Camden magazine July/August 2018

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | July/August 2018 | camden.gov.uk

Summer in Camden Get outside, try something new, and meet your community with our programme of summer activities. @CamdenCouncil

facebook.com/lbcamden

Five Camden charities have been awarded a total of ÂŁ5,000, thanks to Camden Recycling Rewards members. See page 21.

camden.gov.uk

camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk

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

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

Cover image: Kareen Cox

@CamdenCouncil

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Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 6 July 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 Brightening up Kentish Town City Farm.

Shining a spotlight on Camden’s carers.

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Our Camden 2025 community vision launches with a partnership on air quality.

Applications for secondary school places will open in September.

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Welcome

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The West End Project is transforming Tottenham Court Road.

Features

Introduction to the July/August edition 5 Secondary school admissions information 10 Summer fire safety 13

A spotlight on Camden carers 18 News Camden Can Pledge 20 21 Kentish Town City Farm volunteering project 6 Camden Recycling Rewards 22 Clean Air for Camden 7 Privately rented housing 24 Summer University bookings open 8 West End Project update 25 Tenant engagement sessions 8 Join a Green Gym 26 St Pancras Community Centre 9 Waste and recycling information 30 GLL Sport Foundation 11 Lose weight with Re:balance 31 Town hall schedule announced 12 My Camden HS2 update 14 Camden Can Breastfeeding Welcome 15 Listings Community Investment Programme wins award 16 Free and low-cost events 28 Ofsted visits Camden 23

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We support Camden’s European citizens 24,000 residents born in an EU state

36,000 EU workers in Camden

Camden’s European citizens can get useful information on democratic rights, and access to speedy document checks for citizenship, along with other guidance about Brexit at camden.gov.uk/europe

Update to our privacy policy To ensure that you are informed about how Camden uses your personal data, we’ve updated our privacy policy. Please look over the new policy, which has been effective since 25 May 2018.

Here is some information you can expect to see in the policy: • • • • •

why we process personal data legal grounds for processing personal data who our data protection officer is your data privacy rights and how to exercise them how to contact the council about data privacy.

There is nothing you need to do right now, but if you would like to find out more you can read our privacy statement or visit our website at any time.

A printed version is also available on request at all our offices and libraries. camden.gov.uk/privacystatement

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Welcome

to the July/August edition of Camden magazine

Summer has well and truly arrived, and there’s so much to enjoy in Camden at this time of year.

Looking ahead over the next few months, I’m particularly excited

8 | Summer University

9|S t Pancras Community Centre

25 | Green Gym

about the launch of Camden 2025. This is our shared vision for future of the borough, developed from speaking to thousands of local people about what Camden should be like in seven years’ time.

It sets out what you’ve told us is important to you, and how we can work together with our residents, organisations and partners to tackle some of the borough’s biggest challenges at a time when we continue to face large budget cuts.

One priority many of you raised with us is air quality. Our newlyformed Camden Clean Air Partnership made up of residents, schools, local businesses and campaigners recognises we can achieve much more if we work together. That’s why we’ve chosen their citizen-led ‘design day’ this month to signal the official launch of our new vision. You can read more about this and our collective drive to cut air pollution on page seven.

Our programme of summer activities also launches in July.

We’re lucky to have such amazing places in our borough – lots of arts venues, famous museums and big open spaces. We want every resident of Camden to have access to the amazing opportunities our borough has to offer. Our summer schedule really highlights what’s happening at a local level, from family fun days and community festivals, to guided

walks in our beautiful parks and the opportunity to give something back to your community through a Green Gym. See the pull-out in the magazine for loads more – most of the activities are free.

For 13 to 19 year-olds we’re running our popular Summer University again, with more than 70 courses available on a whole range of subjects, including motorbike maintenance, photography, basketball, and how to keep yourself safe. All courses are free for teenagers who live in Camden, or go to a Camden state school or youth centre. Find out how to sign up on page eight.

We also run year-round activities for older people – on page nine you can read about the new building at St Pancras Community Centre, funded through our Community Investment Programme. Here, older residents can meet friends and take part in a varied programme of events.

There’s something for everyone happening in Camden this summer, and we hope you will enjoy exploring what our community has to offer. Our next magazine will be out in September.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

News

Students brighten up Kentish Town City Farm Acland Burghley students have spruced up fencing at Kentish Town City Farm as part of their City and Guilds construction skills qualification.

The group of six 14 to 15-yearolds, from Acland Burghley School, has been completing the painting and decorating module of the construction qualification, which they are taking alongside their GCSEs. Their work over the last three months includes smartening up two fenced areas at the farm, one of which they have decorated with cartoon animal figures.

The project, which also included renovating a fenced seating area and decorating a fenced walkway, was supported by our King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre (KXCSC), in York Way. Gus Alston, chief executive of Kentish Town City Farm, said: “We have a five-acre site and rely heavily on volunteers to keep it looking good. We’re always looking for different partnerships and types of volunteers so it is great to be working with a group of students from a Camden school.”

The Acland Burghley students also visit KXCSC one day a week as part of their two-year City and Guilds course. Once they finish the course and their GCSEs they can consider moving onto apprenticeships in construction at the centre.

Find out more 6

Acland Burghley students with their tutors

Meanwhile, older construction skills students at KXCSC have been working with art students from Central Saint Martins College, in Granary Square.

kingscrossconstruction.co.uk

ktcityfarm.org.uk

An exhibition of artworks inspired by the collaboration, called Boring Machine, took place at KXCSC on 24 May, marking the second year of links between the two colleges. camden.gov.uk/schools

News

You told us that poor air quality is a top priority. Together, we’re working to tackle this issue.

During conversations to develop Camden 2025, our shared vision for the borough, you said that air quality is one of the most important things that we need to work on together to make a real difference. As one resident told us: “we need bold actions.”

This month our new Camden Clean Air Partnership begins work to develop a Clean Air Action Plan for improving air quality that we can all work towards.

The partnership, led jointly with University College London, signals the official launch of Camden 2025. It brings residents together with representatives from a wide range of organisations in Camden including Transport for London, Network Rail, the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, Kier Construction, Argent and the

Council as well as local schools and air quality campaigners.

The aim is to cut pollution in Camden to World Health Organisation guidelines. This is stricter than current legal limits because we know air quality is a concern for so many of you.

Pollution has a great impact on health, particularly children, older people, and people with pre-existing conditions.

Working together As the action plan develops over the next few months, we’ll be asking for your thoughts and feedback. We’re committed to working in partnership with, and bringing together, local people, organisations and partners, to make the biggest impact for residents on the issues that matter to you.

Our new vision We want to make Camden a better borough – a place where everyone has a chance to succeed, where nobody gets left behind and where where everybody has a voice.

Thousands of you got involved in conversations about what Camden should be like in 2025. Read more about the vision we’ve created together on our website, below.

Everyone can play a part to help improve air quality in Camden, from not idling your engine, to swapping school journeys in the car for walking or cycling. Find out more about what you can do and sign our pledge by visiting our air quality pages, below.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/camden2025 camden.gov.uk/airquality #Camden2025 #CleanAirCamden 7

News Get out of the house in the school holiday If you’re 13 to 19 and live in Camden, or go to a Camden state school or youth centre, you can join our summer university.

Enrol with Camden Summer University and choose from more than 70 free courses in arts, sport and life skills at top local venues.

This summer’s programme, which means you can have fun, learn new things and stay safe, runs from 26 July to 24 August.

Get inspired by jewellery at the British Museum and make your own catwalk-worthy creations, learn to how fix motorbikes and spend a day off-road riding at a motocross track or combine your art and storytelling skills to design a graphic novel.

Last year’s Summer Uni fun included off-road motorbiking

Find out more

You can also sign up for filmmaking, animation, painting,

camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity

pottery, photography, journalism, fashion, drama, scriptwriting, music, game design, cookery, basketball, canoeing, parkour, personal safety, self-defence and being ‘street smart’ for both young women and men.

A few courses may be fully booked but there should still be lots of places available on many courses.

Check out the website below and book your places now.

Camden Summer University is run by our youth service, with support from local venues and organisations, as part of our Summer Programme. Turn to the centre pages to find out more.

020 7619 3903

Three days of family-friendly fun We are holding three family fun days across the borough, offering games, sport and art activities for all ages.

This year’s events coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which gave some women over the age of 30 the right to vote for the first time.

We will be working with the Camden VOX arts programme, which takes inspiration from the women’s suffrage movement.

Equality, place, history and power will be celebrated with themed poetry and art, pop-up suffragette plays and more. There will also be Find out more 8

face painting, a bouncy castle, a balloon modeller, arts and crafts, games and sport. It will be a great opportunity for Camden voices to be heard.

Join us at: Regent’s Park Estate Thursday 16 August, 2 to 6pm Bourne Estate Thursday 23 August, 2 to 6pm Talacre Gardens Saturday 8 September, 1 to 5pm

lovecamden.org/camdenvox

News

Join the close-knit community With a welcome as warm as the weather, St Pancras Community Centre is open for anyone who wants to come along and make friends for life.

From soup group to singing club, older residents can look forward to an exciting programme of events at St Pancras Community Centre’s inviting new building, paid for through our Community Investment Programme.

Betty Davies and Dot Godwin have been friends since they met at the centre ten years ago.

Together they attend a range of activities, including a weekly knitting group called Knit’n’Stitch.

Betty told Camden magazine: “We’ve got a lot to thank them for.

The centre gets us out and about with friends when we’d have been sitting watching the telly. People are always made to feel welcome, and we often bring new people along so that they can get involved in whatever’s going on. We always have a full programme; sometimes it’s a little too full!”

Shelagh O’Gorman, a volunteer who runs Knit’n’Stitch, said: “The value of stitching is therapeutic. It gives people something to focus on rather than worry, and at the end they have a skill they can take home and something they’ve made during the session.

“Older people are very fluid and these groups can fit in and around their appointments. Everyone is welcome to come along when Find out more

Left to right: Adriana Como, Betty Davies and Dot Godwin

they can, join in and pick up where they left off.”

The Knit’n’Stitch group is currently working with Adriana Cobo, a PhD student at Central Saint Martins.

Alongside Adriana, the group have been learning to crochet plastic bag yarn called ‘plarn’, creating colourful designs to be incorporated into a public space project displayed in Granary Square this summer. The project is a fantastic opportunity for older residents to share their stories and be represented in Camden’s evolving cultural offer.

Adriana said: “The people who come to the knitting group have lived here a long time. The project designs relate to the area, and if people want to know more about the designs, then the older people are able to tell their stories.”

St Pancras Community Association, which manages the centre, has been a Camden mainstay for decades and, in 2016, they moved into a brand new building on Plender Street.

The new facilities were paid for through our Community Investment Programme, and since opening they have only appreciated in value, acting as a hub where everyone from young parents to older people can meet up, make friends and get the most out of the borough.

St Pancras Community Centre is always looking for new volunteers. If you want to get involved you can register your interest by emailing the address below.

info@spca.org.uk 9

Feature

Moving on to secondary school Find out more about Camden secondary schools at our events in September and October.

Whether it’s a place at a top university, an excellent apprenticeship or landing a great job, the high quality teaching and supportive environment at Camden’s secondary schools aims to help every student reach their potential.

Our schools have fantastic links with world-leading businesses, universities and cultural organisations and offer a brilliant range of extracurricular activities.

Parents of primary pupils in years five and six can find out more about what our secondary schools have to offer their children at our annual Moving On event from 4 to 6.30pm on Thursday, 20 September 2018 at Haverstock School, Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm NW3 2BQ. All our secondary schools are due to be there. You need to register for your free place on our admissions web pages (see below).

You can also visit the schools on their own open days and evenings in September and October. Details will be published on our school admissions web pages, or you can contact the schools directly.

Meet the Parents, a local social enterprise, will also host informal Find out more

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discussion forums from this September for primary parents to find out more about their nearest secondary schools (its website is also listed below).

Applications for autumn 2019 year seven places open this September and the closing date to apply for these places is 31 October 2018.

Camden’s state secondary schools Acland Burghley – mixed Camden School for Girls – girls, mixed sixth form Hampstead – mixed Haverstock – mixed La Sainte Union – Catholic girls, mixed sixth form Maria Fidelis – Catholic, mixed Parliament Hill – girls, mixed sixth form Regent High School – mixed UCL Academy – mixed William Ellis – boys, mixed sixth form

camden.gov.uk/admissions admissions@camden.gov.uk

meettheparents.info 020 7974 1625

News

Young athletes on track for success A further 32 young people from Camden have been awarded funding to help with training and competition expenses, thanks to the GLL Sport Foundation.

Dominic Ogbechie said: “The overall goal is to be selected to represent Great Britain in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympic Games. With the help of financial support from the GLL Sport Foundation, I hope be able to achieve my ambitions by paying for high-class training sessions and transportation to and from the arena, as well as the essential kit needed to compete such as spikes, tracksuits and vest tops.”

Swiss Cottage Swimming Club’s Leah O’Connell

Gold medal winner Leah O’Connell of Fortune Green

Now in its tenth year, the GLL Sport Foundation has helped hundreds of young people by providing financial aid, training memberships and sports performance support to help them reach their sporting potential.

The scheme supports athletes throughout the development years in their sport, reducing the pressure of competition, transportation and equipment costs, ensuring there is always access to the facilities they need to support their training and providing opportunities to learn from experts in sport and exercise science.

Some of this year’s recipients include: Find out more

Cumberland Netball Club’s Kira Rothwell Kira has been selected to compete with the England Under-19 team on its tour to Australia in July 2018.

This follows her international debut in 2017, helping England Under-17s win the Netball Europe Championship.

Highgate Harriers’ Dominic Ogbechie Dominic broke three records in the 2017–18 athletics season in high jump and long jump. He currently holds the world age 15 high jump record, the UK age 14 high jump and UK age 15 long jump records.

gllsportfoundation.org/newsletter

Leah won multiple gold medals at the National Junior Para Swimming championships in June 2017. Leah is ranked first nationally for 50m Butterfly.

If you’re a young athlete competing at a high level, the good news is that applications for the 2019 Foundation will open later this year.

To keep up to date with all the latest news, and find out more about the work of the GLL Sport Foundation, sign up to the monthly newsletter, details below.

Remember, even if you’re not a top athlete, Camden’s leisure centres offer a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities, with everything from adult beginner swimming lessons to summer holiday camps.

Head to the website to see what’s going on this summer at your local leisure centre.

better.org.uk/camden 11

News

Town hall temporary closure Find out where to access services while the town hall refurbishment takes place Our 80-year-old town hall is temporarily closing for three years at the end of August, as part of a refurbishment project to modernise the building.

During this time services are relocating.

Crowndale Centre From Monday 13 August, the following services will be available at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street NW1 1BD: • birth registrations • death registrations • duplicate certificate applications • citizenship ceremonies.

Electoral and committee services, along with the Council Chamber and committee rooms for all council meetings will also be moving to the Crowndale centre from Monday 20 August.

Tavistock House From Monday 23 July, the following services will be available at Tavistock House, Tavistock Square WC1H 9JB: • nationality checking service • settlement checking service Find out more 12

Camden Town Hall is being refurbished

• nationality document return service • European passport return service • taking notices for marriages and civil partnerships.

Weddings and civil partnerships Our ceremony suite and committee rooms for weddings, civil partnerships and vow renewal ceremonies in the town hall are also being modernised as part of the refurbishment.

We have been working to create two new ceremony suites at Tavistock House in Bloomsbury.

Both suites have been redesigned and fitted with new furniture and decor and will cater for wedding parties of different sizes.

camden.gov.uk/townhall

Bookings for Tavistock House are now being taken for ceremonies to be held from 30 July onwards.

Open days to see the new venue and register interest will be held at Tavistock House from August 2018 onwards.

Next steps After the closure of the town hall, a planning application will be submitted in October 2018 and following that, subject to approval, work will begin.

In the meantime, we are working to ensure everyone is aware of the plans and knows where to access services whilst the refurbishment takes place.

The town hall refurbishment is scheduled to be completed by autumn 2021.

Feature

Stay safe this summer

Plans for a barbecue usually include food, family and friends, great weather and maybe a few games, but what about barbecue safety?

Marinating your chicken and making sure your sausages don’t burn isn’t the only thing you need to be thinking about. If you follow our tips, you’ll be able to barbecue safely to your heart’s content.

What chefs need to know • Never use a barbecue indoors or on a balcony.

• Make sure barbecues are placed on level ground where they will not tip over.

• Keep barbecues away from your home, sheds, fences, garden furniture, trees, shrubs and tents.

• Only use approved barbecue fuel or fire lighters – never use petrol or paraffin.

• Drink responsibly while cooking.

• Never leave a lit or hot barbecue unattended.

Find out more

• Keep children, pets and garden games well away from the cooking area.

• Follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.

When you’re finished cooking • Make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.

• Only throw away used charcoal when it’s cold. Hot ashes can melt plastic bins and start a fire.

You can also empty the cold ash onto bare garden soil.

• Where possible keep a bucket of water or sand, or a garden hose, nearby for emergencies.

Camden parks You can use portable and reusable charcoal barbecues in our open spaces, but disposable and gas barbecues are not allowed. Keep Camden clean for everyone by always tidying up after yourself, and disposing of rubbish and recycling responsibly. There are metal bins for disposing of cooled charcoal in our larger parks where barbecues are popular.

While you are free to enjoy a responsible barbecue in the parks managed by Camden Council, barbecues are not permitted on Hampstead Heath, or in Regent’s Park or Primrose Hill. You can find a full list of Camden-managed parks and our barbecue guidelines on our website.

Remember: In the case of a fire, phone 999.

camden.gov.uk/bbq

london-fire.gov.uk

Camden talking

Community comments on social media.

If you have a passion for knitting, find out how you can help support our Orange Hat appeal for newborn babies at risk. Follow @MumBaby2gether @RoyalFreeNHS via Twitter

Camden in Bloom competition is open until Sunday 29 July 2018.

Take pride in your neighbourhood and create a cleaner, greener and healthier Camden. @FitzroviaParks via Twitter

@CamdenCouncil recruiting foster carers in Camden today @ sainsburys Come and join the growing number changing the lives of vulnerable children in need #foster #makelifestories @BlairMortimer via Twitter

Excited to hear that @CamdenSummeruni courses go live for viewing on 4 June 2018 @ britishmuseum w/@BM_Schools #cannotwait @katharinehoare via Twitter

#mentalhealthawarenessweek Year 2 children from Rhyl making friendship bracelets for children from another class. The whole school will be doing this over the week so every child will take a bracelet home! #kindness #wellbeing @rhylprimary via Twitter

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

News

Space for art and gardens We’re finding temporary uses for empty HS2 spaces.

Along with HS2 Ltd we’re committed to making best use of spaces which are temporarily vacant before they are needed for construction of the new high speed railway. Through this ongoing work with HS2 Ltd’s early works contractors, we’ve identified three vacant spaces for alternative use.

The BDT Arts Company has taken a space in Granby House, previously vacated in preparation for demolition. The company is made up of a group of theatre artists who work in a wide range of fields, from prop-building to performing and directing.

Find out more

MT Art Agency, with the support of Camden Town Unlimited, has also moved into a retail unit outside Euston Station until demolition. The space is being used as a community pop-up art gallery to support local artists, giving them a space to display and sell their art.

There’s also a community popup garden at the former National Temperance Hospital site on Hampstead Road. The garden is open to all residents and HS2 Ltd is hoping to work with local organisations to help establish the garden. If you’re interested, email the address below.

Pop-up art gallery at Euston station

hs2ineuston.commonplace.is

hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

08081 434 434

New HS2 compensation scheme HS2 Ltd has been talking to the community about its Prolonged Disruption Compensation scheme.

community feedback on the draft compensation scheme. These engagement sessions gave residents the opportunity to speak with HS2 Ltd about the scheme before the plans were finalised.

Following encouragement from the council, HS2 Ltd organised events in June and July to get

The Prolonged Disturbance Scheme is intended for residents in Camden living close to

Find out more 14

hs2ineuston.commonplace.is

hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

prolonged HS2 construction activity. This compensation is in addition to any other legal remedies in place which may also be available from HS2 Ltd to reduce the impacts of the HS2 scheme. Details of the Prolonged Disturbance Scheme will be announced later this year.

08081 434 434

News

Making mums feel welcome in Camden This June, we officially launched the Camden Can Breastfeeding Welcome scheme.

Mums from across Camden came together at the Sherriff Centre in West Hampstead to share their experiences of breastfeeding, and talk about how we can all help mums to breastfeed for longer.

The aim of the scheme is to make Camden a place where every mum feels welcome to feed her baby, wherever she needs to – from cafes, to museums, to our green spaces. We know that many mums give up breastfeeding earlier than they would like, for a variety of reasons, including not feeling comfortable feeding when out and about.

Every place in Camden that signs up to the scheme will get a sticker

for their window, so mums know they can relax there and feed their baby in a supportive environment.

Ellen, a mum of two from Camden, spoke at the launch event: “Breastfeeding away from the home for the first time can be stressful. You try to get in and out of the house in between feeds but this doesn’t always work. Feeding on demand means you can’t plan when or where you will need to feed your baby.

“I would encourage any places that welcome and look after feeding mums, or just mums with young children, to sign up

to Camden Can Breastfeeding Welcome and let other mums know that they can come in and feed in comfort.”

Councillor Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life, said of the scheme: “This is such an important scheme for mums in Camden, as finding somewhere they feel comfortable to breastfeed can be difficult or unnecessarily stressful for both new and experienced mums.

“We are asking our mums to nominate places where they feel relaxed breastfeeding in Camden and we will get in touch to encourage them to join the scheme.

“The scheme gives businesses in Camden a simple way to support children’s health, and help reduce isolation, which can be a real challenge for new parents.”

To sign your business up, visit the website below, and if you know of a venue that welcomes breastfeeding let us know.

Camden mums (left to right) Laura, Ellen, Catriona and Catherine at the launch event

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/camdencanbf 15

News

Award-winning investments are thrilled that the Bourne Estate project has just won a prestigious RIBA Award. To everyone in our industry these are the premier national awards for building design quality.

“Camden itself should be very proud indeed of the achievement here: this is new council housing of the highest quality that will serve the borough for decades to come with these excellent new homes.”

Kingsgate Primary School

The Bourne Estate and Kingsgate Primary took home prizes at the Royal Institute of British Architect’s (RIBA) London Design Awards. RIBA recognised the achievement of these two sites funded through the Community Investment Programme, ranking them alongside the top private developments in the capital.

for its high quality homes that are in keeping with the Grade II listed layout of the original 1905 estate.

The development delivered 44 new council and Camden Living homes, a new hall for the tenants and residents association and creatively designed public spaces.

In presenting the award, RIBA noted that the Bourne Estate was an example of developers getting new social housing right, ‘genuinely providing the opportunity for residents to move back in after building works were completed’.

In Holborn, the regeneration of the Bourne Estate was commended

Site architect, Matthew Lloyd, said: “Matthew Lloyd Architects

Camden’s council homes and one of our schools have been recognised for their high quality.

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Over in West Hampstead, Kingsgate Primary School took home an award for its architectural excellence. The new school, which has been a hit with parents and pupils alike, offers bright and spacious classrooms that allow children to interact with each other and their learning environment in new ways. In addition to the improved facilities, the expanded primary school also offers up to 420 new primary places in the north west of the borough where demand has been highest.

Maria Joao Reis of architects Maccrenor Lavington said, “The success lies in a true collaboration between client, contractor, design team, school users and local community in embracing this exciting opportunity and creating an exemplar teaching and learning environment which has the highest green credentials.”

News

The Bourne Estate

As winners of RIBA London Design Awards, both Kingsgate and Bourne will be entered into the RIBA National Design Awards to be judged later this year.

Residents reaping the rewards Kingsgate Primary School and the Bourne Estate were funded through our Community Investment Programme. It’s our innovative strategy for plugging gaps in national funding through the sale of newly built homes and underused assets.

As well as being a financial investment, our programme allows us to support local neighbourhoods and maintain the vibrant mix of people that makes Camden a place where everyone can succeed. As the programme continues and more projects reach completion, we hope to receive more recognition for our work, setting trends for resident-focused development across the capital and beyond.

Find out more

Councillor Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities said: “These awards recognise the quality of council homes and schools that we’re building in Camden under our Community Investment Programme.

“We’re building council homes, schools and community facilities for our residents of the highest quality. Our residents and children deserve the very best.

These awards recognise this and how our high standards match, and even exceed the quality of the private developments across the country. It would not be possible to complete projects like Bourne or Kingsgate without the Community Investment Programme; this week’s RIBA awards are testament to this.

“By the end of our 15-year programme we’ll have built 1,100 high quality council homes, as well as at least 300 homes at

genuinely affordable Camden Living rents to help teachers, nurses and young people growing up in Camden.”

Record-breaking year We work in partnership with residents throughout our developments to ensure we deliver what’s needed locally. We recently broke our record for the number of council homes built in one year under our Community Investment Programme – we built 115 council homes in 2017/18.

Councillor Beales added: “I’m delighted that we’ve reached this milestone. We’ve been building high quality homes in the face of national budget cuts. That’s why we’re asking the Government and the Mayor of London to back us to do more, expanding our model to continue delivering homes, schools and community facilities that our residents need.”

cip.camden.gov.uk 17

Feature

A spotlight on Camden Carers We’re celebrating carers and supporting them to look after loved ones and, most importantly, themselves.

Last month carers from across Camden got the chance to take time off from their caring responsibilities to enjoy a host of events and activities, including a picnic and pamper day, a street party and a carers’ recognition day.

The activities were organised by the Camden Carers Service (CCS) as part of Camden Carers Week, which took place between 11 and 17 June. CCS is often described as ‘a lifeline for carers’; offering advice, activities, training and counselling, as well as health checks and support to maintain carers’ own health and wellbeing.

Carers provide unpaid support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring for someone can be very rewarding, but it can also be challenging, and often people do not realise they could be classified as a carer.

To highlight the challenges carers face and to recognise the contribution they make to families and communities, this month we’re shining a spotlight on three Camden carers.

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Sarah

Thanks to support and advice from CCS, they have been able to look after themselves first so they can help the person they are caring for, and in the process gain new interests and new support networks.

Sarah’s story “I get such tremendous help from the service. I get strength and the ability to not be embarrassed, and I don’t have to hide anything when I am here.

Feature

“The people here are so kind and so friendly. The most important thing that has happened to me is that the relationship with my husband has changed. Suddenly he could see that I need to think about myself, which never happened.

“I would say I’m coming back – after yoga, after mindfulness, after tai chi. It’s amazing what’s happened to my life. I feel that I am not alone. I can speak to somebody and it’s ok.”

Foulla’s story “I came here probably at the lowest ebb of my life, and it really saved me. I had a support worker who literally guided me through the process and advised me about all the services I could access.

“I had mindfulness, some nutritional support and exercise. All of the support really helped me to get back on my feet so that I could cope with my caring role. And, in doing so, that really helped me to be positive and supportive to my parents – who I’m a carer for – and it uplifts them as well as my own family. I also love the art group here. It’s helped me so much and it really just keeps me focused on what I’m feeling and getting it out and then I let it go. So thank you so much, I’m so grateful. And the staff are wonderful.”

Find out more

camdencs.org.uk

Jacky

Jacky’s story “I discovered this incredible service where I actually didn’t have to explain who I was. It wasn’t about the cared-for person, it wasn’t about my daughter, it was about me!

“And do you know, that’s the first time I’ve actually been able to do that and I had an hour and a half’s consultation with the health support worker at CCS, which was amazing. She took my bloods, my weight and we talked about different types of foods. She referred me to something called

Rebalance Weight Management, and I joined the gym for the first time in a very long time, met a lot of new people and I just felt for the first time, I’m doing something for me, so I felt a better person because I was me again.

“We have a voice and we can put something back in, so I love it, I love it here.”

If you’re a carer living in Camden and need extra support, advice or information, help is just a phone call away. See below for further details.

020 7428 8950 19

Feature

Going the extra mile

CAMDEN

CAN

PLEDGE

The Camden Can Pledge supports local businesses to make healthier lifestyles easier for their staff and customers.

Since the launch last November, nearly 40 organisations have signed the pledge to help their employees and customers be active and healthy.

Exterion Media, a digital media company based in Holborn, was one of the first. We met with HR Manager Christopher Temmink.

Christopher said: “Looking after your workforce makes common sense, and is something I consider very important as an employer.

with 16 tick boxes to encourage people to walk more. The most taxing ‘tick’ is ‘Walk at least 10 miles (24,000 steps) exploring your neighbourhood’. We compete with five other companies that share the building with us – it can get quite competitive!

“Helping our staff stay healthy and happy definitely helps with

staff retention, and we have seen it have a positive impact on recruitment too.”

If you work in Camden, why not ask your employer to sign up to the Camden Can Pledge? If you run a business or organisation in the borough, why not Pledge to make it easier for your staff to lead a healthier lifestyle at work?

“When we signed the pledge we made two brand new commitments: the first was that all meals eaten at work should be taken in our communal area, known as the ‘Ad Break’. We have a small team that go round the office at lunchtime to make sure everyone is taking at least half an hour away from their desks but they’re allowed to keep their phones. We also make cereal and fruit available every day, so everyone can start the day with a healthy breakfast.

“Secondly, we developed a wellbeing and physical activity policy. This makes it possible for staff to take time out during the working day for physical activity such as going to the gym. The policy includes ‘Walking bingo’, Find out more 20

Exterion Media’s HR Manager Christopher Temmink has signed the Camden Can Pledge

camden.gov.uk/camdencanpledge

Feature

£5,000 for Camden charities Five charities receive money through our recycling rewards scheme.

At a celebration event on Thursday 24 May, Camden charities received donations for the third time since our recycling rewards scheme began in October 2016.

collectively earns the most points decide which charity receives the biggest donation.

to help keep our projects running for children and young people in Kentish Town.”

NW5 Community Play Project

£2,500

Recycling rewards benefit you and your community when you take steps to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Your chosen winner this time was NW5 Community Play Project, an independent community-led play project for children and families in Kentish Town.

Little Village Camden

£1,500

Members of the scheme earn ‘green points’ for actions such as recycling, repairing old items and cutting down on food waste. They then vote for their favourite of five local charities, between which £5,000 is split every six months.

The votes of the community that

Sharley Newitt from NW5 Community Play Project said: “We’re delighted to receive these donations and would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us. We’re a small, independent project, so sources of funding like this are really important

Mind in Camden

£500

Cancer Research

£250

Castlehaven Community Association

£250

As well helping local charities, members of the recycling rewards scheme benefit from offers at nearly 100 Camden businesses.

Every month the top recycler in each of the five Camden communities gets a £30 voucher.

The scheme now has more than 16,000 members.

Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Improving Camden’s Environment, said: “It’s fantastic to see that Camden Recycling Rewards has proven so popular with local residents and has done so much good for the local community. We’ve seen more residents recycling, improvements to the local environment and support provided for local charities and businesses.

“Congratulations to all have who have taken part so far. We look forward to seeing even more positive results.”

Our five winning charities with their £5,000, Councillor Adam Harrison and three members of Veolia crew, who collect your rubbish and recycling.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/recyclingrewards

020 7326 5055 21

Feature

Help for renters From cracking down on bad landlords, to prosecuting illegal letting agents, we’re making sure our borough’s private renters have good quality housing.

A third of Camden’s households live in privately rented housing.

Sometimes the standards of these homes aren’t right, and we take action to make sure our residents have a decent and safe place to live.

Landlords need a licence Unfortunately a large number of privately rented homes, especially houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are poorly managed.

HMOs include house and flat shares, student homes, bedsits and some buildings converted into flats.

We’re committed to supporting residents and working with landlords to improve poor conditions. One way we do this is through our HMO licensing scheme that requires landlords to be licensed to rent out shared properties.

We are one of very few boroughs that regularly visit properties to ensure they are safe and meet required standards before issuing a licence. We also work with landlords to make sure their homes are brought up to standard. So far we’ve received 3,000 licence applications – but we know there are landlords in Camden operating without a licence.

Find out more 22

If you’re a landlord To check whether your property is an HMO and to apply for a licence, please visit our website camden.gov.uk/hmolicensing or for more information call us on 020 7974 5969.

Tackling bad landlords and letting agents Making sure letting agents are operating within the law is also a key part of our work in Camden and we’re seen as the most proactive London borough in this area.

We have issued 71 penalty charge notices to letting agents for not being members of a redress scheme, client money protection scheme, or not meeting the requirements for displaying fees.

We’ve also prosecuted and fined many rogue landlords

camden.gov.uk/housing

and letting agencies who were operating without an HMO licence. And thanks to the Mayor of London’s Rogue Landlord and Agent Checker, tenants can now check up on landlords online, so they can make more informed decisions on who to rent from. As well as records of previous prosecutions, tenants can report bad practice and unsafe conditions in their homes, empowering those who feel as though they can’t complain to their landlord for fear of eviction.

We hope that the checker will act as a deterrent to rogue landlords, encouraging them to uphold a higher standard of conditions for their tenants.

To access the database visit: london.gov.uk/rogue-landlordchecker

News

Ofsted visits children’s services Following the inspection of our children’s services last autumn, we welcomed back Ofsted inspectors to carry out a ‘focused visit’.

A focused visit is when inspectors come in and look at one particular area of a service. This time around they focused on our ‘front door’.

intervention makes it possible for us to help children and their families when things start to go wrong.

“The visit confirms that this approach continues to work well in Camden. Our work with our partners in the MASH, the timely sharing of information and clear decision-making processes mean we can put the right support in

place, at the right time, to help families get back on their feet.

“I’m pleased that inspectors, on their second visit in nine months, found that we continue to support our children, young people and their families well. And we have the right structures in place to protect our children and young people, and keep them safe.”

What is the ‘front door’?

It’s where we, and our partners, start to support a child and their family. This is where we assess what help and support they need to get them back on track, or explore what longer term support or intervention they might need.

In Camden we don’t do this alone. We have a multi-agency safeguarding hub in our offices at Pancras Square, aka the MASH. This is where we work with our partners in the NHS, the police, and colleagues across Camden to give children and their families the right help at the right time.

In May, Ofsted inspectors spent two days working alongside staff, and reviewing case work.

Councillor Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life, said: “Our Ofsted inspection last year found that our established partnerships and approach to early Find out more

Ofsted praised Camden’s children’s services

reports.ofsted.gov.uk/local-authorities/camden 23

Feature

West End Project programme released Explore the two-year programme for the works under way across Camden’s West End Back in June we started phase one of the transformations on Tottenham Court Road as part of Camden’s £35million West End Project. We are currently working on underground utilities, widening sections of pavement and laying new granite slabs across three areas along the eastern side of Tottenham Court Road. By working in sections we are keeping disruption to a minimum as we make the area safer, greener and more attractive for residents, businesses and visitors.

We now have a website where you can find all the latest news about the project, including the two year look ahead at the planned works on Tottenham Court Road and Gower Street/Bloomsbury Street. There’s also a series of maps showing the layout of the final scheme. We’d love to hear your comments on the website and how easy you find it to use – please get in touch with us using the details below.

If you are travelling through the area, please do take extra care through the roadworks as there will be temporary lane closures Find out more 24

We are transforming Tottenham Court Road - watch out for the West End Project logo when you are out and about!

in place. All pedestrian diversions and temporary crossings will be signed to make moving around during the works as easy as possible. There are a lot of different developments taking place in the area, so to recognise our project you can look for the West End Project and Eurovia Logos on all our operatives, as modelled expertly by Hoidraig in our image.

Don’t forget you can drop into our information centre on Store Street to see the plans for the area and talk through any questions you might have – just ask at reception

camden.gov.uk/westendproject

0845 3308 743 (24 hours)

and they will direct you to us. If you want to come and see us but can’t make it on those days, you can make an appointment.

West End Project Information Centre, The Buildings Centre, Store Street, London WC1E 7BT For the latest opening times see camden.gov.uk/westendproject westendproject@camden.gov.uk

Feature

Get out in the sunshine Do something different this summer and get involved with your local Green Gym. The Green Gym programme, run

by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), aims to improve your health and wellbeing and the environment at the same time.

Instead of heading to the gym for a normal work out, you tackle physical jobs outdoors – improving your strength and stamina, boosting your practical skills and helping keep your local green spaces looking their best.

Where are they based?

There are currently 11 Green Gyms running each week across a number of London boroughs.

Camden is proud to run two Green Gyms every Tuesday and Thursday, between 10.45am and 2pm. Camden Green Gyms vary across a wide range of different sites from beautiful hidden nature areas to major public spaces including Regent’s Park and London Zoo. Islington also hosts its very own Green Gym at Sunny Side Gardens and welcomes new people all year around.

As well as taking part, the scheme encourages volunteers to get involved in the running of a Green Gym. It’s a great opportunity for you to get outdoors, learn new skills and meet new people.

Volunteer-led Green Gyms can be found in Belsize Park, West Hampstead and Covent Garden.

What happens in a session?

On arrival, you’ll be taken through a warm-up session. Leaders remind you how to use tools safely, and discuss the different tasks at hand.

There are a range of jobs to try out which offer different levels of physical challenge. Everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace and complete tasks they feel comfortable with. While completing jobs, you learn about your local environment and how to improve its surroundings.

Regular breaks are taken throughout the sessions with refreshments usually provided.

At the end of the session, a cool down exercise takes place alongside a general tidy up of the area.

Volunteers at a Green Gym session

Find out more

How can I get involved?

As part of our summer programme, there are a number of different exciting volunteering opportunities to get involved in during July and August. Please see our pull-out brochure in the centre pages for more information.

tcv.org.uk/london 25

Feature

Keeping Camden clean As summer arrives, thousands of us will head to Camden’s many parks and public areas to enjoy the sunshine.

So whether you’re planning a picnic or barbecue, we’ve got some top tips to help keep our borough clean, recycle more and waste less.

Sometimes the beauty of our parks and open spaces is spoilt by people leaving their rubbish behind. We have extra street sweepers dedicated to cleaning our parks and public spaces over the summer months, but they can’t do it alone. We all have a part to play in keeping Camden clean and green.

63% of litter we collect from parks is food and drinkrelated. This includes items such as plastic drinks bottles, picnic and food containers that could all be recycled.

Top tips for a litter-free summer • Ditch single-use plastic when you’re planning a picnic, pack food and snacks in reusable containers and invest in reusable plates, cups and cutlery.

• Keep an extra bag or two on • Report litter and overflowing bins hand to collect your recycling and to us from your phone using the rubbish as you go. If there isn’t a Clean Camden App – it’s free to recycling bin nearby, take it home download and simple to use. so you can recycle it responsibly.

• Encourage your friends and family • Get creative and upcycle to tidy their litter, too. household plastics into new picnic containers to reduce waste – an old butter tub for your carrot sticks.

Barbecues are allowed in most public open spaces maintained by Camden, but please make sure you use them safely and responsibly. We only allow portable and reusable barbecues. Disposable or gas barbecues are not allowed. Metal bins for cooled charcoal are provided in our parks and open spaces where barbecues are most popular. Visit camden.gov.uk/bbq for more information.

26

Feature

and green this summer Recycling on the go When you’re not at home or at work, recycling facilities may not always be available. Here’s how to stay on top of your recycling on the go.

Look out for the recycling logos on bins in public areas

Glass containers

Mixed plastic

Tins, cans and foil

Mixed paper and cardboard

Cartons

Invest in a reusable water bottle or coffee cup A lot of high street coffee shops now offer discounts if you bring a reusable cup and will fill up your water bottle.

Reduce and recycle your food waste The summer season means picnics and barbecues, which can sometimes lead to food waste.

Try to reduce and recycle your food to minimise what you throw away. alad leaves, burger and hotdog buns, coleslaw S and potato salad are the top five foods most likely to be wasted during barbecue season. If you’re having a barbecue or picnic try to only shop for what you need.

Half a bag of salad is the most binned item during the summer months. It contributes to the 178m plastic bags thrown away in the UK each year.

The average British household throws away edible food worth £9.82 before leaving for a holiday.

Planning and preparing meals ahead of holidays will help to cut down waste when you leave.

You can also freeze most foods. Remember to recycle the food waste you need to throw away.

Don’t forget, we collect your food waste weekly.

Get rewards for recycling Remember to record all the great recycling you’re doing this summer with our Camden Recycling Rewards scheme for the chance to win vouchers for yourself and donations for local charities. Visit camden.gov.uk/recyclingrewards Find out more

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

020 3567 8105 27

Listings Family events Comic Book Artists in Residence: Charlotte Bailey Sunday 15 July, 1 to 4pm Watch a comic book artist in action creating their own cartoons.

Free with admission to the Jewish Museum: adults £8.50, children £4, concessions £7.50.

Jewish Museum, 191–131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org 020 7284 7384 Bananas about cooking Every Wednesday, 4 to 6pm (term-time only) Cook scrumptious healthy snacks from seasonally selected fresh ingredients from the farm’s gardens.

Kentish Town City Farm, 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk 020 7916 5421 Emoji match Sunday 29 July, 11am to 4pm Work together in this fast-paced game to match emojis with objects in the British Museum. Age 7 plus.

British Museum (Samsung Centre), Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8195

Under 5s Starting solids sessions Various children’s centres and dates from Monday 9 July to Tuesday 28 August, 10 to 11.30am or 1 to 2.30pm.

Sessions supporting parents of babies who have not yet started solid foods. Booking essential.

Starting solids next steps sessions Various children’s centres and dates from Tuesday 10 July to Wednesday 22 August, 10 to 11.30am or 1 to 2.30pm Sessions providing support and advice for parents of children under 28

All activities are free unless otherwise specified one year who have already started solid foods. Booking essential.

Families for life: early years Thursday 26 July to Thursday 16 August Four-week healthy eating and active play summer programme for children aged two to four and parents or carers. Booking essential.

St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF camden.gov.uk/surestart healthandwellebeingteam@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6736 Garden explorers Tuesdays, 10am to 12 noon (term-time only) Plant seeds and grow vegetables and edible flowers. Rain or shine. £4 per child.

Kentish Town City Farm, 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk 020 7916 5421

Children and young people PASSION summer programme Monday 23 July to Thursday 26 July Performance-based programme for young people aged 15 to 17 to develop and showcase skills.

The Living Centre, 2 Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF PASSION annual showcase Friday 27 July, 5.30 to 8pm A night celebrating young local talent. £3 entry.

Tileyard Studios, Tileyard Road, N7 9AH passionslt.co.uk info@passionslt.co.uk LGBT Youth Club Every Wednesday, 6.30 to 9pm Meet other LGBT+ people under 18. mosaicyouth.org.uk 07550 124 393

The Hive A place for young people aged 16 to 24 to get support with emotional wellbeing and health, as well as education, employment and housing.

The centre is open to all from 3 to 7pm every weekday. Pop in to find out more or just come along to relax.

The Hive Camden, 18 Harben Parade, Finchley Road, NW3 6JP Facebook: The Hive Camden catch-22.org.uk/services/the-hive 020 3198 0521

Get active Women’s beginners yoga class Every Wednesday, 11.15am to 12 noon West Hampstead Women’s Centre 26–30 Cotleigh Road NW6 2NP whwc.org.uk 020 7328 7389 Bench to bench walks for over 60s with KOVE (Kilburn Older Voices Exchange) The lost dance halls of Kilburn Wednesday 8 August, 1.30pm Meet at Black Lion pub, Kilburn High Road, NW6 2BY Return trip to Kenwood House Wednesday 22 August, 1.30pm Meet at Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR kove.org.uk 07539 390 786 Tai chi Every Tuesday, 10.30am to 12 noon £2 per person.

St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, 2 Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF 020 7380 0453 Camden health walk for adults with learning disabilities Every Friday, 11.45am to 12.45pm Friendly walk led by qualified walk leader. See website for more available walks.

Meet at Queen’s Crescent Community Centre, 45 Ashdown Crescent NW5 4QE

Listings camden.gov.uk/active 020 7974 4444 Heath walk with Marylebone Birdwatching Society Every Tuesday, 10am to 12 noon Friendly stroll to see what birds are around. Ends at Kenwood House.

Meet at Parliament Hill Staff Yard Highgate Road NW5 1QR birdsmbs.org.uk 020 7722 2965

Green Gym Butterfly surveying Thursday 26 July, 10.45am to 2pm Meadow-scything workshop Thursday 30 August, 10.45am to 2pm Regent’s Park.

Meet at the Hub cafe, NW1 4SX tcv.org.uk/camden 07768 421 881

Over 50s Older people’s floating focus group Various times, dates and locations Older people who are interested in being kept up to date on opportunities to attend focus groups in Camden on a wide range of issues.

Email or call to join the contact list.

Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1–6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA ageingbetterincamden.org.uk 020 7239 0400 Songhaven concert series Saturday 28 July, 3.30pm 40-minute dementia-friendly professional music concert in a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere, followed by afternoon tea.

Suggested donation £5.

Lumen Church and Cafe, 88 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9RS songhaven.co.uk 020 7278 1887 Songhaven at Kentish Town City Farm Tuesday 14 August, 2pm Join mezzo-soprano Vivien Conacher and pianist Berrak Dyer for a dementia-friendly concert and singalong session followed by afternoon tea. £3. Booking via email or phone.

Kentish Town City Farm, 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN abc@ktcityfarm.org.uk 07419 820 503

Community events Volunteer Centre Camden’s summer 2018 drop in Tuesday 31 July, 12 noon to 2pm Drop in to find the perfect volunteering role for you.

Volunteer Centre Camden, 2 Grafton Yard, NW5 2ND volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990 Somali women’s group Every Thursday, 10.30am to 4pm Information, advice and support for all Somali women.

Women’s gardening group Every Tuesday, 10am to 12 noon Learn gardening skills and make new friends.

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

Exhibitions and performances Zabludowicz Collection exhibition tour 7, 14, 21, 28 July and 4, 11 August at 4pm Join a member of the Zabludowicz Collection team for an informal introduction to the current exhibitions, featuring video art and virtual reality.

Zabludowicz Collection, 176 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3PT zabludowiczcollection.com 020 7428 8940 Sharp’s Folk Club Tuesday 17 July, 8 to 11pm Long -established folk club, with monthly guest nights. Floor singers always welcome. £3.50 or £3 for performers.

Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY cecilsharphouse.org 020 7485 2206 Afternoon Poems: The Creepy Crawley Muse Sunday 12 August, 2 to 3pm Poetry reading on the theme of insects, including works by John Keats, Emily Dickinson, Andrew Marvell and John Donne. Booking recommended.

Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR cityoflondon.gov.uk/keats keats@cityoflondon.gov.uk 020 7332 3868 Postmodernism in British architecture Until Monday 27 August: Wednesday to Sunday 10am to 6pm Exhibition focusing on 1980s British architectural history.

Sir John Soane’s Museum, 13 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2A 3BP soane.org 020 7405 2107

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

Lose weight with Rebalance Get active this summer with our weight management and exercise programme Rebalance is a 12-week weight management and exercise programme to help you lose weight and take control of your lifestyle. You’re eligible to apply if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 30 or greater, or 25 or greater if you have a serious health condition.

How does it work?

You will have a one-to-one welcome meeting with a health coach at one of the participating centres. We’ll discuss your goals, find out more about you and agree an action plan. You decide your start date and find out the location of various programmes that we run in your area.

A range of activities are available, including group indoor and outdoor exercise classes. You are also offered personalised advice about diet and nutrition. Once you have completed the programme, you’ll be eligible for a reducedprice gym membership at any ‘Better’ leisure centre in Camden or Islington.

Giselle’s story: While preparing for a gastric procedure, Camden resident Giselle Marsh kick-started her weight loss journey thanks to Rebalance.

Find out more 30

Giselle Marsh

Giselle said: “I have always had issues with my weight. I started a new job and my weight just ballooned, I was tipping the scales at 20 stone. I was too nervous to go to the gym because I was the heaviest I’d ever been.

“Although I was having surgery, I knew it was my overall lifestyle that needed changing. That’s where Rebalance came in, and changed my life for the better.

“The Rebalance instructors are fantastic. They show you how to exercise, give you a tailored programme and check your progress. You also learn about nutrition. I’ve tried every kind of diet in the past but none worked.

Through Rebalance I learnt about

camden.gov.uk/rebalance

the right kinds of foods to eat and the importance of moderation.

“After completing the programme, I signed up for a year’s gym membership and I still go as much as I can. From my surgery and Rebalance, I’ve lost four stone and counting. I feel so much more confident, I gave eight bags of clothes away that no longer fit me and actually enjoy shopping again.”

To be eligible for the programme, you must: • be aged 18 or over • live in Camden or Islington • have a BMI of 27 or greater • refer yourself online or be referred by a GP.

My Camden Mike Jenn set up the Camden Town Shed, a workspace where older people can work on practical projects with others.

What’s your favourite place in Camden?

The indoor soft-play facility for children at Talacre is great – I enjoy the exuberance of any small children I take. It’s also special for my wife and me, as we started its simple forerunner in log cabins on the same site back in December 1978.

Mike Jenn

What’s your Camden connection?

I came to Camden with my wife to run an alternative school for truanting 14 and 15 year-olds in 1975. Our two children were born and raised here.

Tell us about your work and volunteering in Camden I managed the Kentish Town City Farm from 1984 to 1988. In 2011 I set up the Camden Town Shed with Robert McGibbon, and I’ve led this project for older people since then. We have around 10 people coming each day, and they work with materials like wood, clay and leather.

just about managing, creative and entrepreneurial young people, artists, professionals, and the very wealthy – all somehow combining to make a dynamic society.

The most memorable thing to happen to you in Camden?

When I was managing the Kentish Town City Farm, British Rail ordered us to remove the animal manure which, over several years, had covered a field a metre thick.

As access was only by barrow the farm was deeply ‘in it’. Once the New Journal got the cry for help it was quickly followed by a double page in the Evening Standard and an airing on the Six O’Clock News.

Over the following week hundreds of people turned up, mucked in and shipped it out to their gardens.

Best park or open space?

I love Hampstead Heath for its countryside feel and its views of London, and Cantelowes Gardens with its great outdoor gym and exceptional skateboard park.

What makes Camden special?

For me, it’s the mix of people.

Alongside incomers from all over the place, there are elderly longterm residents, others who are

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

camdentownshed.org 31

Camden’s Careline Telecare is a local emergency response service that connects you to our trained staff, round the clock, so you are always just a push of a button away from getting help.

“

Careline gives me the confidence to stay in my own home.

Kathy, 92

Helping you keep your independence camden.gov.uk/careline 020 7974 1491 (option 4)

”

Your guide to free and low-cost things to do this summer

Camden Summer

Programme July and August 2018

Enjoy the best of

Camden Family fun | Community events | Get active | Arts and culture #CamdenSummer @CamdenCouncil LBCamden

camden.gov.uk/summer

Enjoy the best of Camden

with this year s summer programme

'

Camden VOX

There’s something for everyone, from fun family activities and new ways to get active, to community events and exciting exhibitions on your doorstep.

Summer is a great time to get together with family, friends and neighbours, try something new, and celebrate our diverse communities in Camden.

All events are free unless otherwise stated.

You may need to book for some activities.

Check the latest details with event organisers.

2

#CamdenSummer @CamdenCouncil

LBCamden

This year our annual arts programme takes inspiration from the women’s suffrage movement and 100 years since the first women were given the right to vote.

Camden VOX explores themes of equality, place, history and power, with free and low-cost events for everyone.

Look for the Camden VOX stamp in the event listings.

For even more events and activities across the borough visit the Love Camden website: lovecamden.org

camden.gov.uk/summer

Family Fun

There’s plenty to keep children and young people busy over the summer.

Beano ©DC Thomson Ltd

Families create: workshops Summer play schemes Summer Reading Challenge Saturday 28 July to Saturday 8 September For a fun way to enjoy books, four to 11-year-olds can sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge at local libraries.

Follow Mischief Makers on a hunt to find Beanotown’s buried treasure. Read six books, collect stickers and explore the Beanotown map to find clues. When you complete the challenge, you will get a certificate and medal. Look out for weekly activities in libraries.

Energise and Get Wise While you’re at the library, sign up to Energise and Get Wise to enjoy free swimming at Camden leisure centres. Log your activity via our online portal, Race to Health, and pick up activity cards each time you swap a book.

camden.gov.uk/libraries

Monday 23 July to Friday 31 August Arts, crafts, games, sport and day trips for four to 12-year-olds. Nine locations across the borough.

Dates and costs vary, concessions available.

Saturdays from 7 July to 11 August, 2 to 5pm Weekly artist-led workshop for families. Drop in.

Zabludowicz Collection, 176 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3PT zabludowiczcollection.com 020 7428 8940

camden.gov.uk/play 020 7974 4444

Family days British Museum games Saturday 7 July and Saturday 4 August, 11am to 4pm Play digital games, solve challenges and explore trails that will lead you to unexpected places. Ages five and over. Drop in.

British Museum (Great Court), Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8195

Sunday 15 July, 2 to 4pm Make a monster: Create your own summer monster movie, using poems, art and junk-modelling. Drop in.

Sunday 19 August, 2 to 4pm Inspiration from nature: Learn how to make colours, pigments and paints using natural materials to create a masterpiece inspired by nature.

Drop in.

Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR cityoflondon.gov.uk/keats 020 7332 3868 3

Family Fun Explore zoology

Family Cartoon Festival

Saturday 28 July, 1 to 4pm Ever wondered how heavy an elephant’s tusk is or how sharp a shark’s tooth is? Hands-on family activities. Ages five to 11. Drop in.

Grant Museum, Rockefeller Building, UCL, 21 University Street, WC1E 6DE

Sunday 19 August, 1 to 4pm An afternoon full of fun cartoonthemed activities for all ages.

Free with museum entry (£8.50 adults, £4 children, under fives free).

Drop in.

Jewish Museum, 129-131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB

ucl.ac.uk/culture 020 7679 2000

jewishmuseum.org.uk 020 7284 7384

Casting memories family workshop Tuesday 31 July, 11am to 12.30pm, 1.15 to 2.45pm and 3 to 4.30pm Create plaster casts using scraps of found clothing, inspired by exhibits in the Foundling Museum. Ages five and over. Book a session on the day.

Foundling Museum, 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ foundlingmuseum.org.uk 020 7841 3600

Animal patterns Saturday 25 August, 11am to 4pm Spot different animal patterns and use tablets together to make a 3D animal model to take home. Under fives. Drop in.

British Museum (Samsung Centre), Great Russell Street, WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8195

Camden Summer University

Stay and play Various locations and times Baby play (under ones), toddler time (under twos) and fun for all (under fives) sessions with songs, painting and more. Drop in. camden.gov.uk/surestart 020 7974 4444

Rhyme time Various locations and times (term-time only) Mix of songs, rhymes and actions for babies to pre-school aged children.

30-minute drop-in sessions. Check with your local library. camden.gov.uk/libraries 020 7974 4444

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COURS Thursday 26 July to Friday 24 August, dates and times vary ES Over 70 free courses for young people aged 13 to 19, including film-making, animation, painting, pottery, photography, journalism, fashion, drama, music, baking, trampolining, football, motorcycle mechanics and off-road riding. Book early, popular courses fill up fast. camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity 020 7619 3903

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Camden New Town Community Festival

Join in the fun and celebrations at a local community event.

Saturday 14 July, 4 to 8pm Jazz, folk and open mic poetry.

Sunday 15 July, 12 noon to 7pm Music and dance, stalls, arts and crafts, green corner, and more.

Camden Square, NW1 9XX e-voice.org.uk/camdennewtown communityfestival

Queen Square Fair Saturday 7 July, 12 noon to 5pm Live music, crafts for children, family workshops and more.

Queen Square, WC1N 3AQ queensquarefair.wordpress.com

Kentish Town Community Festival Family fun days Join in our family fun days across the borough full of games, sport and art activities.

Thursday 16 August, 2 to 6pm: Regent’s Park Estate, NW1 Thursday 23 August, 2 to 6pm: Bourne Estate, EC1N Saturday 8 September, 1 to 5pm: Talacre Gardens, NW5 lovecamden.org/camdenvox

Jester Festival Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 July, 12 noon to 6pm Two days of fun for all the family with performances, sports, a fun fair, arts and crafts, children’s storytelling and stalls.

Fortune Green, West Hampstead, NW6 jesterfestival.co.uk

Saturday 14 July, 12.30 to 5pm A street party run in collaboration with local artists, residents and community groups.

Kentish Town Community Centre, 17 Busby Place, NW5 2SP ktcc.org.uk

Give it a Go! Festival Sunday 15 July, 1 to 5pm Fun and free activities for all the family to try out to get moving more, including fencing, martial arts and zumba, as well as music and arts.

Parliament Hill Fields, NW5 1QR cityoflondon.gov.uk/events

Somers Town Festival Saturday 14 July, 12 noon to 6.30pm A street festival showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Chalton Street, NW1 somerstownfestival18@gmail.com

Camden Mela

Camden Unity Cup Festival

Sunday 15 July, 12 noon to 6pm A festival celebrating Camden’s diversity with traditional Bangladeshi music and dance, arts and crafts, food, and stalls.

Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, WC1 1DN

Tuesday 7 August, 9am to 4pm One of London’s largest youth football festivals, with entertainment and stalls.

Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1DN

coramsfields.org

fya.org.uk 0880 7388 7399

5

Get Active

From children’s sports courses to free swimming for older adults, there’s plenty of opportunities to get moving more.

Kids for a quid

£1 swimming for members under 16 at public swimming sessions, Monday to Saturday during school holidays. Junior membership £5 or £2.70 concessionary.

Drop-in sessions for Girls Get Moving Week

Free swimming for residents aged 60 and over Weekdays from 7am to 12 noon.

Bring along your Pay & Play membership card. Concessionary resident Pay & Play annual membership £5.40.

Oasis, Kentish Town, Pancras Square and Swiss Cottage leisure centres. better.org.uk/camden

Drop-in sports sessions Various locations and times Sessions including table tennis, basketball and football.

Ages eight to 16.

Locations including Kilburn Grange Park, Maygrove Peace Park, Rowley Way. camden.gov.uk/active active@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 3927

Tuesday 28 August to Friday 31 August, 11am to 4pm Sessions including dance, trampolining, football, table tennis and badminton for girls and young women ages eight to 16.

Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF camden.gov.uk/active 020 7974 6294

Courses for children and young people Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre Multi-sports course Monday 23 July to Friday 27 July, and Monday 30 July to Friday 3 August, 10am to 2pm. Ages five to eight.

Gymnastics short course Monday 6 August to Friday 10 August, 4 to 5pm ages five to eight, and 5pm to 6.30pm. Ages eight and over.

Prices vary, concessions available.

Booking essential.

Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, Adelaide Road, NW3 3NF betterlessons.org.uk 020 7974 2012

Talacre Community Sports Centre Five-day sports courses Various dates and times between Monday 23 July and Friday 24 August Ages four to seven (90-minute sessions) Including gymnastics and trampolining.

Ages eight to 14 (9am to 4.30pm) Including bend, bop and bounce (gymnastics, dance and trampolining) and multi-sports (trampolining, table tennis, dodgeball, cricket, football and more).

Prices vary, concessions available.

Booking essential.

Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF better.org.uk/talacre sportsdevelopment@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 8765

6 There’s lots on at Camden leisure centres this summer. Find out more: better.org.uk/camden

Active for All We offer activities for people of all ages with a disability, including gym and fitness, adapted cycling, and a weekend multi-sport hub club for over-14s.

Read the Camden Leisure Centre Accessibility Guide on our website for more information.

camden.gov.uk/disabilitysport 020 7974 2198

Outdoor gyms

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Make the most of the summer by trying one of our nine free outdoor gyms. Drop in any time or find sessions on our website. camden.gov.uk/outdoorgyms 020 7974 4444

Green Gym Health walks If you have a health problem but want to get out more, join a relaxed and friendly walk. Arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the walk.

Cycling skills for children and adults Various dates in July and August Free two-day training courses for children and adults at two levels: ‘learn to cycle’ for beginners, and ‘building cycle confidence’ to prepare for riding on the road.

Booking essential.

Haverstock School, 24 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2BQ camden.gov.uk/cycleskills 020 7974 1451

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Parliament Hill Every Monday, 10 to 11am Meet at Parliament Hill Café, Highgate Road, NW5 1QR

Get active while making a difference at one of these fun and free outdoor sessions.

Waterlow Park Tuesday 24 July and Tuesday 14 August, 10.45am to 2pm Waterlow Park (meet by the lodge), N6 5HD tcv.org.uk/camden 07768 421 881

Regent’s Park Every Thursday Women’s walk: 10.30 to 11.30am Men’s walk: 11 to 11.30am Meet in Green Light Pharmacy, 6264 Hampstead Road, NW1 2NU

Ingestre Woods Tuesday 31 July and Tuesday 28 August, 10.45am to 2pm Ingestre Woods (meet at the community centre), Ingestre Road, NW5 1UX

camden.gov.uk/active 020 7974 4444

tcv.org.uk/camden 07769 710 359

Camden Can is our campaign to get everybody in the borough more active and eating more healthily. For more activities visit camden.gov.uk/active

7

Arts and culture

Explore exciting exhibitions and more right here in Camden.

A Stone’s Throw from Westminster: Suffragettes and other Feminists in Camden Until Friday 28 September Exhibition looking at the contribution of activists in Camden to the campaign for the right of women to vote, and the wider struggle for women’s rights.

Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobald’s Road, WC1X 8PA

lovecamden.org/camdenvox

Citizen Until Sunday 15 July Exhibition by Tash Kahn and John Ros, exploring ideas of community, ethics, and why people do what they do.

Swiss Cottage Gallery, 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA lovecamden.org/citizen

Tell us the tooth and other stories Tuesday 24 July, 3 to 5pm and Saturday 28 July, 2 to 4pm Join in storytelling workshop.

No experience needed. Drop in.

Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE

Open Open 2018 Thursday 9 August to Saturday 15 September, preview Wednesday 8 August from 5.30pm Amateur and professional artists of all ages are invited to display their artwork in this community exhibition.

Contact Love Camden to exhibit.

Swiss Cottage Library, 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA lovecamden.org/open-open-2018 lovecamden@camden.gov.uk

Quentin Blake exhibition Until Sunday 30 September Exhibition of Quentin Blake’s illustrations for classic space travel tale Voyages to the Moon and the Sun. Adults £8.25, children £4.40, over 65s £7.15.

House of Illustration, 2 Granary Square, N1C 4BH

wellcomecollection.org

houseofillustration.org.uk 020 3696 2020

Camden Commissions at Swiss Cottage Library

Windrush: Songs in a Strange Land

A series of posters on themes of equality, place, power and identity.

July: Claudette Johnson. August and September: Sutapa Biswas.

Swiss Cottage Library (atrium), 88 Avenue Road, NW3 3HA lovecamden.org/ camden-vox-exhibitions

Camden Fringe Monday 30 July to Sunday 26 August Enjoy comedy, spoken word, dance, musicals and more on your doorstep this summer. Prices for shows vary between £5 and £15. camdenfringe.com

Until Sunday 21 October Exhibition telling the story of the Empire Windrush and how the people who came here have shaped Britain over the past 70 years.

British Library (entrance hall), 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB bl.uk 01937 546546

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