Camden magazine December 2017 January 2018

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | December 2017/January 2018 | camden.gov.uk

Ti p s keepin for g and we warm ll t h w i n te r i s S e e pa . g 14 and es 15

Looking ahead Young people have their say on the future of the borough @camdentalking

facebook.com/lbcamden

We’ve just submitted our bid to be named London’s first-ever Borough of Culture.

You can find out more about the campaign on page 11.

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: Justin Thomas

@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 6 December 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 Give your recycling bin lots to chew on in the New Year, and don’t forget about your Christmas tree once the festivities are over.

More than 100 young people attended our latest Shout Out event on 6 November.

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Page

13

12 There’s plenty of advice and ideas to help keep your family warm and well this winter.

Our new Youth Safety Taskforce has been launched to reduce youth crime.

Pages

16-17

Careline Telecare helps vulnerable and disabled people to live independently.

Pages

Pages

14-15

20-21

Welcome Introduction from the Leader of the Council

Features 5

Cover story Join the Camden 2025 conversation

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News Primary school applications Looked-after children’s awards Mayor’s Christmas appeal Christmas opening hours Camden Business Awards Sheltered housing consultation Borough of Culture latest news Support for EU citizens Youth Shout Out and Youth MP elections Youth Safety Taskforce

8 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 13

Keep well this winter Christmas recycling tips Ask Jenny Camden Recycling Rewards Seasonal safety advice Careline Telecare Camden Talking Community Investment Programme Camden Can innovation fund Support for EU residents New Year, new you Lose weight with Rebalance My Camden – North London Cares

14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 30 31

Listings Free and low-cost events

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CT TRA CON NO

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Take advantage of our concessionary membership; open to over 55s, disabled and young residents and those in receipt of benefits. With the New Year offer Camden residents could also save up to ÂŁ35 if they take out a membership in January.

To find out more go to better.org.uk/camden or visit your local Camden leisure centre.

Better is a registered trademark and trading name of GLL (Greenwich Leisure Limited), a charitable social enterprise and registered society under the Co-operative & Community Benefit & Societies Act 2014 registration no. 27793R. Registered office: Middlegate House, The Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6SX. Inland Revenue Charity no: XR43398

406672_GLL_PCR_Camden_PressAd_Nov2017_FV3.indd 1

22/11/2017 10:46

Final version Check list Final version by

Ana

Sizes confirmed with brief

190x115mm

CMYK / RGB colours

CMYK

Are you an EU citizen applying for Permanent Residence or Qualified Person status in the UK?

Image resolutions

300 DPI

Cutting Guides _ non printable layers

None

Notes from designer

Standard resoluton for images: Offeset Printing (Flyers, posters etc) minimum 300DPI Large format printing 75DPI in photographic elements of 2m high event banners

Did you know we offer a walk-in, European Passport Return Service, so you can keep your passport while your application is considered?

Camden Town Hall Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm Drop in First come, first served From ÂŁ10 plus special delivery postage Find out more

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camden.gov.uk/EPRS

Welcome

to the December/January edition of Camden magazine When I took over as leader of Camden Council earlier this year, I said how enormously proud I am to represent the borough where I grew up.

Since then, there have been plenty of challenges to face. But in every part of Camden I have met residents full of energy and ideas about how to meet these challenges together. As I look towards the New Year, I’m excited to work with all of you to help make our borough the place we want it to be in 2025, and beyond.

One of our key priorities is to reverse the rise in youth crime we have seen in Camden and across London. Although Camden still has one of the lowest rates of knife crime in central London, any young person involved in violence on our streets is one too many.

We want every young person to grow up safely in our borough with access to all the opportunities Camden has to offer. We know we need to work together in a new way to address the pressures facing young people, which is why we have set up a Youth Safety Taskforce.

We’ll be working with parents and carers, young people, voluntary youth services, our local police and MPs. We’re continuing to invest in youth services, ensuring young people have the support they need to thrive. You can read more about the taskforce on page 13.

We want to hear directly from young people about their future. I was delighted to attend the ‘Shout Out’ event at Central Saint Martins at the beginning of November. As well as giving our young people the opportunity to freely discuss the issues that are important to them, the event launched the next Camden Youth MP elections.

If you’re aged between 13 and 19, study or work in the borough and have something to say about the future of Camden, you can stand for election as Youth MP for Camden in 2018. The Youth MP and two Deputy Youth MPs will represent the interests of Camden’s young people locally and through the UK Youth Parliament. If you’re interested in finding out more, turn to page 12.

We want everyone to stay safe and well this winter. Camden is supporting North London Cares Winter Wellbeing programme to help residents over the age of 65 stay warm and well. We are putting extra support in place for rough sleepers and we will have more teams out and about in areas where there has been a lot of antisocial behaviour. You can find out more about keeping safe this winter on pages 14 and 15.

Over the past few months we’ve been asking you to join in our conversations about Camden 2025.

I want to encourage everyone who lives, works or studies in Camden to help shape our future by getting involved in the Camden 2025 conversation.

I know how much creativity and passion we have in our communities and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.

There’s more information on pages 6 and 7.

Our European citizens are an important part of Camden’s future.

We have 24,000 residents born in an EU state and 36,000 EU workers in Camden. They are all an important part of our community and we are working hard to protect their rights. Find out more on page 11.

Despite the ongoing challenges we’ll face together, there’s lots to look forward to in 2018. I urge everyone to get involved in our Camden 2025 conversations and give us your ideas about how we can work together to make sure Camden is a place where no one is left behind.

I’d also like to thank everyone who will be helping keep other people safe and well over Christmas; whether you’re a member of the emergency services, work in the NHS or care for vulnerable people. And that’s not to mention the hundreds of you who’ll be volunteering your time to help others.

I hope you all have a peaceful and happy holiday season.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

Camden 2025

Residents across the borough have been sharing their ideas about the future of Camden. Here’s how to get involved.

Your ideas so far

Over the past couple of months we’ve been asking you to join in the conversations about the borough’s future. We want to know what you think Camden should be like in 2025 and how we can all work together to make it a better place for everyone to live. This is so we can create a plan for Camden that the council, local organisations, community groups and residents can work towards.

Many of you have been saying that there’s lot to feel proud and excited about in Camden, but that the borough faces some big challenges. Here is just a taster of what you’ve been sharing so far.

This is your chance to draw on your experiences of living in Camden and make a real difference to how we do things in the future.

Growing up in Camden

Your views will be given to elected councillors who will use them to shape the plan for the borough. This is just the beginning of our journey to 2025. We are committed to making conversations about Camden’s future wider than ever to make sure residents are involved in the decisions that affect them.

One way we are doing this is our new Citizen’s Assembly, which brings together a diverse group of residents to discuss Camden’s strengths and challenges. We’ve also been speaking to people at events such as Shout Out (see page 12).

It’s easy to get involved: Join the discussions at camden.gov.uk/camden2025.

Share your ideas, see what others are saying, watch our latest videos with residents and find out what happened at the last Citizens’ Assembly on Thursday 7 December.

Tweet using the hashtag #camden2025 Leave us a comment on facebook.com/lbcamden Visit your local Camden library to share your ideas on our Camden 2025 comment boards Fill in the postcard that will be delivered to your door soon and return to us – no stamp required.

6

You’ve said it’s important that children and young people have access to the right opportunities to make sure everyone gets to where they need to be by 2025.

Angela says there could be: “Young apprenticeship schemes for 13 to 17-yearolds – weekly or monthly after school or holiday placements with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) companies in the borough.”

Find out about the top priorities young people identified at our Shout Out event on page 12.

Camden 2025 Share your ideas for 2025 Visit camden.gov.uk/ camden2025 to let us know what you think Camden should be like in 2025 and your ideas for how we can work together to get there.

Community in Camden

You’ve told us that we should build on the sense of community that already exists in some areas, and do more to develop it where it is lacking. While some areas feel safe, there are others where you think we need to tackle antisocial behaviour and stop people being drawn into crime by 2025.

Amanda Faber, Highgate: “I think technology for reporting crime has improved, and should be developed further within the borough.”

You’ve said we need to look out for each other and work together to connect individuals and communities.

In 2025, you think no one should feel lonely or isolated.

Rico Fabello, Primrose Hill: “We need to take a communitydriven approach to make sure everyone feels that they’re part of the community.”

Living in Camden

While many of you like living in Camden, you have concerns around affordable housing. You want everyone to have a place to go home to where they feel safe and happy in 2025.

Marjan says there should be: “Affordable housing and available housing for young people who want to move out of their parents’ home but can’t afford it.”

Clean and green Camden

Many of you are passionate about what we can do together to keep our streets clean, improve rates of recycling and protect our green spaces so that we can continue to enjoy them in 2025.

Arif Sheikh, Finchley Road: “I would like the large businesses moving in to take some responsibility for keeping the high street clean.”

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News

Starting school – apply before 15 January If your child is starting in reception class next September, you need to apply for a place before 15 January 2018.

Every primary school in Camden is rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’

by Ofsted and our primary pupils perform above the national average in test results for 11-year-olds.

Camden primary schools also offer a huge range of extracurricular activities - with access to world-class venues and institutions on their doorstep, ranging from the British Museum Find out more

to the Francis Crick Institute.

You can choose up to six preferred schools, either in Camden or outside the borough.

Many Camden schools are very popular, so it is best to use all six preferences.

questions, please email us or phone the number below.

We strongly recommend that you apply online. If you are unable to do so, or you have particular

camden.gov.uk/admissions

admissions@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 1625

Celebrating achievements of children in care Children in our care received awards at a ceremony held at Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium.

The event, which took place on 26 October, was held by Camden’s ‘virtual school’ for looked-after children. The school monitors and supports the educational progress of children and young people in the council’s care, as well as those who have recently left our care, to help ensure they achieve well.

– recognised at the annual celebration event. There were also awards for extracurricular achievements in sport, arts and other community-based activities.

The awards were presented by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Georgia Gould; Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life, Councillor

More than 60 looked-after children and recent care leavers had their achievements – ranging from academic successes to exceptional effort or improvement Find out more 8

camden.gov.uk/virtualschool

backchatonline.org.uk

Angela Mason and Councillors Thomas Gardiner and Leila Roy, who are both members of our Corporate Parenting Board.

The Mayor, Councillor Richard Cotton, was also there, along with Arsenal FC’s mascot, Gunnersaurus, who posed for photos with the award-winners.

News

Camden’s Christmas appeal Get into the spirit of the season and lend your support to the Mayor’s Christmas appeal.

We’re looking for donations to help bring some seasonal cheer to local families in need. Any gifts of new toys, toiletries, clothes or gift vouchers are greatly appreciated and can make it a Christmas to remember for those who receive them.

We’re also taking donations for the Mayor’s charity, a local homeless project called C4WS. Christmas is a particularly difficult time for people living on our streets, with many people in the homeless community spending Christmas Day alone.

Find out more

We’re looking for donations of new socks and underwear that can be distributed to homeless shelters around the borough.

We’re accepting donations until Wednesday 20 December at the following locations: • Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE • 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG •C rowndale Centre, Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD We appreciate any support you can give.

facebook.com/themayorofcamden

mayor@camden.gov.uk

Christmas opening hours Our opening hours will vary over the Christmas and New Year period.

During Christmas week, your bins will be collected two days later than usual, and during the first week of 2018 a day later than usual. Check the guide on the back page to find out more.

Contact Camden will be closed for general enquiries on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years’ Day; operating an emergency service only. But it’s quick and easy to request a service or report a problem 24/7 using your online Camden Account.

Use your account to; buy and renew parking permits, pay bills and apply for housing benefit, book housing repairs, view your council Find out more

tax bill and pay online, report a missed bin collection and more. contact.camden.gov.uk Camden leisure centres will be closed on Wednesday 20 December for a staff training day, as well as on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years’ Day. Talacre Community Sports Centre will open to the public on Wednesday 20 December.

Most centres will operate as usual up to and including Tuesday 19 December, but there will be reduced hours at other times until the normal schedule resumes on Tuesday 2 January. better.org.uk/camden

Camden libraries will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years’ Day, but you can use our digital library to renew items and borrow e-books.

Libraries will open as usual between Wednesday 27 and Saturday 30 December. However, Highgate Library will close from Thursday 21 December to Monday 1 January, inclusive.

Pancras Square will offer limited self-service access on Sunday 24 and 31 December, check the website for details. camden.gov.uk/libraries

camden.gov.uk 9

News

Celebrating Camden’s best businesses The third Camden Business Awards took place on 30 November.

The ceremony celebrated Camden’s thriving economy, recognising outstanding examples of business growth, sustainability, urban design and corporate social responsibility.

The awards are funded by local businesses and led by the Camden Business Board, in partnership with the council.

David Whittleton, Chair of the Camden Business Board, said:

Find out more

“This year’s awards recognised Camden as the heart of London’s thriving economy, and the best place to do business in the capital.

I’d like to thank all the entrants Congratulations to the winners: • Small Business of the Year: Phoenix Artist Club • Innovative Business of the Year: Eat Grub • Employer of the Year: Matrix Chambers • Outstanding Contribution to the Community: Amplifi in partnership with University College Hospital Cancer Fund • Knowledge Partnership Award: Francis Crick Institute • Best Start-Up Business: Jupiter Diagnostics

for helping to make Camden such a vibrant and successful business centre.”

Camden Business Awards

2017

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Camden Tea Company • Outstanding Design Award: Hawley Primary School, Allford Hall Monaghan Morris • Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Sustainability Small Business: Colyer Group • Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Sustainability - Large Business: University College London • Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction: Eleanor Palmer School

camden.gov.uk/business-charter

Helping house vulnerable people Take our short survey to help elderly and disabled people living in your area.

residents who need to move and are in receipt of a care package, are less able to go out or who are at risk of abuse.

The questions we are asking are all part of our plan to improve the way vulnerable people get a type of council housing known as sheltered housing.

Camden’s sheltered housing helps many older people who need extra support and enables them to maintain their independence.

It is important, therefore, that we allocate these homes to the people who need them most.

Our aim is to make sure that when people apply for this type housing, we’re continuing to make best possible use of the homes available. We want to prioritise Find out more 10

Sheltered housing provides a supportive environment where residents can live independently

consultations.wearecamden.org

in their own flat. They benefit from on-site support and the security of having an alarm system with mobile teams available for out-ofhours emergencies.

Tell us your views by Wednesday 27 December.

News

Creating a borough of culture for all Thank you to everyone who supported our bid to be named London Borough of Culture.

When we started our bid, we wanted it to be shaped by Camden’s communities; capturing your thoughts on how you see culture taking shape in the future. Our campaign focused on highlighting our existing cultural roots and working with residents to create a bid that linked culture and communities.

in partnership with iconic cultural venues and arts organisations as well as bringing culture onto the streets so that everyone can benefit. We’re clear that culture must be accessible, affordable and achievable; directly supporting our aim to make Camden a place where everyone can succeed and no one gets left behind.

This culminated in a poetry book, ‘From the top of this hill’ by Camden-based poet Polarbear.

The poem was written with residents, who each offered a word about what culture meant to them.

We’re excited about the next phase, and hope Camden will be named London Borough of Culture in February. If successful, we’ll receive £1.1 million funding for a year of special artistic events and inspiring cultural celebrations.

We submitted our bid on Friday 1 December; focusing on working

Whatever the outcome, Camden is committed to creating a lasting

Find out more

lovecamden.org/camden-is

lovecamden@camden.gov.uk

legacy of culture across the borough through our new Cultural Framework launching in 2018.

Presenter Dermot O’Leary backed our bid

@LoveCamden

@Love.Camden

EU are very welcome here!

We’re urging the government to secure a guarantee of the full rights of Camden’s European citizens in its Brexit negotiations with the European Union (EU).

Camden Council held a special full Council meeting in October to hear evidence from a range of speakers and discuss what could be practically done to get the best deal for Camden once Britain leaves the EU. Simon Pitkeathley, Chief Executive of Camden Town Unlimited, who represents Camden’s business Find out more

community, urged continued working between the Council and Camden’s small and medium sized businesses to push for continued access to an EU workforce, continued access to funding and a reduction in business uncertainty.

We’re also clear that our nonBritish EU citizens should maintain

their rights, and they should continue to be able to vote and stand for election for local government under any negotiated agreement.

Camden is a diverse borough and we’re determined to remain a place where everyone is valued and no one gets left behind.

camden.gov.uk/europe 11

News

Youth services voted top priority at Shout Out Young people say supporting youth services should be the top priority for Camden’s Youth Council and Youth MP. More than 100 young people voted on what the key campaign issue should be at the Shout Out event on 6 November, with preventing cuts to youth services coming out a clear winner.

The 13 to 19-year-olds had their say on subjects ranging from safety on the street and ‘hidden’ illnesses, such as mental health

problems, to future educational and career paths.

Improving communication with young people and Camden 2025 were also hot topics at Shout Out, held at Central Saint Martins college of art and design, in Granary Square.

The event was organised by our

Youth Council and Youth MP, with the Council’s youth service.

Shout Out also marked the beginning of the 2018 Camden Youth MP Election campaign, with candidates being invited to stand.

Camden Youth MP Esther Joy Boadu said: “Being Camden’s Youth MP has been a great opportunity for me to represent young people at a local and national level.”

Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council, added: “We know how much passion and energy young people have for politics. I have been involved in political campaigning since I was 14 and I am now 31. But I still get told that I am too young to represent people. If we listen to people who tell us we are too young to be making a difference, we don’t get heard.”

Youth MP Esther Joy Boadu (left) was joined at Shout Out by her two predecessors, Hannah Morris (centre) and Jabeen Rizvi

Find out more 12

camden.gov.uk/youthcouncil

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion, said: “Making their voices heard at Shout Out showed young people’s belief in the value of our youth services. We want to continue to invest in youth services so Camden remains a great place to grow up.”

camden.gov.uk/youthservices

News

Taskforce to help young people stay safe We’ve launched a new Youth Safety Taskforce to help protect young residents.

Camden has seen an eight per cent rise in knife crime with injuries in the last year, with young people often the victims of violent crime, though this is well below the London-wide increase of 18% over the same period.

The council, police and other local partners will look at the causes and consider how we can best halt the rise or reverse the trend.

Our politicians and senior council officers are getting together with local police chiefs, voluntary youth services, young people and parents as part of the Camden Youth Safety Taskforce, which will also look at how young people become victims of knife crime.

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion, is co-chairing the taskforce with Holborn and St Pancras MP, Keir Starmer.

Cllr Hai said: “Recent trends mean we have to take a fresh look at this issue. The taskforce will hear from as wide a group as possible.

We need to make sure our young Find out more

Our new youth safety taskforce will work to reduce youth crime

people feel safe on the streets of Camden.”

Keir Starmer MP said: “This is a really important initiative from Camden Council. There has been a worrying increase in youth violence in Camden and across London. There is no doubt that more must be done to tackle this issue and ensure young people have the support they need to stay safe.”

The taskforce will: • examine patterns of youth offending and violence in Camden and London; • look at local youth services, which are still well-funded compared with other areas;

camden.gov.uk/youthsafetytaskforce

• see what we can learn from work in other cities, such as Manchester; • look at the role of social media in provoking or instigating incidents; and • find out how it feels to be a young person in Camden and hear from victims of youth violence and their families.

Find out more • If you are concerned about young people at risk, phone 020 7974 3317 (daytime) or 020 7974 4444 (out of hours).

• If a young person is in immediate danger or a crime has just been committed, phone the police on 999.

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 13

Feature

Wise up to winter Plan, prepare and be aware as the cold weather sets in.

While winter can be a magical time of year, it also brings an increased risk of illness and injury.

We’re calling on you to follow our top tips to help keep your family well this winter, and urge you to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours, who are at particular risk of cold-related illnesses.

Stay warm and well At this time of year having a cold or feeling unwell can ruin the bestmade plans, but there are some things you can do to help prevent seasonal illness.

• If you feel unwell, even if it is just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist to try and nip it in the bud before it gets more serious.

• Don’t forget the NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Calls are Find out more 14

free from landlines and mobile phones. Phone 111 if you need urgent medical help or advice.

• As many GPs and chemists close over the holidays, speak to your pharmacist about what medicines you should stock up on to help get you through winter. And don’t forget to collect any prescriptions before the holidays.

• Stay warm – both indoors and outdoors – as it can help prevent colds and flu as well as more serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, pneumonia and depression.

Try to heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F), but you might prefer your living room to

camden.gov.uk/wellandwarm

be warmer. And remember to wrap up when you need to go outside.

• Keep an eye out for elderly relatives and neighbours and find out how you can help them Stay Well This Winter by visiting nhs.uk/staywell

reen Camden G Helpline Our free helpline has a team of friendly advisors on hand to provide you with energy saving advice including how to switch energy tariffs and what to do if you are in fuel debt. The team can also check if you are eligible for an energy or water bill discount, energy efficiency grant and a Well and Warm home energy visit.

0800 801 738 (Monday – Friday, 9am to 5pm)

Feature elp for rough H sleepers There has been a significant rise in rough sleeping across London in the last year, including in Camden.

We’re offering more help for rough sleepers during the winter months through the offer of emergency beds and targeted support for those at risk on the streets.

Staying safe The festive season is the time to have fun, but it can also increase the risk to your personal safety.

Top tips to keep you safe • Don’t leave your bags unattended in shops, and keep your phone, purse, wallet and keys out of sight and reach of thieves.

• Be careful when using cashpoints. Make sure no one is waiting nearby and don’t count your money in the street.

• Heading out for festive fun?

Stick to busy and well-lit areas, and let someone know where you are and when you plan to be home. Plan your route or book a cab in advance.

• Burglars know that there are gifts around at Christmas time.

Keep them out of sight and remember to double lock your door when you go out.

orth London Cares N reaching out to older people The winter months can be a lonely time, especially for older people. To combat this North London Cares will be running their outreach project to help keep older neighbours warm, active, healthy and connected.

Supported by Camden, their Winter Wellbeing programme aims to support hundreds of older people across the borough this winter.

• If you are going away over the holidays, let a trusted neighbour know so they can keep an eye on your home.

If you’re over 65 they can deliver blankets and warm clothing to your door, provide practical advice on how to keep your home warm and reduce energy bills, connect you to nearby social activities and help you to access health services in your area.

Find out more: camden.gov.uk/ communitysafety

Find out more northlondoncares.org.uk 020 7118 3838 (option 3)

When night temperatures drop to freezing and below, severe weather emergency beds will be offered in our homeless hostels as part of the ‘No Nights Sleeping Rough’ campaign led by the Mayor of London. Our new Camden Hotspot team will also be in place for the next three months, working in neighbourhoods most affected by rough sleeping.

The team will work closely with the police to offer those involved in harmful street activity a route off the streets so that they can start rebuilding their lives.

If you’re worried about someone who appears to be sleeping rough, you can report it using the free StreetSafe app.

You can download the app from the Safer Streets Team website, and find out more about the support we provide to people sleeping rough.

Find out more camdensst.com 020 7833 7970 / 080 8800 0005 @CamdenSST 15

Feature

We’re dreaming of a green Christmas…

‘Tis the season to reuse and recycle, so we’ve put together some top tips to help you dispose of your waste responsibly over the festive period.

It’s easy to recycle your real Christmas tree Did you know that eight million Christmas trees are bought in the UK every year, producing 12,000 tonnes of green waste? If you have a ‘real’ tree this year, please recycle it by taking it to one of our recycling points and we’ll compost it. But remember to remove the decorations first.

Christmas tree recycling points will be open in the following locations between Tuesday 2 and Friday 12 January: N6 Millfield Lane NW1 Camden Garden Centre, 2 Barker Drive Purchese Street Open Space Goldington Crescent Gardens Hartington Square Gardens Cumberland Market Square Chalcot Square Gardens Camden Gardens, Camden Street NW6 Fortune Green Road open space Kilburn Grange Park, Messina Avenue

WC1 Russell Square Brunswick Square Gardens The Calthorpe Project NW5 Boma Garden Centre, Islip Street Regis Road Recycling and Reuse Centre Highgate enclosures, Highgate Road Talacre Road open space NW3 East Heath Road car park Eton Avenue, junction with Lancaster Grove Netherall Gardens Jack Straw’s Castle car park

If you live on a Camden Council estate, please look out for details locally of where to recycle your Christmas tree. If you have a subscription to our garden waste collection, Christmas trees cannot be disposed of using this service.

Find out more 16

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

020 7974 2202

Feature Over the Christmas period, there’ll be some changes to your usual collection days. You can find out more on the back page of this edition. Collections will be back to normal on Monday 8 January.

Top Christmas recycling tips Save money by reusing last year’s decorations, gift bags and even reusing cards to make gift tags.

Reuse Christmas biscuit and chocolate tins to store spare change, buttons and ‘bits and bobs’ throughout the year.

Recycle cards and paper that have no foil or glitter on them with your normal recycling collections.

Ask

Jenny

Jenny is one of our Enforcement Officers. This month Jenny has put together a ‘naughty and nice’ list so that you’re in the know about the things that you can recycle over Christmas.

Don’t forget, there’s lots more information on recycling-friendly items on our website.

✓

Nice list

Please recycle these things

• Food trays.

• Real Christmas trees – see page opposite.

• Ice cream tubs.

Freeze your Christmas dinner leftovers and use up in soups and sandwiches throughout January.

Visit lovefoodhatewaste.com

• You can put your turkey carcass into your food waste caddy, but remember to break it up first.

Make sure you order your free extra recycling bags now so that you can do extra recycling over the Christmas period. Order these at camden.gov.uk/ recyclingandrubbish

• You can recycle old clothes, batteries and small electrical items from your doorstep by ordering bags online at camden.gov.uk/recycling

Make it an extra green Christmas this year with Camden Recycling Rewards scheme. Earn green points and the chance of a voucher for your recycling. Find out more at camden.localgreenpoints.com or turn to page 18.

Naughty and nice list

• Reusable furniture and small electrical items can be donated to Bright Sparks, who offer a free collection service. Visit brightsparksonline.com for more information.

✘

Naughty list

Please don’t recycle these things

• T oys made with plastic, metal or wood. Make sure you donate these to charity instead.

• D irty paper cups and plates.

Try to use crockery instead to help the environment and reduce waste.

• S weet wrappers and crisp packets.

• Polystyrene and bubble wrap.

Do you have a recycling question for Jenny?

Let us know at camdenmagazine@ camden.gov.uk

17

Feature

Your recycling rewards charities Each year, your recycling efforts help Camden Recycling Rewards (CRR) donate £10,000 to local charities.

Twice a year, the scheme splits £5,000 between the charities that are donated the most ‘green points’ by CRR members. This is all thanks to your commitment to cut down on rubbish by recycling more.

In November, we gave the first group of charities their final cheques: • Santé Refugee Mental Health Access Project won £2,500 • Home Start Camden won £1,500 • The Calthorpe Project won £500 • Clean Break and Holborn Community Association won £250 each.

Our new recycling rewards charities We now have five new charities as nominated by CRR members: • Little Village Camden collects baby clothes and equipment from Camden families who no longer need them, and passes them on to families who do.

• Cancer Research is a national charity that funds scientists, doctors and nurses to help beat cancer. It has a shop on Camden High Street.

Find out more 18

Five new local charities have been chosen

• Castlehaven Community Association provides facilities for Camden residents. It runs a community park and horticulture hub, a youth club for 11 to 19-year-olds, and a popular project for over 60s.

• The NW5 Project works with young people and their families, specialising in children’s play in the Kentish Town community.

• MIND in Camden supports people who are struggling with mental health problems.

Get involved As well as giving money to worthy causes from across the borough, there are lots of other reasons

camden.gov.uk/recyclingrewards

to join the Camden Recycling Rewards scheme. You’ll get special offers at nearly 100 Camden businesses and the chance to win one of five £30 vouchers each month by collecting green points.

You’ll be set a new challenge each month to earn extra green points in different ways. In December, you can sign up to our new food waste challenge or recycle wrapping paper to top up your points. See pages 16 and 17 for information about what you can recycle.

Many thanks to all of our CRR members for helping us to reduce waste in the borough by recycling.

Feature

Stay safe during the festive season Take extra care with these safety tips for the festive period.

What you can do to keep you and your neighbours safe • If you have neighbours you’re concerned about, or haven’t see for a while, check up on them to make sure they’re safe.

• Whether you’re lighting candles for Advent or Hanukkah, take care to keep them away from furniture, curtains, cards and presents.

Make sure your Christmas lights meet British safety standards

We want all of our residents to enjoy some seasonal cheer and be safe at the same time.

Sadly for some, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year. People can feel isolated or lonely, incidents of domestic violence rise and even some of our favourite festive and family traditions can become unsafe without sufficient care.

We’re here to support you during this period. Here are some simple steps you can take to reduce the hazards in your home and some useful contact details to ensure it’s a Christmas to remember for all the right reasons.

• Make your tree look treemendous by checking that your fairy lights meet British Standards. This should be clearly stated on their packaging.

• Don’t forget to turn out the lights on the tree when you go out or go to bed, it’s safer and better for your energy bills.

• Avoid overloading your plug sockets as they can easily overheat.

• Keep keys for locking doors and windows somewhere safe.

If left near your letterbox they may be accessible to thieves.

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and don’t be tempted to take the batteries out to use in new toys on the big day.

• If you live in a block of flats, avoid leaving discarded decorations and bags of old wrapping paper in the communal areas.

Who can help keep you safe?

• If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you can phone Camden Safety Net on 020 7974 2526. They are available throughout the Christmas period.

• If you see rough sleepers this Christmas, you can put them in touch with our support services via our free StreetSafe app. Get the app at camdensst.com.

• WISH Plus offers advice on everything from staying warm in winter to making your money go further. Visit camden.gov. uk/wishplus.

• If you’re feeling isolated or depressed and would like support visit icope.nhs.uk.

• If you’re concerned about fire safety in your home you can also book a bespoke fire safety visit from the London Fire Brigade. Visit london-fire.gov.uk/ homefiresafetyvisit.asp or phone 0800 028 44 28.

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Feature

Helping you keep your independence Case study: Leana

For Kathy and Leana, being independent is hugely important and having Careline gives them the confidence they need.

Careline Telecare is for anyone who wants to live independently at home. It’s particularly helpful for people who are: • immobile or unsteady on their feet; • returning home from hospital; • living alone with memory problems; • victims of domestic violence; and • living with long-term conditions such as dementia, epilepsy, heart disease, learning or physical disability and sensory problems.

It can also be used by carers to help keep the people they care for safe.

Find out more 20

Leana is living with a brain tumour, which affects her balance and stability. When she moved into her adapted flat she heard that having Careline would help her to feel safe.

She said: “So many things can go wrong in my situation. But with Careline I know if I fall, I don’t need to worry about when someone will next be coming or how they’ll get in. It’s like a safety net. You know it’s there if you need it.

camden.gov.uk/carelinetelecare

“It gives me more confidence to do things for myself, like rummage in the fridge, not wait for other people to do things for me.

“It’s good for my Mum too, because she feels like she can leave me and go to work, knowing that I can get help if I need it. It lessens the stress on her.

“Careline is for anyone who needs it. I’m not special. I’m still a normal girl, just with some extra stuff. It’s one thing that makes me feel safer while I live my life.”

carelinetelecare@camden.gov.uk

Feature Case study: Kathy Kathy McGrath, 92, has lived in her house in Kentish Town for 40 years.

Camden talking

Kathy said: “I’ve had the Careline button for years.

People talked about it being a good thing to have, so my friends and I all got one.

“I’ve had to use it a few times.

Once, I slipped and fell in the night and pressed my Careline button straight away. I spoke to helpful a lady on the phone who told me Careline were coming.

In about 15 minutes they arrived and got me up off the floor. I couldn’t get up on my own, so without Careline I would have been there all night.

“Careline has made a big difference. I’d be more afraid of How it works We install a small unit to an existing phone line near a power socket in your home and give you a pendant button to wear around your neck or wrist.

When the alarm button is pressed, it automatically calls the friendly team at our control centre. They speak to you via the unit’s loudspeaker and arrange the best help for you. If you are unable to speak, your alarm tells us who and where you are so that we can help you.

Your comments on social media.

NEW gardening sessions for all ages & abilities on Thursdays from 1-3pm. Don’t be a stranger, come along & learn something new. #Camden @CCA_Camden via Twitter

being on my own without it. It helps me feel safe at night and not so isolated. It’s something I can rely on.

“My relatives are pleased that I’ve got it, but I made the decision for myself. They’re not so worried about me.”

Book a demonstration You can try out the alarm system before you decide to have it installed. We can visit at a time that suits you and answer all of your questions.

Just phone or email the Careline team using the details below.

You may also be eligible for a range of other products that can help monitor health conditions and detectors that sense risks such as smoke, falls, floods and gas.

Speak to our adult social care team to find out more.

Winter’s coming and it’s getting cold! Let us know if you see anyone sleeping rough via the new Streetsafe reporting app.

Download it here: camdensst.com @CamdenSST via Twitter

Wondering what to do this week? Why not check out @ RecommendMeApp and see what #activities are going on in #Camden! #AgeingBetter @abc_camden via Twitter

We’re searching for talented individuals to join the Camden #Graduate Scheme 2018 http://bit. ly/2xL5SD2 #graduatejobs #jobs @camdenjobsuk via Twitter

Next month we’re opening an exciting new space, perfect for meetings, schools and more: http://ow.ly/tQvl30go2N7 @FoundlingMuseum via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden

020 7974 1491 (option 4)

@camdentalking 21

Feature

New council homes coming to Kilburn It’s full steam ahead for the Abbey Area project - one of Camden Council’s most ambitious schemes in the Community Investment Programme.

Last month, residents and councillors gave a helping hand in a ‘topping out’ ceremony as they marked reaching the top of a new housing block at the junction of Abbey and Belsize Roads.

The new block meets high standards for space and energy efficiency and will provide 66 new council homes for local residents.

There will also be a supermarket and two other shops, as well as an underground car park – all funded by 75 homes for sale.

This block at Abbey Road will provide 66 new homes for Camden residents

Residents from Hinstock and Emminster will be given first preference on the new council homes. Both blocks will be demolished in the final phase of the project to pave the way for new homes, business and retail units.

Barbara Wilson, a tenant of Hinstock for 20 years, said: “I like watching the progress they are making. It’s been very quick. I’m really looking forward to the new homes, they will be nice, new and fresh. My general wellbeing will be improved and I will feel good. I’m quite involved in the development as I’m a committee member for Abbey Road Housing Cooperative. I’ve attended meetings and exhibitions to discuss the plans for the area and provided

Community Investment Programme 22

feedback to the council on what we want to see.”

Camden magazine also spoke to local resident Jean Taylor. “It feels like Manhattan! Progress, it’s called. Love it,” said Jean.

She added: “It was a bit daunting to start with, but then when we saw the plans I was pleased.

There will be a local shop on my doorstep, and affordable housing – I hope to get one of the new homes.”

Councillor Danny Beales, Cabinet Member for Investing in Communities, said: “The Abbey Area project exemplifies what Camden Council wants to do – invest in building much-needed council housing and develop these as part of a real community, working hand-in-hand with residents at every stage.

“Only two per cent of our capital funding comes from government grants, so in Camden, we have to work with our communities to find solutions to pay for muchneeded investment ourselves.

The Community Investment Programme uses the receipts from homes sold to fund what our communities are crying out for – council and affordable homes.”

Feature

Local residents joined councillors at a ‘topping out’ ceremony at Abbey Road

Over the next year, we will work with residents of Abbey Co-op (Tenant Management Organisation) to design and deliver new play space on the green area behind Snowman and Casterbridge towers for residents of the estate to use.

Overall, the Council’s Community Investment Programme will build over 3,000 homes, improve 48 schools and children’s centres and invest in much needed community facilities to equip Camden for the future.

Find out more

The Abbey Area project is a three-phased development.

Overall the scheme will deliver:

241

new energy efficient homes: 102 council homes, 12 affordable homes and 127 for private sale

Improved open and play spaces

New community and health facilities

Improvements to the junction of Abbey Road and Belsize Road including pedestrian crossings

camden.gov.uk/cip 23

Feature

Yes, we Can Businesses and organisations across Camden are working with us to make it easier be active and eat healthily Last month we launched the Camden Can pledge and innovation fund. Camden Can is a series of initiatives designed to help everyone in Camden reach and maintain a healthy weight by eating well and being more physically active.

Nicole Van den Eijnde, Director of Global Generation – a local educational charity working with us – said: “This is a very exciting initiative because it puts emphasis on the importance of wellbeing, which we have seen across our work is key to building healthy, inclusive and environmentally responsible communities.”

Tackling obesity in Camden is one of the five priorities of our Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2016–18: Living Well, Working Together.

Find out more 24

The Camden Can pledge asks local businesses to make healthy food more accessible

Camden Can pledge This initiative is for any organisation or business in Camden, from restaurants and schools to community groups, employers and hospitals. By signing up to the pledge they will be making two promises: to make healthy food and drink more affordable and accessible and to encourage and enable physical activity.

Keep an eye out for the Camden Can pledge logo around Camden.

camden.gov.uk/camdencan

Camden Can innovation fund A new fund providing grants to groups or organisations that have come up with innovative ways to tackle the issues behind obesity in Camden.

The key is innovation – the grant must be used to create something new that will have a positive impact in the local community.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available, with applications closing on 21 January 2018.

We support Camden’s European citizens 24,000

residents born in an EU state

36,000

EU workers in Camden

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

25

Feature

New Year, new you Traditionally, January is the time of the year when we make the commitment to improve our health, give bad habits the elbow and get more involved in community life. Here’s some of the simple things you can do in Camden to improve your quality of life and have a happier and healthier 2018.

Check your health New Year is the perfect time to commit to being kinder to your body. Anyone aged between 40 and 74 can start 2018 the right way with a free NHS Health Check. The check will assess your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and certain types of dementia.

You’ll be asked about your family history and we’ll measure your height, weight and blood pressure and do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels. You’ll leave the appointment with personalised lifestyle advice to help improve your health. camden-islington. nhshealthchecks.com 020 3282 7886 or speak to your GP Lose weight If you live in Camden, are concerned about your weight and feel ready to make a change, you may be eligible for Rebalance, our 12-week weight and lifestyle programme. Read what our residents have to say about Rebalance on page 30. camden.gov.uk/rebalance

26

Free adult learning courses You can learn at your own pace in friendly, informal community venues across the borough, and be supported by tutors experienced in teaching learners aged 19 and above. Choose from basic computing, beginner English, family learning, preparing for employment and more.

Enrolment days take place every January, April and September.

The next one is on Tuesday 9 January, 9am to 4pm, at either the Richard Cobden Learning Centre (Camden Street, NW1 0LJ) or the Adult Learning Centre (74 Stanhope Street, NW1 3EX). camden.gov.uk/ adultlearning 020 7974 2148

Dry January National charity Alcohol Concern wants you to take part in ‘Dry January’, and stop drinking alcohol for the first month of the year. Some of the health benefits of binning the booze for 31 days include weight loss, improved sleep and more energy. There’s lots of useful tips and hints on the Alcohol Concern website including an ‘impact calculator’ tool that helps you tot up the amount you’ve been drinking and how much you’re spending, so you can see the benefits of ‘going dry’. alcoholconcern.org.uk/ dry-january If you’re worried about the amount you, or someone else, is drinking, help is available from the Integrated Camden Alcohol Service.

Visit icascamden.org.uk or phone the 24-hour Freephone Advice and Referral line 0300 303 2420

Feature Volunteering in Camden It is easy to give your time to others by volunteering in Camden and there are hundreds of local opportunities to choose from.

There’s advice on our website, including opportunities for people aged 16-25 and schemes for people with managerial skills.

And whether you’re looking to give some time to others, or a local group searching for a helping hand, the Volunteer Centre Camden can help. You can search their online database and get advice and information. camden.gov.uk/volunteering volunteercentrecamden. org.uk 020 7424 9990

Bid the ciggies goodbye If you’re short on cash after the excesses of the holiday season, stopping smoking could save you money and improve your health at the same time.

‘Breathe’ is our free and flexible stop smoking service for people who live, work or study in Camden. We offer one-to-one or group sessions, free Nicotine Replacement Therapy, dropin clinics, support via Quitline and home visits for people with mobility problems. Getting support from a stop smoking

advisor means you are up to four times more likely to stop smoking for good.

Phone our advisors on 020 3633 2609, text Quit to 66777 or visit breathestopsmoking.org Explore your borough LoveCamden helps you find ways to have a great time in our borough. Whether you’re looking for art exhibitions, theatre events, a day at the zoo or a stroll in the park; LoveCamden is filled with information on interesting events, lively venues and the best cultural highlights. lovecamden.org

Get active There’s a fantastic array of activities on offer at all ‘Better’ leisure centres in Camden; with memberships packages on offer that include concessionary rates.

Parents will also be pleased to hear that kids can swim for as little as £1 during certain public swimming sessions over the school holidays, while over 60s can swim for free on weekdays between 7am and 12noon.

And if none of that takes your fancy, you can find out about free and low cost community activities and local sports clubs on our website. There are plenty of ways you can get more active in January and beyond. camden.gov.uk/active better.org.uk/camden Just the job If your career has stalled and you feel stuck in a rut, January could be the time for a new job.

You can get advice on work experience, help with creating a CV, tips for job interviews and much more. There’s also a variety of apprenticeships available for people aged 16 and over in everything from retail and catering to construction and business administration. camden.gov.uk/jobsandskills

One You Camden If all of this advice has inspired you to improve your health and your chances of staying happier and healthier for longer, why not visit the One You Camden website?

There’s lots more information and helpful advice on everything from sexual health and parenting to losing weight and dealing with stress. You can even take the ‘How are you?’ quiz, which asks some basic questions about your lifestyle and existing health conditions to help point you in the right direction. oneyoucamden.org 27

Listings Family Families create Drop in artist-led workshops for families. Saturday 2, 9, 16 December from 2pm Zabludowicz Collection 176 Prince of Wales Road NW5 3PT zabludowiczcollection.com info@zabludowiczcollection.com 020 7428 8940 Animal Christmas crackers Create animal-themed Christmas crackers Sunday 17 December, 4 to 5pm Free with museum admission Foundling Museum 40 Brunswick Square WC1N 1AZ foundlingmuseum.org.uk enquiries@foundlingmuseum.org.uk 020 7841 3600

All activities are free unless otherwise specified tickets@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181 Garden explorers Join Trish to plant seeds and grow vegetables and edible flowers.

Tuesdays, 10am to 12pm £4 per child, term-time Toy Box with Trish Weekly play sessions with toys and stories Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm £4 per child, term-time Kentish Town City Farm 1 Cressfield Close NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk info@ktcityfarm.org.uk 020 7916 5421

Children and young people

Wonderful Wildlife Weekends Drop-in for free, fun family activities run

by London Wildlife Trust Saturday 6 January, 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

‘Appy ‘Ampstead Workshop Craft afternoon. Find out who the pearly kings and queens were. Age 6+ Sunday 10 December, 1.30pm £5 per child Burgh House & Hampstead Museum New End Square NW3 1LT burghhouse.org.uk whatson@burghhouse.org.uk 020 7431 0144

Bananas about cooking Cook healthy snacks from fresh ingredients For children of all ages Wednesdays, 4 to 5.30pm Kentish Town City Farm 1 Cressfield Close NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk info@ktcityfarm.org.uk 020 7916 5421

Make a manga comic Create your own comic inspired by the museum’s manga collection. Age 7+ Sunday 17 December 11am to 12pm, 1 to 2pm, 3 to 4pm Free, limited places British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org tickets@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181

Under fives Little feet: go on a journey Pretend to ride a horse, explore a rugged landscape and make a memento. Thursday 18 January, 10.30am to 12pm Booking essential British Museum Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org 28

Taster days: Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School For 7 to 18-year-olds interested in performing arts. Email to book a place Saturday 6 and 13 January 9.30am to 2pm or 2.30 to 5.30pm Parliament Hill School Highgate Road NW5 1RL hello@annafiorentini.com 020 7682 1403

Get active Hampstead Heath Laughter Club Laughing for health and happiness All ages and abilities welcome Sunday 7 January and every first Sunday, 11am to 12pm Parliament Hill Bandstand Hampstead Heath, NW5 1QR laughingforhealth.co.uk/ hampstead-heath-club Boccia indoor bowling class Fun way to keep fit and meet new people. Fridays, 12.15 to 1.15pm Abbey Community Centre 222C Belsize Road, NW6 4DJ ctc@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk 020 7624 8378 Learn to run For all beginners Every Wednesday, 6.30 to 7.30pm Gospel Oak Striders Meet outside Gospel Oak station Gordon House Road NW5 1LT

Walks* Goodge Street to St Paul’s Six-mile pre-Christmas walk through Euston, Kings Cross and Farringdon, with the West Essex Ramblers Saturday 23 December, 10am. Meet at Goodge Street station. Tottenham Court Road, W1P 9PA. 020 8524 2737 Up and down north of Kentish Town Join West Essex Ramblers for Christmas Eve walk from Archway to Chalk Farm Station via Parliament Hill Sunday 24 December, 10.30am Meet at Archway station, Highgate Hill exit 020 8524 2737 Warwick Avenue to Hampstead Boxing Day walk with the Wandsworth Ramblers Tuesday 26 December, 10.30am Meet at Warwick Avenue station, W9 2PZ. 020 8451 0095 Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill Explore parks and Regent’s canal with

Listings London Strollers Ramblers group Thursday 28 December, 11am to 3.30pm Meet at Baker Street station outside front entrance facing Marylebone Road, N1 5LA. 07753 832 929 * All walks are part of the Ramblers Festival of Winter Walks ramblers.org.uk/winterfestival

Green gym Join in, feel good. Volunteer with the Camden Green Gym. Woodland management Friday 15 December, 10.45am to 2pm West Hampstead Green Gym Westbere Copse NW2 3RD tcv.org.uk/camden westhampsteadgg@gmail.com 07740 899 689 School Garden Development Tuesday 19 December, 10.45am to 2pm Camden Green Gym St Andrews Gardens, WC1X 8JT Hurdle building and path clearance Welcome back to Camden Green Gym 2018. Thursday 4 January, 10.45am to 2pm Camden Green Gym Holly Lodge NW5 1UX tcv.org.uk/camden gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 710 359 Food growing Saturday 5 January 10.30am to 1.30pm Oasis Green Gym, Oasis Garden Oasis Sports Centre WC2H 9AG oasisgreengymgardening oasisgreengym@gmail.com Practical conservation activities Thursday 25 January, 10.45am to 2pm. Camden Green Gym Regent’s Park NW1 4NR

tcv.org.uk/camden gg-camden@tcv.org.uk 07768 710 359

Over 50s Age UK Camden Christmas Party Food, festive fun and a visit from Santa Thursday 14 December, 12 to 4pm Tavis House, Tavistock Square ageuk.org.uk/camden suzy.barber@ageukcamden.org.uk 020 7239 0400 Christmas Day lunch for over 60s Free lunch on Christmas Day Sunday 25 December, 11am to 3pm Hampstead Community Centre 78 Hampstead High Street NW3 1RE hampsteadcommunitycentre.co.uk hampsteadcommunitycentre@ btconnect.com 020 7794 8313 Over 50s activities Jam-packed weekly programme including recycle-art, IT drop-ins, Nordic walking, creative writing and more. Monday to Saturdays. Abbey Community Centre 222C Belsize Road NW6 4DJ ctc@abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk 020 7624 8378

Community events Camden adult community learning Free adult learning courses for ages 19+ Tuesday 9 January, 9am to 4pm Richard Cobden Learning Centre, Camden Street NW1 0LJ or Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus, 74 Stanhope Street NW1 3EX camden.gov.uk/adultlearning adultlearning@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 2148

Mega volunteering fair Meet more than 50 volunteering groups in Camden and Islington. Drop in Tuesday 23 January, 12 to 4pm Islington Assembly Hall Upper Street N1 2UD volunteercentrecamden.org.uk info@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990 Grange Park Christmas Festival Celebrating Christmas in Kilburn and surrounding neighbourhoods Saturday 16 December, 8am to 6pm Kilburn Grange Park NW6 2JL

Exhibitions and performances A Seasonal Reading Actor John Levitt performs winterthemed readings from Camden writers Tuesday 19 December, 7.15pm Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre. 2nd Floor, Holborn Library 32-38 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA camden.gov.uk/history localstudies@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 6342 Afternoon poems: joyful and triumphant Festive selection of poetry and prose Sunday 10 December, 2 to 3pm Booking recommended Keats House, 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR keatshouse@cityoflondon.gov.uk 020 7332 3868 Christmas Quackers: The Making of BBC2’s ‘Quacks’ Discover how the realities of Victorian medicine were brought to the screen Friday 15 December, 6 to 8pm £8 includes mince pies and mulled wine Royal College of Physicians 11 St Andrews Place, NW1 4LE rcplondon.ac.uk history@rcplondon.ac.uk 020 3075 1543

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

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

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

29

Feature

Lose weight with Rebalance Have you made an early New Years’ resolution to get fit and lose some weight in 2018? Start the New Year with our weight management and exercise programme – Rebalance.

Rebalance is a 12-week weight management and exercise programme that aims to help people with a certain Body Mass Index (BMI) to lose weight, grow in confidence and take control of their lifestyle.

Dave enjoyed a walking safari after improving his health thanks to Rebalance

Join today You must be over 18, live in Camden or Islington and be of a certain BMI to join the programme.

There is more information on eligibility on our website.

Get involved The programme includes a series of indoor and outdoor group exercise classes and offers oneto-one advice about your diet and nutrition. It’s held at a range of local leisure and community centres across Camden and Islington.

How does it work?

You will have a one-to-one welcome meeting with a health coach at one of the participating centres. At this welcome meeting we will work together to discuss your goals, gather some information and agree an action plan with you.

You can then decide your start date and find out the locations of the various programmes that we run in your area.

Dave’s story Since completing the programme earlier this year, Dave has been able to complete a ‘bucket list’ of things he’s never done before including a walking safari trip.

Find out more 30

You have to have a certain level of fitness to complete the walk, and I am proud that I was able to complete such a challenging, fulfilling task.”

You can either refer yourself online via the website below or ask your GP to refer you.

Once you have completed the programme you will also be eligible for a reduced gym membership at any ‘Better’ leisure centre in Camden or Islington.

Dave said: “It’s been a few months since I finished the programme, and I’m happy to say that I have continued to use the gym - thanks to the reduced yearly rate offer.

“Now my children have grown up, I have more time to focus on myself and complete lifelong dreams.

One of these was a walking safari in South Africa. It’s something I would never have done if I had not taken control of my health.

camden.gov.uk/rebalance

Get paid to be a mystery shopper If you are a Camden resident and are interested in joining Rebalance while helping us to assess the quality of our service, then you can apply to be a mystery shopper.

You would need to meet the eligibility criteria for the programme as set out on our website.

rebalance@camden.gov.uk

My Camden Catherine Keshishian volunteers with North London Cares, which brings older and younger neighbours together to hang out and help each other.

What’s your Camden connection?

My parents met at the Carreras Factory and my Dad had a carpet shop on Camden High Street when I was growing up.

I studied at UCL and I’ve lived in Kentish Town for 12 years.

Tell us about your volunteering I go to the Kentish Town Social Club every Wednesday. I pick up my 96-year-old neighbour, Laura, on the way and we have a catch-up. It’s often the first time she’s been out the house for a few days. We do different activities like film, craft, dancing and learning together. I’ve even led a session myself, on laughter yoga.

We all benefit and learn from each other. Older neighbours tell me about celebrities who used to live on the road and what it was like during the war.

And Laura likes hearing

about internet dating from me!

It’s great seeing the same faces and being able to say “see you next week”. I didn’t used to know anyone in my local area. Now I bump into people every day I love that. It feels like a community now.

Favourite place in Camden?

Regent’s Park. I’m studying horticulture at

Capel Manor and I love looking at the massive variety of trees and plants and flowers there. And I like going for a run there because it’s flat!

What makes Camden special?

The diversity and variety.

You’ve got the museums and universities of Holborn, Camden Town which is buzzy and young and the beautiful old houses and parks around Hampstead.

There’s a real sense of history in Camden.

Most memorable thing to happen in Camden Visiting Dad’s carpet shop at the weekends with my brother and sister. We would make camps and obstacle courses out of carpets and foam. Camden was so different from Hertfordshire where I grew up.

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

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

Learn more

northlondoncares.org.uk

020 7118 3838 31

Recycling and rubbish collection day changes We’ll be collecting your recycling and rubbish on different days over Christmas and New Year: Normal collection day

Normal collection day

Your Christmas collection day (two days after)

Your New Year collection day (one day after)

Monday 25 December

Wednesday 27 December

Monday 1 January

Tuesday 2 January

Tuesday 26 December

Thursday 28 December

Tuesday 2 January

Wednesday 3 January

Wednesday 27 December

Friday 29 December

Wednesday 3 January

Thursday 4 January

Thursday 28 December

Saturday 30 December

Thursday 4 January

Friday 5 January

Friday 29 December

Sunday 31 December

Friday 5 January

Saturday 6 January

Collections will return to normal from Monday 8 January For more information visit www.camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

Garden waste collections

If you pay for our garden waste service, we’ll write to you to tell you when we’ll be collecting over Christmas.

Christmas tree collections If you have a ‘real’ Christmas tree, please take it to one of our recycling points between 2 and 12 January and we’ll compost it.

If you have a real Christmas tree, please recycle it after Christmas by taking it to one of See inside for more information. our recycling points. We’ll compost your tree and it could be used to grow new ones.

If you live on a Camden Council estate, please look out for details locally of where to recycle your Christmas tree.

The following Christmas tree recycling points will be open between 3 and 13 January:

N6

NW5

Millfield Lane

Boma Garden Centre, Islip Street Regis Road recycling and reuse centre Highgate enclosures, Highgate Road camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish Talacre Road open space

NW1 Camden Garden Centre, 2 Barker Drive Purchese Street open space Collection poster.indd 1 Goldington Crescent Gardens Harrington Square Gardens

NW6 Fortune Green Road open space

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