gets colder, potholes can emerge as a direct result of snow, ice and long periods of rain that batters the road’s surface. Once a pothole forms, it will get bigger as traffic weakens and dislodges more broken pieces of the road surface.

Brent’s highways and infrastructure team have a targeted pothole patching programme along the A roads, focussing on stretches of road that are at higher risk of deterioration due to cold weather.

The council’s team will find and fix serious potholes that have appeared on main roads and will use injection patching, a new and faster method for repairing potholes, along unclassified residential roads. To report a pothole visit: www.brent.gov.uk/ cleanerbrent

Cllr Krupa Sheth visiting the grit storage depot

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ARTS & CULTURE

A portrait of stars Riz Ahmed by Sharif Hamza, 2018

Portraits of well-known people from Black and Asian backgrounds connected to Brent are on show in a new exhibition opening in December.

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alled the Icons of Colour: Portraits of Brent’s Change Makers, the free exhibition celebrates some of the people who reflect the strength of Brent’s diversity in the hope of inspiring the next generation of change makers.

The exhibition includes portraits of Ian Wright, Courtney Pine, Rachel Yankey and many others. Visitors will also get the chance to see the National Portrait Gallery’s newly commissioned portrait of Willesden resident Zadie Smith as painted by Nigerian born artist Toyin Ojih Odutola.

New portraits of the footballer Cyrille Regis as well as actor and comedian Doc Brown will also be on display.

With portraits on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, the free exhibition runs from 16 December - 27 February, at the Exhibition Space, second floor at the Library, Willesden Green.

There are also events and workshops for adults and families to get involved, such as Portrait making workshops for adults, Thursday 13 January, 6-8pm and Thursday 3 February, 6-8pm at the Library, Willesden Green.

For more details on events visit www.brent. gov.uk/events

Rachel Yankey by Mary Dunkin, 9 May 2005

Lenny Henry by Trevor Leighton, 1989

Sadie (Zadie Smith) by Toyin Ojih Odutola, 2018-19

Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

Ian Wright by Robert Wilson, June 1997

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ARTS & CULTURE

Coal, dole and dinner ladies The story of how Brent residents supported the miners’ strike in the 1980s has been told through Coal, Dole and Dinner Ladies – a play based on real events and people.

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I

n March 1984, the National Coal Board announced it was to close 20 coalmines across the UK. The threat of job losses led the Yorkshire miners to call for a national strike, supported by the National Union of Mineworkers.

On a detour to convince the Nottinghamshire miners to strike, the Kent miners stopped off in Brent for a union meeting at Aylestone School, now Queens Park Community School, where the dinner ladies and caretakers at the school greeted them with a hot meal and a standing ovation.

Local theatre company, Useful Productions, brought his important historical moment to life in a series of performances in the autumn after uncovering the details held in the Trades Union archive at Brent Museum and Archives.

Coal, Dole and Dinner Ladies was part of the Being Brent project that aims to improve the wellbeing of the community by connecting local people to Brent’s history www.brent.gov. uk/beingbrent

EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL We are delighted to introduce you to our amazing school.

We are a unique primary school that provides strong subject based teaching.

Our Ofsted grades (November 2019): Overall effectiveness: Outstanding

Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding

Leadership and management: Outstanding

The quality of education: Outstanding

Personal development: Outstanding

Early years provision: Outstanding

We provide a structured, disciplined working environment in which every student receives high-quality teaching.

Teachers are highly qualified in their subject and have a relentless focus on high expectations, high aspirations and excellent academic outcomes for their pupils.

We have created a happy and caring environment, so that our students are well- rounded young people, and have a passion and love of learning.

Our 12 million pound, state-of-the-art brand new primary school has purpose built classrooms and facilities, learning resource centres for each key stage, Science Laboratories and a Multi-use Games Area.

“Leaders give careful thought to the experiences pupils have to support their wider development.”

Ofsted 2019

Wembley Multi-Academy Trust is comprised of three schools: WEMBLEY HIGH TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL (90 places for Reception in September 2022) NORTH BRENT SCHOOL (at Wembley High whilst the new school is being built)

East Lane Primary School, East Lane, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 3NT CEO/Executive Headteacher: Ms Gill Bal OBE | Headteacher: Ms Caroline Ellis Tel: 020 8289 4600 | Web: www.whtc.co.uk or www.elps.co.uk | Email: admin@whtc.co.uk

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ARTS & CULTURE

Arts &

Culture

>> Exhibitions >> Theatre >> Cinema >> Music >> Talks >> Dance >> Tours >> Comedy of his powers we’ll also be showing his extraordinary film Sherlock Junior from 1924.

15 DECEMBER 11-11:30AM, UNDER 5S BOOKSTART STORY AND RHYME TIME WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY 95 HIGH RD, LONDON NW10 2SF Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

15 DECEMBER 4PM-5:30PM, STEM CLUB AT EALING ROAD LIBRARY, EALING ROAD LIBRARY KILN THEATRE PRESENTS IN ASSOCIATION WITH BRENT2020, LONDON BOROUGH OF CULTURE THE WIFE OF WILLESDEN

Kilburn based, multi-award winning best-selling author Zadie Smith (below) makes her playwriting debut with an adaptation of Chaucer’s The Wife of Bath relocating the action to 21st Century North West London. Zadie said: “I felt the presence, in the rehearsal room, of Chaucer’s humour and bawdiness, his philosophical depth and intellectual perversity.

“All transformed by the process of passing through these various flesh-and-blood actors, with their human voices and human gestures, with which they are able to perform the miracle of turning text into experience, words into action, ideas into something like life.”

Directed by Indhu Rubasingham, this is a bawdy comic tale that centres on the local legend they call the ‘The Wife of Willesden’, a mother, married five times and a local legend. Alvita will tell her life story to anyone who will listen.

Showing until 24 December, 2021. Tickets available at only £15. Local residents can enjoy offers available to over 65s and under 26s. www.KilnTheatre.com

8 DECEMBER 11-11:30AM UNDER 5s BOOKSTART STORY AND RHYME TIME WILLESDEN GREEN LIBRARY 95 HIGH RD, LONDON NW10 2SF

Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

EALING ROAD LIBRARY CORONET PARADE EALING RD, WEMBLEY HA0 4BA Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

STONEFACE: THE RISE AND FALL OF BUSTER KEATON LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER, 6.308.30PM TICKETS £3

Joseph “Buster” Keaton was the great innovator of silent movie comedy. To see Keaton at the height

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Science, technology, engineering and mathematics workshops for children.

STARTED 26 NOVEMBER

A new short film, ‘Being Alive’ celebrates the diversity and beliefs of local people and various faith communities in Brent, including members and representatives of The Central Mosque of Brent, The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and St Mary’s Church of Willesden.

Produced by Brent Museum and Archives as part of the community project ‘Being Brent’ it is the second in a series of three specially commissioned films funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/ FYbeAoyBKbY

ARTS & CULTURE MAKE A CAMERA OBSCURA WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES SATURDAY 15 JANUARY, 11AM12PM AND 2-3PM - WEMBLEY LIBRARY & SATURDAY 5 FEBRUARY, 11AM-12PM AND 2-3PM - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN. THE ROYAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA CONCERTS.

The RPO is pleased to offer Your Brent readers 25% off tickets in the Front Circle of the Royal Albert Hall for two upcoming performances.

THE BEST OF BROADWAY WEDNESDAY 2 MARCH 2022, 7.30PM

A spectacular line-up of West End stars perform with a full symphony orchestra. Featuring songs from hit Broadway musicals and sell-out West End shows, including: Les Misérables, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Wicked, Hairspray, The Producers, We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Dreamgirls... and many more.

FILM MUSIC GALA SATURDAY 2 APRIL, 7.30PM

Celebrate the incomparable music of classic cinema and today’s biggest blockbusters in this sensational gala show, brought to you by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and performed within the magnificent surroundings of the Royal Albert Hall. Offer valid on 7.30pm performance only.

BOOKTRUST STORYTIME AND RHYMES WITH FATHER CHRISTMAS WEDNESDAY 15 DECEMBER - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN THURSDAY 16 DECEMBER EALING ROAD LIBRARY 11 – 11.30AM

Welcome Father Christmas to a festive session of story and rhymes.

Ho ho ho!

16 DECEMBER 11-11:30AM, UNDER 5S BOOKSTART STORY AND RHYME TIME, EALING ROAD LIBRARY CORONET PARADE EALING RD, WEMBLEY HA0 4BA Join Brent Library staff for our regular story and rhyme time for under 5s.

FESTIVE STORY HUNT FUN ONLINE. TUESDAY 21 DECEMBER, 10 – 10.30AM

Join storyteller John Kirk for a festive Story Hunt. Let your excitement and imagination run wild as you join a virtual storytelling experience guaranteed to get you in the mood for Yuletide celebrations

with Father Christmas. Jam-packed with interactive scavenger hunting fun these sessions are suitable for families with story hunters age 3+.

BOOK UP TO 2 TICKETS PER BOOKING AT THIS SPECIAL DISCOUNTED PRICE GO TO ROYALALBERTHALL.COM AND BOOK USING OFFER CODE RPOBRENT25. ALTERNATIVELY, CALL 020 7589 8212.

COFFEE MORNING: WILLESDEN IN HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS KILBURN LIBRARY WEDNESDAY 2 FEBRUARY 2022, 11AM – 12NOON

‘The most charming and secluded village in the neighbourhood of the metropolis’.

Join Irina Porter, London Blue Badge Tourist Guide, to explore the rich legacy of the snapshot of life as it was in the 19th century, preserved in photographs of the streets of London, many almost as soon as they had been built!

PORTRAIT MAKING WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS THURSDAY 13 JANUARY, 6-8PM - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN THURSDAY 3 FEBRUARY, 6-8PM - LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN

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ARTS & CULTURE

What’s On COMMUNITY EVENTS

Now until – 4 January 2022, WINTERFEST, WEMBLEY PARK SPARKLY WINTERFEST CHRISTMAS TREE

Wembley Park’s free winter lights trail, Winterfest, is back for 2021.

Celebrating togetherness, this year’s Christmas lights theme will be ‘Reunited in Light’, and will feature returning favourites as well as brand-new commissions and new art installations.

Register for free: https://wembleypark. com/whats-on/ winterfest-switchon-2021/ reena.rayhaman@ ashfordplace.org.uk

WEMBLEY CHRISTMAS MARKET 11 & 12 December 12- 6pm Wembley Christmas Market will include a Santa’s Grotto giveaway as well as gift bags provided

by Conway’s Contractors

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7 December 11am - 12pm, DEMENTIA CAFÉS BRENT, Ashford Place D Caf, online Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia

www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email: reena. rayhaman@ashfordplace. org.uk 13 December 11am-12pm GETTING BACK INTO WORK WITH SHAW TRUST Information Sessions, Wembley Library 32 Engineers Way Wembley Park London HA9 0FJ Join us for an information session to find out how we can help get you back into work.

Sign up here: www.

eventbrite.co.uk/e/ getting-back-intowork-with-shaw-trustinformation-sessionstickets-169353979311

your guide to what’s on in Brent during Winter 2021

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 27 January, 7pm-8pm Online At 8pm, households across the UK will be lighting candles and safely putting them in their windows to remember those who were murdered for who they were. Stand against prejudice and hatred today.

Light a candle and put it in your window at 8pm on 27 January 2022 (if you are able to do so safely).

#HolocaustMemorialDay #LightTheDarkness Register to watch the ceremony online https://hmdt.geteventaccess.com/public/ events/05e9d88e-021b-42dc-97dcf2bdc65a6d8b/guests/create

14 December 2pm 3.30pm, DEMENTIA CAFÉS BRENT, ASHFORD PLACE Community Centre, 60 Ashford Road, NW2 6TU Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia

www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email reena. rayhaman@ashfordplace. org.uk 21 December 11am-12pm, DEMENTIA FRIENDS TUESDAY CONVERSATION, Online session Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia

www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email Kamlesh.

Patel@ashfordplace.org. uk

21 December 2pm 3.30pm, Ashford Place D CAF, DEMENTIA CAFÉ’S BRENT Ashford Place Community Centre, 60 Ashford Road, NW2 6TU Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia

www.cad-brent.org.uk/ Contact email reena. rayhaman@ashfordplace. org.uk 8 DECEMBER, 10AM-12PM, PLACE OF WELCOME Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre 6 Hillside, London

The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a space to interact with one another enjoy games and have

ARTS & CULTURE

engaging conversations.

Contact: enquiries@ brenthub.co.uk 15 December, 10am-12pm Place of Welcome, Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre 6 Hillside, London.

The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a place to interact with one another enjoy games and have engaging conversations.

Contact email enquiries@ brenthub.co.uk 22 December – 30 March 2022 at the following times: 10am-12pm Place of Welcome, Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre, 6 Hillside, London

The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a space to interact with one another enjoy games and have engaging conversations.

Willesden Centre for Health and Care, Robson Avenue, London, NW10 3RY Wednesday 19 January, Chalkhill Primary Care centre at 10am-4pm 113 Chalkhill Road, Wembley HA9 9FX

FOSTERING

6 January, 5:15pm – 7pm, Discover Fostering with Brent Council An evening dedicated to finding out about fostering and looking after vulnerable local children

https://www.brent. gov.uk/services-forresidents/childrenand-family-support/ fostering/

3 February, 5:15pm – 7pm, Discover Fostering with Brent Council An evening dedicated to finding out about fostering and looking after vulnerable local children.

https://www.brent. gov.uk/services-forresidents/childrenand-family-support/ fostering/

SPORTS AND FITNESS

7 December – 31 March 2022, 7pm-10pm, BRENT DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB, Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centres Brent Dolphins Swimming Club aims to promote the teaching and coaching of all aspects of swimming, including teacher training and lifesaving for those aged 5 and over

8 December – 31 March 2022 6:30-7:30pm OUR PARK SESSIONS Pilates in Barham Park

Sign up here: https:// ourparks.org.uk/ GET FIT FOR FREE IN OUR PARKS. 8 December - 31 March 2022 6:30-7:30pm

Get fit for free with Our Parks Bootcamp at Roundwood Park, Roundwood Park Harlesden Road, London NW10.

Register here:

https://ourparks.org.uk/ 8 December - 31 March 6:45pm- 7:45pm Bootcamp in One Tree Hill Rec Ground, Norton Rd, London HA0 4QR Sign up here: https:// ourparks.org.uk/

Website http://www. brentdolphins.org.uk Contact email info@ brentdolphins.org.uk

Contact: enquiries@ brenthub.co.uk

DROP-IN COMMUNITY DIABETES EVENT – PLUS MINI HEALTH CHECKS Friday 7 January, Central mosque, Willesden at 10am-4pm Station Parade, London NW2 4PU Saturday 15 January, Willesden Centre for health at 10am-4pm

THE WELSH HARP 5 February, 11am-1pm,

History Connects with Nature, Welsh Harp Reservoir Open Space, Birchen Grove. Walking tour along the Welsh Harp Reservoir

https://brent-heritage.co.uk/ Contact email: irinaporter@outlook.com YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2021

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CONTACTS

FOR THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION

ACCESS SERVICES ONLINE

www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus

Pay for council tax online www.brent.gov.uk/counciltax

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Call 999 for the police, fire brigade or ambulance services.

Call 101 to report a crime that is not an emergency.

Call 111 if you have a medical problem that is not an emergency.

OTHER LOCAL SERVICES Find your local GP using the NHS search tool www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/ LocationSearch/4 If you want to help someone sleeping rough, go to www.streetlink.org.uk If you are worried about domestic abuse, call Advance Brent on 07398 454898 Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm or email brent.admin@advancecharity.org.uk If you are concerned about a child, call Brent Family Front Door on 020 8937 4300

Make a claim for housing benefit www.brent.gov.uk/housingbenefit Apply for a parking permit www.brent.gov.uk/parking

SUPPORT AVAILABLE Community grants and funding www.brent.gov.uk/funding Financial support www.brent.gov.uk/ coronavirusfinancialsupport

COUNCIL MEETINGS December 2021 7 Audit and Standards Advisory Committee 9 Schools Forum 15 Planning Committee

January 2022 13 17 17 18 20 24 26 31

Brent Health and Wellbeing Board General Purposes Sub-Committee Cabinet Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee Schools Forum Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee Planning Committee Audit and Standards Advisory Committee

February 2022

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR BIN COLLECTIONS Christmas and New Year bin collections: No changes to timetable.

All bin collections will operate as normal.

Collections due on Friday 24 and Monday 27 December, will take place as scheduled, and continue as normal thereafter.

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7 9 10 17 21 22 23 24

Cabinet Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) Schools Forum Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee Planning Committee Full Council (Budget & Council Tax Setting)

For more council meetings and the latest information go to https://democracy.brent.gov.uk/mgCalendarMonthView

LOCAL ELECTIONS 2022

REGISTER TO VOTE

DEADLINE: THURSDAY 14 APRIL

Local elections in Brent are taking place on Thursday 5 May 2022. This is your chance to decide the future of your borough.

ARE YOU REGISTERED TO VOTE? The deadline to register to vote is Thursday 14 April 2022 You can also register to vote by post here: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote You will need your National Insurance Number and must also be a British, Irish, qualifying Commonwealth or European Union citizen.

REMEMBER You are not automatically registered to vote.

Even if you have registered for council tax or other council services, you will still need to fill out a separate registration to vote.

For more information, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/elections

Grab a jab to protect yourself and your loved ones It’s been a year since the first person received their COVID-19 vaccine in the UK. Since then, over 51 million people have had theirs.

46million people have had their second dose and 17million people their third ‘booster’dose.

More than It is 200,000 Brent safe, quick residents are double and easy to get vaccinated against jabbed however, thousands are still making their mind COVID 19 and its variants. up. If that’s you, it’s not too late to protect yourself and loved You don't ones. need to be registered with a GP, or bring ID or have an NHS number to get your jab.

Look out for special pop-up vaccine sites at supermarkets, mosques and libraries, or catch our vaccine bus. Just walk in.

There are also a host of health centres and pharmacies across Brent where you can book a FREE vaccination. Find out more: www.brent.gov.uk/vaccine or scan the QR code.