Camden magazine June 2018

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | June 2018 | camden.gov.uk

Meet the Mayor Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells is the new Mayor of Camden @CamdenCouncil

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St George the Martyr C of E Primary pupils Patrick, Zachary and Ely take part in a vet workshop run by the Royal Veterinary College as part of our Primary Careers Conference, see page 15. Photo by Nadine Brandt

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camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk

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

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

Cover image: Kareen Cox

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Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 6 June 2018

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

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Camden this month Camden School for Girls sixth formers Nour (left) and Renee in their new common room.

Councillor Pat Callaghan opened the refurbished Kingsgate Centre last month.

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Bookings have opened for our Summer University Programme courses.

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Applications are open for Camden in Bloom 2018.

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Find out how you can set up a Play Street in your neighbourhood.

Welcome

Features

Introduction to the June edition 5

New homes for Agar Grove STEAM in Camden Primary Careers Conference Camden Adult Pathway Awards Your Cabinet Members Mayor of Camden Royal Free Hospital School Play Streets Clean Air Day Camden Can Innovation Fund Waste and recycling information Young gymnasts’ success My Camden – Songhaven

Cover story Meet the Mayor 20

News Camden Town Hall update Preventing Female Genital Mutilation Summer University Camden School for Girls Alcohol awareness campaign Apply for Camden in Bloom Youth Safety Taskforce Kingsgate Centre reopens Better births: midwifery Summer in Somers Town

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Listings Free and low-cost events

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

If you are a European citizen concerned about Brexit, you can get useful information and support on our website below.

Read about your democratic rights, access speedy document checks for citizenship, and view other guidance about Brexit.

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

camden.gov.uk/europe 4

24,000 residents born in an EU state

36,000 EU workers in Camden

Welcome

to the June edition of Camden magazine

As you’ll have noticed on the front cover of this issue of Camden magazine, the borough has an official new ‘first citizen’ in the form of Kentish Town ward councillor, Jenny Headlam-Wells.

Jenny was officially sworn-in as Mayor of Camden for 2018/19 at the Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday 23 May. At the meeting we celebrated the work of outgoing Mayor Richard Cotton, who has brought to the role his joy and passion, raising over £45,000 to support homelessness charity C4WS. You can read more about the new Mayor, as well as reflections on an exhilarating year from the outgoing Mayor, by turning to page 20. I wish my friend and ward colleague Jenny well in the coming year as she supports the work of the Camden Music Trust to make sure every child in Camden gets to play an instrument, and thank Richard for his dedication to Camden during his year in office.

I feel privileged to have been reelected as Leader of Camden Council for a further four years at the same meeting, and I also appointed Camden’s nine Cabinet Members, who each have special areas of responsibility within wider council services.

Over the last six months we held the biggest ever public conversation with Camden residents about the future of our borough and we are ready to get on with making your ideas a reality. You can read more about the Cabinet Members and their key areas by turning to pages 18 and 19.

We know that in every street and estate in Camden, people are working to make their community a better place. Camden is full of ideas, creativity and energy. You’ve told us you want to protect Camden’s spirit, diversity and public services. I believe that together we can make Camden a cleaner, greener and safer borough, where everyone has a secure place to stay and no person is left behind.

We face big challenges but Camden has met challenges before and we want to work side by side with you to do it again.

Over the last few months one challenge which people of all ages have been deeply concerned about is the safety of our young people, as we have seen knife crime increase.

Last December we launched a council-led Youth Safety Taskforce.

The taskforce, supported by the police and other local partners, has been meeting and working with parents and carers, young people, voluntary youth services, schools, other support services and local politicians.

It has been examining patterns of youth violence, finding out how it feels to be a young person growing up in Camden, and hearing from victims and their families. A report of the taskforce findings will be published next month, and a fund set up to act on its recommendations.

For more information, turn to page 11.

We want every young person in Camden to have access to the very best the borough has to offer and we are proud to be working with some of Camden’s world-leading cultural organisations to offer a summer packed full of opportunities for young

people to learn, progress and explore through the Camden Summer University programme.

Turn to page nine for further details.

Last month, we marked the reopening of the Kingsgate Centre in Kilburn, which has new facilities, co-designed with residents, for older people and those living with dementia who use our day services.

Find out more on page 10.

This month we’re taking part in activities to mark Clean Air Day on Thursday 21 June. During conversations to develop Camden 2025 you told us this is an area that we all need to work together to tackle, so we are calling on everyone to lend us your support to make a real difference. You can read more about our Clean Air for Camden pledge and find out how to get involved on page 23.

We’ll be officially launching Camden 2025 in the coming weeks, so why not follow our Twitter account or give us a ‘like’ on Facebook to keep up-to-date with all the latest council news and events?

As citizens of Camden, I believe we all have a part to play in building a future for Camden which celebrates every part of our community. We will certainly face our fair share of challenges in the face of continuing austerity, but we have far more energy, positivity and community spirit. We are committed to working with you on what matters most to you and your families.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

News

Camden Town Hall update Preparations for the town hall refurbishment have begun.

Plans to refurbish Camden’s 80-year-old town hall are progressing well.

The town hall will temporarily close in August, and all of the council services currently based there will be relocated while construction takes place.

Registrars’ services will relocate to the Crowndale Centre near Mornington Crescent while the town hall is closed. The Council Chamber and Committee Rooms will also move to the Crowndale Centre.

Construction work to prepare the Crowndale Centre has begun, and will be completed by August.

Find out more

We are also renovating a space for wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships at Tavistock House in Bloomsbury. The two new ceremony suites will be in use from August 2018. You can make a booking for the suites now.

Our planning application will be submitted in October 2018. In the meantime, we are working to make everyone aware of the plans and the alternative arrangements in place to access services before and during the refurbishment.

The town hall refurbishment is planned for completion by autumn 2021.

camden.gov.uk/townhall

Help us stop female genital mutilation We are supporting the NSPCC’s summer campaign to highlight the risk to girls and women of female genital mutilation (FGM).

In the UK, an estimated 137,000 girls and women are living with the consequences of FGM and about 60,000 girls under the age of 15 are at risk of FGM. FGM is a form of violent abuse against girls and women. It is illegal in the UK and leaders of all the main faith groups have spoken out against it. Doctors, nurses, midwives and teachers are now legally required to report known cases of FGM on girls under the age of 18 to the police.

The NSPCC’s summer campaign highlights the risk of female genital mutilation

Find out more 6

cscb-new.co.uk

If you suspect that a child or young person is at risk of FGM, please phone our children and families contact service on the numbers below. If you think a child is in immediate danger, phone the police on 999.

If you work with children and families living in Camden, you can access free safeguarding training on the website below.

020 7974 3317 or out of hours 020 7974 4444

News Camden School for Girls opens new building extension Staff, students, parents and supporters of Camden School for Girls have celebrated the opening of their new building extension.

The extension and improvements, funded by £2.8 million from the council’s Community Investment Programme, with the help of an amazing £105,000 raised by parents and supporters of the school, include:

Publisher and Member of the House of Lords, Baroness Gail Rebuck, whose two daughters attended Camden School for Girls, cut the ribbon to officially open the new extension and facilities at the beginning of last month.

• Redesign of the school’s main entrance • Extended main hall • Much-improved sixth form study area, common room and new classroom • New staff areas • Essential repairs and other improvements.

Headteacher, Elizabeth Kitcatt, said: “The design of the new buildings is absolutely beautiful and we are thrilled to be enjoying them. It is a real pleasure to see staff, students and visitors smiling as they come in and look around them.”

Find out more

camdengirls.camden.sch.uk

Baroness Rebuck (left) with headteacher Elizabeth Kitcatt

Sixth formers Nour and Renee, who helped lead guided tours during the opening, were both very happy with their new common room area, which they said was “so much better”.

Other guests at the event included Councillor Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life and a governor of the school, and Jon Abbey, Managing Director of Camden Learning.

cip.camden.gov.uk

Summer of learning and fun Young people who enrol with Camden Summer University can choose from more than 70 free courses.

Sign up this month if you’re aged 13 to 19 and either live in Camden, go to a local state school or attend a council-run youth centre.

This summer’s programme, which runs from 26 July to 24 August, means you can stay safe, have fun, learn something new, make new friends and boost your CV for work, an apprenticeship or university.

Courses include film-making and animation, painting and Find out more

pottery, photography, journalism and fashion, drama, music, baking, trampolining and football, motorcycle mechanics and offroad riding.

Camden Youth MP Athian Akec, 15, said: “Taking part in excellent opportunities, such as Camden Summer University, is the key to gaining other skills and knowledge you might not get in school.”

Popular courses fill up fast, so don’t miss out. View courses on

camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity

Life drawing and painting at Central Saint Martins

the website below from 4 June and book your places from 18 June.

Camden Summer University is run by our youth service, with support from local venues and organisations.

020 7619 3903 7

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News

Apply for Camden in Bloom 2018 We’re calling on residents and businesses to take part in our annual green spaces competition.

If you’ve recently taken a stroll around your neighborhood, you’ll have noticed that Camden’s gardens and parks are blooming, thanks to the wonderful weather we’ve had so far this spring.

We are looking forward to seeing your gardens, balconies, hanging baskets and communal green spaces. And the good news is that entries have opened for Camden in Bloom 2018.

Find out more

We’ve made some changes to this year’s competition to make it accessible for all, even if you don’t have your own garden.

Remember, every bit of greenery in the borough has a role to play in making Camden a better place to live, so please think about applying today.

Applications will close on Sunday 29 July, with the winners chosen later in the summer. You can find out more about the different categories, and how you can apply, on our website.

camden.gov.uk/camdeninbloom

Glass half full Summer is here and many of us will enjoy a glass of something alcoholic to chill out, have fun or just pass the time.

But how much we drink can easily increase without us really thinking about it. We can start drinking more for lots of reasons.

Maybe work has become more stressful, you have more spare time after retiring, perhaps your children have moved out, or life is just generally feeling difficult.

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Some Camden residents tell us “having a few beers just releases the pressure” – but it’s good to take a minute to think, as drinking less has many benefits.

Why not try swapping your next drink for a non-alcoholic alternative? Even cutting back by small amounts can give you more energy to play with your grandchildren, help you lose weight, give you confidence to do more of the things you enjoy or a clear head to get that project done at work.

oneyoucamden.org

Glass half full – a positive way to rethink your drink

If you’ve started drinking more and would like some ideas and support to cut down on alcohol, please visit the website below.

News

Youth Safety Fund to help implement taskforce findings A new Youth Safety Fund is due to be created to act on the findings of our council-led taskforce, which has been looking at ways to reduce youth violence.

the police and other local partners, will hold its final meeting this month before publishing a report in July.

The fatal stabbings of two young men in Camden on 20 February was a sobering reminder of the importance of tackling this issue.

The taskforce will base its recommendations on evidence gathered during these meetings, which included a Safeguarding Adolescents Conference in March attended by about 200 professionals from across the children’s workforce, as well as views submitted in writing.

Our Youth Safety Taskforce, launched last December, has been looking for new ways to address this London-wide issue locally. The taskforce, which is supported by

It has been meeting and working with parents and carers, young people, voluntary youth services, schools, other support services and local politicians.

Holborn and St Pancras MP, Keir Starmer (left) speaks at the Safeguarding Adolescents Conference. He is joined on the top table by young Camden residents, Rosa and Saba

The taskforce has been: • Examining patterns of youth offending and violence in Camden and across London, using the latest data and research • Seeing what we can learn from initiatives in other cities – for example, work to combat youth gangs and violence in Glasgow • Finding out how it feels to be a young person in Camden and hearing from victims of youth violence and their families.

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion, and Holborn and St Pancras MP Keir Starmer are cochairs of the Camden Youth Safety Taskforce.

Cllr Hai said: “Over the last few months, the Youth Safety Taskforce has reached out to a wide range of residents, partners and organisations to hear their views and ideas on how we keep our young people safe.

“Their willingness to support this work has been an inspiration to us all. It has ranged from them taking part in a silent march against violence, to attending numerous meetings against knife and youth crime, as well as coming together and sharing their sometimes painful experiences to help us find solutions.”

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/youthsafetytaskforce 9

News

A new chapter for Kingsgate

Councillor Pat Callaghan in the revamped garden with designers Kristina Parry and Anne North

Last month, we held an event to mark the official reopening of the Kingsgate Centre in Kilburn.

Staff and residents were joined by families and carers, community organisations, local councillors and council staff to witness the previous Mayor of Camden, Councillor Richard Cotton, officially declare Kingsgate open.

Kingsgate, the new home for day services in Camden for older people and those living with dementia, welcomed back those who had previously used services at Kingsgate, Raglan House, Netherwood Day Centre and Charlie Ratchford in March.

Residents played a key role in co-designing the new Kingsgate Centre, working with council officers and Atkins Global, a design company who specialise in dementia friendly buildings.

The centre now boasts a therapy and hairdressing room, a state of the art sensory room, library, an indoor sports table area, an art room and much more, all colour coded to support those living with dementia.

Find out more 10

Camden Council Leader, Councillor Georgia Gould, and Tulip Siddiq MP attended the event, with Councillor Pat Callaghan, Cabinet Member for Tackling Health Inequality and Promoting Independence, acting as the event’s official host.

Councillor Callaghan said: “It was great to officially mark the reopening of Kingsgate, which is such a wonderful example of us working together to co-design services in Camden to meet the needs of the people who will use it.

“Kingsgate has been part of this community for the last 40 years, and will continue to be a part of it for many more. It is so lovely to see so many of our friends and neighbours here today, and we look forward to working with you all, to bring together residents of all ages, and build on the great sense of community we have in Camden.”

Last October we launched ‘Supporting people, connecting communities’, our plan that sets out the future for adult social care in Camden. You can read it on our website.

Kingsgate regulars enjoy playing dominoes in the new games area

camden.gov.uk/ascplan

flickr.com/camdencouncil

News

Praise for community midwives service Pregnant women and new mums are enjoying more local personal care and support through a newlyexpanded community midwives service.

The Better Births scheme is the result of a national review of NHS maternity services, which led to proposals to give women greater control and more choices by setting up smaller teams of four to six midwives based in the community.

This means women and families can access care close to home from their midwife and from a range of other services, particularly for antenatal and postnatal care.

The Better Births scheme means parents can choose to access midwifery services during pregnancy and after giving birth through their local children’s centre, rather than a large hospital.

As well as midwifery, Harmood Children’s Centre offers a wide range of services for pregnant women and families with children aged five and under as part of the Camden Sure Start service.

Andreia Vieira, from Chalk Farm, (pictured, left) used the midwifery hub through Harmood when she had her fourth child Louisa, now aged one. The greater flexibility, continuity and support also allowed The midwifery hub has been running her to have a home birth. at Harmood Children’s Centre, in Kentish Town, for some time Andreia said: “They provide through a partnership between the reassurance, continuity, stability and council’s early years service and the a friendly face with excellent care. It Royal Free Hospital. Now University was fantastic having a midwife who College London Hospital NHS really knew me and I didn’t have to Foundation Trust has joined to offer keep telling the whole story over the same service to local women and over to someone else.� who choose to give birth at UCLH. As well as using the community This offers the potential for better midwifery service at Harmood, continuity of care as well as Andreia has also used the improved team working and job breastfeeding support service at satisfaction for midwives who get to the children’s centre as well as stay know the parents they are working and play drop-ins for her youngest with more closely. two children.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart facebook.com/camdenchildrenscentres

Camden talking

Community comments on social media.

Lovely lentil daal ready to warm us up at Saturday cafe tomorrow.

Come and join us from 11am!

Did you see us in @CamdenCouncil magazine?

Abbey Community via Twitter

Children in Y4 at Rhyl taking part in ‘Circle Time To Shine!’ Children write positive words about a chosen child for them to take home to share with their family. We will be doing this every day this week! #mentalhealthawarenessweek Rhyl Primary via Twitter

Are you coming to Healthy Cooking Sessions? Every Wednesday from 4 at Kentish Town City Farm! #kids #afterschool #activities #summer Queen’s Crescent Community Association via Twitter

Are you taking on a marathon, cycle ride or swim this year? đ&#x;Ž˝ Why not fundraise for your community at the same time! Email: victoria. buckle@northlondoncares.org.uk North London Cares via Twitter

Wow. Another stonking #MayDay event with our triffic #community & beyond coming out in force in the #sun 2 raise money, make memories & share smiles. We’re exhausted, but buzzing with.

Unswerving thnks to all involved; you rock our world KentishTownCityFarm via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden @CamdenCouncil 11

Feature

Summer in Somers Town Home to a rich cultural history and a diverse community, locally led organisations such as Scene & Heard offer exciting opportunities to residents in Somers Town.

As the weather warms up and the evenings are lighter for longer, we know that more of you are out, about and spending time together.

In Somers Town, community groups offer spaces where local people can get creative, get active and nurture the neighbourhood spirit that’s key to the area’s vibrant identity.

Scene & Heard provides oneto-one mentoring to help local children write their own plays.

Young people are then able to see their visions come to life as professional actors take to the stage to perform their work.

These performances provide opportunities for local young people to experience success in the arts, changing attitudes to education and helping to boost aspirations. In addition, the programme improves literacy, builds social skills and creates a sense of involvement with the wider Somers Town community.

Roz Paul, the artistic director of Scene & Heard, said: “Young people experience lots of change in their young lives: moving to secondary school, moving house, dealing with the upheaval of Find out more 12

cip.camden.gov.uk

Scene & Heard’s professional actors perform young peoples’ plays

building works and developments in Somers Town. Scene & Heard is a constant in their lives, offering a safe, secure and familiar environment, where they can have fun, learn and grow.”

Performances from Scene & Heard are free of charge and open to residents from across Somers Town.

It is important that groups like Scene & Heard can continue to thrive in Camden, helping to support the community spirit that’s hugely important to residents from a variety of backgrounds.

Community Investment Programme Somers Town is one of the areas receiving significant funding through the Community Investment Programme. sceneandheard.org

A key objective of the programme is to retain the unique identity of each local area, preserving diversity and ensuring Camden remains a place for everyone.

Investment in the area includes a new community play facility at Plot 10, new public spaces and 44 new council homes for local people.

In addition to housing and open spaces, Edith Neville Primary School will receive a new school building through the Community Investment Programme. Edith Neville is one of the local schools with links into Scene & Heard. The new building is currently under construction and will include modern facilities to help empower pupils to do well at school and equip them with skills to access new opportunities offered by the modernising face of the borough.

Feature

493 new homes for Camden The first residents have moved into their new homes on Agar Grove, our largest regeneration project in the Community Investment Programme.

The project, which will deliver 493 homes when completed, includes brand new council homes and homes at genuinely affordable Camden Living Rents. Through the Community Investment Programme, there will be no loss in the number of council homes and all council tenants are guaranteed a new place on their estate.

Ms Martis, who has lived on Agar Grove for almost 25 years, was eager to see the new show flat.

She said: “I am very excited to move into a new build. The good thing is that we are staying in the same area that I have lived in for most of my life, and my children are happy here.”

At Agar Grove, the new homes replace some of our more lived-in housing stock and, like other projects paid for through the Community Investment Programme, they are more spacious and energy efficient than the ones they replace. The estate rejuvenation also helps to fund better homes refurbishment across remaining housing stock, ensuring all homes benefit from the Community Investment Programme.

Find out more

In addition, the regeneration of Agar Grove is able to fund much needed improvements to the areas around the estate, including new gardens and outdoor play areas. The completed Agar Grove project will also include a network of new streets and squares designed to nurture neighbourly attitudes on the estate.

Ms Martis added: “The extra outside space is fantastic. We don’t have any outside space now and it will be very important for my elderly neighbours who can’t get out and about all the time. It is a great thing that Camden Council are doing because tenants will benefit.”

As well as open spaces for residents young and old, our investment into the area will help

to maintain Camden’s vibrant communities by, for example, helping our residents to stay in the borough they grew up in. Mixed developments of council housing, low cost rents and homes for sale are designed with input from local people. By working together, we hope to ensure that our new developments meet residents’ priorities, ensuring Camden remains a place for everyone.

The positive effects of investment into Camden’s communities are already being felt at Agar Grove.

Ms Martis is among the first round of residents who have now moved into their new homes, and like her, people are looking forward to the completion of the project and the future opportunities it holds for residents of Agar Grove and beyond.

Residents view the show flat at Agar Grove

cip.camden.gov.uk 13

Feature

Science, tech and arts opportunities for young people visit local schools and use their knowledge, expertise and experience to inspire pupils.

Young people will also become STEAM Leaders in their schools and colleges to spur on their classmates, and schools will be urged to have a STEAM representative on their governing bodies.

Brecknock pupils Alfie Blackman (left) and Hadil Elkafi take part in a balloon experiment on the STEAM stall at our recent Primary Careers Conference (see story opposite)

Our STEAM programme to help local children and young people to make the most of links with global organisations based here is getting into full swing.

We want to give local young people the best skills and opportunities so they can play a full part in the borough’s thriving creative, scientific and digital economy.

The council-led Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) Commission report was launched at Google UK’s offices in King’s Cross in June last year.

Since then, we’ve formed a STEAM Hub, which will be led Find out more 14

by four Camden schools and a further education college, for the benefit of a wider group of Camden schools.

From September, Torriano and Fitzjohn’s primary schools, UCL Academy, Regent High School and Westminster Kingsway College will work together, and with local businesses and institutions. They will then develop curriculum approaches and activities to promote a more connected curriculum around the creative, digital and science subjects. The hub will be overseen by our school improvement partner Camden Learning.

Meanwhile, we’re recruiting and training a network of volunteer STEAM Ambassadors from relevant businesses who can

camden.gov.uk/steamcommission

This summer, our STEAM programme will be working with Camden Summer University, the Young Camden Foundation charity, and leading fashion retailer Ted Baker, which has a headquarters in King’s Cross, to host a ‘Camden Challenge’. This will bring together young people and the voluntary, business and cultural sector in a joint activity based around fashion and creativity.

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council, said: “World-renowned institutions and companies here in Camden are helping to inspire and support our young people to aim high and forge exciting careers. Our STEAM programme’s ambition is to link businesses strongly with schools and further education colleges to help deliver the 21st century talent they need and, in so doing, to guarantee the best opportunities and futures for all our young people.”

Feature

Primary pupils urged to follow their career dreams Children as young as nine were urged to aim high and follow what they love doing at our latest Primary Careers Conference.

About 170 pupils from 21 primary schools, including 16 Camden schools, attended the event at The Place dance venue in Euston. They heard from high-profile speakers working in the tech industry, banking, museums and galleries, arts administration, journalism, filmmaking and sales.

The Year Five pupils also took part in workshops run by leading

organisations, such as the Francis Crick Institute, the Royal Veterinary College, the House of Illustration, The Place and the Institute of Materials and Mining.

Film director Teddy Nygh, who is co-founder of youth-led media organisation Fully Focused, said: “Find something you love and focus on it. Anything you believe, you can achieve with hard work.”

Clare Connor, Chief Executive of The Place, added: “Sometimes there is a view that academic learning is more important than physical and creative learning, through sport, dance and the arts.

But they are all important.”

Bavaani Nanthabalan, Executive Headteacher of Netley Primary School, who has spearheaded the event over the last four years, said: “The Primary Careers Conference inspires and excites children in Camden and from other London boroughs to think about their future.”

One of the day’s themes was learning and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths, which the council and local partners are promoting in schools and businesses through the Camden STEAM Commission (see opposite).

Ely (left) and Zachary both aged 10, from St George the Martyr C of E Primary, take part in a workshop on being a vet

Find out more

camdenprimarycareers.org

The Primary Careers Conference, held on 26 April, was funded by the council, with support from sponsors, including The Place and Knowledge Quarter, a consortium of knowledge-based organisations around King’s Cross, including the British Library, Central Saint Martins, the Francis Crick Institute and Google UK.

flickr.com/camdencouncil 15

Feature

Homeless residents’ achievements celebrated People living in Camden hostels were recognised for taking significant steps to rebuild their lives at the annual Camden Adult Pathway Awards (CAPA).

The awards celebrate the achievements of residents in hostels and supported housing for single homeless people.

Many have overcome enormous challenges in their lives, such as dealing with drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, physical ill health, rough sleeping, domestic violence or sexual abuse.

The Pathway forms a key part of our approach to preventing homelessness and tackling street homelessness. Its aim is to ensure that vulnerable single homeless people are actively supported to raise their aspirations, gain meaningful occupation and most importantly move on from homelessness to independent living.

dinner with music and poetry from some of the residents living in Camden’s hostels and supported housing.

A brighter future

Farahnaz Gholamhosseini, from Arlington, won the Overall Achievement Female Award.

Farahnaz is a budding artist known for her unique art work. She has

She now sees a much brighter future ahead and has plans to take a course in art and eventually teach art.

Two years ago, Farahnaz’s life was very different. “After my divorce, I returned back to the UK from Iran and worked as a nurse at University

The award winners were: Personal Growth Julio Andolini, Conway House Positive Change Client Z, Endell Street Taking Responsibility

The Adult Pathway provides 650 beds across 16 services for single homeless people with support needs. Around 200 people successfully move on from the Adult Pathway into their own independent accommodation every year.

Justin Long, Endell Street

The award ceremony, held at the Camden Centre on 19 April, was a great success. Around 200 homeless residents, their support workers and other staff enjoyed a night out, including a sit down

Overall Achievement Male

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created hundreds of different pieces, some displayed in the building or in her room.

Best Peer Mentor Client X, Camden Road Overall Achievement Female Farahnaz Gholamhosseini, Arlington Anthony Stewart, Camden Housing First Award for Female Excellence Winifred Cauley, 88 Arlington

Feature The Adult Pathway Awards ceremony included entertainment from people living in Camden’s hostels and supported housing

College London Hospital. I lived in shared accommodation, but didn’t feel secure and I couldn’t relax.

“In one year I lived in 11 different places. I was taken advantage of by landlords and people who I thought were friends. I found life so difficult, I was totally depressed and eventually lost my job.

“When I came to Arlington I nearly cried. I had my own room and space and for the first time I felt secure and happy.”

Farahnaz has received help with dealing with her depression, and has attended a range of free courses from writing and jewellery to money management.

Justin Long, from Endell Street, won the Taking Responsibility Award.

“Over the space of two years I lost my mum to cancer, my dad suffered a heart attack and my Find out more

partner died from a drug overdose.

“I became homeless and all I had in the world was my dog, Gunner.

He’s my best friend, and without him I don’t know what I would have done.”

Following such tremendous loss, Justin suffered from anxiety and lived on the streets for 18 months, surviving thanks to help from charities and good-hearted people.

Thanks to the help and support from St Mungo’s, he is now feeling and doing a lot better. And, three months after the award ceremony, Justin is still immensely proud of his achievement.

Client X, from Camden Road, won Best Peer Mentor, having fled domestic violence and left home with only £6.40 to her name. She said: “I slept rough for two nights – and it was the most terrifying experience.

camden.gov.uk/homelessness

“Because I was so young, people were very kind, and on some occasions I had enough to stay in a hotel away from the dangers on the street.”

She added: “My experience has definitely made me stronger, and I feel so blessed to have a roof over my head and I have gone from needing help to helping others.

Working with different charities, I’ve organised and promoted popup shops, so residents can get new clothes and feel good about themselves. I’ve also volunteered with the Salvation Army and cooked 100 dinners over the Christmas period.”

If you are threatened by homelessness, and need help, contact our homelessness prevention advisors on 020 7974 5801 or visit our website.

020 7974 5801 17

Feature

Your Cabinet Members Camden Council’s Cabinet is made up of the Leader of the Council along with nine other members appointed by the Leader at Camden’s Annual General Meeting.

Each Cabinet Member has an area of special responsibility within Council services. Following this year’s Council AGM, which took place on Wednesday 23 May, the Cabinet remains unchanged, so they can get started straight away on taking forward the ideas and challenges residents have shared with us over the last few months.

A full list of Cabinet responsibilities, both collectively and for individual Cabinet Members, is set out in detail in the council’s Constitution, which you can read on our website.

Broadly speaking, the Cabinet provides leadership at the top level of the council, driving key strategic priorities and making sure we deliver on the things

Councillor Meric Apak Cabinet Member for Better Homes “I will continue the good work we’ve already done with residents and all councillors in an open and transparent way. This includes fire safety improvements for all our homes, and the works on the Chalcots Estate as a top priority. In the meantime I am looking at how housing services in Camden can be improved generally.

“I aim to enhance the existing caretaking service and bring the external estate cleaning service back in house within the next 12 months. I am also in discussion with officers about what other services could be provided directly by the council. Above all, I’ll be doing all I can so that our 18

Cllr Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council (bottom, centre), with Cabinet Members: (top, from left) Cllr Meric Apak, Cllr Nadia Shah, Cllr Richard Olszewski; (middle) Cllr Adam Harrison, Cllr Jonathan Simpson, Cllr Abdul Hai, Cllr Danny Beales; (bottom) Cllr Pat Callaghan, Cllr Angela Mason

that you say matter most to you, your family and your communities.

You can read about Councillor Georgia Gould’s key areas of focus as Leader of the Council in her introduction on page five of this issue of Camden magazine. Please read on for a brief flavour of some of the things in the Labour manifesto that our Cabinet Members will be concentrating on in the coming weeks and months, and for which formal reports will be brought forward for considering.

residents have a decent place they can call home.”

Councillor Danny Beales Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities “Having spent time homeless and growing up in social housing, I am driven to ensure Camden delivers the next generation of new council homes through our Community Investment Programme. We’re also investing in schools, community facilities and building Camden Living Rent homes to help people who struggle to afford to rent privately. We have already delivered 268 council homes, and 65 Camden Living Rent homes, but will go even further.

“We will continue to work to provide much-needed homes, schools and community facilities.

We are also helping to deliver more job opportunities for Camden residents and to ensure HS2 delivers its promises to the local community.”

Councillor Pat Callaghan Cabinet Member for Tackling Health Inequality and Promoting Independence and Deputy Leader “I will be keeping a close eye on the progress of the Green Paper that will look at how Adult Social Care will be properly funded by central government in the future, to make sure people have access to the care they need.

“We will continue to work with our partners, local voluntary organisations, and of course residents, to bring to life our ‘Supporting people, connecting communities’ plan that we

Feature launched last year. We want to make it possible for people to stay independent and in their own home for longer, be a vital part of their local community and to live their best life.”

Councillor Abdul Hai Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion “As a former youth worker, I am proud of Camden’s tradition of supporting and investing in young people’s services. We are among the highest investors nationally in these services, as keeping young people safe is paramount. We recently set up the Youth Safety Taskforce to consider how we can prevent and reduce youth violence, including knife crime.

“My priority is to work with all our partners to implement the recommendations of the taskforce, to embed cohesion across all our work and to encourage community groups to celebrate and promote Camden’s rich diversity.”

A cleaner, greener Camden is possible!”

Councillor Angela Mason Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life “I am proud of our children’s services, which already have ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ Ofsted ratings, but there is always more we can do. I have recently taken responsibility for (the area of) tackling domestic violence and abuse. I will make sure we use our resources to challenge the causes of this abuse, and do more to empower survivors through training and employment. We have also recently developed an early help service for families that may need some extra support. In particular, we urgently need to get better at supporting vulnerable teenagers who are at real risk from violent crime. Our schools are good – many outstanding – but I will prioritise the campaign for fairer school funding that we urgently need.”

Councillor Adam Harrison

Councillor Richard Olszewski

Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment

Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation

“My priorities are cleaning up Camden’s air, increasing the amount we recycle, and preparing the borough’s transport network for the future. All of these things will mean that the council works more closely than ever with residents, public sector partners, and businesses.

“Watch out this year for information on how to get involved in our new Clean Air Action Plan, recycling champions scheme, and new Camden Transport Strategy.

Find out more

“Everyone in Camden can be proud of what we have achieved in the face of cuts imposed by central government. But we want to do even better. I will continue to work with councillors, residents, businesses, and community and voluntary groups to develop partnership working and new ideas as we implement Our Camden Plan – the council’s response to the Camden 2025 community vision. My aims are improving the coordination of

camden.gov.uk/cabinet

services, and greater use of new digital technology, to achieve better outcomes and value for money. And look out for a brand new council website designed with residents in mind.”

Councillor Nadia Shah Cabinet Member for Safer Communities “The safety and security of everyone who lives, works, or spends time in Camden is my number one concern and it’s vital that we do everything we can to protect it. My focus will be to work with the community to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, tackle prejudice and hatred in all its forms, and make sure that nobody in Camden is without a sustainable roof over their head.

I will also be working with the recently-announced Commission tasked with reinvigorating our high streets and markets.”

Councillor Jonathan Simpson Cabinet Member for Culture and Communities “Our communities are Camden’s greatest asset, and our borough is proud to host many of the country’s greatest cultural treasures. We will promote Camden as a place where everyone can play their part, ensuring access to cultural institutions, supporting our EU citizens and building on the council’s longstanding ties with the voluntary and community sector to deliver outcomes for all our citizens. We will also be improving access to our sports and leisure centres so that every Camden resident can keep active.”

camden.gov.uk/constitution

020 7974 4444 19

Feature

Your new mayor Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells was officially appointed as the new Mayor of Camden in a ceremony at the Town Hall on Wednesday 23 May.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Cornwall, where my grandparents were farmers. I have fond memories of being taught by the poet Charles Causley. But coming to London University in the 60s was magical. As an English graduate and trained secondary teacher, I first taught in London schools.

Moving north with my husband, I became a lecturer in further education colleges, and combined maternity leave with gaining an MA. I then worked as a university academic for over 30 years, in Hull, Lincoln, and Leeds.

How long have you been in Camden?

We returned to London 12 years ago and live in Kentish Town, near our children and grandchildren.

Tell us about your involvement in local government in Camden.

I became a Kentish Town Councillor in 2010, was re-elected in 2014 and am delighted to have been elected to serve a third term.

Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells, Mayor of Camden 2018/2019

20

Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells takes over from Councillor Richard Cotton as Camden’s Mayor

Feature I chaired the Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee for six years and have served on Planning and Licensing Committees, as a Camden school governor and as a trustee of the Kentish Town Community Centre. I’ve also served on the Council of Governors of Great Ormond Street Hospital, and currently represent Camden on the Local Government General Assembly.

What do you do in your spare time?

I’m fortunate to have my family living near me. I enjoy film, and am an enthusiastic member of the Kentish Town Sports Centre.

What would you like to achieve in your mayoral year?

I wish to widen access to arts and culture for the children and young people of Camden, through the medium of music. My chosen charity is the Camden Music Trust. Music-making should not be an elitist pursuit, but accessible to all.

Camden Music Trust helps fund: • Four-year scholarships for talented children facing barriers to accessing music • Inclusive music events, including the Camden Schools’ Music Festival at the Royal Albert Hall • Saturday music centres, holiday courses and over 35 music ensembles, including jazz groups, orchestras and choirs • Musical instruments for loan.

As the charity’s strapline says, ‘it’s more than music’. Music activities help children build confidence, discipline and patience, and to learn to get on with others. There will be a chance to hear many Camden musicians perform during my Mayoral year.

d r a h c i R e y b d Goo Outgoing Mayor, Councillor Richard Cotton, raised over £44,000 for his chosen charity, C4WS Homeless Project, during his mayoral year, with fundraisers including an evening with Alan Bennett.

Richard said: “I love this borough and it’s been a huge honour to be Mayor, a role that has been exhilarating and exhausting in equal measure. Camden is a community with roots in every corner of the globe, ‘We are all faiths and none; we are many, we are one’, and I have tried to reflect that. It has been a pleasure to celebrate different cultures, support the voluntary work that makes Camden so special, to encourage the young and to learn from the old. It has also given me the chance to highlight the issue of homelessness and do something practical by fundraising for C4WS Homeless Project.

An evening

with Alan Be

“Growing up, I had the impression of Mayors being fat old men in grey suits, but if anybody wanted that, they chose the wrong fat old man! I have tried to bring a bit of light and colour at least in the way I dress. I will miss the job, but I will have more time to spend with my lovely constituents in Camden Town with Primrose Hill, including a return to volunteering at Primrose Hill Community Library.

Jenny Headlam-Wells will take over as Mayor and I know that she will do a brilliant job.”

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Conserv

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Sum Enjoying Castlehaven

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21

Feature

Royal Free Hospital Children’s School praised by Deputy Mayor The work of the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School to improve the health and wellbeing of pupils has been praised by London’s Deputy Mayor.

Joanne McCartney, London’s Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare, saw first-hand the work the school has done to achieve the Mayor of London’s Healthy Schools London bronze and silver award status during her visit on 10 May. One of the approaches demonstrated was ‘thinking cards’, which the school has developed to help young people identify their positive and negative thought patterns.

Working together to explore these patterns encourages young people to talk about mental health and helps improve their emotional wellbeing.

of London’s schools to sign up to Healthy Schools London.”

Work to encourage and support Camden schools to achieve Healthy Schools status is supported borough-wide by Camden Learning’s Children and young people’s health and wellbeing team, who were present during the Deputy Mayor’s visit.

Alex Yates, Headteacher of the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School, said: “We’re delighted that the Deputy Mayor had the chance

to see how our pupils are building healthy lifestyles into their day-today lives. We’re seeing how this support is giving young people the tools to rise to the challenges that they face.”

The Royal Free Hospital Children’s School accommodates pupils who are inpatients or day patients at the hospital, or are patients within the Royal Free Intensive Eating Disorder Service. There are also a limited number of places on the GCSE day school programme.

Joanne McCartney said: “It’s vital that children learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle – so that healthy living becomes a habit, rather than a chore. The Royal Free Hospital Children’s School is doing just that – learning about the importance of a healthy diet and ensuring all pupils understand the importance of good mental health and wellbeing.

“The staff and students at the Royal Free Hospital Children’s School should be proud of their success. I hope this inspires more Find out more 22

Children’s Hospital School student Drew (left) with pet therapy dog Mistral and Joanne McCartney, London’s Deputy Mayor for Education and Childcare

royalfree.camden.sch.uk

healthyschools.london.gov.uk

Feature

Encouraging outdoor play Playing outdoors is an important part of a child’s development and wellbeing. That’s why we’re pleased to have launched two new Play Streets in Camden.

from the council to organise the closure of the road to traffic. While the street will be closed to traffic, people living there are still able to drive to and from their homes at a slow pace.

A Play Street is closed off to traffic for a few hours on a regular basis, allowing children to play outside safely, and neighbours to meet up.

Play Streets are organised and run by local residents, with help Find out more

We now have a total of nine Play Streets in Camden, thanks to the opening of two more at Dartmouth Park Avenue and Charlton King’s Road.

Make your street a Play Street If you are interested in setting up a Play Street you will need to talk

camden.gov.uk/playstreets

Find out more

Why not open a Play Street in your neighbourhood?

playstreets@camden.gov.uk

Sign our pledge to improve air quality in Camden as part of national Clean Air Day on Thursday 21 June.

We’re calling on everyone to get involved to help tackle air pollution. This is a key challenge that you told us we all need to take action on together during conversations to develop Camden 2025, the new community vision for the borough.

to your neighbours and get their agreement, decide on the day and times you want it to happen and submit an application to us.

You can find more details on our website.

020 7974 5537

Let us know what you will do by signing the pledge on our website, below.

You can also tell us what you’re doing on Clean Air Day by tweeting Simple actions you can take include: us using #CleanAirCamden.

• Walk and cycle instead of driving • Don’t engine idle – it increases the amount of toxic air we breathe • Set up a Play Street on your road (see above) • Encourage your local school to develop a pollution-busting School Travel Plan.

camden.gov.uk/airquality

We’re continuing to take steps to tackle air pollution. We recently introduced fines for engine idling, and this month started work with our communities, schools and businesses on a new community-led Clean Air Action Plan that will aim to cut pollution in Camden to World Health Organisation guidelines.

@CamdenCouncil 23

Feature

Say hello to our Camden xxx Can innovators Last year we launched the Camden Can Innovation Fund, inviting local organisations and groups to bid for funding for new projects to help Camden residents improve their health by taking more exercise, and eating more healthily.

We had more than 40 applications. Here are five of the projects we are going to be funding.

Bringing fruit and veg to Chalton Street Market Somers Town Community Association will be working with students from Central Saint Martins College and their local community to create and launch the people’s fruit and veg stall.

This will operate as a cooperative to give local people access to affordable fresh food.

Sarah Elie, the association’s executive director, said: “Older people, in particular, will benefit.

As well as getting a walk they’ll be able to meet and chat to other people, take part in cooking and tasting sessions and be part of the community.”

Wonky fruit and veg for dinner

Somers Town Community Association is working with students from Central Saint Martins and residents on a market stall cooperative

24

An innovative social enterprise is coming to give residents access to fruit and veg boxes using surplus food – complete with

Feature

Representatives from the successful projects Somers Town Community Association, Onigo, DayOld Eats, WAC Arts and Central Saint Martins were welcomed at an event at 5 Pancras Square in May

recipes – to help people get easier access to cheap, healthy food as well as reducing waste.

Josephine Liang, director of DayOld Eats, said: “We will be starting with a pilot in one area with the hope of rolling the scheme out across Camden.

Many people would like to change their eating habits but they find it too expensive, or just don’t know where to start. Our project will help make healthy eating a reality.”

Bucking the trend: getting people gaming active Wac Arts, a charity that runs performing arts and media programmes for young people of all abilities aged five to 26, will be creating a new game to help young people with learning disabilities get more exercise.

Chas Mollet, inclusive technology officer, said: “The game will Find out more

combine physical activity with assistive technology hardware and software. Players will have to exercise to ‘level up’. We will be working with young people to co-create the game. All too often people think of gaming as the opposite of exercise, but our project aims to change their minds.”

New outdoor adventure games in Camden Onigo is creating a new lifestyle activity – digital active games.

These immersive experiences are delivered through smartphones in real city parks around the world.

In Camden, teams will take part in missions that will take them throughout the borough – think outdoor adventure games like Pokémon Go. The idea is to get users active, meeting new people and exploring

outdoors. Director, Arthur Stril, said: “With these digital adventures, hundreds of residents will be able to get out of doors and discover a social and fun way to get active.”

Sharing is the way to go Comoodle is a project that can make a real difference. It’s an online platform that organisations can use to share their resources for local activities so everything gets used more often and by more people.

Project manager, Mark White, said: “If a local group needs equipment, or a place to host their club or activity, they can search Comoodle to find what they need. It will help build connections between local people and organisations, making it possible for more activities to take place and saving groups money.”

camden.gov.uk/camdencaninnovationfund 25

Feature

Don’t forget to recycle your batteries Batteries are extremely useful, but they contain dangerous and toxic metals. These materials can harm the environment, as well as your health, so it’s important we store them carefully and recycle them properly.

You can drop off your used batteries at shops and supermarkets, or to make it even easier, we offer a free weekly collection of batteries as part of your household recycling collection service.

Just put your batteries out in a Camden-branded battery recycling bag, next to your recycling, on your normal collection day. You can order a battery recycling bag online or through our call centre.

Over

55%

of a battery can be reused. Steel, zinc, brass and other materials can be extracted at a special recycling facility.

What can be recycled?

• A ny household batteries including ‘button’ batteries from watches and scales.

• C ar batteries can be recycled at Regis Road Reuse and Recycling Centre.

What else can you do?

• U se rechargeable batteries wherever possible, or plug electrical equipment into mains electricity.

• T ry to buy appliances that use renewable energy, such as a wind-up radio or torch, dynamo bicycle lights or a solar-powered calculator.

Live on an estate?

Then leave your tied battery bag at your estate’s ‘bulky waste’ collection point. Visit our website or ask your caretaker for more information.

Batteries contain hazardous metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, zinc, manganese and lithium. These materials can be very damaging to the environment, so it’s important we collect them separately and recycle them properly.

We collect recycling weekly. You can find a full list of items you can and can’t recycle on our website.

26

Please avoid putting batteries in with your usual recycling, as they can cause problems at the recycling sorting centre.

Feature

Information tags to help you recycle more We’re trying to make sure we recycle 40% of Camden’s rubbish by 2020. Red tags are placed on your recycling if it contains items that it shouldn’t.

When non-recyclable items end up in recycling bins, this is known as contamination.

Contaminated recycling causes a big problem at the recycling centre. Even small amounts of contamination can lead to a whole lorry load of recycling being diverted into general waste. This is why our collection crews are instructed not to empty contaminated recycling bins.

You can find out more about the different bin tags we use on our website. Thanks for your efforts in helping us to recycle more.

do What s g the ta e? ik look l

We t to co ried llect

Your annual service leaflet

What happens if your bin is contaminated?

1. Our crews will attach a red tag to the bin.

2. The crew will leave the contaminated bin and will report it so our call centre know.

3. The bin will not be emptied and you will need to remove the contamination from your dry recycling bin in order for the bin to be collected on your next scheduled collection.

There are no changes to your collection days.

Look out for your recycling and rubbish guide arriving with you soon.

The guide will have the details of your collection days and helpful tips on recycling in Camden. Don’t forget you can check your collection days on our website.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

uk.occamden@veolia.com

020 3567 8105 27

Listings Family events Architecture Explorers (5 to 11) Design your own building.

Saturday 9 June, 10.30am to 12 noon, 1 to 3.30pm. First come first served Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre The British Library 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB bl.uk/events boxoffice@bl.uk 019 3754 6546 Family Day: Travel the World Sunday 17 June, 2 to 4pm Read stories and poems about discovery and exploration, create your own artistic journey.

Keats House, 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR cityoflondon.gov.uk/keats keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk 020 7332 3868 Family Takeover Creative and fun activities led by family artist.

Sundays, 2 to 4pm (until 24 June) Camden Arts Centre Arkwright Road NW3 6DG camdenartscentre.org info@camdenartscentre.org 020 7472 5500

Under 5s Little Feet: Animal Homes Find out where in the world animals call home.

Saturday 30 June, 11am to 4pm Samsung Centre Little Feet: Exhibition Explorer Explore and create inside the exhibition ‘Rodin and the art of ancient Greece’.

Thursday 5 July, 10.30am to 12noon Room 30 British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org tickets@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181 28

All activities are free unless otherwise specified The Creation Station (1 to 5s) Create a helmet like Astérix, make clay creatures and design your own sword.

Sunday 10 June, 10.15 to 11.15am, 11.30am to 12.30pm.

Booking essential Baby Jazz (0 to 5s) Singing and live jazz in a fun, friendly and playful atmosphere.

Book in advance Sunday 8 July, 10.15 to 11am (16 months to 5 years) 11.30 to 12.15pm (babies and pre-walkers) Jewish Museum London 129-131 Albert Street NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk 020 7284 7384

Children and young people Insect Taxidermy Learn to prepare and mount an insect in the style of a museum specimen.

Saturday 23 June, 2 to 5.30pm Drop in Saturday Studio (14 to 19s) Learn from experts in a range of creative fields and meet new people.

Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Road NW1 2BE wellcomecollection.org/ saturdaystudio info@wellcomecollection.org 020 7611 2222 Wonder Women (Age 7+) Explore the roles of women in ancient Greece.

Sunday 17 June, 11am to 12 noon, 1 to 2pm, 3 to 4pm. Sign up on the day Samsung Centre, British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org tickets@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181

Get active Women’s open level yoga class Every Monday, 10 to 11am Women’s gardening group Learn gardening skills and make new friends.

Every Tuesday, 10am to 12 noon West Hampstead Women’s Centre 26-30 Cotleigh Road NW6 2NP whwc.org.uk info@whwc.org.uk 020 7328 7389 Learn to run with Gospel Oak Striders For all beginners.

Every Wednesday, 6.30 to 7.30pm Meet outside Gospel Oak station Gordon House Road NW5 1LT groups.runtogether.co.uk Men’s keep fit class Every Thursday, 11am to 12 noon Cumberland Market, Regent’s Park Estate camden.gov.uk/active active@camden.gov.uk

Walks Kilburn Older Voices Exchange walks Wednesday 13 June, 1.30pm Seasonal walk in Hampstead Cemetery.

Meet at Hampstead Cemetery gates Fortune Green Road NW6 Wednesday 27 June, 1.30pm Kilburn Park area including a visit to St Augustine’s Church, ‘North London Cathedral’.

Meet at Kilburn High Road Station mel.wright@kove.org.uk Heath walk with Marylebone Birdwatching Society Friendly stroll to see what birds are around.

Every Tuesday, 10am to 12 noon Meet at Parliament Hill Staff Yard Highgate Road NW5 1QR

Listings birdsmbs.org.uk birdsmbs@yahoo.com 020 7722 2965

Green Gym Join in, feel good. Volunteer with the Camden Green Gym. Bee Survey Workshop and Habitat Management Camden Green Gym at Waterlow Park Tuesday 12 June, 10.45am to 2pm Plum tree pruning and bramble bashing Camden Green Gym at Holly Lodge Tuesday 19 June, 10.45am to 2pm Meet at Waterlow Park kitchen garden Nearest postcode: N19 5JF tcv.org.uk/camden gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 710 359 Summer solstice bring and share picnic Camden Green Gym at Regent’s Park Thursday 21 June, 10.45am to 2pm Meet at the Hub Café NW1 4RU tcv.org.uk/camden gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 421 881

Over 50s Seniors Saturday afternoon bingo sessions £2 for six games plus refreshments and raffle.

Saturday 12 May, 2 to 4pm Haverstock School Haverstock Hill NW3 2BQ 020 7586 2914 Film club (over 65s) Join your Camden neighbours for North London Cares’ film club in Bloomsbury.

Monday 25 June, 6 to 9pm Marchmont Community Centre

62 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB northlondoncares.org.uk roxanne.rustem@northlondoncares. org.uk 020 7118 3838 Silver Cycling in Regent’s Park New free cycling service for over 50s Adapted bikes available for everyone including beginners.

Bikes must be booked in advance Every Tuesday, 11am to 2pm westeustonpartnership.co.uk 020 7388 7932

Community events Summer Health and Wellbeing Festival Music, food, entertainment and information stalls. Run by Manor Gardens Welfare Trust.

Saturday 30 June, 12.30 to 4.30pm 6-9 Manor Gardens N7 6LA 020 7561 5287 Songhaven: dementia-friendly concert 40 minute concert in relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, followed by afternoon tea.

Saturday 30 June, 3.30pm Lumen Church and Café 88 Tavistock Place WC1H 9RS songhaven.co.uk songhaven@songhaven.co.uk 020 7278 1887 Camden and Islington Summer 2018 volunteering fair Meet organisations looking for volunteers.

Thursday 14 June, 12 noon to 2pm Clarence Hall, Bradfield Court Hawley Road NW1 8RN volunteercentrecamden.org.uk info@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990

Deafblind Awareness Day For anyone affected by sensory loss.

Speak to experts about concerns and support available.

Wednesday 27 June, 11am to 2pm The Pirate Castle, 33 Oval Road NW1 7EA deafblind.org.uk sue.sintonsmith@deafblind.org.uk 0794 083 6882

Exhibitions and performances Friday Late Spectacular: Handle with Care What does it mean to care, to be cared for, to be caring, to be a carer?

Book by 29 June Friday 6 July, 7 to 11pm Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Road NW1 2BE wellcomecollection.org info@wellcomecollection.org 020 7611 2222 Royal College of Physicians Museum Late Museum and exhibition open until 8pm. Architecture and building tour at 6pm.

Tickets on eventbrite.co.uk Thursday 7 June, 5 to 8pm Royal College of Physicians 11 St Andrews Place NW1 4LE history@rcplondon.ac.uk 020 3075 1510 Through the lens of John Thomson Historical travel photographs of 19th century Asia: China, Siam and Cambodia.

Until 23 June 2018 Brunei Gallery, SOAS Thornhaugh Street WC1H 0XG soas.ac.uk/gallery gallery@soas.ac.uk 020 7898 4046

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

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

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

29

Feature

Camden youngsters head to national finals Four young women from Camden Gymnastics Club competed as part of Team London at the Women’s Artistic NDP 2018 Finals late last month.

Afrinya Decardi-Nelson

Eight-year-old Afrinya DecardiNelson, Kathryn Withey, 10, Maja Szymkiewicz, 13, and Grace Hyams, 14, won four of the available spots to represent London at national level, following table-topping scores at the London regional qualifiers held at Heathrow Gymnastics Club on 25 March.

The young athletes performed excellent routines at the qualifiers to secure their place as part of Team London. They were set to compete against more than 80 other gymnasts from across the United Kingdom in the Women’s Artistic National Development Plan 2018 competition held at Fenton Manor Arena in Stoke on Trent on 26 and 27 May. Find out more 30

Kathryn Withey

The competition had not yet taken place at the time that this edition of Camden magazine went to print. You can catch up on the results from the competition, and where the London Team finished, by visiting the British Gymnastics website – details below.

Ahead of the competition, Head of Gymnastics for Camden Gymnastics Club, Alex Pakrah said: “The girls and their coaches have been working very hard towards this competition. I am so pleased with their progress, and it is a huge achievement to have four gymnasts from Camden Gymnastics Club make it into the London team. We wish them all the best of luck and we’re incredibly proud of everything

better.org.uk/talacre

british-gymnastics.org

Grace Hyams and Maja Szymkiewicz

they’ve achieved so far.”

Camden Gymnastics Club is based at Talacre Community Sports Centre, which is set for improvements later this year. The centre hosts the only purposebuilt gymnastics facility in inner London, with over 900 people taking part in gymnastics every week.

And that’s not all, as Talacre is also home to the council’s Sports Training and Education programme, a four-court sports hall, a seven-a-side floodlit AstroTurf pitch and the Treetops soft play area. With a fantastic weekly programme Talacre provides opportunities to be active across a variety of sports and activities.

My Camden Vivien Conacher is an opera singer and founder of Songhaven, a dementia-friendly concert series held at Lumen Church in Tavistock Place.

© Bobby Williams

Vivien Conacher (centre) from Songhaven, with Ben Woodward (left) and Matthew Palmer (right)

What’s your Camden connection?

I’m from Sydney, but came to London to study at the Royal College of Music. My first home here was Goodenough College, then I moved to Great Ormond Street where I have been for five years. My whole London life, I’ve been in Camden!

Tell us about your work or volunteering in Camden

and inclusive. We finish with an audience singalong and then afternoon tea.

We now have a large and devoted following, and I always look forward to catching up with our regulars.

Favourite place(s) in Camden and why?

I love the canal walk from King’s Cross to Camden Town. It must be the Sydney-sider in me, but I

I run Songhaven, a dementia-friendly concert series. Our events feature classically-trained professional performers, but the atmosphere is always friendly, relaxed,

like to be near the water.

I lead dementia-friendly singing workshops on the gorgeous Angel Boat every spring when the cygnets and ducklings are swimming around.

Best park or open space?

St George’s Gardens is a hidden gem, just behind Lumen. They have lovely events – I went on a guided walk about trees, and had my portrait painted by amazing local © Helen Kitley

artist Geoffrey Harrison in the Chapel of Peace for the Bloomsbury Festival. I like seeing the seasons change there – the colours in spring and autumn are so beautiful.

What makes Camden special?

There is a distinct can-do attitude in this community, which I find inspiring.

Songhaven would be impossible without local support, from the donations that fund our afternoon teas, to our wonderful volunteers who help steward concerts.

If you could change one thing about the borough, what would it be?

Despite being a busy central London borough, it can be difficult to make meaningful connections.

There is always work to be done on social isolation and loneliness, particularly for older people.

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

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

Find out more

songhaven.co.uk 31

Camden Summer

Programme July and August 2018

Free and low-cost activities for everyone Check out your free eight-page guide in your July/August Camden magazine

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