Camden magazine April 2017

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | April 2017 | camden.gov.uk

Conquering construction Women see opportunity in the industry @camdentalking

facebook.com/lbcamden

From dancing ‘round the Maypole to discovering the history of Regent’s Canal, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the borough this month. See pages 28 and 29.

camden.gov.uk

camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk

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

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

Cover image: Philip Wolmuth

@camdentalking

facebook.com/lbcamden

Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 7 April 2017

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

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Camden this month Sign up to Recycling Rewards to get discounts and give to charity when you recycle.

See page 13.

We’re funding two new projects to support good mental health by helping people get more involved in the community.

See page 16.

Could you represent Camden in the London Youth Games?

See page 30.

Our construction apprenticeships are helping Camden women break into the industry. See page 21.

Landlords need a

We have issued fines to two unlicensed landlords.

See page 20.

licence to let Welcome Introduction from the Leader of the Council

Features 5

Cover story Construction apprenticeships for women

21

News International Women’s Day Fly-tippers fined in Clean Camden fortnight Book GP appointments online Free school places for two year olds Music event at Roundhouse Have your say on Camden’s future Changes to adult social care Apprentices thank you event

6 7 7 8 8 9 10 11

Viewpoints – learning to cycle Recycling rewards Changes to recycling and rubbish New homes and community centre Fines for unlicensed landlords History of Regent’s Canal Getting married in the borough HS2: reducing the impact Tackling air pollution Take part in the London Youth Games My Camden – Eloise Schonberger, health visitor

12 13 14 18 20 22 23 24 26 30 31

Listings Free and low cost events in Camden

28

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Careers in social care

We are dedicated to providing exceptional help, advice and support to those most in need. It’s at the heart of everything we do.

We believe in getting it right, and what better way than involving Camden residents who know the service they expect.

We have great opportunities, including:  social workers  occupational therapists  access and support officers To find out more about these roles and many more at Camden please visit our website at togetherwearecamden.com

Tie the knot in Camden

Looking for the perfect place for your special day?

Then look no further than Camden.

We have over 45 venues to choose from. So, whether you’re looking for a glamorous hotel, a historic building or something quirky and unusual – you’ll be sure to find your ideal setting.

Book your ceremony using our quick and easy to use online service.

Visit camden.gov.uk/ registrars

camden.gov.uk/registrars

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Welcome

to the April edition of Camden magazine

6 | Celebrating International Women’s Day

16 | Healthy Minds programme

NO2 PM10



26 | Tackling vehicle emissions

We have kicked off the process of shaping our priorities over the next five years. Government cuts are putting more pressure than ever on the council and we need to make every penny work as hard as possible. We want you to tell us what’s important to you as we develop our next five year plan. You can get involved by getting in touch with the Camden Commission (page 9).

Ensuring that all residents can benefit from Camden’s place in a global economy is a key priority for the Camden Commission. This was also pertinent to last month’s International Women’s Day (page 6), where we explored some of the barriers to success in the arts, media and creative industries.

I was delighted to speak alongside some amazing female leaders and to discover how residents are overcoming barriers.

The most successful economies reflect their communities, so it’s vital that women are strongly represented in all sectors. I’m determined that Camden Council will continue to play an influential role in making sure this happens. You can read about how young women are making their mark in the male dominated construction industry in our feature on page 21.

A key priority for the council, partners and employers is support for mental wellbeing. Mental health issues will affect most of us during our lifetimes, whether directly or indirectly. That’s why we set up the Healthy Minds programme last year.

You can read about its progress and about our work with the fantastic Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families on page 16.

We know our environment is important to you and on page 26 you can read a feature about how we’re working to improve air quality in the borough. New waste collection and recycling arrangements begin this month so we’ve included some useful tips about how best to use the new service on page 14.

Last year we secured some important assurances from HS2 Ltd about limiting disruption and environmental impact of the scheme.

We’ll be pressing the company to stick to the assurances to limit disruption and environmental impact as much as possible (page 24).

I hope you enjoy this edition of the magazine.

Councillor Sarah Hayward Leader of the Council 5

News

Celebrating creativity We celebrated International Women’s Day with an event showcasing female leaders in the arts, media and creative industries.

Camden Councillors, students, our project filmmakers and other guests enjoying the day.

It was a day of performance, film, talks and a panel discussion, featuring leading speakers on architecture, the media, performing arts, visual arts and the tech industry. Guest insights and performances were enjoyed by an audience of about 200 students and residents at Arlington Conference Centre in Camden on 8 March.

• Leading architect Sadie Morgan spoke about the rewards and challenges of her profession.

• Local actor, screenwriter and director Lisa Gornick led a live drawing show.

Find out more 6

• Lorraine Faissal, theatre education manager for Clean Break in Kentish Town, spoke about her work with women who have experienced the criminal justice system or who are at risk of doing so.

• Nelissa Mendy, a local poet and spoken word artist, read some of her work.

• Tinu Alikor, creator of the Baby Point app, explained how she uses new technology to help other parents find baby-friendly cafés, restaurants and other places to go.

• Members of a women’s filmmaking project, who were

flickr.com/camdencouncil (for more photos of the event)

supported by the council and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, premiered The Women’s Voice, their short film.

• A panel of leading speakers, including BBC journalist Ena Miller, Google software engineer Emma Burrows, Knowledge Quarter chief executive Jodie Eastwood and Leader of the Council, Councillor Sarah Hayward, debated barriers to entering the creative, media, arts and tech industries.

Young women were urged to embrace their ambitions and let nothing stop them from pursuing careers in their chosen sectors.

News

Clean Camden round-up We issued 50 £200 fines to fly-tippers during Clean Camden fortnight.

Between 27 February and 10 March, we sent out extra flytipping patrols to target known fly-tipping hotspots and gathered evidence to identify culprits.

We work with you every year during Clean Camden fortnights to crack down on littering, dog fouling and fly-tipping. It helps us keep Camden a pleasant place to live, work and visit.

Lots of dogs and their owners came along to our dog event at Alexandra Road Park on 4 March, where the Mayhew Animal Home was on hand to microchip dogs and the Dog Hub gave advice on dog behaviour.

Resident Sheila Donnelly with her dogs, Birtie and Clancey, at the Alexandra Road Park event.

Update on irresponsible dog ownership While most people who own dogs are responsible, we know that residents are concerned about a minority of dog owners who are not.

In our consultation with you last year 93% of you were in favour of a public space protection order (PSPO) with on-the-spot fines of up to £100 for not keeping a dog on a lead in certain public areas, and a failure to clear up dog mess.

We have now introduced this PSPO and we are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour resulting from irresponsible dog ownership.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/cleancamden

Book your GP appointment online All 35 Camden GP practices are now offering patients the option to book appointments and arrange repeat prescriptions online.

You can now use the internet to book a GP appointment and you will no longer have to visit the surgery to order a repeat prescription.

already taking advantage of this new online service, with more than one million repeat prescription requests made through GP online services every month.

This will save you time and money, as well as cutting down on unnecessary GP appointments.

Patients across England are

You can register for the new online GP services at your local surgery or visit the NHS website to find out more.

Find out more

nhs.uk/gponlineservices 7

News

Free places for two year olds in school Brecknock Primary School has welcomed its first two year old children.

Brecknock Primary School now offers 24 places – 12 each in the morning and afternoon – for two year olds of parents who qualify for 15 hours of free childcare per week during term time. This is the first primary school in Camden to offer these free places, but other Camden primary schools are set to follow soon. The offer is also widely available in Camden nurseries, Find out more

Anita Khalil with daughter, Aya, aged 2.

voluntary and private sector nurseries, and with childminders.

Laura Lien, assistant headteacher at Brecknock Primary School, said: “We are delighted with how our two year old nursery is going and we have a few places still available.

“All the children have settled really well since they started on 20 February. They have enjoyed

camden.gov.uk/twoyearolds

learning through play by building sandcastles, painting, making dough cakes, as well as singing nursery rhymes and listening to stories.”

Parents can apply for the free places when their child is 18 months old by collecting an application form from the school or a local children’s centre.

brecknock.camden.sch.uk

Music event encourages healthier choices Musicians and performers came together at the Roundhouse to help young people make better choices about drugs and alcohol.

The event, hosted by the council’s FWD young people’s substance misuse team, took place in February as part of the Roundhouse Rising Music Festival. It was attended by 30 young people, and aimed to explore misconceptions about drugs and creativity. One in five young people in Camden say they have taken more than one illegal drug, according to recent figures.

Find out more 8

North London hip hop act, The Age (Left to right): Producer and songwriter Hannah V, music PR Chris Poole, DJ and presenter of L.U.N.A., were Amanda Star and hip hop act The Age of L.U.N.A. among the guest performers and three local young people Young performer Danny said: were given the chance to be “I felt really confident and support acts. There was also a comfortable. It was a really good question and answer session led event, which also taught me a lot

by The Beat FM DJ and presenter about the harm drugs can do.”

Amanda Star.

camden.gov.uk/fwd

News

Debate on future of Camden begins We want residents to get involved and help us address the key challenges facing Camden.

Our newly-formed Camden Commission, a panel made up of a group of councillors and expert advisers, has now met twice and is gathering evidence to set our priorities for 2018 to 2023.

In our last meeting, we talked about community cohesion, looking at how to make sure the mix of residents we are renowned for in Camden feel safe, connected, included and ready to help make our borough a better place.

We’re also looking at how we might reshape public services as we face significant cuts to our funding from the Government.

The Commission is chaired by Councillor Sarah Hayward, Leader of Camden Council, and draws on the expertise of Jessica Allen, deputy director of the Institute of Health Equity, Henry Kippin, executive director of Collaborate CIC, and Jonathan Portes, professor of economics and public policy at King’s College.

Take part in the debate The Camden Commission wants to hear from you, our residents, to make sure our vision for Camden is focused on what people really need their council to do.

Your thoughts and experiences will help us build a new vision to replace our Camden Plan, which has helped us prioritise our spending on what matters to you.

Find out more

Visit our website to: • submit an idea to the commission; • see what others have suggested; or • sign up for email updates.

You can also contact us by phone or post to give us your thoughts.

camden.gov.uk/camdencommission

020 7974 4444 9

News

Changes to free nursery places from September Our free childcare offer for three and four year olds will alter due to Government funding changes.

We are the only council in the country to currently offer 30 hours’ free childcare for three and four year olds at school and council-run nurseries, which is double the 15 hours that the Government funds us to provide.

But from September the Government is changing its childcare funding. Under these changes, children of working parents, including those with combined salaries of up to Find out more

£200,000, will benefit from 30 hours’ free childcare, while some children who are currently eligible for our 30 hour offer will lose out.

These changes make it impossible for us to continue providing our current offer for all three to four year olds.

We are proposing a new free childcare offer to help level the playing field as far as possible, by targeting our resources at those who need it most. We plan to fund

an extra 15 hours (so 30 in total) for some of the children who look set to miss out, using the same eligibility criteria we already use for free two year old places.

Thank you to those parents and nursery providers who took part in our recent consultation on these plans.

Our April Cabinet meeting will make a final decision and changes will come into effect from September 2017.

camden.gov.uk/earlyyearsfunding

Adult social care consultations close Thank you for having your say on proposals to protect our day services and changes to paying for care.

We have been asking for your views on changes to adult social care since January - and nearly 300 people attended meetings.

We are now looking at all the comments you made at these meetings and responses to our questionnaires to help inform our final decisions.

The two consultations, which ran alongside each other and have both now ended, were about: • proposed changes to day centres – maintaining all council-run day services and creating two specialist centres to deliver these services; • the level of financial contributions, or payments, people make towards the care we provide – and

Find out more 10

camden.gov.uk/ascchanges

making sure we treat all those who contribute to the cost of their care fairly.

These proposals are part of our wider plans to change how we support residents with care needs in the face of greatly reduced funding from Government and a growing and ageing population.

A final decision on day centres and services will be made in May. Our Cabinet will make a final decision on financial contributions at its meeting in June.

Our new strategy for older people and people with disabilities will be published later this year.

News

Appreciating apprentices

Cllr Revah with the winning apprentices and their supervisors.

We rolled out the red carpet for our apprentices with a special event at Warner Bros on Friday 10 March.

National Apprenticeship Week in Camden came to an enjoyable close with a celebration of our highest achievers. Certificates were handed out to apprentices Find out more

and managers alike, including awards for both apprentice and supervisor of the year. The event was held at the offices of one of our apprenticeship partners, Warner Bros and included an exclusive showing of Kong: Skull Island.

Councillor Larraine Revah, Cabinet Member for Equalities and Employment, attended the event and said: “Camden’s apprenticeship scheme offers a springboard from which anyone with the right attitude and determination can start a meaningful job. We’re very grateful to our partners who have helped to promote our apprenticeship scheme.”

“Beginning this month, apprenticeship opportunities will be available to residents aged 25 and over and those with higher-level qualifications. We hope this will help us to meet the needs of the local economy and support a broader range of people into fantastic employment opportunities than ever before.”

camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships

Slower speeds, safer streets • 20mph limits create safer streets for children, pedestrians and cyclists and reduce the risk of collisions.

• Camden has a borough-wide 20mph speed limit which is monitored and is enforceable by the police.

camden.gov.uk/20mph 11

Viewpoints

What do you think?

Our free cycling training programme can hold the key to greater independence, freedom and job and education opportunities. Some of our learners share their experiences.

Rahma taught her children to cycle, but had never ridden a bike herself. She surprised everyone, herself especially, when she learned after three days - and now she wants to teach others.

Jannah Muhamed, 9, is a pupil at Richard Cobden Primary School, and attends the regular cycle training sessions on the sports pitches off Plender Street.

“I thought the cycle training programme was just for children but when I found out it was for adults too I decided I wanted to try.

“I love cycling. I’m in year five and a lot of the children in my year group come here. It’s really fun and the people are really friendly. It’s not just about cycling – it’s also about friendship.

When I first started I was scared, my balance was so bad and I was wobbling around. I thought, ‘I’m never going to learn.’

When I first came here a few months ago I was completely hopeless on a bike. I was like a scared dolphin in a marine park. They helped me so much and now cycling is one of my hobbies.

But after just three days of practice I managed it. I was so surprised I learned so quickly. And I haven’t stopped riding my bike since.

We do obstacle courses on the sports pitch and you can learn to ride safely on the road too. I don’t have my own bicycle but they give you free use of bikes. I would like to have my own bike as well.”

I’ve recommended it to many of my friends. Cycling has so many benefits – it’s good for your health, it saves you money. Some of the children who come here live quite far away, but they cycle here and don’t pay a penny. And we all help each other here – you can make friends and it’s fun.

In the future I want to be a cycle training instructor and teach others like me.”

Find out more 12

camden.gov.uk/cycletraining

Donate a bike If you have an unused bicycle sitting at home, why not donate it to one of our learners? We can collect it from you and it doesn’t have to be in full working order. Get in touch if you can help.

cycle.training@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 5071

Feature

Green rewards Camden Recycling Rewards offers you discounts and deals at local businesses, as well as the chance to support Camden charities.

Thousands of Camden residents have signed up to the scheme, including top recyclers Fi O’Sullivan from Chalk Farm and her daughters Martha and Libby, who won a £30 voucher in January.

Fi said: “I’ve always been a keen recycler. My mum got me interested and I pass this on to my girls and we do our recycling together. It’s one of our weekend activities.

“I always have the three ‘green’ Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – in my mind. Although we buy some new clothes, we also get plenty from charity shops and swap with

How does Camden Recycling Rewards work?

• You can earn ‘green points’ for everything you recycle. In April, you can also earn extra points for recycling an Easter egg box.

• Each month is centred on different recyclable items. For April, it’s batteries, textiles and small Find out more

Green champions: Fi O’Sullivan with her daughters, Martha and Libby.

friends. We save a lot of money.

We spend the money we save on days out. I was delighted to win the vouchers. We split them between us. electrical items, all of which you can recycle for free. See pages 14 and 15 for more information.

• Your points are added to a total for your local area. Each month the people who earn the most points in each area win a £30 voucher.

• More than 100 Camden businesses offer discounts and deals for Recycling Rewards members. We’ll send you a

camden.gov.uk/recyclingrewards

It’s easy to set up your recycling rewards membership online and then use the email prompt to fill in your points in just a couple of minutes.” rewards card, and you can download the app to find out where they are.

• Camden Recycling Rewards also supports five local charities by sharing £5,000 every six months.

You can vote for your favourite from a shortlist. The more votes a charity gets, the greater share of the prize money it will receive.

Turn the page for tips on the changes to recycling and rubbish and your recycling questions answered.

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Feature

RECYCLING RIGHT Changes to recycling and rubbish collections began last week. We’ve put together some tips to help you adjust to the changes.

Rethink your rubbish bin Why not start using your rubbish bin as your recycling bin? About 85% of what we throw away can be recycled, so the biggest bin in your kitchen should be your recycling bin. Try putting everything that can be recycled into this bin or a food waste caddy first. Then anything that’s left can be put in a smaller rubbish bin.

Get close to your caddy Consider keeping your food waste caddy under the sink, or close to where you prepare your meals.

Put your vegetable peelings and meat offcuts straight into the caddy, and scrape leftovers from plates into it before you wash up.

Create ‘recycle points’ within your home Think about where a lot of your recycled items come from. As an example, try keeping a paper bag or cardboard box by your front

door so you can easily recycle junk mail.

Get your free containers Order your food waste caddies and recycling containers at camden.gov.uk/recycle or give us a call. You can pick up free caddy liners at our information sessions and special events.

Food waste: Every week Make sure to line your food caddy with a compostable bag, not an ordinary one, or simply put your food waste straight into the caddy.

If you don’t use a bag you might want to wash out the bin each week to stop it from smelling.

Recycling: Every week Before you put things into your recycling container, check what can and can’t be recycled in Camden. Make sure everything

you put into your recycling is clean and dry. You’ll find a list in the service guide you received through the door.

85% of our rubbish can be recycled but currently we recycle just 25%. We are changing some of our collections to encourage everyone to recycle more.

Find out more

Working in partnership

Easter collections There are no changes to recycling and rubbish collections over Easter. You can put your containers out on your normal day for collection.

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Making savings Cuts to our budget from Central Government mean we have to find cheaper ways of doing things. It costs less money to process recycling than dispose of rubbish, so every time you recycle you help us save money for other important services.

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

020 7974 2202

You collect r ion day is MONDA Y

Be rewarded for recycling Camden Recycling Rewards is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to you for taking the time to recycle.

Read all about the scheme on page 13. If you get communal rubbish collections where you live, you will still have rubbish collections at least once a week and you will not get a wheelie bin.

Why is change happening?

More recycling

Your RECYCLIN G AN RUBBISH gu D ide Starts 1 Apr il

Feature

Ask

Jenny

Jenny is one of Camden’s enforcement officers. Each month she answers your recycling questions.

It takes me a week to fill a food caddy liner and by the time I take the food waste outside, the bag is leaking. Can you help?

Caddy liners are made of compostable material so they break down quickly. The more food you put into your caddy, especially acidic food like fruit or onions, the faster it will break down. We suggest emptying your caddy more often or using two caddy liners instead of one.

Can I recycle egg boxes, metal lids and plastic lids from milk bottles and sauce bottles?

Yes. All of these items are recyclable and can be put into your recycling container.

Can I recycle used kitchen roll?

Can I recycle the clear plastic that vegetables such as lettuce are packaged in?

No. Unfortunately a lot of plastics used to package food can’t be recycled and this includes the plastic film around fruits and vegetables. The clear plastic around packaged magazines can be recycled, however.

No. Kitchen roll can’t be placed in your recycling or food waste. You can put it into your home compost bin if you have one though.

Order a £5 home composter at camden.gov.uk/composting.

waste caddy, but varnished or painted chopsticks will need to go into your rubbish bin. Why not buy yourself some reusable chopsticks and say ‘no thank you’ at the local takeaway?

My son regularly makes junk models at school, so plastic containers are often covered with masking tape, sellotape etc. Do I need to remove tape before recycling?

Yes. If there is a lot of tape you need to peel it off before you can recycle the container. Perhaps your son can help and learn to sort the recycling at the same time.

How clean do jars and bottles need to be before I put them in the recycling?

Just make sure the jar or bottle is empty and give it a quick rinse before your put it in the recycling. It doesn’t need to be perfectly clean.

Can I recycle sellotape?

No. But the cardboard ring found on the inside of a sellotape roll can be recycled.

Can I recycle the wooden chopsticks from takeaways?

You can put plain, single-use wooden chopsticks into your food

Egg boxes and plastic milk lids can all be put in your recycling bin.

Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to ask Jenny a question.

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Feature

Supporting good mental health One in four of us will have a mental health problem at some point in our lives.

We work with partners to provide a wide range of mental health support for Camden residents.

Two new community projects begin this month.

Both projects are part of our Healthy Minds programme, which we set up last year to help residents with poor mental health. This is jointly funded by Camden Council, the local NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. The Healthy Minds programme also includes support for parents-tobe, new parents and young people.

Healthy Minds in the Community, run by the Camden branch of mental health charity, Mind, is working with ten Camden organisations to offer free activities to support good mental health. With the help of volunteer ‘navigators’, residents have the chance to join taster sessions at places like the British Museum and the Roundhouse to help them feel more involved in their communities.

Tom Costley from Mind explains: “Camden is a fantastic and diverse place to live with something to offer everyone. When you are feeling down it is really hard to motivate yourself to join in. And yet we know that joining in activities can make a real and positive difference to recovery and prevent problems getting worse.

The Camden Hub, Camden’s Mental Health Wellbeing Centre, is setting up a Healthy Minds Academy training volunteers to help others to get involved in events and activities across the borough. This could be anything from a walk in the park to a cookery course.

Sam Hopley from the Hub said: “Meeting new people and making new friends is important for individual wellbeing and creating a vibrant community. Our academy will train volunteers so they can support residents who might otherwise find it tricky to take part in what Camden has to offer.”

“We’re really excited to be offering practical support to help people take part in a range of great activities with some brilliant organisations in Camden.”

Find out more 16

mindincamden.org.uk

camdenhub.org.uk

Feature

Smart way to support child mental health Children from schools in Camden and Westminster tried out a Smart Gym at Pancras Square Library on 28 February.

mental health and wellbeing.

Beneath flashing lights and computer-generated fun is some serious neuroscientific research.

“SmartGym is an exciting new initiative to help schoolchildren improve life skills such as trust, resilience, motivation, communication and awareness.”

SmartGym, developed by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families (AFNCCF) in Hampstead, uses technology to help children with their reasoning, social skills, academic achievement and wellbeing.

It shows that children’s thinking and life skills can be improved through performing psychological exercises, or ‘circuit training’, alongside breathing exercises and group discussions to help promote

The Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nadia Shah, who made AFNCCF her nominated charity during her mayoral year, said:

SmartGym is a travelling resource that has been used throughout London in connection with various activities and programmes in schools. While it was set up temporarily at Pancras Square for the demonstration, we hope to see it used in Camden schools in the near future.

Find out more

annafreud.org

New website for mental health A new online directory of the mental health support on offer in Camden has just been launched.

As well as a searchable directory of services, the website also has information and tools to help you help yourself.

It is a resource for anyone who needs it, including people who are experiencing common mental health problems like stress, anxiety or depression, or illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or eating disorders.

Find out more

mentalhealthcamden.co.uk 17

Feature

Enjoying our new centre and homes Six years into the Community Investment Programme, residents feel right at home in the new developments.

The Community Investment Programme (CIP), our 15-year plan to invest money into schools, homes and community facilities, is making a real difference to the lives of local people.

Council tenants are moving from overcrowded accommodation into new homes, children are enjoying new school buildings and people who are homeless are learning new skills in a safe environment.

Here are three residents who are benefiting from some of the new facilities and homes:

Ethel

games on the all-weather pitch.

Ethel Horacek and Poppy (Paulina) Hiddie-Garrick live nearby and are regular visitors to the centre. We caught up with them at a St David’s Day lunch at the centre.

Ethel said: “I find the new building light and airy. It’s relaxing, open and welcoming. It’s 100 times better than the old one.”

Poppy also appreciates the lightness of the new building. She adds: “It’s accessible for those with disabilities and people in wheelchairs, which is important.”

Graham Cobb, director of the centre, says he has seen a huge increase in the number of people using the facility. He said: “In the

last few years we have gone from around 400 people using the centre every week to more than 1,300, with at least half of this down to the fantastic new premises.

“The building is fantastic, but it’s more than just glass and steel. It allows the St Pancras Community Association to tackle isolation, help local people to get fit and physically active, create real opportunities for families and build a strong sense of community ownership.”

The site of the old community centre and garages on Camden Street will be used for new affordable housing.

Poppy

Ethel and Poppy at St Pancras Community Centre Our new community centre on Plender Street is already a hive of activity after opening last year.

It hosts a nursery, belly dancing sessions, a bridge club, drama workshop, and netball and football 18

St Pancras Community Centre

Feature CIP will deliver for Camden:

Chris Esmond at Holly Lodge Estate Blocks of poor-quality bedsits on Holly Lodge Estate have been transformed into new homes.

Properties were clustered around shared facilities, had no heating, were poorly insulated and needed complete refurbishment. Now, the bedsit accommodation has been transformed into a mix of self-contained homes. The first phase was completed in 2012 and the second phase is due to be completed this month.

Chris Esmond lived at Agar Grove for 20 years. In 2015 he moved to Holly Lodge and is happy with the improvements to his home.

Chris said: “I’m impressed with the way my flat has been finished. It has been a very positive experience. I feel very fortunate to have moved here. The refurbishment works were first class. I don’t think I could have wished for better.”

3,050 new homes, including 1,400 affordable homes, investment in 53 schools and children’s centres; 9,000 m² improved community facilities (equivalent to 35 tennis courts); and Renovation of thousands of existing Council homes as part of our Better Homes Programme.

We are funding this investment in affordable homes, schools and community facilities by building homes for private sale and selling buildings and land that we no longer need. We reinvest every pound raised from sales back into the borough, for the benefit of Camden residents today and in the future.

So far CIP has delivered: 277 homes built, with another 425 expected by 2018 £61 million invested into 48 schools and children’s centres; and 1,242 square metres of improved community facilities.

Holly Lodge Estate

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/cip 19

Feature

Landlords need a

licence to let

Fines for unlicensed landlords Hefty fines have been handed to a management company and a Hampstead homeowner for operating houses in multiple occupation (HMO) without a licence.

Council staff visited a property in January and found a family of five living in severely overcrowded conditions. Our private sector housing team were also concerned by a number of health and safety issues at the property including an unsafe staircase, a dangerous light fitting and a lack of smoke alarms.

MNY Property Management Ltd was fined £3,390 and ordered to pay £4,500 on 27 February at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court.

The owner of the home also agreed to repay the council £71,855, to cover the cost of Find out more 20

housing benefit paid to people living in the house while it was unlicensed.

In another case at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court, Grenfell Gordon Royce was fined £2,700 on 2 March for managing an HMO without a licence, along with other offences, and ordered to pay costs to the council amounting to £1,700.

Anyone who owns or manages an HMO, a home being lived in by three or more people who form more than one household, needs to have a licence. It is a criminal offence to operate an HMO without one.

camden.gov.uk/hmolicensing

020 7974 5969

We work with private landlords across Camden to make sure they are safe and meet the required standards.

HMO action day Our private sector housing team will be out in force this month, targeting hotspots, and cracking down on landlords and managing agents who may be renting unlicensed HMOs in the borough.

If you know of an unlicensed HMO, please get in touch and let us know.

Feature

Women building success We marked National Apprenticeships Week and International Women’s Day with a celebration of women conquering the construction industry.

Women make up 11 per cent of the construction industry, but just one per cent of the onsite workforce.

In Camden we’re building on this opportunity.

On 10 March, we marked National Apprenticeships Week and International Women’s Day with an event at King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre. The event

brought employers and apprentices together to celebrate women working in the industry. Prospective apprentices of all ages got a chance to try hands-on workshops to get a taste for carpentry and plumbing.

There were also current apprentices on hand to share their experiences.

Lighting up the future

Making room for mothers

Sophie Barone, a 22-year-old electrical apprentice, recently joined Camden Council’s maintenance team. “I really enjoy electrical repairs,” she said.

“When something goes wrong I’m there to fix it. It’s like completing a puzzle.”

Emma Moody, 34, was a full-time mother before taking up a multi-skills training course. Now she’s had a chance to try carpentry, bricklaying and plumbing, giving her an idea of her next steps in the industry.

“Construction has always been of interest to me,” she says. “I love the practical side of things.”

Sophie is already using her skills on site and is well on her way to becoming a qualified electrician. “I thought it might be weird being the only female, but it isn’t. I’m just part of the team.”

In the future, Sophie hopes to start her own construction company and open doors for women just like her. “It’s important that women get involved in construction,” she says. “It proves to other women that when we try we can succeed.”

Sophie Barone

With four children aged between 5 and 13, Emma had been out of full-time employment for a number of years. By starting a training course and earning her qualifications she’s opening doors across the industry.

Many apprentice employers can accommodate young mothers like Emma, offering flexible working hours around school runs and childcare.

Emma Moody

A construction apprenticeship isn’t limited to trades and onsite work. There are also opportunities in the wider industry, including site administration, civil engineering, and health and safety. With an enormous number of construction projects happening across Camden, there’s never been a better time for women to get involved.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships 21

Feature

Celebrating 200 years of Regent’s Canal Discover the canal’s journey from a hive of industry and commerce to today’s place of beauty and relaxation.

The Industrial Revolution brought about the need for a network of canals across the UK to help transport goods from one place to another.

After the Grand Junction Canal was completed in 1805, joining London to the Midlands, the Government decided to build another canal linking to the River Thames at Limehouse. This canal would be called the ‘Regent’s Canal’ after the Prince Regent gave permission for it to be named after him.

Construction of this canal began in 1812. Its first stretch, between Paddington and Camden Town, was finished in 1816, just over 200 years ago.

Regent’s Canal at Albert Road in about 1900

A second stretch between Camden Town and Limehouse was completed four years later in 1820.

Despite the surge in railways in the 1840s, heavy goods like coal, timber and bricks continued to be carried along the canal by horse-drawn barges. But, by the 1960s, goods were being carried more by road, and in 1969 the canal closed to commercial traffic.

Today, Regent’s Canal is enjoyed by many as a place of relaxation and recreation, be it by taking a boat trip, running or cycling along its towpaths or enjoying the market at Camden Lock.

Regent’s Canal today

Visit the exhibition London Canal Museum presents ‘Turning 200’, a free exhibition celebrating the history of Regent’s Canal with bonus material from the Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre.

2 March to 30 May

Find out more 22

camden.gov.uk/history

Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre 2nd floor, Holborn Library 32-38 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA Mondays: 10am to 6pm Thursdays: 10am to 7pm Fridays: 10am to 5pm Saturdays (alternate): 10am to 5pm Turn to page 28 for more free and low cost activities on offer in the borough this month.

Feature

Tie the knot in Camden Camden talking Your comments on social media.

To celebrate #InternationalWomensDay we pledge to give more women the opportunity to develop careers in sport & leisure #BeBoldForChange @GLL_UK via Twitter

You can get married at over 45 different licensed wedding venues in Camden. Why not make your promises in your home borough?

for summer weddings. Visit our website below for a full list.

A perfect location From historic buildings to glamorous hotels, to more quirky and unusual venues, Camden is sure to have a venue that suits your style.

You can choose a bespoke ceremony, or something more traditional, depending on the type of room and venue you use.

There’s Camden Town Hall, with its seven fabulous ceremony rooms in contemporary and classic settings and a stunning marble staircase. Or the beautiful Burgh House or Lauderdale House, set in the landscaped gardens of Hampstead and Highgate – perfect

Once you’re settled on a venue, you need to give notice of marriage in the area where you both live.

You can book a tour of the rooms in the Town Hall with a registrar, who will show you around and answer any questions you may have.

Book online You can now give notice, book a ceremony and pay for your wedding in advance online.

Renew your vows If you’re looking to celebrate a wedding anniversary, or reaffirm your love for one another, renewing your vows could be the perfect gesture for you and your partner. You can renew your vows at any of our licensed wedding venues.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/weddingvenues camden.gov.uk/townhallcivilceremonies

Only 18% of Computer Science graduates are women. Parli have been inspired by @olicca & are working to change that! #beboldforchange #IWD2017 @ParliamentHillSchool via Twitter

Thanks @naturebytesuk for our workshop! We’ve had great fun assembling our wildlife cameras!

Can’t wait to see which animals we can capture! @BrecknockSchool via Twitter

Y12s had a great hands-on experience @TheCrick yesterday as they cut, replicated & genetically engineered DNA with leading Scientists #STEM @Acland_Burghley via Twitter

To celebrate both #FairTradeFortnight and #WorldBookDay Year 6 have created a Fairtrade recipe book! @WorldBookDayUK @ camdenfairtrade @NetleyPrimary via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden @camdentalking 23

Reducing the impact of HS2 in Camden

We will be pushing HS2 Ltd to reduce the impact on Camden by maximising construction and waste material transported by rail.

Our borough faces disruption as construction of High Speed 2 (HS2) begins, but we continue to push HS2 Ltd to reduce its impact.

Following the HS2 Act becoming law in February, construction is beginning on the new railway from London to Birmingham, and is expected to last 17 years.

As the HS2 legislation went through Parliament, the council, residents, community groups and businesses petitioned to reduce the scheme’s negative impact on Camden. As a result, we secured funding from the Government for replacement homes for council tenants and resident leaseholders, and the removal of a proposed 24

link to the High Speed 1 line that would have cut through Camden Town.

We secured nearly 150 important assurances from the Government and HS2 Ltd, the company responsible for the railway.

These include noise insulation for significantly affected homes, limits on construction vehicle emissions and a £3.5 million Camden-wide community fund. The council will monitor HS2 Ltd’s work and hold it to account on these assurances.

We appreciate how concerned many residents are about construction issues such as noise, traffic, pollution and the loss of trees and open space.

We will continue to press HS2 Ltd to reduce impacts and make scheme improvements on the issues that are of most concern to residents wherever possible.

For example, we are continuing

to push HS2 Ltd to reduce the impact on Camden by maximising construction and waste materials transported by rail.

The council and Camden residents also took their case for fairer compensation to the House of Lords Select Committee as the HS2 legislation went through Parliament. As a result, the committee made strong recommendations for compensation for those in urban areas most affected

by HS2 in its final report. The Government has now agreed to a new compensation scheme that will be “fair, reasonable and proportionate”, in line with the report’s recommendations. At the time of writing this article, we are urging the Government to release plans as soon as possible.

Feature First stages of HS2 work The first signs of HS2 construction that residents may have noticed at Euston include ground investigations, surveys of properties earmarked for demolition, noise insulation surveys and preparations to demolish the train shed on the tracks near Granby Terrace Bridge.

Later this year, HS2 Ltd will close and start to clear open space

including St James’s Gardens and Euston Square Gardens.

St James’s Gardens was a burial ground until the midnineteenth century and will require archaeological excavation and exhumation of human remains.

HS2 Ltd is working with Historic England and the Church of England so that exhumations and reburials are carried out with due dignity, respect and care.

HS2 Ltd’s community engagement HS2 Ltd is responsible for engaging the community on the scheme and has committed to improving the way it provides information, answers questions, seeks views and feedback, and responds to community views.

If you have questions or concerns about HS2 Ltd’s construction work, or the work of its contractors, you can contact HS2 Ltd’s 24-hour helpline on 020 7944 4908 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk.

You can also visit HS2 at the Euston Centre on Hampstead Road, or attend HS2 Ltd’s next monthly construction open evening on Thursday 20 April from 6 to 8pm.

St. James’s Gardens will be closed and cleared.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/hs2

For more details, visit HS2 Ltd’s local website, hs2ineuston.commonplace.is, where you can also sign up to receive news alerts.

highspeed2@camden.gov.uk

Public toilets closed for refurbishment We are refurbishing two public toilets in Camden Town and Lincoln’s Inn Fields. They will be closed until the second week of May. You can still use the loo at these other nearby public toilets and venues signed up to our community toilet scheme.

Find out more

Camden Town Public toilets Camden Market, Primrose Hill, Crowndale Centre

Lincoln’s Inn Fields Public toilets Russell Square, High Holborn Library, Leather Lane

Venues Pedro’s Cafe, 165 Kentish Town Road NW1 8PD

Venues Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, 235 Shaftesbury Avenue Hummus Bros, 37-63 Southampton Row

camden.gov.uk/publictoilets 25

Feature

Air quality: Tackling traffic pollutants We’re committed to tackling air pollution in Camden – here’s what we’re doing to improve the air we breathe.

Road transport is the single biggest contributor to air pollution in Camden, with nearly half of dangerous emissions coming from vehicles on our roads. Of these, the most polluting vehicles are diesels.

We are working hard to take action against poor air quality and are implementing a range of measures to reduce all road traffic and help Camden move towards becoming a diesel free borough.

In the last year we’ve stopped buying diesel vehicles for our council fleet, agreed with High Speed 2 Ltd that they will only use the newest and lowest polluting diesel HGVs during the railway’s construction, and introduced an extra charge for residents’ parking permits for diesel vehicles.

Find out more 26

We’re now looking at other ways we can discourage the use of diesel vehicles. We are developing new charges for diesel cars parked in pay and display bays and ways to improve electric vehicle charging facilities. Our new Environmental Services Contract will introduce new low emission vehicles and we want businesses to join our Freight Consolidation Centre to limit the number of delivery vehicles on our roads.

This work closely aligns with Camden’s work to reduce overall car use in the borough. Reducing car usage across the borough doesn’t just help improve air quality; it also helps people lead active, healthier lives through increased walking and cycling, and improves road safety.

camden.gov.uk/airquality

Asking our Government to do more We are doing our bit as a council and we welcome an Emissions Surcharge and the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) on high polluting vehicles.

NO2 PM10

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Feature

However, we need more action from Central Government and further commitment from the Mayor of London to tackle this problem.

Banning diesel vehicles across London altogether would improve the air that millions of Londoners breathe every day. So, we are calling on the Mayor to review options to see how London could commit to a Paris-style diesel ban.

However, this requires strong action and support by Central Government to make changes like introducing a national scrappage scheme for diesel vehicles to help residents and businesses replace their vehicles.

Find out more

Have your say The Mayor is due to consult on the proposed ULEZ later in the year, which would introduce tougher standards for diesel vehicles in inner London. He is looking to introduce the zone earlier (in 2019) and considering extending the zone to cover the area inside the north and south circular roads, which we support. This would dramatically reduce the amount of diesel emissions in Camden. We will be responding to this consultation and also encouraging residents to comment.

camden.gov.uk/airquality

Green Action for Change In February we released the Fifth Review of Green Action for Change, our environmental sustainability plan. The review shows how we have improved the environment in Camden over the past two years and sets out our ambitions up to 2018.

As well as focusing on air quality, the review outlines what we are doing to reduce carbon emissions, adapt to climate change, improve our green spaces, increase recycling rates and reduce waste.

camden.gov.uk/greenaction 27

Listings Family events May Day festival Family fun including face painting, maypole dancing, crafts and more Raffle draw at 3pm.

Monday 1 May, 1 to 4pm Adults £1 entry, children 50p Kentish Town City Farm 1 Cressfield Close NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk 020 7916 5421 Family table tennis Open to all ages Every Friday, 2 to 4pm Queen’s Crescent Community Centre Ashdown Crescent NW5 4QE camden.gov.uk/active Make a manga comic Age 7+ Sign up on the day at Samsung Digital Discovery Centre Sunday 30 April, 11am and 2pm Shadow puppets Age 5+ Make shadow puppets and bring them to life with voice recording and video. Sign up on the day at Samsung Digital Discovery Centre Sunday 23 April, 11am to 2pm British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org info@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8299

Under 5s Little feet: printing pictures Messy play session Monday 24 April, 10.30am to 12pm British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org info@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8299 Term-time drop-in sessions Arts and crafts, music and rhyme, cookery. Tuesday to Fridays, 9.30am to 12.30pm Hampstead Community Centre 78 Hampstead High Street NW3 1RE 28

All activities are free unless otherwise specified hampsteadcommunitycentre.co.uk hampsteadcommunitycentre @btconnect.com 020 7794 8313

Children and young people Games zone PS3 and board games in children’s library Every Tuesday, 3:30 to 6pm Pancras Square Library 5 Pancras Square N1C 4AG steve.karr@camden.gov.uk Friday night project Try parkour, boxing, trampoline, basketball and more Ages 13 to 16. £2 per session First Friday of every month, 8 to 10pm Talacre Sports Centre Dalby Street NW5 3AF camden.gov.uk/fnp Excel skills Use Museum data to learn analysis and visualisation. Ages 13 to 18 Booking essential.

Friday 21 April, 4 to 5.30pm British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org info@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8299

Get active Female only zumba class Every Tuesday, 10 to 11am Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre 69–75 Stanhope Street NW1 3LD andrew.gilbert@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6595 Female only dance class Age 16+ Every Friday, 2 to 3pm St Pancras & Somers Town Living Centre Ossulston Street NW1 1DF kirsty.pealling@camden.gov.uk

Community table tennis Learn table tennis or play for free.

Every Wednesday, adults from 2 to 3.30pm, young people from 3.30 to 5pm Basil Jellicoe Drummond Crescent NW1 1LE andrew.gilbert@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6595 Seated exercise session With the Learning Disability Network Camden. Age 16+ Every Wednesday, 10.30 to 11.30am LDN Camden Queens Crescent NW5 4HH camden.gov.uk/active

Walks Hampstead Heath Short and longer walks available.

Every Monday, 9.50am to 12pm.

Meet at Hampstead Heath Overground Station South End Road NW3 2QD Queen’s Crescent Walk For adults with learning disabilities and/or difficulties.

Every Friday, 11.45am to 12.15pm Queen’s Crescent Community Centre 45 Ashdown Crescent NW5 4QE Women who walk Groups split for long and short walks in Regent’s Park, then meet in café.

Every Thursday, 10.30 to 11.30am Meet at Greenlight Pharmacy 138 Drummond Street NW1 2PA Men’s health walk Walk in Regent’s Park Every Thursday, 11am to 12.00pm Meet at Greenlight Pharmacy 138 Drummond Street NW1 2PA

Listings Green gym Ashes garden restoration Tuesday 2 May, 10:45am to 2pm Hampstead Cemetery NW6 1DR tcv.org.uk/camden gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 710 359 Carpentry workshop Tuesday 21 April, 10:45am to 2pm West Hampstead Green Gym Westbere Copse NW2 1RD westhampstead@tcv.org.uk 07900 678 991 Food growing Saturday 6 May, 10:30am to 1:30pm Oasis Green Gym Oasis Sports Centre WC2H 9AG oasisgreengym@gmail.com Woodland habitat management Sunday 16 April, 11am to 2pm Belsize Wood NW3 2AL belsizeadelaidegg@gmail.com

Over 50s Walking football Every Saturday, 2 to 3pm £3.40 per session Talacre Sports Centre Dalby Street NW5 3AF camden.gov.uk/active Weekly table tennis Learn from qualified coaches Every Monday, 2 to 4pm Sidings Community Centre Brassey Road NW6 2BA camden.gov.uk/active

Nordic walking Gentle outdoor fitness sessions.

Every Tuesday, 2 to 3pm Abbey Community Centre 222C Belsize Road NW6 4DJ 020 3397 4583

Community events Monday lunch Freshly-cooked three course lunch.

All ages welcome Every Monday, 12 to 2pm. £3 Holly Lodge Community Centre 30 Makepeace Avenue N6 6HL 020 8342 9524 Swapaholics monthly swish Bring and swap unwanted clothes.

Every second Saturday, 1 to 4pm £5 entry The Grafton Kentish Town NW5 3LG swapaholicsuk.com london.swishing@gmail.com Celtic craic Monthly evening of Irish entertainment Thursday 27 April, 8 to 10pm London Irish Centre 52 Camden Square NW1 9XB irish-theatre.com info@irish-theatre.com 020 7428 2080 Fortnightly Tea Dance Live music and dancing for all abilities Alternate Wednesdays from 29 March 1.30 to 4.30pm. Doors at 1pm £4 includes tea and coffee, soda bread, butter and jam London Irish Centre 52 Camden Square NW1 9XB londonirishcentre.org mariaconnolly @londonirishcentre.org 020 7428 2079

Exhibitions and performances Turning 200: Celebrating the birth of the Regent’s Canal Historical exhibition at the Camden local studies and archives centre.

2 March to 30 May. See page 22.

Holborn Library 32-38 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA camden.gov.uk/history localstudies@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6342 Making Nature: How we see animals Until 21 May, 10am to 6pm.

Late until 10pm on Thursday.

Closed on Mondays.

Wellcome Collection 183 Euston Road NW1 2BE wellcomecollection.org info@wellcomecollection.org 020 7611 2222 Amy’s Yard Busker Live performance by artist from Amy’s Yard (Amy Winehouse Foundation music programme) Saturday 8 April, 1.15 to 1.45pm Jewish Museum 129-131 Albert St NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk So that they may be useful to themselves Exploring the Foundling Hospital’s work with disabled children Until 7 May, free with museum entry (no cost for under 16s) The Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ foundlingmuseum.org.uk

Event details may change, so do 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

Represent Camden at the London Youth Games We are looking for energetic and enthusiastic young people to take part in one of Europe’s biggest and best sporting events.

Whether you’re a fan of football, handball, boccia or hockey, or individual sports like diving, sailing or archery are more your thing, we want to hear from you.

The London Youth Games, which take place between November 2017 and July 2018, cover a total of 82 competitions across 32 different sports.

We have supported more than 50,000 athletes to take part in the games since they first launched in 1977, and some athletes have begun their national and international sporting careers there.

Ones to watch Camden athletes to watch this year include para-athletes

Ben Adams, one of our London Youth Games para-athletes.

Find out more 30

Jaziah Williams (athletics, 100m and 200m), Leah O’Connell (swimming) and Ben Adams (athletics, 100m and 200m), who all have official classifications in their impairment groups and hope to compete in national and international competitions in the coming years.

Past success Emma Hayes MBE, now Chelsea ladies manager, began her football career in the Camden girls football programme at the London Youth Games.

Speaking at last year’s Camden sport and physical activity celebration event, Emma said: “There is nothing wrong with dreaming. I listen to all

of these fantastic achievements, and as a Camden person, I say I’m incredibly proud.”

Each year, we hold a special event to celebrate the achievements of all the young people who participate in the games. As an athlete you will receive an invite to this event, Team Camden kit and free entry to the competition.

If you are interested in taking part in the London Youth Games, you must live or go to school in Camden. Competition entries are managed by our sport and physical activity team in partnership with local schools and clubs.

If you are interested in taking part, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Our tennis team at last year’s Games.

londonyouthgames.com

ben.dorsett@camden.gov.uk

Leah O’Connell at the International Championships in 2016.

My Camden Eloise Schonberger is a health visitor for the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

What’s your Camden connection?

motivated health professionals who are all seeking to make positive improvements to services for children and families.

It’s great to be involved in the lives of families, supporting them in ways that can have a positive impact on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

While I was training as a children’s nurse, I spent several weeks in Camden with health visiting teams.

After I had qualified, I then studied for my Specialist Public Health Nurse BSc in Camden.

I have worked as a health visitor here ever since.

What does being a health visitor involve?

I work mainly with children, from birth to five years old, and their families. My working day varies but it usually involves providing support and advice to parents before and after the birth of a baby.

The most important part of my role is the Healthy Child programme, which offers screening tests, immunisations and developmental reviews for children, as well as guidance to support

What makes Camden special?

parenting and promote good health.

Sometimes being a parent can feel overwhelming, exhausting and a little isolating, so part of my role is to help parents connect with others in the community

and to signpost them to services and groups that are available.

Favourite thing about being a health visitor?

I work with a variety of highly-skilled and

It’s the most vibrant and diverse borough in London, with wonderful services for parents, children and families.

Favourite place in Camden?

I love Regent’s Park.

It’s a wonderful green place in the middle of bustling Camden that offers an opportunity to relax and slow down. I also love discovering new cafés and restaurants that I spot during my working time.

Regent’s Park

Do you know someone with strong links in the community who you think we should interview? Email us at camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk and tell us more.

Find out more

camden.dutyhv@nhs.net

020 3317 3032 31

Sign up to the

GARDEN WASTE RECYCLING SERVICE

n visit camden.gov.uk/gardenwaste Recycle your garden waste to save space in your rubbish and help you manage your waste New paid-for collections to cover the cost of delivering the service

n call 020 7974 2202

More on recycling and rubbish collections inside. See page 14.

Weekly Saturday collections start 1 April 2017 Concessionary rates apply, see camden.gov.uk/gardenwaste for more details

ÂŁ75 for 12 months ÂŁ60 for March to November only.

You can use your existing reusable sacks or request a 240 litre brown bin to store your garden waste.

Working in partnership