Camden magazine December 2018/January 2019

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | December 2018/January 2019 | camden.gov.uk

Good neighbours Looking out for each other this winter @CamdenCouncil

facebook.com/lbcamden

Find out how to have a happier and healthier 2019 on pages 18, 19 and 20

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: Helen Holmes

@CamdenCouncil

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Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 6 December 2018

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

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Camden this issue Camden children get awards at the Tower of London.

Donate to the Mayor’s Christmas toy appeal.

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©Nadine Brandt

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Page

Page

Apply for primary school reception places by 15 January.

New mosaic unveiled at Konstam nursery.

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21 Welcome

Introduction to the December/January edition

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News Starting school in Camden Towering achievements of children in care Christmas opening hours Changes to recycling and rubbish collections Don’t get ripped off this Christmas Leader’s Question Time Youth safety is top priority Preventing homelessness and helping rough sleepers Support with Universal Credit

Enjoy your Christmas food – and don’t let any go to waste.

Christmas toy appeal Recycling rewards charities

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Features

Cover story

Be a good neighbour this winter

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6 6 7 7 8 8 9 10 11

Free university scholarships Independent and busy New year, new you Get active in 2019 Camden marks Remembrance Day Another year of investment Camden’s financial challenge Reduce your festive food waste Recycle right this Christmas Community benefits from the Camden Fund My Camden – Nassar Ali

14 15 18 20 21 22 24 26 27 30 31

Listings Free and low-cost events

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Considering your career options or looking for childcare?

Have you thought about becoming a childminder?

Or are you looking for a childminder to take care of your children?

If you enjoy working with children and want to be your own boss, childminding could be for you.

All registered childminders are inspected by Ofsted.

They offer the same curriculum as nurseries and lots of flexibility – both as a career option and if you are a parent looking for flexible childcare.

Email sandra.dodd@camden.gov.uk or gabrielle.pollock@camden.gov.uk or call them on 020 7974 1629 / 6172.

To find out more call 020 7974 1679 or email fis@camden.gov.uk

camden.gov.uk/childminders

Are you over 65 years of age?

Do you want to continue living independently in a safe environment?

Camden sheltered housing may be the right housing option for you. We offer:

• Living with partner: the choice to continue to live with your husband/wife/civil partner.

• Freedom: the freedom to live independently in a self-contained property with your own front door.

• Making friends: opportunities to socialise with other residents of a similar age.

• Reassurance: regular wellbeing checks and warden alarm system in case of an emergency.

• Enjoyment of communal areas: with no responsibility to maintain gardens or facilities.

• Support: support in addressing your needs and advice available if needed.

• No hassles with repairs or maintenance: we will be responsible for repairs to your property and the maintenance of communal areas.

• Financial help: assistance in claiming the relevant welfare benefits entitlements e.g. Housing Benefit.

Camden sheltered housing Giving older people a choice of great places to live within the London Borough of Camden.

For information and how to apply: 020 7974 4764 or 020 7974 1991 or visit the Camden website.

camden.gov.uk camden.gov.uk/shelteredhousing 4

Welcome

to the December/January edition of Camden magazine

9 | Making our communities safer

11 | S upport with Universal Credit

government cuts and shrunken budgets, struggling to meet the huge need in our communities, from rough sleeping to rising poverty. From 2010 to 2020 London will have seen a 63% real terms cut to core funding from central government. We are joining with our partners across the public sector to stand up for our communities and urge the government to deliver longterm sustainable funding.

In the next few years we face a £35-40 million gap in our budget on top of the £169 million that we’ve already lost from our budget.

We are having to look again at making savings to make sure we can continue to provide the frontline services our residents rely on like libraries, children’s centres, youth clubs, advice services and community centres.

I am proud of the services we provide to our communities – and at Camden we have been determined to keep our public services and social safety net so that everyone has somewhere to turn.

I know this is a difficult time and I am committed to residents being involved in decisions that will impact them. On 13 December I will be holding a public Leader’s Question Time at Netley Primary School to answer questions on the issues important to our community – find out more on page 8. Turn to page 24 for more details on our financial challenge and read our plans in full on our website: camden.gov.uk/ financialchallenge.

But we, like councils across the country, face a huge financial challenge. Public services are at a tipping point as a result of continued

This year we have been working closely with young people to tackle the issue of violence in our borough.

Their passion, energy, creativity

24 | Our financial challenge

and ambition for their future is something that drives me in my work. Last month we continued these community-wide debates about how we address youth violence at our Youth Shout Out and Young People’s Takeover Challenge events – see page 9.

I know many people are worried about the impact of Universal Credit and we are working closely with all our community partners, including Citizens Advice Camden, to ensure everyone has the support they need – read more on page 11.

As we head toward the festive period when many of us are lucky to be able to spend time with friends and family, it is also important to remember those on our streets, or who are in unstable accommodation, or who might be alone. I know that in Camden there is a strong sense of community spirit and many people will also be spending their holiday period giving back and reaching out. On page 16 you can read about how you can be part of this vital work.

Despite the ongoing challenges we’ll face in 2019, I look forward to working with you all to help protect what makes Camden a better, fairer and more equal place for everyone.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

News

Starting school in Camden The deadline to apply for a reception class place for your child is Tuesday 15 January. © Nadine Brandt

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.

Primary pupils in Camden consistently perform above the national average in test results for 11-year-olds. Our 2018 provisional results show that 73% of Camden pupils achieved expectations in the combined measure for reading, writing and maths – well

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/admissions

above the national figure of 64% and the London results of 69%.

Camden primary schools also offer a huge range of extracurricular activities – with access to world-class venues and institutions, ranging from the British Museum to the Francis Crick Institute.

We strongly recommend that you apply online. If you are unable to do so, or if you have questions, please email us or phone the number below.

admissions@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 1625

Towering achievements of children in care Children in our care and recent care leavers have received awards at the Tower of London for achievements both in and out of school.

The annual event is held by Camden’s ‘virtual school’ for looked-after children, which 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.

About 80 looked-after children and recent care leavers had their achievements – ranging from academic successes to exceptional effort or improvement Find out more 6

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

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

There was also a guest appearance from King Henry VIII, who posed for photos with award winners.

camden.gov.uk/virtualschool

An award winner with King Henry VIII

backchatonline.org.uk

News

Christmas opening hours Some of our services will be operating with different opening hours over Christmas.

Our Contact Camden receptions and phone lines will be closed for general enquiries on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, operating an emergency service only. It’s quick and easy to request a service or report a problem at any time using your online Camden Account.

Use your account to buy and renew parking permits, pay bills, apply for housing benefit, book housing repairs, view your council tax bill and pay online, report a Find out more

missed bin collection and more at contact.camden.gov.uk Camden leisure centres will be closed on Friday 21 December for a staff training day, and on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Centres will be open as usual until Thursday 20 December. For opening times over the holiday, please visit better.org.uk/camden Camden libraries will close on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, but you can use

our digital library to renew items and borrow e-books. Libraries will close early on Monday 24 and Monday 31 December and will open as usual between Thursday 27 and Sunday 30 December.

However, Highgate Library will close from Tuesday 25 December to Wednesday 2 January, inclusive.

For details of these and other changes, including changes to parking, please visit our website.

camden.gov.uk/christmas

Changes to your recycling and rubbish collections over Christmas and New Year Because of public holidays, we’ll be collecting your recycling and rubbish on different days: Christmas collection day

Normal collection day

Normal collection day

(two days later from the Tuesday)

New Year collection day (one day later from the Tuesday)

Monday 24 December

No change

Monday 31 December

No change

Tuesday 25 December

Thursday 27 December

Tuesday 1 January

Wednesday 2 January

Wednesday 26 December

Friday 28 December

Wednesday 2 January

Thursday 3 January

Thursday 27 December

Saturday 29 December

Thursday 3 January

Friday 4 January

Friday 28 December

Sunday 30 December

Friday 4 January

Saturday 5 January

Collections will return to their normal schedule from Monday 7 January.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish 7

News

Don’t get ripped off this Christmas In the countdown to Christmas, our trading standards team have some simple advice to help you stay safe and not waste your money.

Top tips to avoid getting ripped off: • Beware of counterfeit goods.

Fake goods can be low quality and even dangerous. Always buy from reputable sources.

• When buying toys, look for suitable age warnings and safety marks, such as the CE Mark and the Lion Mark, on the packaging.

Remember, younger children may get their hands on toys, and Find out more

small parts that could be a choking hazard may come loose.

• If anything you buy turns out to be faulty, you may have the right to claim a repair, replacement or a refund. If an item is faulty, it is up to the retailer you bought the goods from to sort it out, not the manufacturer.

• If your purchase costs more than £100, pay by credit card to get

camden.gov.uk/tradingstandards

extra protection from your credit card company.

Our trading standards team work hard all year round to protect consumers and businesses in Camden. They carry out underage sales enforcement for products such as knives, alcohol and tobacco, and tackle doorstep crime, scams and letting agents who don’t comply with the law.

Citizens Advice Consumer Service 03454 04 05 06

Leader’s Question Time Come along to Camden’s first Leader’s Question Time on 13 December at Netley Primary School.

This is an opportunity to meet the Leader of the Council, Councillor Georgia Gould, and talk about the challenges in Camden, as well as the opportunities to work together to improve the borough for everyone.

The meeting is a time to think about the year that has gone by, and look forward to the year ahead together.

Come along with questions and ideas about the issues that are important to you, from housing and rubbish collections, Find out more 8

to education and adult social care.

During conversations to develop the community vision for the borough, Camden 2025, you told us how important it is for residents to talk directly to their councillors, and to be involved in local decisions. We are committed to continuing these important discussions and bringing people together over the coming years.

Visit our website to book your place at the Leader’s Question Time.

camden.gov.uk/leadersquestiontime

Councillor Georgia Gould

Leader’s Question Time • Thursday 13 December, 6 to 8pm • Netley Primary School, Netley Campus, 74 Stanhope Street, NW1 3EX • Book your place on our website below

News

Youth safety is top priority Young people shared their views about youth safety and other issues of importance to them at events with local decision-makers.

Camden talking

Community comments on social media.

Checking out my haul from the BRAND NEW People’s fruit n veg stall! Get down to Chalton Street Market today #ShopLocal #SomersTown @Niccola_CPD via Twitter

Camden Youth Council and youth workers at Shout Out with (left to right) Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion; Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of the Council; Aydarus Ahmed, who lost three family members to youth violence, and Councillor Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Best Start in Life

Check out the activities at ageingbetterincamden.org.uk to see a range of yoga, walking football, bench to bench walks for #olderpeople @corinnahyman via Twitter

About 100 young people attended the annual Camden Youth Shout Out event on 22 November, where the main theme was ‘What’s happening on our streets?’ It follows the publication of the Camden Youth Safety Taskforce report, which sets out 17 recommendations to promote youth safety.

‘Lives, not knives’ and ‘Young people and the police – breaking down barriers’ were two of the workshop topics at Shout Out, which was held at the Crowndale Centre in Camden, this year.

Young people aged 11 to 19, who attended from youth centres and schools across the borough, also explored the issues of mental health and the world of work.

The event, organised by Camden Youth Council and our youth service, featured a panel of Find out more

experts, including Camden Youth MP Athian Akec, who has recently spoken about knife crime during a youth takeover in the House of Commons as well as on ITV London news and BBC Radio London Drivetime.

Youth safety was also one of the key topics for discussion at the Young People’s Takeover Challenge, also held at the Crowndale Centre, on 30 November for schoolchildren aged 11 to 14. More than 60 pupils from Camden primary and secondary schools attended.

At both events children and young people had the chance to present their ideas to a panel of community leaders and decisionmakers, including local politicians, senior council officers and representatives from the police.

camden.gov.uk/youthservices camden.gov.uk/schools

The historic former Blustons ladieswear shop in Kentish Town opens its doors again on 17 November as an Octavia Foundation charity shop. Get ready to see these iconic windows in use again #Donate #charityshop #blustons #PreLovedFashion #OctaviaShops @Octavia_Fdn via Twitter

“I’ve not been here for very long but the level of encouragement has been great for my self-esteem” centre user #overheardatabbey @AbbeyCCnw6 via Twitter

HUGE thanks to all who came to #AppleDay & helped raise over £2300.

It was a cracking day full of fun, food, music, laughter, creativity... and of course apples. We couldn’t have done it without all our fab #volunteers inc those from @aslnews and @Kiwanis #community #Camden @KTCityFarm via Twitter

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

News

Preventing homelessness and helping rough sleepers We would like to hear your views on homelessness and rough sleeping.

Each year we support families to help them avoid losing their homes and becoming homeless. We work with people who are sleeping rough too, helping them to get off the streets and into housing, training or employment.

This month we’re asking for your views on the work we do and how to support some of our borough’s most vulnerable people.

Our plan We’re putting together a plan for preventing homelessness and helping rough sleepers off the streets. Our proposed plan focuses on support for people in crisis, and providing benefits and housing support to help people stay in their homes, as well as providing the right support and services to rough sleepers. We’re also challenging the government, in order to increase the supply of affordable housing in Camden.

Have your say We want you to tell us your thoughts on our priorities and actions. Your feedback will influence the development of our plan for homelessness and rough sleeping. If you have experienced Find out more 10

or been at risk of homelessness, we want to hear from you too.

Tell us about your experiences of using our services so that we can learn and improve. Your response will be confidential.

How to get involved Visit the website below and read our draft homelessness and rough sleeping strategy and give us your views using the online survey. The consultation is open now and will close on Monday 18 February 2019.

Support we provide We currently have the lowest number of homeless families in temporary accommodation in inner London. We’ve achieved this by intervening early to provide people with the support they need and prevent homelessness.

We’re responding to the challenge of supporting people sleeping rough too, through our Camden Hotspot team – made up of police,

camden.gov.uk/homelessconsultation

community and outreach officers – and by investing in St Mungo’s Housing First service.

Housing First work with rough sleepers and provide accommodation. One resident said: “My life would have been very different if I hadn’t had the support of St Mungo’s after I came out of prison.

It stopped me from going back to the streets.”

homelessconsultation@camden.gov.uk

News

Support with Universal Credit We’re supporting residents as Universal Credit comes to Camden.

From this month, Universal Credit replaces some existing benefits for residents of working age who are making a new claim. We know many people are concerned about the changes and we are here to support you.

If you are a council tenant claiming Universal Credit and worried about paying your rent, speak to your rent officer first on 020 7974 4444.

Find out more

You can also contact Citizens Advice Camden, which we are funding to provide dedicated support to all residents: • If you are already claiming Universal Credit, phone the UC SmartMoney helpline: 0300 303 0308.

• Get advice about moving to Universal Credit, and other benefits advice: 0300 330 1157.

gov.uk/universalcredit

• Drop-in advice: 141a Robert Street, NW1 3QT or 2 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3LQ – see opening hours at camdencabservice.org.uk.

For more information about Universal Credit and which benefits you can claim, visit the government’s website below.

Find out more about the support available in Camden on our website below.

camden.gov.uk/universalcredit

GRAB A GREAT DEAL ON US

PA JOININYGNO FEE

Sign up to any concessionary membership this December or January and pay no joining fee, saving yourself £11.50!

better.org.uk/camden Join in centre or online at better.org.uk/camden Offer is only valid at Better Leisure centres in Camden. 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

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WMC Camden Mag NOV 2018 v2.qxp_Layout 1 12/11/2018 10:32 Page 1

Short courses

WMC - The Camden College Learn locally starting in 2019: Come to one of our short Saturday courses:

• Award in Developing Leadership Skills Level 2 • Computing & IT Skills • Ceramics (Studio Practice) • Graphic Design • Fashion & Textiles • Music • Portraiture

Try one of our Skills for Work courses:

• Business and IT Skills • Adult Health and Childcare • Teacher Training • Languages • ESOL • English and Maths

Or try a specialist Art & Craft course:

• Bookbinding & Book Arts • Jewellery • Journalism and Creative Writing • Graphic Design & Digital Arts • Fashion & Textiles • Singing, Acting, Music Performance, DJing • Drawing & Painting

Plus many more courses. More information is available on our website.

Our Skills for Work, ESOL, English and Maths courses require an assessment before you can enrol to see what level is suitable for you.

We have a number of assessment sessions taking place in December and January. Please visit our website for more information and details on how to book onto an assessment.

Come in and see us. We are easy to find.

We look forward to welcoming you to your local college that offers enriching and enjoyable lifelong learning.

www.wmcollege.ac.uk www.wmcollege.ac.uk

Call: 020 7255 4700 email: enrol@wmcollege.ac.uk www.wmcollege.ac.uk

Keep up to date with the latest information and be social with us:

Easy to get to! 44 Crowndale Road London NW1 1TR Tube: Mornington Crescent 2mins / Camden Town, Euston & St Pancras 10 mins And 7 Leighton Place NW5 2QL - Tube: Kentish Town (Northern line) 5 mins

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WorkingMensCollege

@WMCollege

wmc_the_camden_college

WMC - The Camden College graded Outstanding Overall by Ofsted in 2013

News T

Get into the spirit of Christmas with gifts for local families.

The Mayor of Camden invites you to take part in her Christmas toy appeal by giving donations of new toys, toiletries, gift vouchers and clothes for local families.

Your gifts will be distributed by Camden family services, social workers and early help teams to families they work with who are in need.

Find out more

We also welcome gifts for teenagers who are leaving care – including toiletries, gift vouchers and clothes.

You can take your gifts to: • reception, 5 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG • reception, Crowndale Centre, NW1 1BD Or buy presents online and post them to:

he

Ma

yor of Camd en ’s

Christmas toy appeal

Christmas Appeal 2018

• Mayor’s Office, Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD. Please do not wrap your presents, and make sure all toys have the CE mark. Send or bring your gifts by Wednesday 19 December.

camden.gov.uk/toyappeal

Recycling rewards charities We gave £10,000 to local charities this year and have a new group of charities waiting for your votes in the new year.

Our recycling rewards scheme gives you the chance to win vouchers, get discounts in local businesses, and donate to charity for your recycling efforts.

In November, we awarded:

Charities for 2018 to 2019

• £2,500 to Cancer Research UK

Our five charities for next year, as voted for by residents, are:

• £1,500 to Mind In Camden

Every six months we pick five local charities to be in for a cut of £5,000. Our recycling rewards members vote for their favourite charity and that determines how the money is split.

• £500 to NW5 Community Play Project

• Camden Music Trust • Coram’s Fields • Mind In Camden • NW5 Community Play Project • Cancer Research UK. Join the scheme today to get voting for your favourite charities and earn rewards for your recycling.

Find out more

• £250 each to Little Village Camden and Castlehaven Community Association.

camden.gov.uk/recyclingrewards 13

Feature

Free university scholarships We’re offering Camden residents of all ages free undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Birkbeck University and Hult International Business School.

Free university places are offered through the Council’s scholarships scheme and start in September 2019. Applications are now open until the deadline of 31 March 2019. See below to find out more and apply.

Lauren Picton, 38, from King’s Cross, recently gained a distinction in her MSc in International Project Management after completing her postgraduate course through our programme.

The course also helped her to get promoted to project manager at Notting Hill Genesis Housing Association.

“The qualification has enabled me to move into an amazing project manager role and I now work on a large and complex merger project.

I have been able to apply so much of my learning to my new job.”

When Lauren was accepted for a Camden scholarship last year, her postgraduate degree was partfunded. Now all the course fees

for our scholarships scheme are fully covered.

If you’re a Camden resident and you’d love to move onto higher education but are finding the cost a barrier – or you want to take the next step in your career but need another qualification to do so, a Camden scholarship could be for you.

Lauren, who grew up in Camden and now has two children of her own, said: “I had thought about doing a master’s degree for a while, but I wanted to get my son through his GCSEs first.

Also, the cost of a master’s was a barrier for me. I couldn’t really justify spending £10,000 on another degree when I have a young family so the scholarship opportunity came at just the right time.

“I really enjoyed studying again.

It was a different experience from my first degree, as I had 10 years of work experience to draw from, which put my learning into context.

Find out more 14

Lauren Picton, who recently completed her master’s degree with a Camden scholarship

camden.gov.uk/camdenscholarships

economicdevelopment@camden.gov.uk

Feature

Independent and busy We’re using technology to help people in Camden live full and independent lives.

“Life is better since I started using assistive technology.

I feel more secure and safer. It’s incredibly important to me to be independent. I go to the gym three times a week and do judo, plus going to autism social groups – and I’m making an album with my friend.

“My buddi tracker, a GPS device I wear round my neck, lets Mum and Dad know where I am and that I’m safe.”

Loane also has a smoke alarm that’s monitored by Careline, and a pendant bracelet which she wears on her wrist and can press if she falls or needs to talk to someone when she’s at home. These adaptations mean she can now live independently in her own home.

Loane, right, with her mother, Barbara

Technology can help people continue to live in their own homes, keep their independence, feel safe and have choice and control over their lives. It also gives peace of mind to their family and people who care for them. More than 4,000 people in Camden currently use assistive technology provided by our telecare service, Camden Careline.

We offer assistive technology to lots of different people, including those with more complex needs, and those with mental ill-health and learning disabilities.

Find out more

Loane, 27, is blind and has autism and mild learning difficulties, which can make it difficult for her to go out by herself.

Now that she has assistive technology she can get out and about on her own much more easily, and has a busy schedule of activities.

“Once I was on the bus and it got diverted and I didn’t know where I was. Another time I got lost going to pick up a parcel and my phone ran out of battery, so Mum had to call the police.

Loane’s mother, Barbara, had previously given up work to care for Loane, but with the peace of mind assistive technology provides she is now able to have a job.

“I know that when Loane has a problem she can call Careline.

And the buddi tracker is a big reassurance. It works in places without a phone signal. Loane can go out on her own and even if she’s in a taxi I know where she is. I’m trying to step back a little bit and give Loane independence.

Assistive technology lets me do that.”

camden.gov.uk/careline 15

Feature

Be a good neighbour this winter Everybody needs good neighbours – they don’t just become good friends, they help communities thrive, and keep people happier, healthier and safer.

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, it’s more important than ever to look out for each other. Read on to find out how you can be a #camdengoodneighbour

ind out more

Help keep everyone safe Follow these tips to help keep the people living closest to you safer this winter: • Don’t leave packaging, presents or old Christmas trees in communal areas, to prevent falls and to keep exits clear for everyone in the event of a fire. Turn to the back page find out how to recycle your Christmas tree.

Make new friends in your area The winter months can be a lonely time, especially for people who might find it harder to go out when it’s very cold. North London Cares runs Love Your Neighbour, a friendship matching scheme to connect isolated older people with young people in their community, for cups of tea and companionship. If you would like to be matched with someone new in your area visit northlondoncares.org.uk/ love-your-neighbour North London Cares will also be running their outreach project to keep hundreds of older people warm, active and connected this winter. If you’re over 65 they can deliver blankets and warm clothing to your door, give you 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.

Find out more northlondoncares.org.uk 020 7118 3838 16

• Keep candles away from your Christmas tree and all decorations. There should be at least a metre between a lit candle and any material above it.

• Decorations can burn easily so never attach them to lights or heaters.

• Don’t overload sockets and don’t leave fairy lights on when you go to sleep or when you go out.

Find out more

fireservice.co.uk/safety/christmas-safety

Support rough sleepers Do you know how to help if you see someone sleeping rough in your area? If you are worried about someone sleeping rough you can tell us in just a few minutes using the StreetSafe app, by phone or by email. We use this information to send officers to the people sleeping rough and point them to the right service to help them get off the streets.

Download the app by searching ‘Camden safer streets’ on the App Store or Google Play.

Find out more camdensst.com streetsafe@cgl.org.uk 020 7833 7970

Feature

Josephine We’ve known each other for 12 years.

We met outside going in and out of our front doors – I’m a chatterbox anyway!

My late husband Bob was very sociable as well, so we were three sociable people.

It’s important to be a good neighbour because you never know when you’ll need help. When Bob passed on it was very difficult to carry on, but Myrian was always there. I don’t know where I’d be today without her.

Neighbours Josephine and Myrian from South Hampstead

Myrian

Call in on your neighbours Pop in to see your older or vulnerable neighbours to make sure: • they’re safe and well • they’re warm enough, especially at night • they have enough food and medicines so they don’t need to go out during cold weather.

If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, call the Age UK helpline on 0800 055 6112 (8am to 7pm every day) or the Council on 020 7974 4000 (select option 1), or email adultsocialcare@camden.gov.uk Find out more nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/keep-warm-keep-well

Josephine rocks. I’ve faced several health challenges over the last three years and she’s really looked after me, visiting me in hospital, checking if I need any help or shopping once home and even buying me flowers almost weekly for a long time.

We go out for cake, have good banter and fill in each other on what’s going on in the block. We wouldn’t normally be put together – we are different ages with different interests but we see the humanness in each other and that’s what binds us.

Tell us about your good neighbours – tweet your pictures and stories to @CamdenCouncil #camdengoodneighbour or email camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk 17

Feature

New year, new you Simple things you can do to have a happier and healthier 2019, try something new for fun, or make a bigger life change.

Preparing for your new year health kick It can be hard to make changes to improve your health – like giving up smoking or trying to get fitter.

The good news is that small changes can go a long way to helping you feel better and healthier.

Top tips to help you change your habits • Think about why it’s important to change, why do you want to do it? Are you motivated to do this right now?

• Set realistic, time-specific, achievable goals.

• Think about things that may crop up that might stop you progressing and how you would deal with these.

oneyoucamden.org 18

• Keep a diary. Write down your activity. How does your activity today compare to last week? Can you think of reasons why this may be? Are there other changes you need to make in your day to help?

• Get support. There are lots of free services in Camden to help you make changes to your health. Visit the website below to find out more.

• Reward yourself when you have reached your goals.

Feature Dry January Give up drinking alcohol for the first month of the year. Bin booze for 31 days, feel better and save money.

You can also track your drinking all year round by dowloading the Dry January app. dryjanuary.org.uk

Learn something new in 2019

Be more active The new year is the perfect time to fit in some more physical activity.

Camden’s leisure centres have a range of different activities for all ages, with concessionary prices available. From free swimming for over 60s (weekdays between 7am and 12 noon) and junior gym sessions to women-only swim and gym sessions, there are plenty of opportunities to get more active at our centres.

If leisure centres aren’t for you, then there are plenty of activities that are free or low cost, as well as local sports clubs that can offer you lots of opportunities to be active, meet new people and find something you love. You can find more organised sessions at your local community centres or get out into your local parks and open spaces with scenic walks and cycle routes.

See the websites below and our listings on pages 28 and 29 for free and low-cost activities, including

holiday activities for children and families. You can also turn the page for information on our Rebalance weight and exercise programme. camden.gov.uk/active better.org.uk/camden

Learn something new Learn at your own pace in friendly, informal community venues across the borough. Choose from free courses in basic computing, beginner’s English, family learning, preparing for employment, and more. The next enrolment day is on Tuesday 8 January, 9am to 4pm at either Richard Cobden Learning Centre, Camden Street, NW1 0LJ or the Adult Learning Centre, Netley Campus, 74 Stanhope Street, NW1 3EX. camden.gov.uk/adultlearning adultlearning@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 2148

Feven is a Camden foster carer: fostering a child can be life-changing and rewarding

Become a foster carer Have you got space in your heart and home to care for a Camden child? Find out more at one of our monthly fostering information sessions at the Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street. The next ones take place on Thursday, 10 January and Thursday, 7 February, from 5pm to 6.30pm. Email us or call to book your place. camden.gov.uk/fostering fostering@camden.gov.uk 0800 028 1436 19

Feature

Get active in 2019 Is losing weight or being more active one of your New Year’s Resolutions? Start the New Year right with a weight management and exercise programme that suits you.

We have two free 12-week programmes: Rebalance and Exercise on Referral. Both programmes include a meeting with a health coach where you’ll discuss your goals and agree an action plan. You’ll also find out the locations of activities that run in your local area. Once you’ve completed either programme, you’ll be eligible for reduced price gym membership at any Better leisure centre in Camden or Islington.

Rebalance Rebalance is a weight management and exercise programme that helps people over a certain Body Mass Index lose weight and take control of their lifestyle. You can sign up yourself at the website below.

Exercise on Referral Exercise on Referral (EOR) focuses on supporting people with health or medical conditions back into exercise and fitness. To take part you must be referred by your GP or a health care professional.

Flo’s story: Flo joined the EOR programme after having knee surgery.

“After surgery I was on crutches for 10 weeks and had physio sessions. When I was ready to Find out more 20

Flo got back into exercise after an operation with our Exercise on Referral programme

start exercising I went to my local gym and explained my situation.

They recommended the EOR programme. It sounded fantastic – exactly the level of support I needed to ease me back into exercise.

“I’m naturally an active person and exercised regularly before my injury. After the surgery, I was frustrated that I wasn’t able to exercise for a while. I’m definitely much happier when I feel active.

“I visited my GP and he referred me to the programme. Within two days I received a call and went for my first meeting – it was really encouraging. I spoke to an instructor about my situation, we

camden.gov.uk/rebalance

came up with an action plan and they advised me what exercises I should try.

“The team were brilliant and so supportive. They listened to me and helped me to slowly build up a regime. I didn’t want to rush my recovery so they suggested exercises that would help to strengthen my knee at a pace that was comfortable.

“I took part in a variety of classes and this kept me really motivated.

I’ve now signed up to the gym and still attend classes. The programme has helped my recovery massively. I even ran for a bus for the first time the other day, which felt great.”

camden.gov.uk/exerciseonreferral

Feature

Camden marks Remembrance Day The restoration of a historic war memorial was completed in time for Remembrance Day, and events across the borough marked the day.

During November the Mayor, Councillor Jenny Headlam-Wells and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Maryam Eslamdoust laid wreaths at services of remembrance in churches and schools across the borough. The Mayor also took part in a beacon lighting ceremony. The Camden beacon was one of over 1,000 lit across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Commemorative mosaic At Camden’s Konstam Nursery for under-fives in Highgate, a new commemorative mosaic by artist Tessa Hunkin was unveiled. The nursery is in a building which was used as a health clinic shortly after World War One. Based on

archive photos, the mosaic depicts the clinic not long after it opened.

The artwork was commissioned and unveiled by Romola Jane, the granddaughter of the clinic founders.

Writer and former Guardian journalist Madeleine Bunting, Romola Jane’s daughter, said: “My great-grandparents, Emily and Rudolf Konstam, decided after the First World War to fund a health clinic for children in the then dire slum of Highgate New Town, in north London, in memory of their sons Norman and Jack who were both killed in the war. It was for minor operations, convalescence and general outpatient services. It was in operation for 40 years until it was handed over to Camden Council in 1967.”

Romola Jane unveils the new mosaic at Konstam Nursery

Restored memorial on Chenies Street

Restored memorial As part of Camden’s West End Project, the Grade II listed war memorial on Chenies Street, just off Tottenham Court Road, has been restored. The memorial commemorates the men of the 12th County of London Regiment who lost their lives during both World Wars. Camden has worked in partnership with the Just Rifles Charity and the leaseholders, Iron Mountain, to deliver a range of works to both restore the memorial and improve its surroundings.

Funding secured by Just Rifles, from the War Memorial Trust, paid for specialist work to renew the lettering on the mural itself.

New fencing was installed by Iron Mountain, while Camden removed a parking space in front, and laid York stone paving around the memorial. A Remembrance Day service took place at the memorial and Just Rifles will be holding a rededication service in 2019.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/westendproject 21

Feature

Another year of investment Starting with a celebration of 273 new homes on Maiden Lane and 75 at the Bourne Estate, 2018 has been a busy year for the Community Investment Programme.

We’ve been working hard all year, making progress on major building projects and continuing to deliver council homes, schools and community facilities across the borough. We’re funding each of these developments through the sale of newly built homes and underused council buildings, working in partnership with the community from design to delivery – to prioritise benefits for local people.

More council homes for Camden

The summer also saw completion of 14 new council homes on Camden Street. The new block of flats, named after former St Pancras and Somers Town ward councillor, Peter Brayshaw, marked the end of the wider Plender Street and Camden Street development. In addition to the new homes, the scheme included new sports pitches for the community at Richard Cobden School and a brand new building for St Pancras Community Centre that opened in 2016.

Investing in learning In March we held an official opening for the new Kingsgate Primary school building. At the event, head teacher Liz Hayward said: “The new learning environment is spacious, bright and calm, teachers can already see a hugely positive impact on the way children learn.”

Through the Community Investment Programme we aim to build to the highest quality and best designs.

Over the spring, the first families moved into their new homes on Agar Grove, the largest single development in the Community Investment Programme. This first phase included 38 new council homes, replacing ageing stock with modern, spacious and energy-efficient flats. Mrs Qorri, who moved into a new fourbedroom property with her family said, “It’s perfect for me and perfect for my family. Never did we expect we’d ever be anywhere so good, it’s like a dream come true.”

By the end of the estate rejuvenation, the Community Investment Programme will have funded 216 council homes on Agar Grove and 37 at affordable Camden Living rents. The next phase of the development is now underway.

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Headteacher, Head teacher,Liz LizHayward, Hayward,right, right,with withCouncillor CouncillorAngela Angela and Mason Mason children and children at Kingsgate at Kingsgate PrimaryPrimary School School

Feature This was recognised in May, when the Royal Institute of British Architects awarded Kingsgate prestigious London Design and National Design awards.

Later in the year, sixth formers from Parliament Hill and William Ellis schools moved into the new LaSWAP building on Highgate Road. The new facilities offer a study space with a campus feel, providing opportunities to learn more independently and ready students for the university experience. The Community Investment Programme also funded the refurbishment of classrooms at William Ellis School, with pupils returning after the October half-term to new music and drama facilities.

types of care needs. Camden’s first Centre for Independent Living will also be based at Greenwood, empowering disabled residents to live independently, with more control over their lives. In addition, space will be available to the local community, including a cafe and art studios where evening classes can be held.

2019 will also see a new school building for Edith Neville Primary in Somers Town, as well as new facilities for Plot 10 Community Play Project that have only been

possible thanks to discussions with the Somers Town community.

When our 15-year Community Investment Programme comes to an end we’ll have built 1,100 council homes and 300 at genuinely affordable Camden Living Rents, invested in 48 schools and built or improved 9000m2 of community facilities. These investments are key to keeping our communities together.

An exciting start to 2019 In Kilburn, the first phase of the Abbey area regeneration is nearing completion. The three new blocks include 66 new council homes as well as homes for sale which will help cover the costs of the next stage of works and new shops. Future works will include further improvements to the local area, such as new play areas and green spaces for residents to enjoy.

The new Greenwood Centre was completed in autumn, and special transitionary sessions are being held in there ahead of the official opening in the new year. The centre will be home to a range of day services accommodating all Find out more

New homes on Agar Grove

camden.gov.uk/cip 23

Feature

This month, our spending plans for local public services will be discussed by the Council’s Cabinet.

As your council, we’re proud to provide local public services that support our communities. But we are facing a huge financial challenge.

Despite increased spending pressures and rising demand, since 2010 our funding from the government has been cut by 49% and we’ve had to make £169 million in savings. This has been incredibly hard to do while striving to protect frontline services.

By 2022 we’ll need to save a further estimated £35-40 million from our annual budget. This includes saving £23 million in 2019/20.

Even with our history of carefully managing money, there are no easy choices left. Our plans, which will be discussed at our December Cabinet meeting, set out how we intend to make these necessary savings over the next three years.

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How we’ll make savings: a focus on residents Our focus is on providing the most efficient services with the best value for money and outcomes for citizens. However, to keep our services going we need to adapt, which means some of our services may look quite different in future to how they do now.

There will be difficult decisions to make, but our community priorities will be at the heart of everything we do. Our Camden Plan sets out how we as an organisation will support our community’s ambitions up to 2025, and these principles will help inform our decisions.

Here are some of our key values and how they will help us to make savings while focusing on priorities.

Preventing problems We can save money by recognising and tackling issues early. This ranges from taking a preventative approach to youth safety, support into adulthood and getting people into work, and encouraging people to be more active.

Our emphasis is on making sure residents can get the support they need, while also meaning they don’t have to rely on costly services later on. But this does mean that we will not be able to fund everything we have done.

Joining up services We plan to join up some similar services to avoid duplication and reduce costs. This may involve delivering services differently, for example reviewing the number and type of services we can support.

Feature Next steps The report with our plans will be discussed by councillors with responsibility for all of the affected areas at a Cabinet meeting on 12 December.

The report will state which decisions are to be taken that night, which plans will continue to be developed, and which plans will require local engagement or consultation before a decision is taken.

There will be plenty of opportunities to help shape decisions – visit our website to keep up to date as work progresses.

An example of this approach is to join up services to better support adults with multiple and complex needs.

Working together Teaming up with partners is one way we can keep our costs down while continuing to provide services, for instance, by redesigning community spaces to make the best use of facilities, while considering whether underused spaces are still needed.

information in new ways to make sure services are focused where they’re needed most.

This is a difficult time, but through everything we do, we’re committed to protecting strong public services, supporting our most vulnerable residents, and making sure Camden is a place where nobody gets left behind.

We’re also committed to involving residents in the difficult decisions ahead.

Improving technology Making better use of technology and improving our internal systems is key to helping us make savings long-term. We plan to transform how residents contact the Council, including through our new, more user-friendly website, to help you get what you need the first time you contact us. We also want to make services such as recycling and cleaning up streets more efficient, for example by gathering

Find out more

While these decisions are being made, we continue to urge the government to commit to providing long-term funding for local public services. Councils and other public services across London and the country are at tipping point and can only plug the gap for so long.

Visit our website to find out how we’re standing up for Camden.

Why do you have to make these savings?

Watch our video Visit our website below to watch a short animated video explaining why and how we are making the decisions around savings.

camden.gov.uk/financialchallenge 25

Feature

Reduce your festive food waste Don’t let your food go to waste this Christmas – be sure to shop smart and make the most of the food you buy.

The Christmas period is upon us, a time to enjoy the tinsel, trees and treats.

But while we enjoy the celebrations, the season can create a lot more food waste than usual. With that in mind, here are our tips and advice on how to reduce your waste, and make the most of your festive food this Christmas.

Keeping your fridge below 5°C means milk and other food items can last up to three days longer.

Food waste accounts for 28% of the rubbish people throw away compared with 9% plastic.

The average family could save £70 a month by cutting the amount of food it wastes that’s over £800 per year. You could make seven extra meals every week by saying goodbye to unnecessary food waste.

Make a list, check it twice…

Make your food go further

One of the main reasons food gets wasted is because it’s gone off, so make sure you’re fully prepared. Save cash and time in the aisles by making a list and only buying what you need

Preparing too much is another reason that a lot of our food goes to waste. Make your food go further and feed your freezer with any leftovers that you’re not going to use. You can safely freeze most foods right up to the use-by date.

Turn your peelings into power!

Many homes in Camden can recycle their unavoidable food waste. It’s quick, easy and good for the environment too!

Your food waste goes to special processing plants where your peelings (and other recyclable food) gets turned into power for homes and communities.

Visit our website to find out more about our food waste campaign along with lots of helpful tips and links to order your food waste caddy: camden.gov.uk/food Find out more 26

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

020 3567 8105

Feature

Recycle right this Christmas With all of the extra food and gifts over the festive season please remember to recycle as much as you can.

Follow our ‘naughty and nice’ lists to make sure you’re recycling the right items.

Nice list

✘ Naughty list

Nice list Clean food trays (no food residue, grease, liquid). We accept both clean plastic and metal trays.

Real Christmas trees – take a look at the back page for more information on how you can recycle your Christmas tree.

Cards and paper – ones without glitter can go in with your mixed recycling.

Put your turkey carcass into your food waste caddy, but remember to break it up first.

Recycle old clothes, batteries and small electrical items from your doorstep by ordering bags online at camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish 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 ✘ ✘ ✘ ✘

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

Dirty paper cups and plates. Try to use crockery instead to help the environment and reduce waste.

Sweet wrappers and crisp packets.

Polystyrene and bubble wrap.

Make it an extra green Christmas this year with the Camden Recycling Rewards scheme.

Earn green points and the chance of a voucher for your recycling.

Find out more at camden.localgreenpoints.com Don’t forget to visit our website to order your free extra recycling bags for over the festive period.

27

Listings

All activities are free unless otherwise specified.

Arts and culture

Community

A Great Garden of Death 1 to 21 December See website for opening times An exhibition of Highgate Cemetery in archive images.

Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre, 2nd Floor, Holborn Library, 32–38 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PA camden.gov.uk/localstudies localstudies@camden.gov.uk

Game Over Friday 14 December 7 to 11pm Retro games night with music. Get ready to be entertained with consoles such as Nintendo Wii and Sega, and board games, ping pong and a DJ. Holborn Library, 32–38 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA £6, booking essential eventbrite.co.uk and search for ‘Game Over’

Master Class: Haroon Mirza 30 January 2019 7pm Public lecture by guest artist Haroon Mirza who will be talking about his practice.

Free, booking essential Zabludowicz Collection, 176 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3PT zabludowiczcollection.com info@zabludowiczcollection.com All that I am Capable of Becoming: Women of Hampstead To 31 March New exhibition celebrating the women of Hampstead.

Burgh House and Hampstead Museum, New End Square, NW3 1LT burghhouse.org.uk whatson@burghhouse.org.uk Kindertransport curator’s talk 13 December and 10 January, 3pm The behind-the-scenes stories of the Kindertransport refugees.

The Jewish Museum London, 129–131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk/event admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk Living with Buildings: Health and Architecture To 3 March Tuesday to Sunday, see website for times How does our built environment affect us?

Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE wellcomecollection.org/whats-on 020 7611 2222

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Christmas in the Garden at Hatton Garden To 20 December Christmas lights, on-street entertainment, mulled wine, chestnuts, choirs, handbells, candy canes, games and more.

Hatton Garden, EC1 hatton-garden.london 07939 368 146 Free ESOL Classes Saturdays during term time to 9 March 2019 1.30 to 3.30pm Come along and improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills – beginners’ class (pre-entry). Creche available.

The Caraf Centre, 27–30 Cheriton, Queen’s Crescent, NW5 4EZ thecarafcentre.co.uk 020 7284 0030 (Akhita) Holocaust Memorial Day Event (BSL interpreted) 24 January 6.30pm Join the annual Holocaust Memorial Day event at the Jewish Museum to remember the millions murdered in the Holocaust and killed under the Nazi regime.

The Jewish Museum London, 129–131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk/event admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk

People’s fruit and veg stall Fridays, 10am to 3pm Low-cost fruit and veg stall at Chalton Street market. Come along and stock up on fruit and veg for Christmas at great prices. There are also volunteering and work experience opportunities with training available. NHS Healthy start vouchers accepted.

Chalton Street, NW1 joned@thelivingcentre.org 020 7380 0453 Camden and Islington January 2019 Volunteering Fair Thursday 31 January 12 to 2pm Meet organisations recruiting volunteers in Camden and Islington. Drop-in.

Voluntary Action Islington, 200a Pentonville Road, N1 9JP volunteercentrecamden.org.uk info@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

Families Fostering information sessions Thursday 6 December, Thursday 10 January 5 to 6.30pm Open evening to find out more about fostering and the process of becoming a foster carer in Camden.

The Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD camden.gov.uk/fostering fostering@camden.gov.uk Castlehaven WINTERFEST Friday 14 December 2018 2pm to 8pm A festive day for everyone – featuring an ice rink, Father Christmas grotto, children’s rides, bouncy castle and more.

Castlehaven Community Association, Hawley Road (paved area), NW1 8RU castlehaven.org.uk 020 7485 3386 info@castlehaven.org.uk Hoot Owl: Master of Disguise Saturday 8 December 10.30am Meet Hoot Owl, a crafty bird with a talent

Listings for cunning camouflage. Come along for a show based on the picture book by Sean Taylor and Jean Jullien, followed by a free arts and crafts session. £8.50 single, £6.50 concessions.

Family tickets available Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, N6 5HG lauderdalehouse.ticketsolve.com enquiries@lauderdale.org.uk Cats on the Page To Sunday 17 March 2019 Opening times vary: please see website for details Exhibition celebrating cats and their capers through the rhymes, games and original illustrations from the pages of favourite feline stories. See website for events inspired by the exhibition.

The British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB bl.uk/events 01937 546546

Get active Tags swimming Second and fourth Mondays of the month Please email for times Tags swimming is a safe swimming space for the trans and gender non-conforming community.

Please email before attending. £3.85 Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre, 4a Adelaide Road, NW3 3NF camden.gov.uk/leisure Email robertatrans21@gmail.com New year sports camp 2 January to 4 January 9am to 4.30pm: eight to 14s 9 to 10.30am: four to sevens Sports camp for young people. Mini gymnastics for four to seven year-olds in the mornings; eight to 14 yearolds can join us for the whole day for sports activities including, trampoline, football, table tennis and gymnastics.

Please email for more information, to

find out how to register and for costs.

Concessions are available.

Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF sportsdevelopment@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 8754/8763 Brunswick Square gardening First Saturday of the month 10am to 12 noon Green gym session: tools provided but bring your own gloves please.

All are welcome. Please email to say you’re coming.

Meet by the Foundling Museum gate, Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AN tcv.org.uk/camden lucymstewart@gmail.com JW3 ice rink To 6 January 2019 See website for opening days and times 200m2 skating rink with a 70-person capacity in the piazza of the JW3 community centre for all to enjoy. £13 adults, £8 child; £15 adults, £9.50 child on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 341–351 Finchley Road, NW3 6ET jw3.org.uk/visit-us 020 7433 8988 Learn to cycle Various dates and times Two-day training courses for adults at two levels: ‘learn to cycle’ for beginners, and ‘building cycle confidence’ to prepare for riding on the road.

Booking essential.

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

Older people Ageing better in Camden Thursdays 10am to 12 noon Weekly creative workshops for all women over 60, including gardening, singing,

creative writing, storytelling, art, exercise and more, as well as a variety of regular outings. £10 annual membership fee Henna Asian Women’s Group, Abbey Community Centre, 222c Belsize Road, NW6 4DJ hennaorg.co.uk 020 7372 9860 hennaasianwomengroup@gmail.com Over-50s social club Mondays 1pm to 3pm Weekly over-50s social club for South Asian women. A range of health organisations visit to talk about different health and social issues. £10 annual membership fee Henna Asian Women’s Group, Abbey Community Centre, 222c Belsize Road, NW6 4DJ hennaorg.co.uk 020 7372 9860 hennaasianwomengroup@gmail.com KOVE walk for older people Wednesday 12 December 1.30pm Kilburn Older Voices Exchange explores West Hampstead, followed by a Christmas tea.

Meet at the Little Waitrose on West End Green kove.org.uk 07973 845285 Consultations and focus groups for older people Various times, dates and locations For older people who are interested in having their say in local consultations or focus groups in Camden on a wide range of issues.

Email or call to join the contact list.

Ageing Better in Camden, Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1–6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA ageingbetterincamden.org.uk 020 7239 0700

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.

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Feature

Community benefits from the Camden Fund The £3.5 million Camden Fund has now supported 12 local projects that will help mitigate the impact of HS2.

We secured money from HS2 Ltd to provide support to our communities during construction of the new high-speed railway.

Worth £3.5 million over two years, the fund is run by Camden Giving and will support local people and community projects in the area affected by HS2 works.

Projects are considered against the three goals of the Camden Fund: encouraging residents to look after their health and wellbeing, bringing residents together to create new relationships, and growing and strengthening the voluntary sector in the borough.

Projects that have received grants so far include a community-led garden, family support service and youth-led football programme.

Each project was chosen because they have a clear mission to help communities remain happy, healthy and together during HS2 construction, and the variety will ensure that a wide range of residents will see the benefits of the money.

Find out more

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Women & Health are creating a new community garden for local people to learn about how gardening can be part of a healthy and active life. They’ll be offering courses on caring for plants and gardens, healthy cooking and eating, as well as providing a green gym and advice on managing stress.

Pro Touch SA operates football programmes across London, including in Camden, and provides opportunities for young people to access football training and education in a safe and engaging environment. The group aim to build confidence, team-building skills and leadership among young people who are under 16.

Elfrida Rathbone Camden supports vulnerable families, helping them to access services and opportunities they might have difficulty getting to. Their network of volunteer Community Connectors will help families engage with new creative and social activities in the borough.

The deadline for projects to be considered for the January Camden Fund panel decision is 4 January 2019. Camden Council and Camden Giving encourage anyone who has a project that they think would meet the criteria to apply, or to get in touch with any questions.

Opportunities for young people to access football training

camdengiving.org.uk/thecamdenfund

My Camden Nassar Ali is Chief Executive of the Bengali Workers’ Association catering and hospitality industry. And our ‘Mix it!’ group for young people is renowned all over Camden for showcasing social issues through dance, drama, song and spoken word performances.

Favourite place in Camden and why?

Nassar Ali

What’s your Camden connection?

I am a lifelong Camden resident. I grew up and have lived in the Regent’s Park Estate all my life.

Although I have worked in other areas of London, I always feel the pull of Camden and now work in Camden too.

Tell us about your work or volunteering in Camden The Bengali Workers’ Association, also known as the Surma Centre, is a vibrant community

centre in the Regent’s Park Estate. Our vision is to have a healthy, happy, prosperous and connected community that is in control of its wellbeing and whose members actively support each other, regardless of their background.

This includes services for all age groups: a dynamic youth club, advice and advocacy, and an older people’s service for those who are most isolated and lonely. Our lunch club is popular, providing subsidised lunch to the community and training local people for the

Regent’s Park is a stone’s throw away from where I live and work. It has so much to offer for everyone, not least our health walk project, which organises regular walks to the park to enjoy the tranquillity and scenery all year round.

What makes Camden special?

The unique social and cultural blend of Camden has helped communities to be resilient in times of adversity.

What are you most proud of?

We are proud to have dedicated staff at the Surma Centre, leading by example, involving volunteers in all aspects of our work, and making it a beacon of the community. All who work and volunteer in the charity sector have to have a passion to make a difference.

Regent’s Park

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

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

Find out more

bwa-surma.org 31

Be a n this angel C and hristm a r righ ecycle s t!

‘Tis the Season toTreecycle

It’s free and easy to recycle your real Christmas tree in Camden.

Collection sites will be open across the borough during the first two weeks of January.

Find your nearest location online at:

camden.gov.uk/christmastree call: 020 3567 8105 or follow local signage.

Your rubbish and recycling may not be collected on its usual day over the festive period. For details of how your collection may be affected please see page 7 or check the Camden website.

Dumping your tree on the street is fly-tipping, which can lead to a

£200 penalty.

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP