Camden magazine May 2017

Camden Camden this month

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

“When I dance, I feel alive.�

Young people excel in science, tech and the arts @camdentalking

facebook.com/lbcamden

The first Play Street in Camden to open next to a school got off to a great start on 29 March.

More than 40 children enjoyed hula hooping, chalking, skipping and other games on Islip Street outside Kentish Town Church of England Primary School. The new Play Street will run on most Wednesdays during term time from 3.15 to 5pm. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/playstreets

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: Chris Lee Photography

@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 8 May 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 We are tackling air pollution by reducing delivery lorries on our streets, encouraging cycling and advocating for less polluting buses and black cabs.

Learn the latest about our Community Investment Programme and see our progress so far.

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Recycling food waste will save food, money and space in your rubbish bin.

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Five Camden charities share £5,000 thanks to you and the Recycling Rewards scheme.

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22 © Andy Waterman

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Welcome Introduction from the Leader of the Council

Night of the 10,000 Personal Bests on Saturday 20 May will be a great day out for the family.

Features 5

Recycling rewards: charities receive £5,000 Reduce rubbish by recycling food waste

Help us make Camden even better Cover story HS2: Push for fair compensation Students collaborate with dance companies 27 Rejuvenating town hall to save costs

Community Investment Programme progress News Actions we are taking to improve air quality A new affordable housing option 6 Viewpoints – sports education and training Register to vote 7 International running event at Adult craft workshops 8 Parliament Hill Fields Improving standards for private renters 9 Camden businesses benefit from apprentices Become a Camden foster carer 10 My Camden – Tsega Habte, foster carer Camden Business Awards: nominations open 11 Changes to free nursery places 11 Listings Mental health support: there if you need it 12 Local events and courses

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Join Camden and w start your career no Help us make the borough great to work and live in for all.

We think we are one of London’s best boroughs and are always seeking passionate people to help us deliver flexible services for residents and businesses.

We welcome people of all abilities to ensure nobody gets left behind. We are the country’s first Timewise council, championing flexible and part-time working with over 4,000 employees. We also have hundreds of apprenticeships and work experience opportunities.

If you are interested in working for a forward-thinking borough, please visit togetherwearecamden.com for all new vacancies.

togetherwearecamden.com

Business and residential competition Do you look after a green patch, plants in pots, hanging baskets or any other greenery?

Apply NOW: visit camden.gov.uk/camdeninbloom Deadline for submitting entries is midnight on Sunday 9 July 2017.

Camden in Bloom 2017 Greener together

Camden in Bloom has been sponsored by:

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Welcome

to the May edition of Camden magazine This will be my last introduction to the Camden magazine as I will be standing down as Leader of the Council later this month.

It has been a privilege to lead the council of one of the most vibrant and dynamic places in London and the country.

Since I became leader in 2012, I have worked hard to make Camden an even better place. With reduced government funding, economic challenges and big issues like scarce housing, this has not been straightforward. I am fiercely proud to have been able to protect the services that are most important to you and to focus on the things that make a difference.

You consistently tell me that affordable housing is a top issue, so I am proud that we have re-organised our property to invest in homes. At the moment, we are on track to have created over 3,000 new homes.

We continue to seek to persuade the government to allow us the freedoms to borrow and invest in new community housing. Alongside this, we have worked to improve the quality of private options and increase the types of rental properties available to people in the borough.

I want to make sure that all residents enjoy the wealth and opportunities created here. Through adult apprenticeships, the best childcare offer in London and our commitment to flexible working, and all council contractors being London Living Wage employers, we are contributing to that goal. Through the Camden Commission, I hope that the Council can build the commitment of all businesses, with practical measures, to ensure that all residents benefit from our borough’s success.

Beyond the boldness of new services for residents, we also do not shy from a fight when it is right for Camden. HS2 will undoubtedly bring massive

upheaval, but I am proud that we ignored doubters who said that we could not gain concessions against powerful interests. Camden has proved them wrong, with replacement housing for council tenants and leaseholders set to lose their homes to HS2, noise insulation for significantly affected homes, limits on construction vehicle emissions and a £3.5 million Camden community fund. Also, following the Council and residents taking the case to the House of Lords Select Committee, the government has agreed to a new compensation scheme that it says will be “fair, reasonable and proportionate”.

In my time leading the Council, London and the borough itself has faced security and cohesion challenges, but we have stood firm and we have stuck to our values and traditions, offering a home to the highest number of refugees in the capital. I am proud to be part of such a strong, diverse and cohesive place.

Through all of this, I have been supported by the amazing residents, businesses and community organisations that make Camden so great.

My successor will face new challenges, like the impact of leaving the European Union, as well as some of the old ones. I know they and you will continue to strive to keep Camden great.

Thank you for everything you do to make Camden special.

Councillor Sarah Hayward Leader of the Council

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News

New homes coming to Camden Houses will be available at an intermediate rent to those who can’t afford to rent or buy, but earn too much to qualify for social housing.

We know that many of you are finding it harder to rent or buy in Camden. Shared ownership has been one way that people have been able buy a home in stages, but rising house prices means that even shared ownership in Camden has become unaffordable for many.

To help, Camden Council is creating a new alternative affordable home option by offering some homes for rent at a new ‘intermediate rent’ – a level below private sector rents but above normal social housing rents.

Find out more

Say hello to Camden Living These homes will be offered through Camden Living, Camden’s new housing company.

Over 50 new homes in Maiden Lane that are being built through the Community Investment Programme will be available this autumn, all with secure longer term tenancies and offered at an intermediate rent.

These homes will be for people who can’t afford to buy or rent on the open market in Camden, but who earn too much to qualify for social housing.

Maiden Lane

If you think you might be interested, you can now sign up to our new Intermediate Housing Register of Interest at the website below.

camden.gov.uk/intermediatehousing

Looking for a new home?

Camden Council and housing associations across Camden are building new homes for working people who struggle to afford to rent or buy in the borough.

If you earn over £20,000, live in Camden or have worked in the borough for at least six months, you could be eligible to rent one of the new homes which will be offered at below market rent, or buy a share in your new home through shared ownership.

Register your interest: camden.gov.uk/intermediatehousing 6

Make sure you are registered to vote If you are not already on the electoral register, you can register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

All you need is your national insurance number and date of birth. You must register by midnight on Monday 22 May.

The first postal vote packs, including existing overseas postal votes, will be sent out from 16 May.

News Register by 22 May to have your say in the general election on 8 June.

If you can’t get to your polling station, you can apply for a postal vote once you have registered.

Just download and complete the form from the website below and return to us by 5pm on Tuesday 23 May.

Find out more


camden.gov.uk/electionsandvoting

electoral.services@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 6000

Sports education and training programme For young people aged 16-19 If you like working with young people, enjoy sport and being part of a team, you could be working with the next generation of great athletes, maybe even future members of Team GB. Many of our current level 2 and 3 students now have paid employment as playworkers, sports coaches, fitness instructors and teaching assistants.

From September 2017 you could complete your level 2 and 3 qualifications within 2 years by enrolling on this fantastic programme based at Talacre community sports centre.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/nvq

020 7974 8763 7

News

Get crafty at Pancras Square library Join one of our craft workshops for adults to learn something new, meet new people and create your own hand-made products.

Get Into Learning will run arts and crafts workshops at Pancras Square library every Wednesday from 10 May, and anyone over 19 years old is welcome.

Have a go at flower arranging, cake Find out more

decorating or henna art. Learn to sew, knit or make your own gift cards. Workshops are free and all materials will be provided.

Camden libraries offer lots of different events and classes for

camden.gov.uk/libraries

Do you have a cough that’s lasted 3 weeks or more? Do you get out of breath doing things you used to be able to do? Don’t ignore

these symptoms or put off a trip to the doctor. Many people don’t want to visit their doctor when they ‘only have a cough’, or feel breathless. It may be nothing serious, but it also may be a sign of something that needs treatment, such as lung disease, heart disease or even cancer.

Book your free NHS Health Check

Just 20 minutes could save your life. Anyone aged 40 to 74 can get a free NHS Health Check to assess your heart health, and risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and dementia. Afterwards, you will be more confident and know more about your health. You should also receive a wellness plan, tailored specifically to your needs.

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residents from seniors’ computer courses to rhyme time sessions for young children. You can also see what is going on in our borough on the listings pages of this magazine (pages 28 and 29).

Early diagnosis makes these conditions more treatable.

If you know someone who has any of these symptoms, encourage them to see their doctor. You could help save someone’s life. nhs.uk/ beclearoncancern

Having a regular NHS Health Check can help detect and prevent health conditions before they become serious.

You can book a NHS Health Check every five years. If you live in Camden or are registered with a GP here you can book your free NHS Health Check online at www.nhshealthcheck.com/ camden or call 020 3282 7886.

News

Better homes for private tenants We are improving living standards for people who privately rent in Camden.

We have seen dramatic changes in recent years in the housing market in Camden with nearly a third of residents now living in private rented housing. The private rented sector is therefore an important source of housing for many residents, including single people and working families. Unfortunately, some privately rented homes are not properly managed or maintained and they do not meet the minimum legal standards for housing.

Landlords need a licence Licensing helps to tackle poor property conditions and that’s why we’re making sure landlords who privately rent or own shared housing in Camden have a licence.

Shared houses are ‘Houses in Multiple Occupation’ (HMOs).

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

We are prosecuting landlords who privately rent or own shared housing without a licence. We have just under 2,000 properties in Camden that are either licensed or in the process of being inspected for a licence.

Landlords operating unlicensed HMOs also risk receiving an unlimited fine and paying a rent refund. We are raising the standards of shared housing in Camden by making sure landlords improve their properties and make regular visits to ensure they are meeting the required standards.

We encourage landlords of all types of rented property to join the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS). LLAS was founded in Camden and has more than 18,000 accredited members across London. It offers training and professional development for landlords, and members must adhere to a code of conduct.

London Criminal Landlords and Agents Watchlist The London Mayor has committed to naming and shaming criminal landlords, and making this information available online to people who privately rent. Camden has been selected to be one of six boroughs to help develop and pilot a criminal landlord database.

We will play a key role in designing the system, and be able to access the database with the other first six boroughs when it is scheduled go live in the autumn.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/hmolicensing londonlandlords.org.uk (to join LLAS)

Camden talking Your comments on social media.

Would you be #happytochat with a lonely older person in your community? Please get in touch volunteer@ageukcamden.org.uk @AgeUKCamden via Twitter

A happy afternoon at Camden’s first ever school Play Street @CamdenAirAction @camdentalking @camdencyclists @HamandHigh @NewJournal @RachelWrangham via Twitter

An outstanding performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ by year 5 children. The audience was spellbound! @The_Globe @TheRSC #Shakespeare @NetleyPrimary via Twitter

Need to see a GP? #NHS appointments are available in #Camden during evenings & weekends @camden_ccg via Twitter

Successful public meeting with a larger turnout too! Lots to do but we are on it to make a #SaferHaverstock @camdentalking @abigailfwood PC Sam Hughes via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden @camdentalking 9

News

Help change a child’s life Foster carers make a lasting difference to the lives of local children.

Camden is getting ready to celebrate the huge contribution made by local foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight, from 8 to 21 May. The two week campaign will highlight the need for more people to come forward to consider fostering.

If you want to become a foster carer, you don’t need to own your home and you can be single, married or in a civil partnership.

You’ll receive ongoing training and support, including frequent supervision visits by a social worker.

Foster care transforms the lives of children and young people, and enhances the lives of carers and their families.

We pay our foster carers a weekly allowance for each child or young person placed with them, plus a generous weekly fee for the

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/fostering

foster carer. And, if you live in the borough of Camden, you are also exempt from paying council tax.

We hold monthly open information evenings for people interested in fostering. You can read the personal story of one of our foster carers on page 31.

fostering@camden.gov.uk

0800 0281 436 (freephone)

Dementia Action Alliance An anniversary celebration during Dementia Awareness Week.

Camden’s Dementia Action Alliance was launched a year ago by the council in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society to help reduce the social isolation of people living with dementia, and support businesses and Find out more 10

other organisations in Camden to become more dementia-friendly.

To celebrate its first birthday and mark Dementia Awareness Week (14-20 May), the alliance will hold a free event in the afternoon of 15 May for people with dementia, their carers and the community.

There will be fun activities and lots of information available.

All are welcome.

camden.gov.uk/dementia

dementiaaction.org.uk

News

Changes to free nursery places in Camden All three and four year olds will continue to be eligible for 15 hours at nursery each week, but your child could get more.

Changes to our funding from Central Government mean we can no longer afford to provide 30 hours for all three and four year olds in our school and councilrun nurseries from September.

To help protect services for those who need them most, we are introducing new arrangements for some children to make sure no one loses out. If you have a child

aged three or four the new offers from September will be:

Government offer • 15 hours for all families, or an additional 15 hours (30 hours in total) for working families.

Camden offer • an additional 15 hours (30 hours in total) if your family meets the current criteria for two year old free nursery provision.

You can view Camden’s current criteria at the website below. For complete details visit this website or contact your current childcare provider.

Nominations are open to all Camden-based businesses regardless of size or sector.

Now in its third year, the Camden Business Awards are a fantastic opportunity to get the recognition your business deserves.

2017 categories: • E mployer of the year • Y oung entrepreneur of the year • Small Business of the Year • Knowledge Partnership of the Year • Outstanding Contribution to the Community • Best Start-Up Business • Innovative Business of the Year Nominate your own business or one you love before 4 September 2017.

The awards will take place on 30 November 2017 at the Royal College of General Practitioners, a great venue in our borough.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/childcare

Find out more camden.gov.uk/ businessawards 11

Feature

Having a tough time? There’s help.

Mental Health Awareness Week is 8 to 14 May. Support is available for all Camden residents who need it.

Mental health issues will affect most of us during our lifetimes, directly or indirectly. But there’s help available.

Your first stop should be your GP but, if you don’t feel like talking to him or her, here are other free ways to get help: • iCope offers help to adults with stress, worry or depression. You can contact iCope directly if you’re registered with a Camden GP. Visit icope.nhs.uk or call 020 3317 6670/6757 • Camden Hub offers six to eight week tailored support programmes and is open to anyone over 18 in Camden. camdenhub.org.uk or 020 7278 4437

• Axis@the Hive offers help to young people aged 16 to 24 who want emotional support and a safe and welcoming place to relax. axis@catch-22.org.uk or 020 3198 0520 Thrive London, a new citywide social movement, aims to get people talking about mental health. Look out for more information soon and follow @thriveldn along

Find out more 12

mentalhealthcamden.co.uk

mentalhealth.org.uk

• Camden Children’s Centres are happy to help parents-tobe and parents with a child under five. camden.gov.uk/ camdensurestart • Mental Health Working supports people with mental health conditions into work. remploy.co.uk or 0300 456 8208 • Age UK Camden offers a range of mental health support, including for those with early stage dementia. ageuk.org.uk/camden or 020 7239 0400

Feature

Recycling rewards: charity winners Five Camden charities have just shared £5,000, thanks to recycling by nearly 16,000 Camden residents.

Representatives from the five charities awarded cheques from Camden Recycling Rewards. Back row: Lukas Lehman from Holborn Community Association. Front row, left to right: Ashleigh Harman and Emily Goodyer from Clean Break; Ruth Appleton from the Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project; Louise Gates from the Calthorpe Project; and Saiqa Pandor from Home-Start Camden.

more than 100 local businesses in Camden. The scheme is free to join and open to all Camden residents.

Sign up at the website or call the phone number below.

Camden Recycling Rewards – a scheme we launched last year to encourage residents and the community to increase our recycling rates – has just given £5,000 to five local charities.

fund, which we use to make small grants to asylum seekers who are homeless and destitute. We give them amounts of £5 or £10 to pay for food or to travel to meetings and submit asylum claims.

Residents who are recycling rewards members earn ‘green points’ by reporting their recycling online or by phone. They vote for the charity they want to win their points, and the £5,000 pot is split between the charities depending on how many votes they get.

“We only have one paid member of staff for just one day a week. The rest of our staff are volunteers and they will be delighted that we’ve been awarded this money because they understand the pressure that our organisation is under.”

Recycling rewards charity winners

The five Camden charities will be awarded another £5,000 between them in six months’ time.

£1,500 Home Start Camden

Ruth Appleton, founder of Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project, which Camden residents voted top of the five charities, said: “I’m absolutely delighted about this, and it will be a huge help for the people we support. Most of the money will go into our destitution

Find out more

Recycling rewards also gives residents the chance to win one of five £30 high street vouchers for themselves every month. Sign up and you’ll also get a recycling rewards card for discounts at

camden.gov.uk/recycling

£2,500 Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project

£500 The Calthorpe Project £250 each Clean Break and Holborn Community Association

020 7326 5055 13

Feature

Focus on food waste On 1 April we changed how we collect recycling and rubbish in Camden. These changes will help us improve recycling in Camden while saving £5 million a year.

As our funding from Central Government continues to shrink, we have had to find new and cheaper ways of doing things. By changing the way we manage collections we will make them more efficient, and help our residents to recycle more.

Using your food waste caddy is one of the most important things you can do to reduce what goes into your rubbish bin. By using your food waste caddy for your scraps, and trying to throw away less food, you will free up space in your rubbish bin and save yourself money too.

Throwing away food is throwing away money An average household throws away £60 of food every month.

Food waste costs Camden £1.4 million each year.

An average household in the UK spends about £60 a month on wasted food.

How to reduce the amount of food you throw away: Make a shopping list – This will help you avoid buying more food than you need. Check your fridge and cupboards before you shop to find forgotten fruit, veg, eggs and meat.

Love leftovers – There are plenty of websites with great recipes to help you use your leftovers and odd items. Start with wiseuptowaste.org.uk for some delicious ideas.

Use your freezer – You can freeze more than you think.

Most herbs, fruit, veg, cheese and sauces can be frozen and used later without any loss of flavour.

Know your use by/best before – Do you know the difference between ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ labels? ‘Use by’ means the product is no longer safe to eat after this date. ‘Best before’ means you can still use that food, it just may not be its ‘best’ anymore.

You can still cook these items into delicious meals and save some money at the same time.

Remember, we collect food waste every week. Make sure you use your food caddy for all your food scraps.

Check your collection days, order materials and report a missed collection 14

Feature

Ask

Jenny

Jenny is one of our enforcement officers.

Each month she answers your recycling questions.

Can I order extra food waste caddies?

Yes. You can order more food waste caddies at camden.gov.uk/ foodwaste or by phone.

Can I still sign up for garden waste collections?

Yes. You can sign up at camden.gov.uk/gardenwaste or by phone.

What should I do with used cooking oil?

Luke puts his food caddy out for collection.

Never pour cooking oil down the sink. It can build up and block your drains. Cooking oil can be recycled at Regis Road Recycling Centre. If you can’t get to Regis Road, wait until the oil has cooled then pour it into a container with a tight fitting lid, and put it in your rubbish bin. If you strain used,

cooled cooking oil and store it in a clean jar, you can use it another two or three times.

Is our recycling sent offshore for processing?

Some of it. Once the material has been sorted it is sent to reprocessing companies to be turned into range of products, from kitchen appliances to toys, clothes and packaging. Some of these recycling markets are in the UK while others are abroad. The recycling is sent to where there is a reliable and profitable market for the materials.

Where should I go for more information?

Visit our website for more information on collection changes and for advice on what you can recycle in Camden.

Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to ask Jenny a question about how to recycle right.

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

uk.occamden@veolia.com

020 7974 2202 15

Feature

A Camden for all We want Camden to be a place for everyone.

Join the conversation and help us shape the future of the borough.

It’s the people of Camden that make it such a great place. We want to make sure we address the issues that really matter to you and deliver what you want the most from your council. Above all, we want to ensure that Camden is a place where everyone has a chance to succeed and no one gets left behind.

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We’ve put together the Camden Commission – a panel of councillors who are working with our local community and organisations, along with national experts, to make sure our priorities are focused on what matters most to you.

In July, the Commission will make recommendations to the council as a whole about the areas we

should focus on over the next five years.

The Commission is currently in its evidence-gathering stage.

This involves looking at ways to deal with the big challenges facing the borough, along with exploring what role individuals and organisations can play in making sure Camden continues to be a place for everyone.

Feature Join the conversation The Commission is keen to hear your thoughts and experiences so they can make sure their recommendations are based on local experiences and insight. So, we’re inviting you to send in your comments and ideas on our four discussion points. These questions are a starting point to get you thinking:

Communities

An inclusive economy

How can we make sure Camden remains a place where everyone feels they belong and can safely take part in local life; a place where people support one another?

Camden has a thriving economy and is home to many successful businesses.

How can we make sure that everyone in the borough can access the opportunities this brings?

Public services

Place and culture

Are there better, smarter and more efficient ways public services can be delivered?

Camden is known for being a hub of creativity, innovation, culture, music and the arts. We also have many world-class institutes and beautiful open spaces. How can we protect and develop the things that make our borough great, while balancing the needs of residents with those of visitors and businesses?

Progress so far In May, the Commission will meet to discuss some of the changes to the ways public services are delivered. They’ll explore how we can provide better ways of working, including using technology to deliver services in line with shifting demands and expectations.

The Commission met in April to discuss Camden’s economy.

Camden is home to many Find out more

successful businesses that contribute to the borough’s place in the global economy. We want residents to have access to the benefits that come from living in this thriving environment. The Commission explored how we can work with businesses in the community to create further opportunities for residents, including access to high-quality employment.

camden.gov.uk/camdencommission camdencommission@camden.gov.uk #CamdenForAll 020 7974 4444

Share your experiences and see what people are talking about by visiting our online forum.

The forum on the webpage listed below allows you to see others’ comments, rate them and leave your own.

You can also email us with further details or attachments, get in touch by phone, or get involved on social media with the hashtag #CamdenForAll. The deadline for comments is Friday 26 May 2017.

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Feature

HS2: Council pushes Government on fair compensation The council continues to push the Government to release and consult on their plans for a new compensation scheme for Camden residents significantly affected by High Speed 2 (HS2) construction.

The council, community groups and residents raised the need for fair compensation at the House of Lords Select Committee last year.

In its response to the Select Committee’s final report, the Government accepted that there should be additional compensation for residents in urban areas most affected

by HS2, and that the scheme will be “fair, reasonable and proportionate”.

The Government said it will offer

Camden homeowners the chance to sell their homes for their full and unblighted value, if they qualify for temporary rehousing because of severe disturbance from construction. Compensation will also be offered to Camden households that will suffer “severe and prolonged noise and disturbance”, but the Government has not yet committed to sums, explained who will qualify, or indicated if compensation will be offered to tenants as well as homeowners.

The Government accepted that there should be additional compensation for residents in urban areas most affected by HS2.

We are also concerned that the Government still assumes that homes in urban areas will be less disrupted by HS2 than those in rural areas. Any scheme must recognise the scale of impact in Camden over 17 years of construction and address the current lack of fairness.

Following next month’s general election, we will push the new Government to release compensation plans for consultation as soon as possible, so that the Council and community can comment on plans before they are finalised.

HS2 construction We continue to press HS2 Ltd to deliver on its commitments to reduce the impact of HS2 construction on Camden. HS2 Ltd’s next monthly construction open evening is on Thursday 18 May from 6 to 8pm at HS2 in Euston, Collective Temperance Hospital, 110 Hampstead Road.

If you have a question about construction, you can also contact HS2 Ltd’s 24-hour helpline on 020 7944 4908 or find out more at its local website at hs2ineuston.commonplace.is.

Find out more 18

camden.gov.uk/hs2

highspeed2@camden.gov.uk

Feature © Paul Fletcher

Town hall renewal

Our iconic town hall is almost 80 years old and needs significant refurbishment to make it fit for purpose for the next 80 years.

The existing public areas in the town hall will be retained as public spaces. We will create a new wedding suite along with refurbished spaces for registering births, marriages and deaths and other functions.

We are also going to make some town hall space available for private businesses to lease. We will encourage companies from Find out more

Camden’s economic development growth sectors such as tech and life sciences companies to take up this offer.

The town hall basement will become an ‘incubation’ space to support some of our pioneering local businesses, as part of our commitment to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across Camden.

opportunity to ask questions and feedback on the work.

These plans will preserve the town hall’s history and continue the transformation of King’s Cross. © Paul Fletcher

The Grade II listed building is old and expensive to run. By refurbishing it and letting out some floors we will save up to £1 million per year in running costs. We will renovate its iconic interiors and façade, make it more efficient, and change how we use some of the space.

We expect the renovated town hall will generate over £2 million each year.

We will work closely with local residents and businesses to minimise the impact on those who live and work near the town hall and ensure everyone has an

camden.gov.uk/townhall 19

Feature

The Community Investment Programme – delivering for Camden It’s been a busy year so far with many projects reaching milestones.

Much more is on the way.

We will also be carrying out works at Kingsgate Primary upper school in Kilburn to provide a new hall and music room.

What’s coming?

New homes coming to Kilburn Work is underway to build 141 homes at Abbey Road and Belsize Road. Nearly half the homes being built will be affordable. The first phase of the development will also include extra retail and commercial spaces, a 52-space underground car park and 75 homes for sale. These homes will fund the development of the affordable homes and business facilities.

After the first phase, more homes will be built in the area, along with community and health facilities, improved play spaces for children and improvements to open spaces.

Greenwood Centre is underway Work has started in Kentish Town to build the Greenwood Centre.

The centre will help people with care and support needs to live full and active lives in the community.

It will include separate areas for services supporting people with a range of care needs, including 20

physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and flexible activity space.

Kingsgate Primary lower school completed soon We are expanding Kingsgate Primary School to create up to 420 new school places. Construction of new buildings for the lower school in Liddell Place, West Hampstead are currently in progress and due to be completed this summer.

The next phase of work at Liddell Place will include new housing, a business workshop and new public open space.

We will start work on the new Edith Neville Primary School in Somers Town in the next few months. Holmes Road hostel is also due to be completed this year, providing safe accommodation and training for vulnerable people to help them get back into work and stay independent. In the autumn, we will release the first set of homes at an intermediate rent through Camden Living, Camden Council’s own housing company.

Camden Living will take ownership of some of the new homes we’re building through the Community Investment Programme, and make them available as affordable rental properties to residents who would otherwise find it hard to buy or rent on the open market.

Feature There have been lots of milestones over the last six years of the Community Investment Programme.

We spent over £10 million on refurbishments to 17 schools and children’s centres in 2011 to 2012 – Work included building condition repairs and sustainability improvements, such as window and boiler replacements, roof repairs and other external repairs, depending on the needs of each school.

Chester Balmore – Residents moved into Chester Balmore in Highgate in 2014. These were the first new homes built

by Camden in nearly two decades. The redevelopment is the largest Passivhaus residential scheme in the UK.*

Netley Campus – Children in Regent’s Park started the new school term in September 2014 in a brand new building, with bright modern classrooms, more space and a multi-use hall.

*a type of housing which uses very little energy for heating and cooling

Mount Pleasant in Holborn – This facility opened in 2015. It’s a vital lifeline for some of our most vulnerable residents to help them live independently and get into work.

Everton Mews – Local families collected keys to their new homes in Regent’s Park in summer 2015. Some families moved out of overcrowded homes.

Agar Grove – Local residents and councillors marked reaching the top of the new housing block in Camden Town.

It’s the largest housing project in the Community Investment Programme, providing 493 new homes once completed.

St Pancras Community Centre – The new building, which opened in 2016, has more space for meetings, sports events, catering and childcare. The old community centre was in bad condition and was costly for the community association to run.

Cherry Court – residents moved into new council homes at the end of 2015, as part of the Bacton Low Rise redevelopment.

The Community Investment Programme will deliver for Camden

3,050

new homes, including 1,400 affordable homes Find out more

Invest £117 million into schools and children’s centres

9,000 square metres of improved community facilities – the equivalent

of 35 tennis courts

camden.gov.uk/cip 21

Feature

Improving the air we breathe Tackling poor air quality in the borough is a top priority.

Here’s more on how we’re trying to do this.

Taking delivery lorries off our streets

vehicles are full and we minimise the number of them on our roads.

Reducing the number of delivery vehicles on London’s roads reduces traffic and improves local air quality.

Over 250 council buildings and over 250 suppliers are part of the scheme, and we want private businesses and other public sector partners to join.

With the rise of online shopping, residents and businesses are having more items delivered.

This means more delivery vehicles and air pollution.

This solution won a number of awards last year, including London Transport’s ‘Transport Borough of the Year’ and ‘Contribution to Sustainable Transport’.

Additionally, earlier this year we won national government funding for a project with Westminster City Council that will help smaller businesses in the south of Camden explore options for buying and delivering supplies together to combine deliveries. amden.gov.uk/ c freightconsolidation

To tackle this issue Camden is leading the way in London by operating a pioneering ‘consolidation centre’ for deliveries being made in the borough.

All our office deliveries and supplies are sent to the centre on the outskirts of London where deliveries are then grouped together. This ensures that delivery

Deliveries to Camden Council are sorted at our ‘freight consolidation’ centre in North London to ensure lorries are as full as possible.

Advocating for cleaner buses and black cabs Many of Camden’s road emissions are the responsibility of Transport for London. They control London’s bus and taxi fleets.

We’re pleased that one of London’s 12 new ‘Low Emission Bus Zones’ will operate in Kilburn, where only the newest and cleanest of TfL’s buses will operate.

We are working with them to see where any future similar schemes could run in the borough.

New hybrid black cabs are becoming available next year, 22

and we’re working with TfL and the Department for Transport on making sure that the charging infrastructure is in place to help encourage these lower polluting taxis to operate in Camden.

However, we still think there’s more the Mayor of London and TfL could do to reduce emissions from black cabs: from tackling ‘over-ranking’ and idling as they wait to pick up passengers, to reducing the maximum age limit for taxis to take the oldest, most polluting vehicles off the roads entirely.

camden.gov.uk/airquality

Feature

Cycling towards clean air Getting more people to cycle will help to reduce air pollution in the borough. Evidence shows that the benefits of exercise from cycling outweigh negative impacts from pollution. Cycling is fun, helps you stay active and can save you money on travel costs.

Try before you buy In April’s magazine, we told you about our free cycling training scheme and residents Jannah (pictured) and Rahma shared their experience of learning to ride a bike. We also have a bike loan scheme so you can borrow a bike for free for up to

four weeks. If you live, work or study in the borough and are undecided about whether to buy a bike of your own, why not try one of ours and find out what a difference a bike can make? camden.gov.uk/tryabike or 020 7974 1451

Learn to ride a bike, and try a bike for free.

A safe spot for cycles We’ve installed 21 new bike hangars on 13 streets across the borough, which will provide 126 new secure cycle parking spaces for residents.

A further 30 more are due to be installed by summer 2018.

New bike hanger at Montpelier Grove.

Residents told us that the lack of safe places to park their bikes put them off investing in a bicycle, despite wanting to use a more

environmentally-friendly form of transport. We wanted to do something to help.

The new bike-hangars are for use by registered members. You can apply for a space or suggest a location for a hangar. cyclehoop.rentals/ bikehangar

Ultra Low Emission Zones TfL is consulting on the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan’s, plans for tighter standards for vehicle emissions in Central London. camden.gov.uk/ ULEZconsultation 23

Viewpoints

What do you think?

Our sports education and training programme is a perfect opportunity for young people aged 16-19 who are interested in sport to obtain qualifications in coaching and sports organisation in a hands-on way. Most of the ‘classroom’ time is spent at Talacre Community Sports Centre where you’ll have the opportunity to work with children and people with special educational needs. There’s a wide variety of employment opportunities after completing the programme. Enrolment begins now for September.

Two graduates share their experience and the difference it has made to their lives.

Carly, 29, is a full-time special educational needs sports teacher at a Swiss Cottage school.

She completed the programme in 2008.

Daniel, 21, works as a multi sports coach for Camden Council and is a fitness instructor for Better at various locations.

I found traditional education programmes like GCSEs and A-levels to be a challenge. This programme was a different way for me to stay in education, and get qualifications and practical experience.

I didn’t like sitting in a classroom and wasn’t an academic person, but I always enjoyed playing sport.

I learned how to prepare and deliver sports sessions, and become confident to meet new people and work in different environments.

I am now employed full-time at a special needs school in Camden. I love to see young people learning and developing skills. It’s so rewarding.

This programme has also helped me manage work and home life.

I will continue to keep learning and developing to become the best sports teacher I can be, benefiting both myself and the young people I am lucky enough to teach.

Find out more 24

camden.gov.uk/nvq

When three of my friends decided to enrol in the sports education and training programme I decided to join them. I liked the idea of being mainly based at Talacre Community Sports Centre and not at school.

To be honest, I started the course in a disruptive manner. The tutors tried their best to engage me but I was quite ignorant and dismissive. A few months later I was in trouble with the police and was referred to Islington youth offending team.

I approached my sport education tutor for help placing me for my reparation hours and a character reference, and he helped me out. This was when everything changed. I completed my qualifications and am now employed as a fitness instructor and coach. I really enjoy my work now. This programme changed me from a teen with no direction to a respectful adult with a career in sport.

020 7974 8763

lee.davis@camden.gov.uk

Feature

Watch international runners compete for free The Parliament Hill Athletics Track will be full of action on Saturday, 20 May as the Highgate Harriers host world-class runners for the Night of the 10,000 Personal Bests (PBs).

With thousands of spectators each year, don’t miss this fantastic event. It is free for the public to attend and includes seven races, as well as the opportunity to hear Paula Radcliffe MBE, marathon world record holder, speak about her experiences. There will also be appearances from Lord Sebastian Coe, the International Association of Athletics Federations president, former Olympic gold medallist and chair of the London 2012

board, and Ronnie O’Sullivan OBE, snooker champion turned 10K runner.

Catch the running bug These athletes might inspire you to give running a try. Here are some of the free opportunities available in Camden.

Beginners

Events begin at 3.15pm and the stakes increase into the evening.

The men’s and women’s elite events will give top athletes the opportunity to compete for Team GB in the 10,000m event at the upcoming World Athletics Championships at the London Olympic Stadium this summer.

Learn to Run with Gospel Oak Striders

Paula will be speaking at a special seminar at the event at 6.30pm. She said of the event: “It’s my pleasure to support Night of the 10,000m PBs. I’ve watched how this event has developed, marrying top-class quality racing with a fun and entertaining atmosphere that brings out the best in competitors and fully involves spectators.”

Beginners to regular

The Gospel Oak Striders beginner group is a great way to take your first steps into running.

Every Wednesday evening, 6.30 to 7.30pm Meet outside Gospel Oak station. groups.runtogether.co.uk/ gospeloakstriders

Run with Mornington Chasers Improve your time, technique and gain more experience.

Every Tuesday evening, 7 to 8pm Meet at Talacre Community Sports Centre. Free. chaser.me.uk/training/tuesday.php

Regular runners GoodGym - Get fit by doing good A community of runners that combines getting fit with doing good in Camden.

Each GoodGym is run differently.

Visit the website for more information and to sign up. goodgym.org/areas/camden Nike+ Run Club

© Andy Waterman

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/active

A 7km social run with Nike coaches and pacers, as well as physiotherapists welcoming you back for a cool down.

Bring friends and meet more.

Tuesdays 6.30 to 8pm Nike Central King’s Cross, King’s Boulevard.

highgateharriers.org.uk 25

Feature

Full STEAM ahead We are equipping Camden young people with even better skills and opportunities in science, engineering, technology and the arts.

Our new STEAM Commission will give employers, schools and parents the tools they need to support our young people in developing their skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.

Camden hosts an extraordinary number of globally significant organisations: Google, ASOS, Facebook, the Wellcome Trust, the Francis Crick Institute and Central Saint Martins, to name a few.

We plan to build on existing partnerships between these places and our schools and colleges, to tackle underrepresentation, inspire our young people to dream big and help them to achieve their ambitions.

STEAM at Torriano Torriano Primary School is one of several Camden schools which already runs special STEAMrelated activities for its pupils.

On 24 March the school held its annual STEAM exhibition, focusing on space and the solar system along with sustainability and the environment.

Pupils mapped the habitats of threatened creatures around the world and demonstrated virtualreality artworks of the Jungle Book they had created using the Google Tilt headset.

Helen Bruckdorfer, headteacher at Torriano Primary School, said: “We brought Shakespeare and science together in our first STEAM exhibition four years ago and it has grown from there.�

Year 5 pupils at Torriano Primary perform a dance inspired by the movement of the planets.

Kaileigh, aged 5, learns about bees, an endangered species, at the Torriano Primary exhibition.

Find out more 26

camden.gov.uk/steamcommission

torriano.camden.sch.uk

Feature

Busting moves Our secondary students have been working with some of the country’s top dance companies.

Camden’s students continue to dance to the beat of their own drum at William Ellis and Hampstead schools.

Students from years seven and eight at William Ellis recently took part in workshops with Tavaziva, a leading contemporary dance company, which combined contemporary, ballet and African dance.

One group of boys then also opened a show for Tavaziva at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre in Tottenham on 21 March.

The performance of their own short piece called Kurauwone, meaning ‘grow up and discover’, accompanied Africarmen, Tavaziva’s interpretation of Bizet’s opera that they have been touring across the UK this year.

Jeremy Pratt, William Ellis School’s head of creative and performing arts, said: “Camden is a hive of cultural and creative activity and we are determined that all our young people should be part of it.

The work that we are doing with Tavaziva is part of an extensive Find out more

William Ellis School students with Bawren Tavaziva, artistic director of Tavaziva dance company.

programme that has built up over many years with local arts organisations. Music, drama and dance are thriving at our school.”

Student Adam said: “What I love about dance is that it makes you feel free and there are no limitations to what you can do.

When I dance I feel alive.”

The school’s partnership with Tavaziva is funded by the Monument Trust and Jack Petchey Foundation.

part of a project with the English National Ballet and inspired by the ENB’s own spring production.

Margaret Johnson, business manager at Hampstead School, said: “It was an incredible piece and the students have been working together at a high standard.”

Hampstead School students perform a piece inspired by the English National Ballet.

Meanwhile, Hampstead School students gave a matinee dance performance with a live orchestra at Sadlers Wells on 30 March as

camden.gov.uk/schools 27

Listings Family events Picturing Hetty Feather Family-friendly exhibition 26 May to 3 September Free with museum entry The Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ foundlingmuseum.org.uk Family table tennis Every Friday, 2 to 4pm Queen’s Crescent Community Association Ashdown Crescent NW5 4QE camden.gov.uk/active Killer Carnivores Investigate how meat-eaters find, catch and eat their prey Tuesday 30 May, 1 to 4.30pm. Drop in Creature creations Create works of art inspired by animals at the museum Saturday 20 May, 1.30 to 4.30pm Drop in Grant Museum of Zoology 21 University Street WC1E 6DE ucl.ac.uk

Under 5s Baby jazz Singing and live jazz music with colourful props and puppets Sunday 14 May, 10.15 to 11am (babies and pre-walkers) and 11.30am to 12.15pm (16 months to 5 years) Jewish Museum London 129-131 Albert Street NW1 7NB Telling tales Storytelling and puppet making with Sandal Sticks Theatre Sunday 11 June, 10.30am to 12pm Jewish Museum London 129-131 Albert Street NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk 020 7284 7384

28

All activities are free unless otherwise specified

Children and young people Street art workshop Learn about graffiti art and design your own logo on a baseball cap For ages 7 to 16 Tuesday 30 May, 11.30am to 1pm (ages 7 to 11) and 2 to 3.30pm (ages 12 to 16) Jewish Museum London 129-131 Albert Street NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk 020 7284 7384 Friday night project Try parkour, boxing, trampolining, basketball and more For ages 13 to 16 First Friday of every month, next on 2 June, 8 to 10pm £2 per session Talacre Sports Centre Dalby Street NW5 3AF camden.gov.uk/fnp Fitness and circuits High impact circuits session For ages 14 to 18 Every Tuesday, 6.30 to 7.30pm Sidings Community Centre Brassey Road NW6 2BA camden.gov.uk/active

Get active Walking football Wednesdays 1 to 2pm, Sundays 11am to 1pm Multi-use games area Malden Road NW5 4QE Saturdays, 2 to 3pm Talacre Sports Centre Dalby Road NW5 3AF Thursdays, 12 to 1pm Rowley Way astro pitch Alexandra and Ainsworth estate NW8 shaun.taylor@camden.gov.uk

Learn to run Every Wednesday, 6.30 to 7.30pm Gospel Oak Striders Meet at Gospel Oak station Gordon House Road NW5 1LT groups.runtogether.co.uk Women-only boxercise Mondays, 6 to 7pm. £2 St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre 2 Ossulston Street NW1 1DF andrew.gilbert@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6595

Walks Evening stroll with Marylebone Birdwatching Society Friday 19 May, 6.30pm Meet at: Hampstead Heath Overground Station, South End NW3 2QD Queen’s Crescent Walk For adults with learning disabilities and/ or difficulties. All welcome Every Friday, 11.45am to 12.15pm Meet at Queen’s Crescent Community Centre 45 Ashdown Crescent NW5 4QE Hampstead Heath Choose between short, steady ambles and longer and stronger walks Mondays, 9.50am to 12pm Meet at Hampstead Heath Overground Station, South End NW3 2QD Amy Winehouse Street Art Trail Meet at Jewish Museum London 129-131 Albert Street NW1 7NB hannah.talbot@jewishmuseum.org.uk 020 7284 7356

Green gym Woodland habitat management Friday 19 May, 11am to 2pm West Hampstead Green Gym Westbere Copse NW2 1RD westhampstead@tcv.org.uk 07900 678 991

Listings Hedge maintenance and vegetation clearance Thursday 25 May, 10.45am to 2pm Camden Green Gym Canalside Garden Baynes Street NW1 0TE gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 710 359 Orchard and meadow management Friday 26 May, 10.45am to 2pm West Hampstead Green Gym Minster Road NW2 3SE tcv.org.uk/camden westhampstead@tcv.org.uk 07900 678 991

Over 50s Older people’s advisory group Take part in the Ageing Better in Camden partnership to tackle social isolation and loneliness in Camden.

For over 60s. Monthly.

Next sessions Thursday 11 May and Thursday 15th June, 10.30am to 12.30pm Age UK Camden, Tavis House 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA ageingbetterincamden.org.uk 020 7239 0400 Ladies fitness sessions Low-impact exercise class Mondays, 4 to 5pm The Armoury Gym 25 Pond Street NW3 2PN camden.gov.uk/active Henna social club for Asian women Mondays, 1 to 3pm. £10 annual membership Abbey Community Centre 222C Belsize Road NW6 4DJ hennaorg.co.uk hennaasianwomengroup@gmail.com 020 7372 9860

Walking football Tuesdays, 11am to 12pm Samuel Lithgow Youth Centre 69-75 Stanhope Street NW1 3LD shaun.taylor@camden.gov.uk

Community events Funky moves disco Dance the night away with friends old and new. For adults with learning disabilities Saturday 27 May, 6.30 to 10.30pm £5 entry. Free for carers Camden People First 4 Lady Margaret Road NW5 2XT camdenpeoplefirst.org.uk facebook.com/camdenpeoplefirst info@camdenpeoplefirst.co.uk 020 7388 2007 Spring volunteering drop-in Get help to find local volunteering roles Wednesday 17 May, 12 to 2pm Volunteer Centre Camden 2 Grafton Yard NW5 2ND volunteercentrecamden.org.uk info@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990 Summer volunteering fair Meet 40 organisations looking for volunteers in Camden and Islington Tuesday 6 June, 12 to 3pm Voluntary Action Islington 200A Pentonville Road N1 9JP volunteercentrecamden.org.uk info@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990 Swapaholics monthly swish Bring and swap items of clothing 2nd Saturdays of the month, 1 to 4pm £5 entry. The Grafton 20 Prince of Wales Road NW5 3LG swapaholicsuk.com london.swishing@gmail.com

Exhibitions and performances Mindfulness and art Simple activities to help you relax and enjoy the moment Fridays (12, 19, 26 May, 2 June) 1 to 2pm UCL Art Museum Gower Street WC1E 6BT ucl.ac.uk college.art@ucl.ac.uk 020 7679 2540 Meet me in Dreamland Artists with learning disabilities explore their dreamland 9 June (5 to 9pm) 10 to 11 June (11am to 6pm) Cockpit Arts Northington Street WC1N 2NP actionspace.org info@actionspace.org 020 7209 4289 Leper hospitals of medieval London Talk by Professor Carole Rawcliffe Thursday 18 May, 7.30pm Doors at 7pm. £1 entry Retracing Riberio Exploring the life and work of this Hampstead-based Indian modern painter 10 April to 27 May, Mon and Tues (10am to 6pm), Thurs (10am to 7pm), Fri 10am to 5pm), alternate Sat (1 to 5pm) Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre 2nd Floor, Holborn Library 32-38 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA camden.gov.uk/localstudies localstudies@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6342

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

Best in the business Camden businesses and apprentices are learning and benefiting from each other. There has never been a better time for both to take advantage of opportunities right within our borough.

Over 40 businesses across the borough are now growing their own talent with Camden apprentices. Nearly 90% of participating national businesses say that their apprentices have brought an invigorating enthusiasm to the workplace, and that learning tailored to their business aims has helped their apprentices secure long-term employment.

John Souster is an award-winning HR apprentice for the Conviviality Group, the UK’s leading drinks wholesaler. He is based at Bibendum in Primrose Hill and his work includes keeping staff records up to date, placing job adverts and organising crucial training sessions.

Karen Connell, John’s supervisor, initially wasn’t sure what to expect from an apprenticeship. She said: “I knew from interviewing John that he had no office experience, but he took to it very quickly. He has great IT skills, a strong work ethic and is a great people person – essential qualities in HR.” Allowing John to try new things has helped him develop creative approaches to working that have rubbed off on the whole team.

Karen continues: “John has brought a younger outlook to the department. He knows things, Find out more 30

Karen and John have both benefited from his apprenticeship.

particularly in IT and social media that some of us had never heard of. He has a keenness to learn and willingness to be flexible. He’s not restricted by his job description.”

John has further been able to build upon his learning at Bibendum by taking advantage of their training opportunities. He has recently passed the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 2 exam and now knows the ins and outs of Bibendum’s product line. This will provide him with more options if he chooses to stay with the business after completing his training.

Bibendum’s friendly workplace has also helped John feel welcome in his first placement.

camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships

He gets involved with projects across the group, is part of the company football team and is running for the company charity.

Karen said: “He is proud to work here and it shows.”

John was also named the Best Team Player at Camden’s apprenticeship recognition event in March.

Camden apprenticeships offer support to both apprentice and employer to help ensure everyone gets the most out of a placement. Employers and potential apprentices can find more information on our webpage below.

My Camden Tsega Habte lives in Camden and is a foster carer for children from our borough.

What made you decide to get into fostering?

to go to a community centre in Holborn. One day Princess Diana visited and talked to us and cuddled the children.

She told us to never to give up, and that children are our future and their education is so important.

I remember her words to this day.

As my own children grew up, I had the time, space and energy to look after children who needed a secure and loving family environment. Family is very important.

I used to look after babies and toddlers, but now I also look after children up to 10 years of age. I started to foster with a private agency in 2010, but, as I was looking after Camden children, I decided to apply to Camden’s fostering team and got approved as a Camden foster carer in November 2015.

My experience of living and fostering in the same borough has been great.

What is your Camden connection?

I moved from Eritrea 26 years ago and have lived in Camden ever since.

I raised my five children here. Three of them have graduated, one of them

Favourite places in Camden? is going to university and my youngest one is doing her GCSEs.

training. My children who still live at home are also very helpful.

What are the challenges and rewards of fostering?

What makes Camden special?

The children I have fostered have all been adopted, which makes me so happy, but it’s also hard to say goodbye. I keep in touch with the adopters and the children I’ve fostered.

When children are older, there may be behavioural issues, but I get a lot of support from Camden’s fostering team, including

My favourite place is Caffè Nero on Parkway down the road from where I live. My house is always very busy, so it’s nice to give my children some individual time over a cup of tea.

Living in Camden is great. I have a lot of friends here. Even the street cleaners know me and say hi. If I don’t go to Sainsbury’s for a few days, staff start to wonder where I am.

Most memorable thing to happen to you in Camden?

Turn to page 7 to learn more about becoming a Camden foster carer.

When we first came to London my family used

Do you know someone who has strong community connections in Camden who you think we should profile? Email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk to tell us more.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/fostering 31

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