Camden magazine November 2017

Camden Camden this month

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

Working together to make Camden better Share your ideas about the future of Camden up to 2025 @camdentalking

facebook.com/lbcamden

Comic legend Michael Palin presented foster carers Kim and Karl Henshall with an award to recognise five years’ service for Camden. Read more about our fabulous foster carers on p30.

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 per cent recycled and 50 per cent from sustainable sources.

Cover image: Age UK Camden

@camdentalking

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Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 6 November 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 Camden 2025: Be a part of Camden’s future – join our Camden 2025 conversations now.

See page 6.

Our new anti-fraud scheme aims to put a stop to cold calling scams. See page 25.

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Refurbishment of Kingsgate Resource Centre gets underway this month.

See page 14.

Sketch Visual - Multi Use Space

furbishment of Kingsgate Resource Centre, Palmerston Road, Camden.

Apply for one of our good and outstanding Camden primary schools.

See page 9.

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Not to Scale

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Welcome Introduction from the Leader of the Council

News 5

Cover story Camden 2025

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Features London Borough of Culture Primary school applications Care Innovation Fund Resident Safety Panel Chalcots update Camden talking Bump to Baby courses Become a childminder Support for new parents Air quality in Camden Plans for Kingsgate Resource Centre

Local organisations that support young people can join the Young Camden Foundation.

See page 18.

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Council Graduate Scheme Scholarships in Camden William Ellis dance performance Young Camden Foundation Camden STEAM Tackling hate crime Community Investment Programme Rubbish and recycling Ask Jenny Clean Camden Camden Recycling Rewards Combatting cold calling Reclaiming empty homes Winter sports schemes Foster carers awards My Camden

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 24 25 26 27 30 31

Listings Free and low-cost events

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WISH Plus is a way for you to improve your health and wellbeing by being referred to a range of Warmth, Income, Safety and Health services, all under one roof.

What can WISH plus help me with?

With WISH plus you can receive a package of support for Warmth, Income, Safety and Health (WISH) services.

Some of the support is dependent on things like your age, whether you are receiving certain benefits, are disabled, or if you have young children.

Here are some of the services available under WISH.

Warmth ell and warm W home energy efficiency improvements visit elephone energy T advice service, such as how to lower your bills and still keep warm

Income Money management advice including budgeting, debt and benefit advice Advice for those who have benefits issues and need help with an appeal

How do I access the WISH Plus service?

If you are interested in accessing any of the above services, you need to make a selfreferral or ask someone else to refer you.

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Safety ome security H check, free provision and installation of measures such as door locks, spyholes etc.

Handyperson service for minor repairs and fittings around the house (a small fee applies)

Health dvice or help A to give up smoking Cardiovascular health check Carer’s support Help for those suffering from anxiety, stress and depression

The easiest way to refer is to use the link below: www.camden.gov.uk/wishform or by phoning WISH Plus on 020 7974 3012

Welcome

to the November edition of Camden magazine

Everywhere I go residents have also shared their ideas to improve their community and the many ways you are already taking action.

6 | Help shape Camden 2025

19 | E xplore careers in the creative and scientific sectors I want to invite everyone who lives in Camden to help shape the future of the borough by joining the Camden 2025 conversation.

We’ve already heard from many of you about the challenges we face, and how we can come together to make Camden a better place for everyone who lives, works and studies here.

I have been going round the borough speaking to residents and you have shared with me some of your concerns around safety, housing, opportunities for young people, keeping communities connected, air quality and much more.

We have some big challenges but we also have huge strengths from our diverse community and cultural organisations, through to our family of schools. But in my view our biggest strength is the energy and experience of our citizens.

We want to work alongside you to build a future where no one in Camden is left behind, so please get involved in the discussions, including on our new website at camden.gov.uk/camden2025.

You can add your ideas and suggestions, read what everyone else is saying and contribute to the debate.

I know that many of you, like me, are incredibly proud to call Camden home and we all have an important role to play in shaping our borough’s future. I want to make sure everyone can get involved and help identify our shared priorities. You can read more about Camden 2025 by turning to pages six and seven.

Making sure that our young people thrive and enjoy the best possible life chances is at the heart of Camden 2025, and there’s lots to read in this edition about how young residents are making the most of the Council’s graduate and apprenticeship schemes to learn the skills they need for a successful career.

You can read about our apprenticeship scheme on page 15, along with the Camden

STEAM Commission’s work to give local young people the skills and opportunities they need to play a full part in London’s thriving creative, scientific and digital economy.

The safety of all of our residents is my top priority. We have just appointed our first Director of Resident Safety who will work sideby-side with residents to promote safety across the borough. You can read more about this role on page 10.

Following the evacuation of the Chalcots Estate in June 2017, I committed to carry out an independent review into how and why the evacuation happened to make sure that something like this never happens again in our borough.

In October, I wrote to all Chalcots residents to update them on works and to set out the process for an independently-chaired review.

Camden invests a huge amount in maintaining homes and we’re committed to ensuring that all our housing has the highest possible safety standards. You can find out more on pages 10 and 11.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Camden magazine and please do get involved in our Camden 2025 and Borough of Culture conversations.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

Camden 2025

Camden Share your ideas for what Camden could be like in 2025. Now is your chance to make a real difference to how we do things.

Camden’s future belongs to us all, so we want to make sure everyone can have a say in what our priorities are over the coming years. We’re developing a new plan for everyone to get behind so that the council, residents, local partners and community groups can all work together to make Camden a better place to live by 2025.

Last month, we started discussions across the borough. You’ve been sharing with us the many positive things about living, working and studying in Camden, along with some of the borough’s challenges. You’ve also started to discuss how we could develop new ways of tackling these challenges together.

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Camden 2025 questions Below are some of the key questions that we would like to hear from you about. More will develop as conversations continue.

• What would make Camden a great place to grow up in?

• How can our communities feel safer?

• How can we make sure no one feels lonely in our communities?

• How can we make sure everyone in Camden has a decent home?

• How can we work together to make Camden cleaner and greener?

Get involved online: Find out what people have said so far, add your ideas and suggestions, and share your thoughts about how we can work together to tackle our key challenges.

Join in the discussions now: camden.gov.uk/camden2025 You can also find out more about conversations we’re having with residents, local partners and community groups, and what people have been saying at our new Citizens’ Assembly.

Camden 2025

Citizens’ Assembly The Citizens’ Assembly is a new way of looking at how we can bring you closer to the council and decision-making process in Camden.

What you’ve said

The Assembly is made up of around 70 residents, including people who haven’t been involved in council activities before. They have been brought together by an independent organisation to be broadly representative of the diverse population of Camden.

The Assembly has now met twice to talk in depth about Camden’s strengths and how we can work together to tackle our challenges.

We are excited to see how this develops and to involve more residents in these kinds of discussions in the future.

Kieran Ferguson, Russell Square “I think traffic, congestion and pollution are problems. In 2025 I would like the borough to be greener, with fewer vehicles and less pollution – a cleaner environment.”

Omer Hamid, Regent’s Park “I would encourage people to take part and share your views because it’s an opportunity to have your say about what you think matters.”

Elizabeth Pointing, Belsize Park “I want Camden to remain a place for all people, whatever their level of income. I feel concerned about making sure we have council housing in the borough for people who really need it, and that there are opportunities for older people to contribute to society.”

What will you do with our views?

Early next year, we will take stock of everyone’s feedback and the direction of discussions. Your views will be given to elected councillors who will use these to shape the priorities for the borough for the next seven years.

Get in touch online Online Visit camden.gov.uk/camden2025 to join the discussions.

Social media Tweet us your thoughts and ideas using the hashtag #camden2025 Libraries Visit your local Camden library to find out more and to submit your feedback and ideas.

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News

Back our culture bid We’re bidding to be named London’s first Borough of Culture and we need your support. But be quick, as there’s not long left to join our campaign.

We’re excited about our bid to become the first London Borough of Culture. We’ve been involving lots of you in conversations about what makes Camden unique, but we still need your support.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, launched the London Borough of Culture competition in June. He invited all boroughs to bid for £1.1 million funding for a year of art and cultural celebrations. Two winning boroughs will be named Borough of Culture; one in 2019 and one in 2020.

Your support is vital, and if our bid is successful we’ll be able to host a multitude of events, activities Find out more

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and performances for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Culture means so many different things to different people, and it has the power to bring communities together. It is found in the people that live in, work in and visit our borough, and is visible on our streets and in our heritage.

Through our bid we want to showcase our existing venues and bring culture onto the streets so everyone in Camden can benefit.

We want to create a year of celebration for people to enjoy, but that brings wider benefits for our residents and beyond.

Join our campaign We want you to join our campaign and help us to be named the London Borough of Culture.

The Council must submit its bid by Friday 1 December, and the winning borough will be announced in February 2018.

Join the conversation and tell us why you love Camden, how you’d describe its culture, what’s missing and how you see the borough taking shape in the future. Get in touch with us on Twitter @LoveCamden and share your ideas using the hashtag #CamdenIsCulture.

You can also complete a short survey on our website.

lovecamden.org/Camden-is lovecamden@camden.gov.uk @LoveCamden @LoveCamden

News

First class primary schools in Camden The deadline to apply for a reception class place for your child is Monday 15 January.

Our primary pupils perform consistently above the national average in test results for 11-year-olds, and every primary school in Camden is rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Applications for children to start in reception classes next year are still open – but you need to apply before Monday 15 January 2018.

Find out more

You can choose up to six preferred schools on your form, which can be either in Camden or outside the borough. Many Camden schools are very popular, so it is best to use all six preferences.

We also strongly recommend that parents apply online – see our website below. If you are unable to do so, or you have

camden.gov.uk/admissions

Brecknock Primary School

particular questions, please email or phone us.

admissions@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 1625

Funding for children’s social care project Our children’s safeguarding and social work team has secured a £1.3 million grant from the Department for Education’s Children’s Social Care Innovation Fund.

In Camden, we know a greater proportion of children coming into our care are teenagers. This new project will test if providing support for these children and working closely with them when they are younger will lead to better outcomes as they get older.

Securing investment in services for young people and involving

them in our plans is a key commitment for the council. This funding will help us develop a new approach for working with families to reach children before adolescence.

It will put relationships within the family, community and school at the centre of specialist services for the child.

We will be working with children aged ten to 13 and their families to help as they make the move from primary to secondary school, which is a crucial stage for many.

The two-year project will be delivered in partnership with charity Catch22 and the Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, and will be launched in the New Year.

Keep an eye out for more information in future editions of the Camden magazine 9

News

Your safety, our priority We’re working with you to deliver a new standard of resident safety.

We are focused on ensuring all our residents have safe and secure homes. From upgrading fire safety in our council-owned tower blocks and street properties, to cracking down on private landlords who break their licence conditions while running homes in multiple occupation, we’re on your side and committed to going above and beyond our legal requirements to keep you safe.

We’ve committed to a new standard of resident safety following the evacuation of residents from their homes in the Chalcots Estate in June. The decision to evacuate was made following an inspection by the

London Fire Brigade and after the cladding on the Chalcots’ five tower blocks failed government safety tests.

Now Chalcots residents are back home, we want to do everything in our power to make sure this type of evacuation doesn’t happen again, anywhere in Camden. That means making material safety improvements to our homes. It also requires us to build a new culture where we work more closely with residents to act quickly on emerging issues or opportunities to make your homes better and safer.

Here’s what we’re doing this autumn to improve your safety.

New director of resident safety Keith Scott has been appointed as Camden Council’s new Director of resident safety.

He will work side by side with residents to ensure that Camden leads by example in promoting safety across the borough.

Keith said: “Coming into Camden, I’m aware of the responsibility and opportunity to work with residents and partners. I will make use of residents’ local knowledge and direct experience, along with the technical knowledge of contractors and fire safety personnel, to lay down a marker for resident safety. I’ll be examining our current processes and, crucially, getting out and about onto estates, to take us to the next level of resident engagement, transparency and safety.”

Resident-led action

Cladding being removed from Chalcots Estate

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A new resident-led Fire Safety Advisory Panel made up of tenants, leaseholders, councillors, council officers and representatives from the London Fire Brigade is currently being established. Meeting quarterly, the Panel will discuss issues highlighted across the borough, making recommendations to Camden Council.

News

Camden talking

Community comments on social media.

People aged 65 or over are eligible for the free flu jab from their GP or pharmacist now #StayWellThisWinter

We are ensuring that all residents have safe and secure homes

Working as a community, there is action you and your neighbours can take to minimise fire risks in and around your homes. This includes keeping communal corridors clear of obstructions and taking advantage of a free fire safety check from the London Fire Brigade.

Chalcots cladding removed – and replacement discussed We’re making good progress in removing the cladding panels from the five tower blocks on the Chalcots Estate.

On Tuesday 31 October, we held an all-day drop-in event at Swiss Cottage Library where our expert design team discussed potential cladding replacement options with Chalcots residents. There were several options on display including pure aluminium panels and a concrete render. We will use residents’ feedback and follow the latest national guidance on building regulations to select a replacement.

Independent review We are also launching an independent review into the circumstances surrounding the evacuation of the Chalcots Estate.

The purpose of this review is so that we can learn lessons for the future.

The review will be chaired by someone independent of the council and will involve Chalcots residents at every stage. We have written to residents affected by the evacuation to tell us about their experiences, asking them what they thought was done well, and what could have been better.

The review will be split into two stages. The first will look at the evacuation and emergency management, and the second will consider the refurbishment of the buildings in 2006 and their subsequent management. We hope that the independent chair will release interim findings from the first stage of the review in the New Year.

@camden_ccg via Twitter

The #TfL car free day was great success. We reduced the children coming by car from 50 to 30.

Well done everyone who left the car at home. @GospelOakSchool via Twitter

Want to see London’s attractions but don’t know where to start?

Join in with our all-ages Saturday trips! @AbbeyCCnw6 via Twitter

Over 60? Why not become a member of our Ageactivity 60+ Project & get involved in a wide range of activities? @CCA_Camden via Twitter

We have built a map that shows #Befriending services in #Camden - Let us know if you run a service+we’ll add it on! @abc_camden via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/chalcots

@camdentalking 11

Feature

Bump to Baby groups for parents-to-be Becoming a parent is an exciting time, but it can be challenging too.

In Camden, there’s a free fiveweek course you can attend and meet other parents-to-be. If you don’t want to come alone, we welcome friends, partners or family members to the groups, which are run in local venues.

Find out more

Our Bump to Baby courses cover topics such as: • preparing for and managing your labour; • bonding with your baby before and after the birth; • learning your baby’s sounds, signals and cues; • coping with crying and comforting your baby; and • becoming a parent and your changing relationships.

camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart 020 7974 8961

Local mums and dads-to-be who have attended tell us that the service is “friendly and relaxed” and has helped give them more confidence.

camdenunder5s@camden.gov.uk

Work with children and be your own boss If you’re considering a career change and you enjoy working with children, becoming a registered childminder could be for you.

We offer advice and training, including support with Ofsted registration. You’ll also get help to meet other Camden childminders so you can build a mutual support network and share good practice.

As a registered childminder, you will be an important part of Camden’s high quality early education and childcare offer.

Like our schools, nurseries and children’s centres, registered childminders are inspected and

Find out more 12

graded by Ofsted – with an amazing 96 per cent in Camden rated ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’.

Kilburn-based childminder Rose Dullea, who is rated outstanding and also looks after children from West Hampstead, said: “Working with children and their parents is very rewarding and we get fantastic support and training in Camden. I have been doing this for four years now and I really love my job.”

camden.gov.uk/childminders

020 7974 1629

Feature

Helping new parents blossom Pregnant women and new families living in Camden can improve their health and give their babies the best start in life, thanks to the Manor Garden Welfare Trust.

‘Camden Blossoms’ offers group sessions for parents, as well as one-to-one peer support. The service is run by experienced maternity mentors, assisted by trained volunteer Baby Champions and Baby Buddies. They will help you reduce the stress of your pregnancy and baby’s first year.

We are looking for volunteers of any age who have experience of bringing up a family and Find out more

some spare time to share their expertise. We offer full training and supervision.

Camden Blossoms recently worked in Swiss Cottage to bust myths about bringing up baby.

Crèche workers were on hand to offer snacks and refreshing drinks, while parents enjoyed massage, dance and Pilates classes over the summer.

manorgardenscentre.org camden blossoms

Liliana Andrea Medina and baby Khloe at Camden Blossoms

helen@manorgardenscentre.org

Air quality: Leading by example We’re taking positive steps to reduce harmful emissions in Camden.

We are tackling poor air quality through our Clean Air Action Plan. One of our first priorities is to reduce vehicle emissions, and encourage partners and businesses to follow suit.

harmful emissions. As a result, we no longer buy diesel vehicles and plan to purchase low-emission alternatives including electric, hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG).

Around half of all air pollution is caused by exhaust emissions.

While the vehicles we use – such as recycling trucks – only make up a small percentage of all road traffic, every little counts to reduce

Our contractors are also encouraged to keep emissions low. For example, 50 per cent of trucks used in Camden by Veolia are low-emission.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/airquality

Suppliers and contractors are also using our freight consolidation centre, which combines deliveries to council offices and participating businesses. This reduces the number of unnecessary journeys made in Camden each day.

Local businesses can also arrange to use our CNG refuelling station at York Way, helping to reduce their environmental impact.

camden.gov.uk/freightconsolidation 13

News

New centre for older people takes shape Refurbishment is set to start at the Kingsgate Resource Centre this month.

The centre will offer new, multi-use spaces

Following our consultation earlier The new centre will have a range this year, a decision was taken to of different spaces, from busier create a new day service at the and brighter communal areas to Kingsgate Resource Centre in quiet and comfortable lounges.

Kilburn. The service will welcome There will also be room for all older people with complex physical activities, film screenings, Sketch Visual - Bus Drop Off Entrance social care needs, including those arts and crafts, indoor and Refurbishment of Kingsgate Resource Centre, Palmerston Road, Camden. who have dementia or other longoutdoor gardening, upgraded term health conditions. personal care and toilet facilities, as well as a space for hairdressing The centre is being extensively and personal treatments. refurbished, following the Lesley Rowe, General Manager dementia-friendly design principles of Kingsgate, is looking forward developed by the Department of to the new service opening next Health. It will be a safe, welcoming year and welcoming back not only environment for people with and familiar faces but those who have without dementia.

We have teamed up with design company, Atkins, who specialise in creating dementia-friendly buildings. In August, we held a series of engagement sessions with service users, family members and carers, to hear their thoughts on what is important to them in a day service and to share our ideas. Over the past few months, Atkins have been incorporating as many ideas as they can into the final designs.

Find out more 14

gone to Raglan and Netherwood centres in the past.

The refurbishment starts in November with the new centre opening in February 2018.

Residents who currently attend Kingsgate will use the Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre in Chalk Farm while we transform Kingsgate. The centre will also be getting a new name and we welcome your suggestions. Simply email us with your ideas or write to: Adult Social Care changes, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street WC1H 9JE.

Artist’s visuals of the new centre

camden.gov.uk/ascchanges

ascchanges@camden.gov.uk

Feature

Graduate scheme is just the job Applications for the Camden Graduate Scheme 2018 are open now. We caught up with Urmi Kabir, one of our current graduates, to hear about her experiences.

If you’re a graduate looking to take your first steps towards a challenging new career, a place on Camden Council’s Graduate Scheme could be exactly the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

Urmi Kabir (front) with her graduate scheme colleagues

The council is seeking our next generation of talented individuals to help lead critical projects, deliver essential services and have a positive impact on residents’ lives.

The scheme is open to anyone with a degree at grade 2:2 or above. There is no upper age limit.

There are three positions available.

The new recruits will undertake various posts throughout the council during the first two years, before moving into a specific job. It’s a full time role; you will receive a competitive salary and sponsorship to work towards a professional qualification Applications close on Sunday 7 January 2018, and shortlisting and assessment will take place in February.

Urmi Kabir, Graduate Trainee, said: “After a competitive, challenging and creative selection process,

Find out more

I was appointed as a Camden Graduate in 2016.

videos, administered meetings and presented to Executive Directors.

“I couldn’t believe it! I was thrilled to have the opportunity to develop my skills and contribute to making a difference in my home borough.

“What has stood out for me is the level of support I’ve received. From one-to-one mentoring to our own graduate network, I have always had help whenever I’ve needed it. I’d encourage anyone who is looking for a challenging career to find out more, and see just how rewarding a career in the public sector can be.”

“Since starting the programme, I have enjoyed so many learning opportunities that I otherwise just wouldn’t have had. I’ve studied for a Level Five HR qualification, built business cases, filmed and edited

camden.gov.uk/jobs 15

Feature

Take the next steps with a scholarship Whatever your age, Camden is offering part and fully funded places at HULT International Business School and Anglia Ruskin University.

to gain a formal qualification so that I can continue to develop my career. Gaining a master’s degree will give me the skills required to help me progress as a project manager.”

We are now accepting scholarship applications for life-changing undergraduate and postgraduate courses, starting in September 2018.

She added: “I completed an application form, together with a personal statement, saying why I thought I was suitable for the scholarship programme. Constant contact with Camden made the application process much easier.”

Lauren Picton, a 37-year-old mother of two, recently started an International Project Management MA funded through Camden’s scholarship scheme. Lauren told Camden magazine: “I wanted

Hearing her application was successful and getting ready to start her course, Lauren thought about the exciting road ahead. “I am a big believer in education,’ she said. “This opportunity has

meant that I can continue to learn, grow and be a role model for my children.”

As well as developing her skills, Lauren sees her scholarship as a unique opportunity to keep up with the changing pace of London’s housing market. As a life-long Camden resident, Lauren hopes the fruits of her scholarship will help her stay local. “I really want to continue bringing up my children in Camden so this is a good opportunity to keep increasing my earning potential.”

Scholarships are open to highly motivated Camden residents aged 18 and over with two A-levels at grade B or C, or equivalent. You can also apply to study part time around other arrangements such as work or childcare. Lauren herself works full time and looks after her two children. “It’s going to be hard work balancing my commitments’, she said. ‘But I’m ready for the challenge.”

Residents with just one A-level at grade C or above can also apply for an extended four-year degree.

Priority will be given to applicants facing difficult circumstances.

Laura Picton is studying for a master’s degree thanks to Camden’s scholarship scheme

Find out more 16

camden.gov.uk/camdenscholarships

Applications close on Sunday 28 January 2018.

Feature

William Ellis boys perform at Sadler’s Wells Students from William Ellis School performed at one of London’s top venues as part of their longstanding partnership with leading dance company, Tavaziva.

Students before their performance at Lilian Baylis Studio with Tavaziva apprentice Nicole Victor (back, middle)

Find out more

The boys, aged 12 to 15, opened for Tavaziva, a renowned African contemporary dance company, in the Lilian Baylis Studio at Sadler’s Wells on Friday 13 October.

“Working with companies like Tavaziva gives our students the opportunity to channel their energy, be creative and enjoy learning together.”

Jeremy Pratt, William Ellis School’s head of creative and performing arts, said: “Music, drama and dance are thriving at William Ellis School. Some people say you can’t get boys to dance, but we know that isn’t true.

William Ellis School’s performance, called Shapes of Rhythm, was choreographed by Mathias Julius from Tavaziva’s boys dance programme Ziva Youth, with the support of post-graduate apprentice dancer Nicole Victor.

camden.gov.uk/schools

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Feature

Youth foundation’s call to support young people The Young Camden Foundation (YCF) reaches beyond local youth organisations to include businesses and others in its work to improve opportunities for young people.

The Camden Unity Cup football tournament and festival is among the local events to benefit from YCF funding.

In June YCF approved £60,000 of small grants for local organisations that work with young people, with a focus on social cohesion and projects which bring the older and younger generations together.

YCF was set up as part of the council’s commitment to invest in and protect youth and play provision.

Kyro Brooks, Young Camden Foundation’s chief executive.

With more than 50 members signed up since it became a charity in March, the YCF now wants to broaden its influence on issues that matter to young people in Camden, including arts and sporting activities, volunteering and career opportunities, mental health, crime and personal safety.

Find out more 18

Kyro Brooks, YCF’s chief executive, said he wanted to expand the foundation’s network of members, both from the voluntary sector and also local business, all committed to supporting young people in Camden.

Kyro told Camden magazine: “There is an old African proverb that ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and this is the ethos of the Young Camden Foundation.

youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

We feel that all parts of the wider community have a role to play in supporting our young people.

“We have more than 50 members, ranging from high-profile charities to smaller local youth groups and sports clubs, as well as several local businesses and cultural institutions. We want to build on that network, as only together can we start to make a real impact on the lives of young people.

“One idea we have is to lead a ‘Camden Challenge’ event, bringing together young people, the voluntary, business and cultural sector in a joint exercise or campaign.

“I would like to hear from any organisations who work with young people or who think they can play a role in improving the lives of young people in Camden.”

info@youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk

Feature

Full STEAM ahead Young people will be able to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths thanks to our STEAM Commission.

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

Maya Tudor, Google’s apprenticeships programme manager, talks to young people at the careers fair.

And we are now recruiting a programme manager to lead the work of the STEAM Commission, which includes:

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

• developing a hub, known as the STEAM Engine, involving a partnership of schools and businesses to develop curriculum resources and activities to promote STEAM subjects and opportunities for primary and secondary pupils;

And Camden Youth Council were back at Google, along with about 120 other young people from local schools and colleges, on Monday 16 October for a careers fair, featuring some key employers in the King’s Cross area.

• encouraging employees to volunteer as school governors or as speakers (‘STEAM ambassadors’) in schools to make sure young people are informed, inspired and better able to take advantage

Camden Youth Council, including Youth MP Esther Joy Boadu (far left), at Google’s offices for last month’s careers fair.

Find out more

of these employers on their doorstep; • recruiting young people as ‘STEAM champions’ to spur on their classmates in schools and colleges; and • hosting a ‘Camden Challenge’ bringing together young people, the voluntary, business and cultural sector in a joint exercise or campaign.

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council, said: “Worldrenowned institutions, including the British Library, the Francis Crick Institute and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, alongside companies such as Google UK and ASOS, have the potential to inspire and support our young people to aim high and forge exciting careers in the 21st century economy.

“The STEAM Commission’s ambition is to link businesses strongly with schools and further education colleges to help deliver the 21st century talent they need and, in so doing, to guarantee the best opportunities and futures for all our young people.”

camden.gov.uk/steamcommission 19

Feature

Camden is no place for hate Our fight against hate crime is continuing and we need your help.

Would you recognise hate crime?

Would you know how to report it? In Camden, we are proud of our strong sense of community and continue our fight against all forms of hate crime. This includes making sure that everyone understands what hate crime is, and how you can report it.

Reported hate crime in Camden rose by nearly five per cent between 2015/16 and 2016/17, from 2,433 cases to 2,550. We’ll need your help to stop it.

What is a hate crime?

A hate crime is negative behaviour based on prejudice towards a person because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. Hate crime includes name-calling, threats and intimidation, both on the street or online. It includes physical violence.

One of our partners in tackling hate crime is Tell MAMA, an independent organisation working with people who have suffered Islamophobic hate crime.

Find out more 20

Camden:

No Place for Hate

During National Hate Crime Awareness Week – which took place from 14 to 21 October – Tell MAMA and Camden Council offered residents drop-in sessions.

because of your race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity, please report it.

Reporting hate crime is important because it gives an insight into what’s happening on a community level and how we can help people.

You might not feel like reporting a hate crime straight away, but please do report it when you can.

Sometimes people don’t report an incident because they don’t realise what a hate crime actually is and that it can be reported. They may think if they report it, it won’t be considered important or taken seriously.

Tell MAMA works with organisations such as the Metropolitan Police and Camden Council to help them understand what is really happening in terms of hate crime in their areas.

If you have been called names, been bullied or had anything happen that you think may be

camden.gov.uk/hatecrime

How to report a hate crime

You will help us to stop other people from being treated the same way.

1. If you see someone in immediate danger, phone the police on 999. Otherwise, you can phone the police nonemergency helpline on 101, 24 hours a day.

2. Phone our community safety team on 020 7974 4444 or email communitysafety@ camden.gov.uk 3. Y ou can also contact one of our partners, who can offer you support. Visit the Council website for full details.

Feature

Building the future As 2017 draws to a close, here’s a look back at some of this year’s successes for the Community Investment Programme and what’s still to come.

Greenwood Centre in Kentish Town

New homes and business facilities in Kilburn

Back to school at Kingsgate

Construction began on our new community resource centre in February. The centre will help people with learning difficulties, autism and mental health issues to live independently; offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy and a flexible activity space. It will also house our first Centre for Independent Living (CIL), run for and by disabled people and offering support and advice.

Work is well underway at Abbey and Belsize Road. Sixty six new council homes will be built; providing much needed homes for local residents. There will also be retail and commercial spaces and a 52 space underground car park – all funded by 75 homes for sale.

The next phase will bring more homes, along with community and health facilities, new play areas and improvements to open spaces.

Pupils at Kingsgate Primary Lower School returned to a brand new school building this September. At Kingsgate Primary Upper School we are expanding the school hall and providing a new dedicated library space, alongside other improvements. The next phase at Liddell Place will see new housing, a business workshop and new public open space.

New school in Central Somers Town Preparation has begun on a new building for Edith Neville Primary School and Children’s Centre. A new building for the Plot 10 play project and new facilities, including a five-a-side football pitch, alongside a new permanent home for St Aloysius Nursery are still to come. A further 136 homes are also on the way, with a mix of council homes for rent and private sales funding the development.

There’s more to see on our Community Investment Programme website You can read more about the Community Investment Programme by visiting our dedicated website.

It includes an interactive map with key facts and figures on the different developments throughout Camden, a photo gallery and case studies highlighting how the Community Investment Programme is making a real difference to residents’ lives.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/cip 21

Feature

Kick your recycling and rubbish to the kerb Our recycling and rubbish collections aim to keep Camden’s streets clean and boost recycling rates. As part of these changes, we need you to make sure your waste containers are presented correctly. We’ve put together some tips and guidance to help you out.

Presenting your containers We have dedicated officers on the streets of Camden talking to residents about recycling and rubbish collections.

Please make sure your wheelie bins, boxes and bags for all your recycling, food waste and rubbish collections are out and visible from the street by 7am on your collection day. When putting your containers out, make sure you remember to: • Place them within one metre of your property’s front boundary and as close to the pavement as you can.

• If you have no space at the front of your property, place containers on the pavement as close to your property boundary as possible but please make sure they’re not obstructing the pathway.

as we will not collect from basements or move bins downstairs.

• If you’re unsure when your collection day is, visit our website where you can also report problems with collections and find out more about recycling.

If you need help to move your containers, we might be able to offer an assisted collection service.

Contact us to find out more.

Storing your bins and caddies Containers should not be stored on public footpaths and must be returned to your property within 24 hours of them being collected.

Bins left on the street can cause an obstruction and make it difficult for people to use the pavements safely. If you’re finding it difficult to store your bins, or would prefer to use orange rubbish bags instead, contact us for help.

• Make sure you bring all containers to street level, Find out more 22

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

020 7974 2202

Feature

Ask Jenny Jenny is one of our enforcement officers. Every month she answers your recycling questions.

What items are most frequently put in for recycling that shouldn’t be?

Recycling for Camden We collect your recycling and food waste weekly, so if you’re recycling you’ll find your general rubbish bin won’t overflow. We’re committed to boosting recycling rates to help save energy and reduce the impact our rubbish has on the environment.

That’s why we offer a Recycling Rewards Scheme to say thank you for recycling – find out more on page 27.

Don’t forget - black bags, food and garden waste shouldn’t be placed in your recycling bins.

The most common items that are wrongly put in recycling containers are black rubbish bags, plastics that can’t be recycled such as toys, crisp packets and polystyrene; as well as food and garden waste. We also see a lot of textiles, which should go in separate bags. You can also donate clothes and other materials to local charities. For a full list of items that can be recycled, visit our website.

How clean do recycled materials have to be?

They don’t need to be spotless, however it’s best to rinse them clean so they are free of leftover food or gels. Doing this also helps keep your bins clean and free from smells. To reduce contamination and improve recycling efficiency: • Pour away excess liquid.

• Scrape out any food remains into your food caddy.

• Rinse the container (use your washing-up water).

• Remove film lids from plastic pots, punnets and trays.

• Squeeze plastic bottles flat to remove as much air as possible.

Email

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

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish 23

Feature

Clean Camden Thank you to the Camden residents who helped us during our Clean Camden fortnight last month.

Clean Camden comes around twice a year. This time, we teamed up with environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy as part of their national ‘Crime not to care’ campaign.

During Clean Camden, we focused our efforts on fly-tipping, asking residents to be responsible with their waste and to use our online app to report dumped rubbish. Between Monday 9 and Friday 20 October, we cleared more than 530 fly-tips across the borough, 188 of which were reported by residents using our app.

Find out more

We spoke to about 150 residents who visited our information stalls around the borough, giving advice and listening to what you think about fly-tipping in the borough.

You told us you hate fly-tipping and want it stopped.

Zero tolerance We don’t tolerate fly-tipping in Camden. In February we introduced a fixed penalty fine of £200 for people caught flytipping. During Clean Camden fortnight we issued 65 fixed penalty notices to people caught fly-tipping.

Camden Council has teamed up with Keep Britain Tidy’s national campaign

If you want to report fly-tipping quickly and easily, simply download our app from the web page below.

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

Camden Recycling Rewards We have a new food waste challenge for recycling rewards members – and a chance to earn extra vouchers, prizes and green points.

The challenge, developed by the charity WRAP, gives members a series of five pledges you can sign up to for information about great ways to avoid food waste and save money. The pledges get Find out more 24

harder as you work through them, and cover storage, date labels, portions, planning and leftovers.

Camden Recycling Rewards members who manage to stick to their pledges report this and earn green points.

If you’re a member already, watch out for an email giving more information about the challenge.

The first 10 households to sign up to the challenge will get a £20 voucher and the following 20 a food waste saving kit.

camden.gov.uk/recyclingrewards

What is Camden Recycling Rewards?

Camden Recycling Rewards is our incentive scheme to encourage residents to waste less and recycle more. It’s free to join, and is open to anyone who lives in the borough. It offers the chance to win vouchers, get discounts at nearly 100 local businesses and support local charities.

If you’re not already a member, why not sign up today?

Feature

Combatting cold calling We’ve launched an anti-fraud scheme to combat cold calling scams.

Cold calling scammers are criminals who make false claims about works that are needed to your home.

They then pressurised the homeowner into paying an extortionate bill by driving them to three separate banks.

These criminals go door-to-door trying to pressure people just like you into having unnecessary repairs made to their properties.

The works can include roof repairs, gardening and other general building works, which these scammers then massively overcharge for.

Thankfully, all of the banks helped put a stop to the scammer by refusing the large cash withdrawals requested and alerting the police.

Vulnerable victims Cold calling scammers typically target our community’s most vulnerable people. They seek out elderly residents, and try to exploit their trust.

Most recently, an elderly resident – who we aren’t naming to protect their identity – almost lost £30,000 to a scammer.

The cold caller claimed that works were needed to a ceiling in the resident’s home.

Unfortunately, these cases are all too common and are the reason why we’ve launched our new antifraud scheme.

Our new scheme Our new no cold calling zone aims to help protect vulnerable residents from doorstep scammers. It was launched in Haverstock, as this area has experienced problems with cold callers.

The zone covers Grafton Terrace, Herbert Street, Quadrant Grove, Southampton Road and Thurlow Terrace.

Street signs now advise traders they are not allowed to knock on doors to sell goods and services.

Ignoring the signs is a criminal offence. If you see a cold caller operating in the area, report it to Citizens Advice.

The scheme is being run in partnership with the Metropolitan police, Age UK Camden and Which? Trusted Trader, who helpfully provide a list of approved traders on their website (below).

In addition to the approved list, qualified trading standards officers will be carefully vetting traders, background checks will be undertaken and a full audit carried out on the business to ensure compliance.

Find out more If you are concerned about a cold calling scam and want to make a report, phone Citizens Advice on 03454 04 05 06. You can make a report to the police by phoning 101. In an emergency, phone 999.

Tips for stopping scammers Say ‘no’ to uninvited sellers or traders at your door.

Only meet a trader or business in person when a friend or relative can be with you.

Trading Standards and police launch our new no cold calling zone

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/tradingstandards

Use traders that are recommended by friends, family or that have been checked by Which? Trusted Traders’ website.

trustedtraders.which.co.uk 25

Feature

Bringing unused homes back to life In Camden, there are over 950 empty privatelyowned properties, many of which have fallen into disrepair. We bring them back up to standard so they can become homes again.

As the cost of buying and renting homes in Camden continues to rise, it is more important than ever that the council creates new housing stock by bringing empty properties back to a liveable standard.

Over the last five years, Camden has helped bring 447 properties back into use, including 27 between January and August this year. The renovation of these properties has helped ease some of the pressures on local residents, with 80 families or singles occupying once-empty homes.

Two dilapidated properties on Malden Road, Kilburn, had been empty for over two years when the owner submitted a planning application to convert them into six separate flats. In response, our Empty Homes team offered financial assistance to help bring Find out more 26

Before

After

Improvement works mean three previously empty homes are now housing local families

one of the homes up to liveable standard. In return for our support, the owner agreed to give Camden nomination rights to house local families with a priority need in that property for three years. After six months of building and decorating, the property was ready to become a home again. Three families nominated by Camden moved in soon afterwards.

In 2016, Camden Council was allocated ÂŁ134,000 from a national fund that aimed to support community-led housing developments at affordable rents. We teamed up with the Mace Housing Co-operative and approached the owner of the properties on Malden Road again to see if he would be interested in leasing his other property to Mace for up to 10 years, giving Camden 10 years of nomination rights.

camden.gov.uk/empty-homes

In return, we would fund some of the renovation works. The owner agreed and the buildings were returned to standard in October this year.

As well as working with property owners, Camden has used enforcement powers to bring long-term abandoned properties back into use. In June, the council started the process of a Compulsory Purchase Order to take ownership of a home on Regents Park Road that had been empty for 21 years.

Empty Homes week highlights the work Camden does to build upon the borough’s housing stock, offering housing solutions to residents who need it most.

If you own an empty home and would like advice, or you would like to report a home you believe is empty, visit the website below.

Feature

Have yourself a very active Christmas Want to keep the kids busy in the lead up to Christmas?

Why not consider one of our Christmas holiday sports schemes.

Staying active all year

Camden Active offers low-cost sports activities all year round at the Talacre Sports Centre in Kentish Town. And this year we’ve got some extra schemes for December to help young people stay active and healthy in the lead up to Christmas.

The great news is there’s exciting activities on offer in Camden yearround. Children and young people aged three to 17 can take part in a host of term-time activities including football, gymnastics, ballet and tap dancing, table tennis, basketball, street dance and trampolining.

Three-day sports scheme for ages eight to 14 Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 December, 9am to 4.30pm This three day scheme for young people aged eight to 14 offers the chance to try out a range of sports including football, gymnastics, trampolining, table tennis, dodgeball and dance.

Pricing With concession Better card

£22.95

With standard Better card

£43.65

Full price

£74.10

Mini-camp for ages four to seven Wednesday 20 to Friday 22 December Children aged between four and seven can take part in any of these 90 minute mini-camp courses over the course of three Find out more

Our team of highly-qualified and experienced coaches aim to make sessions as fun and enjoyable as possible while helping children grow in skill, balance and coordination. days. Sessions are delivered by our enthusiastic team of coaches, who make sure every child has a great time.

For more information about our Christmas and term-time sport activities, simply get in touch with the Sports Development team.

Details are listed below.

• Gymnastics: 9 to 10.30am • Ballet and tap: 10.30am to 12noon • Trampolining: 12 to 1.30pm Pricing With concession Better card

£15.60

With standard Better card

£23.85

Full price

£36.45

sportsdevelopment@camden.gov.uk

Check out the listings on page 28 and 29 for more upcoming free and low cost activities to enjoy.

020 7974 8763 27

Listings Family Creature Creations Create art inspired by the animals of the Grant Museum Saturday 18 November, 1.30 to 4.30pm Grant Museum, University College Gower Street WC1E 6BT 020 7679 2000 Family Day: Autumn Garden Art Create leaf rubbings and make autumn art from foliage, ferns and beech leaves. Drop in Sunday 19 November, 1 to 4pm Keats House Keats Grove NW3 2RR Nature storytime Nature stories for ages two to six Saturday 11 November, 10.30 to 11:30am Wonderful Wildlife Weekends Drop-in for free, fun family activities Saturday 2 December, and first Saturday of every month, 10.30am to 3.30pm Camley Street Natural Park 12 Camley Street N1C 4PW wildlondon.org.uk amarch@wildlondon.org.uk 020 3897 6150

Under 5s Little feet: colourful creations Explore textures and make a colourful creation to take home Friday 24 November, 10.30am to 12pm Little feet: objects from Kiribati Discover Kiribati through sight, touch and smell Friday 1 December, 10.30am to 12pm British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org tickets@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181 28

All activities are free unless otherwise specified Term-time drop-in sessions Arts and crafts, music and rhyme, cookery Tuesday to Friday, 9.30am to 12.30pm £3 first child, £1.50 second child More concessions available Hampstead Community Centre 78 Hampstead High Street NW3 1RE hampsteadcommunitycentre.co.uk hampsteadcommunitycentre@ btconnect.com 020 7794 8313

Children and young people The Hive Emotional health and wellbeing service for ages 16 to 24 Monday to Friday, 11am to 7pm 18 Harben Parade Finchley Road NW3 6JR axis@catch-22.org.uk 020 3198 0520 SoundHoppers Family Workshop Experiment creatively with sound Age 5 to 11. First come first served Sunday 19 November 11.30am to 1pm, 2 to 3.30pm Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre The British Library 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB bl.uk boxoffice@bl.uk 019 3754 6546 Design your own Greek temple Build a temple fit for ancient Greece Drop in. Age 7+ Sunday 12 November, 11am to 4pm Build Roman Britain in Minecraft Build a wall to mark your empire Age 7+ Saturday 25 November, 11am to 4pm British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org tickets@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181

Get active Tai Chi & Qi Gong Classes Balance health for body and mind Thursday evening, 6 to 6.45pm £4 a class West Hampstead Women’s Centre 26-30 Cotleigh Road NW6 2NP whwc.org.uk info@whwc.org.uk 020 7328 7389 Get fit, get active, get gardening Free outdoor gardening sessions Training, equipment and biscuits provided Wednesdays, 10.30am to 2.30pm Castlehaven Community Association 23 Castlehaven Road NW1 8RU giles@castlehaven.org.uk 020 7485 3386 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 Ladies fitness sessions Low-impact exercise classes Mondays, 4 to 5pm The Armoury Gym 25 Pond Street NW3 2PN camden.gov.uk/active

Walks Hampstead Heath Choose between short ambles and longer walks Mondays, 9.50am to 12pm Meet at Hampstead Heath Overground Station, South End NW3 2QD Artful Camden Town guided walk Colourful images, signs and statues with stories to tell Saturday 18 November, 11am, £8 Meet at: Chalk Farm Underground Adelaide Road NW3 2BP jean.jacyna@camdenguides.com

Listings Heath walk with Marylebone Birdwatching Society Informal and friendly stroll on the health to see what birds are around Every Tuesday, 10am to 12pm Meet at Parliament Hill Staff Yard Highgate Road NW5 1QR birdsmbs.org.uk birdsmbs@yahoo.com 020 7722 2965

Green gym Gardening and Conservation Activities at the upper pond Tuesday 21 November, 10.45am to 2pm Camden Green Gym Waterlow Park N19 5JF tcv.org.uk/camden camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 710 359 Woodland habitat maintenance and path clearance Friday 17 November, 10.45am to 2pm West Hampstead Green Gym Westbere Copse NW2 1RD tcv.org.uk/camden westhampstead@gmail.com Woodland conservation Thursday 30 November, 10.45am to 2pm Camden Green Gym Regent’s Park Hub Cafe NW1 4NU tcv.org.uk/camden gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 421 881

Over 50s Book club for over 65s Come together with neighbours to discuss new and classic reads Saturday 21 October, 3 to 4.30pm Swiss Cottage Library, Glass Meeting Room 88 Avenue Road NW3 3HA

Film club for over 65s Enjoy a film with your community Refreshments provided Monday 30 October, 6 to 9pm Marchmont Community Centre 62 Marchmont Streat WC1N 1AB

month First and third Tuesday of the month Women’s gardening group Learn gardening skills and make new friends Every Tuesday, 10am to 12pm

northlondoncares.org.uk roxanne.rustem@northlondoncares. org.uk 020 7118 3838

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

Over 60s activities Monday morning club, summer coach trips and events Mondays, 9.30am to 12pm, 20p entry Hampstead Community Centre 78 Hampstead High Street NW3 1RE hampsteadcommunitycentre.co.uk hampsteadcommunitycentre@ btconnect.com 020 7794 8313

Community events November volunteer drop-in Get help to find local volunteering roles Wednesday 15 November, 12 to 2pm Volunteer Centre Camden 2 Grafton Yard NW5 2ND volunteercentrecamden.org.uk info@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990 Photographic workshop Improve technical knowledge and build a Hampstead-inspired portfolio. Age 14+ Sunday 12 November, 1pm Burgh House and Hampstead Museum New End Square NW3 1LT burghhouse.org.uk whatson@burghhouse.org.uk 020 7431 0144 Women’s cancer support group Peer-led support group with outside speakers. All welcome Every first and third Tuesday of the

Exhibitions and performances Afternoon Poems: ‘It’s Alive!’

Exploring the dark side of Romanticism in poetry and prose Booking recommended Sunday 12 November, 2 to 3pm Keats House Keats Grove NW3 2RR The Out There Art Fair Exciting exhibition of contemporary artworks Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 November Cockpit Arts, Cockpit yard Northington Street WC1N 2NP actionspace.org info@actionspace.org 020 7209 4289 Let’s talk about…rats Learn about an Ordinary Animal with a reputational issue Sunday 22 November, 1.30 to 2.30pm Grant Museum, University College Gower Street WC1E 6BT ucl.ac.uk 020 7679 2000 The Place Names of Camden Illustrated talk from Archivist Tudor Allen Wednesday 8 November, 7.15pm Primrose Hill Community Centre, 29 Hopkinson’s Place NW1 8TN camden.gov.uk/localstudies localstudies@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6342

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

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

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

29

Feature

Michael Palin praises foster carers at awards ceremony The fantastic work of our longest-serving foster carers was celebrated at an awards ceremony attended by Monty Python legend Michael Palin.

Presenting the awards, Mr Palin, who is also a local resident, said: “Camden has the feeling of being a humane and caring borough, where people look after each other.

I am delighted to give my support here for foster carers.”

The awards, held on Friday 29 September, recognised and rewarded foster carers for their dedicated long service of between

five and 20 years. A special ‘lifetime achievement award’ was presented to John and Moira Doneo, who have been fostering Camden children for well over 50 years.

John said: “There is nothing like fostering - you shed your tears, laugh a lot and make lifelong friends. Would we do it all again?

Yes, in a heartbeat.”

Rae Mortimer, 19, gave a passionate and moving account of her experience of growing up in a fostering household and the important role birth children can play in supporting foster children.

Rae, a spoken-word artist, writer and actor, said: “No one can understand dedication until you have dedicated yourself and your home to someone. How blessed I am to love those who need love the most.”

Other guests on the night included EastEnders actor John Partridge (Christian Clarke in the BBC soap), who presented raffle prizes and spoke of his admiration for foster carers, his friend and Hollyoaks actor Natalie Casey, the Mayor of Camden, Councillor Richard Cotton, and Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life, Councillor Angela Mason CBE.

Lifetime achievement award winners John and Moira Doneo (centre) with Monty Python star Michael Palin (far left), the council’s Executive Director for Supporting People, Martin Pratt (second from left) and Councillor Thomas Gardiner, co-chair of the council’s Corporate Parenting Board (far right).

Find out more

30

Live music came from soul singer Raff, while artist Sara-Louise Harper drew caricatures of guests.

Local businesses donated free restaurant meals, cinema tickets and gift vouchers to other Camden foster carers who attended.

camden.gov.uk/fostering fostering@camden.gov.uk 0800 0281 436 flickr.com/photos/camdencouncil

My Camden Eleanor Botwright is Chief Executive Officer of the award-winning Castlehaven Community Association. website to find out what’s on offer. Our latest project is the Horticultural Hub – an outdoor community classroom – I’m looking forward to seeing it grow!

What are you most proud of?

Our brilliant team, which includes full-time staff and a fantastic group of volunteers. I don’t know what we’d do without them.

What’s your Camden connection?

I’ve worked at Castlehaven for 31 years.

The way the organisation grows and changes keeps me here. I live in West London, but my husband jokes I should move because I spend so much time here!

Tell us about your work in Camden We’re a vibrant community association offering activities for the whole community,

regardless of age or background. Our mission is to make sure everybody feels valued and has the chance to try new things.

Our nursery – Littlehaven – cares for children aged three months and over, and our oldest ‘Ageactivity’ member is 92. Our thriving youth club for ages 11 to 19 offers sports coaching on our astroturf pitch, and there’s cookery and gardening classes for families and lots more besides. I urge everyone to take a look at our

And our flagship project, Ageactivity60+, makes me smile every day. It keeps older people active in their communities; offering everything from dancing and tai chi, to day trips and social activities.

I recently told a bereaved lady about the project, as she had lost her husband

and was lonely. Soon after, I bumped into her.

She said: “Look! I’ve got so many things to do, I’ve had to buy a diary.” It was a wonderful reminder of our positive impact.

Favourite places in Camden?

Camden Lock and Regent’s Canal. I love to walk down the canal for a coffee at Granary Square.

It’s such a pretty part of London.

What makes Camden special?

The diversity. There’s such a range of people and dreams. I love the energy that mix brings.

There’s something new every day and I really like how it’s becoming more and more aspirational.

Camden lock

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

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

Find out more

castlehaven.org.uk

info@castlehaven.org.uk

020 7485 3386 31

s ge e pa id e ins Se -7 6

Be a part of Camden’s future – join the conversations now camden.gov.uk/camden2025 #camden2025 Visit your local Camden library to find out more