Camden magazine July / August 2016

Your guide to council services | July/August 2016

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Inside

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

It is printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources.

Digital edition Go to camden.gov.uk/ camden to find out how to access our digital magazine 2 | Camden | July/August 2016

Argyle Primary School pupils brighten up Euston Road

Website: camden.gov.uk Email: camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk Twitter: @camdentalking Communications team Camden Council Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE

Distribution from 7 July 2016 Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: 020 7974 5717 Costs 15 pence a copy to produce.

Cover image: Nicky Bamber

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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10

News in focus Festival in the park Event for dogs and owners

8-10

News in brief Be scam aware Saturday GP appointments Home improvement guide Moving on to secondary school

Improvements ahead for the West End

12-13

11

Feature

Housing and Planning Act summary

14-15 Feature

Creating jobs and apprenticeships

Centre pages

Learn to cook at Camden Summer University

Š Richard Stewart

16

Pull-out special

Summer activities around the borough

18-19 Feature

Standing together against domestic abuse

26-27 Volunteers make Olympic event a success

Financial challenge Update on our funding 3

Mo needs more support at home but his family refuse outside help.

His health is getting worse.*

No one has to suffer in silence Put a stop to abuse Call in confidence any time 020 7974 4000 and select option 1

There were 40,885 cases of adult neglect in 2014/15 *Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust

Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Say

The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Camden Clinical Commissioning Group

camden.gov.uk/asg 4 | Camden | July/August 2016

to ab us

e

Welcome

to the July / August edition of the Camden magazine

But we know we are strong in Camden, and when the borough comes together, we are more than a match for any challenge.

In the immediate aftermath, our priority is to continue to support our residents and businesses and celebrate and support our diverse communities.

Councillor Sarah Hayward Leader of the Council

A

s we go to print we’ve just had the results of the EU referendum. We had record numbers of residents registered to vote, which was very encouraging.

Camden councillors overwhelmingly supported staying in the EU - a sentiment shared by the majority of our own residents - so I am very disappointed that the majority of voters nationally have opted to leave. Undoubtedly this result will present challenges for Camden.

We are still waiting for the Government to confirm the details of how the Housing and Planning Act will work. The Council has voted to maintain our opposition to the proposals in the Act. We think that changes such as introducing fixed term tenancies for council tenants, increasing rents for some tenants, and introducing a levy which will potentially force councils to sell off council homes are bad for Camden. We’ll be working with the new Mayor of London to persuade the Government to make changes that will make things better and not worse. There’s more detail on this on pages 12 and 13.

We continue to build homes around the borough through our Community Investment Programme. This involves investing in schools, homes, and community facilities across the borough.

We’re also using it as a way to create job opportunities for local people. Working with our contractors, we’ve already created 180 apprenticeships and 131 work placements through the Community Investment Programme. You can meet two of our apprentices from the Bourne Estate project on pages 14 and 15.

On pages 26 and 27 you can read about the latest phase of our highly successful ‘Know’ campaign, raising awareness about domestic abuse. Know You’re Not Alone highlights the fact that abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or culture. In this issue we talk about abuse in LGBT relationships, with one resident sharing his personal story. There are also details of what to do if you are experiencing any kind of domestic abuse, or know someone who is.

Finally, this is our July / August double issue and in the middle you’ll find our summer supplement – packed full of great things to do in Camden. I hope you enjoy the magazine, and can get out and enjoy Camden too this summer.

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News in focus

Festival in the park

A community festival in King’s Cross highlights the link between mental health and homelessness.

Four in ten people sleeping rough in London are struggling with mental ill health, according to research by St Mungo’s homelessness charity.

The St Mungo’s report also found that this figure rises to more than half of rough sleepers across the UK and that rough sleepers with a mental health problem end up on the streets for longer.

Building bridges As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2016, St Mungo’s organised a community festival in Camley Street Natural Park, King’s Cross, which was attended by around 300 people.

The event was open to the local community as well as St Mungo’s clients. Entertainment included DJs and live music from Key Changes music therapy, music workshops, stand-up comedy and juggling.

There was also a barbecue and a chance to paint on a graffiti wall.

Several of the activities were run by St Mungo’s staff, along with people who live in local temporary and supported accommodation provided by the charity.

6 | Camden | July/August 2016

Ruth Brown, singer with Key Changes

Salino Faro from St Mungo’s, said: “This was the second year we have organised this event to bring our clients, staff, supporters and the community together. The idea was to break down some of the barriers around mental health and we chose Camley Street park because of the natural surroundings. The theme was relationships with each other and nature.

“We invited other local services so that our clients could find out what support is available, and to build bridges in the community to help them live independently when they leave our hostels.”

Dawn, who lives in a St Mungo’s hostel in Camden, said: “I love these events. I have talked to someone about photography, tried some flower arranging and will stay to hear some of the music.”

Tackling rough sleeping St Mungo’s works with the Council to provide range of supported housing for people with mental health needs in Camden, enabling them to develop skills to live independently and find their own tenancies.

We also fund a service, the Camden Safer Streets Team, which works with people sleeping rough in the borough to provide them with the help and support they need.

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

News in focus

Park event for dogs and owners If you’re a dog owner and you’d like help with training, or advice about behaviour, our free dog event is for you.

We’ll be running an event at Kilburn Grange park from 11am to 3pm on 13 August with free expert advice and some goodies to be given away. Staff from The Dog Hub will be there, offering tips on responsible dog ownership and giving out dog handling advice. If you’ve got a question about your dog, we’ll try to help, or point you towards more information. Do pop along for a chat with a dog expert.

Susan Close from The Dog Hub says: “Our training can help make your dog calm and well-behaved – a pleasure to live with.”

Does your dog need a microchip?

Since 6 April this year, all dogs over the age of eight weeks have had to be microchipped by law and the owner’s contact details kept up to date. If you haven’t got around to having your dog microchipped yet, the dog event is a great opportunity, as the Mayhew Animal Centre will be there offering free microchipping for your dog.

If your dog has a microchip but you’ve moved recently, they’ll also be able to advise you about updating your contact details.

Your views on dogs If you’re not a dog owner but you want to talk to us about a dog problem, you’re welcome to drop by and talk to us too. Our consultation on irresponsible dog ownership is also open until 22 July – visit the website to give your views.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/dogs camden.gov.uk/ dogcontrolconsultation thedoghub.co.uk

Correction: in our March 2016 magazine, a feature entitled ‘Is extra care housing right for you?’ incorrectly stated that Peter Allan Campbell’s sister had passed away. We apologise for this error and for any upset and inconvenience caused to Mr Campbell and his family.

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News in brief July is scams awareness month It is estimated that UK consumers are losing £5 billion a year to mass marketed scams.

spot scams and report them throughout July.

Scams are schemes to con you out of your money. You can be scammed through the post, on the phone, via text message or from someone on your doorstep. The good news is that scams can be tackled if we spot the signs and share what we learn with others.

We are warning people to be on their guard and will be supporting Citizens Advice and our trading standards service to help people

• You shouldn’t have to pay to get a prize

Spotting the signs • Be suspicious if you are contacted out of the blue

• Your bank will never ask you for your PIN number or full password • Neither your bank nor the police will ever attend your home to collect cash, PIN numbers, bank cards or chequebooks • Say no to uninvited sellers coming to your door. Politely say ‘no thanks’ and close the door.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Find out more citizensadvice.org.uk 03454 04 05 06

Saturday GP appointments now available All Camden patients can now request a Saturday GP or nurse appointment at one of three locations in Camden.

The service is aimed at people who find it difficult to visit their GP surgery during normal opening hours.

Shira Rotem from Bloomsbury has attended a Saturday appointment.

She said: “I think it’s great. My GP doesn’t do Saturday appointments and I work during the week. When you are sick you don’t want to wait a week to be seen – being able to come on a Saturday really helps.”

Dr Stephen Yaxley, a GP at James 8 | Camden | July/August 2016

Wigg Practice in Kentish Town, has provided some of the appointments.

He said: “We know that people want better access to GP services and these appointments can really help patients who struggle to get to their own surgery during the week, due to work or other important commitments.

“Saturday appointments also have the potential to reduce pressure on A&E and other urgent care services, by creating more opportunities for people to see a GP or nurse at a time that’s convenient for them.”

You make a Saturday appointment in the usual way through your own GP surgery. If one is available, it will be booked between 9am and 1pm at one of three locations:

• South Camden Centre for Health, Euston • West Hampstead Medical Centre • Hampstead Group Practice.

Find out more camdenccg.nhs.uk/ saturdayappointments

News in brief Love your home and want to improve it? Swap your home You can get free impartial advice on renovations from our building control team.

Our new free guide can help you through the renovation process. It advises you on when you’re likely to need planning permission or building regulations consent. It explains the difference between these two processes and what each involves.

The guide gives tips on employing builders to work for you and looks at topics such as replacing windows, building conservatories,

rewiring, insulation and structural changes. There is also a section on the additional standards that must be met for housing in multiple occupation, for example where a house has been split into bedsits.

You can read the guide online and printed copies are available in Camden libraries or by email from building control team.

Find out more guidetorenovatingyourhome. co.uk/camden building.control@camden.gov.uk

Moving on

Find out about the high quality education on offer at Camden’s secondary schools.

If you have a child who is just about to start year 6 at primary school, you need to apply for a secondary school place for autumn 2017.

Applications open on 1 September 2016 and close on 31 October.

To find out more about what our secondary schools can offer your child, visit the schools on their open days and evenings in September and October.

You can also come to the moving on to secondary school event for parents of year 5 and year

If you’re a council or housing association tenant, swapping your home could be the easiest way to move.

Most council and housing association tenants can exchange properties, provided their landlords give approval – and it could be a really fast way to move into a different property. Last year, over 300 households in Camden moved through a mutual exchange.

We recently held a home swap event in Camden Town. Over 130 residents came along to look into moving to a bigger property, downsizing, or just living somewhere new. Attendees shared a profile of their property with other residents. They were also able to register their interest in home swapping and get advice from housing experts.

6 primary pupils on Thursday 15 September. You will need to register for the event online.

Mr Ahmed, who was looking for a bigger space for his children, said: “It was really good to see what’s on offer. I am hoping I can move within my area and stay close to my children’s school.”

From September, local group Meet the Parents will also host informal discussions where primary school parents can find out more about nearby secondary schools.

We’ll be holding similar home swap events later this year, and you can also sign up to Home Swapper, a website for people looking to swap their homes.

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/admissions c amden.gov.uk/movingon2016 meettheparents.info

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/mutualexchange homeswapper.co.uk 020 7974 1237 9

News in brief Improvements to Gower Street

Transforming the West End Our changes in the West End will make the Tottenham Court Road area safer and more attractive for everyone, boosting business and creating six new or improved open spaces.

The project was approved by our Cabinet in 2015. Since then we have been working on the detail of how the streets and public spaces will look and operate when the project is complete. Over the

past few months utility companies such as British Telecom have been working on Gower Street to adjust or move their equipment so that we can build a stepped cycle lane.

The main construction work has begun. London Underground is currently working at St Giles, and we will be continuing the work at the Earnshaw Street – New Oxford Street junction. Work will start on Gower Street, Tottenham Court

Road and Princes Circus in October 2016.

If you want to be kept up to date on works taking place, then please email Rena Toufexis to subscribe to our e-newsletter.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/westendproject rena.toufexis@camden.gov.uk

Rubbish and recycling collections August bank holiday 2016 Don’t forget it’s not long until the summer bank holiday. Rubbish and recycling collections will take place one day later than usual in the week beginning Monday 29 August. There will not be a collection on Monday 29 August.

Thank you for recycling.

Normal collection day

Revised collection day

Monday 29 August

Tuesday 30 August

Tuesday 30 August

Wednesday 31 August

Wednesday 31 August

Thursday 1 September

Thursday 1 September

Friday 2 September

Friday 2 September

Saturday 3 September

For more information visit camden.gov.uk/waste

camden.gov.uk/recycling 10 | Camden | July/August 2016

Feature

A summer of creativity, learning and fun Camden Summer University offers residents aged 13 to 19 fantastic free courses hosted by some of London’s biggest names.

This year there are more than 70 courses on offer. Booking has opened - there are still places available, so don’t miss out. Courses run from 25 July to 26 August and we have picked a few highlights here to give you a taste of what’s on offer.

Many courses lead to recognised accreditations to add to your CV.

Dance

Includes a six-day hip hop dance course at the Wellcome Collection, led by a professional choreographer and dancer from ZooNation Dance Company.

Drama

Drama class at the Summer University

Fashion

Jewellery design, T-shirt printing, make-up masterclass, hairdressing and braiding and an intensive fashion class led by a professional pattern cutter and designer.

Cookery

Caribbean cookery, cake-baking, nutrition and kitchen skills.

Drawing and painting

Includes portraiture, still life and landscapes. Courses are led by professional artists and venues include Central Saint Martins arts college.

Several highly-rated drama courses are on offer, including a week at the world-famous Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

Journalism

Motorcycling and mechanics

Sports

Carry out your own motorcycle maintenance and spend a day riding offsite.

Write articles, hone your interview skills and techniques, and learn to edit your work to strict deadlines.

Variety of sports sessions, run by professional coaches.

Music production

Work with an experienced composer and producer to develop new skills, gain an understanding of music production software and get insider information on the music industry.

Film-making

Explore video graphics or make a thought-provoking documentary on a topical issue. Your work will be screened at the British Museum.

Animation

Discover stop-motion animation, create clay models and use computer software packages to produce a short animation with a soundtrack.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/summeruniversity 020 7619 3903 11

Feature

Housing Act: summary Camden Council is opposed to the Government’s Housing and Planning Act which, far from offering solutions, is likely to make the housing crisis worse.

We share with many of our residents the ongoing concern about the possible impact of this legislation.

The Act runs counter to our work to provide a range of suitable housing for rent and sale to meet the needs of our diverse communities, and our residents’ ability to pay.

12 | Camden | July/August 2016

Much of the detail is still to come We are still waiting for much of the important detail from Government about how they propose to put their policies into practice.

During this time, we are continuing to listen to residents’ views and explain why we oppose different measures in the Act. If you have any comments or questions please email us at the address opposite.

We will work with the Mayor of London to persuade the Government to make changes that will relieve Camden and London’s housing crisis.

Based on an expert assessment of the law’s proposals, we believe that the Housing and Planning Act could make London’s housing crisis worse in the ways detailed on the next page.

You can also read about the Housing and Planning Act on the Government’s website.

Feature

Levy on council homes Less stable housing for new council tenants By law, new council tenants will now have fixed-term tenancies of ten years, threatening the concept of a secure home for those who need it most.

We will have to pay a levy to Government each year based on the value of council housing in our area. Our initial calculations indicate that we could be forced to sell up to 300 homes each year to pay this tax – which would reduce the amount of council housing at a time when demand is rising.

Affordable housing Increased rents The Act will mean that rents will increase for some council tenants – those with a combined annual income over £40,000.

We have opposed this policy since it was first suggested. We do not agree with the Government that these tenants are high earners and do not think they should be made to pay this new tax. The policy risks discouraging people to progress in work, out of fear of the impact of a higher salary.

It will also be extremely difficult for local authorities to administer.

We think that the Housing and Planning Act will make it harder for us to deliver genuinely affordable new homes. The Act promotes the building of new Starter Homes. In Camden, these will cost £450,000 to buy, which we consider will be unaffordable for all but the highest earning first time buyers. Starter Homes will not help those most in housing need, which is why we continue to oppose this policy change.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/housingact legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/22/enacted housingnews@camden.gov.uk

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Feature

Creating jobs and apprenticeships We’ve worked with employers to create 180 apprenticeships and 131 work placements through our Community Investment Programme.

We’re investing money in schools, homes and community facilities through our Community Investment Programme (CIP).

But it doesn’t stop there. We’re also working closely with contractors to create employment opportunities for local people on CIP sites.

Ashraful Islam and Jake Walker both work for Higgins, the main contractor on Bourne Estate. The work on the estate is on track for completion this November and will create 75 new homes, including 34 council homes, as well as a new tenants’ hall.

Meet Ashraful Islam Ashraful, a Camden resident, was unemployed for six months before registering with King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre last January. He was looking for an apprenticeship in bricklaying or carpentry.

Ashraful got support from the centre with tailoring his CV. He also passed his Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) test, which enabled him to get a CSCS card for construction work.

Once Ashraful had his CSCS card, he was encouraged to get some experience in the construction industry. He registered with a company called Deploy and within days of registering he started work as a labourer. This experience proved to be invaluable, and with his keen interest to learn he was then successful in getting a position on Bourne Estate.

Ashraful started his NVQ level 2 apprenticeship in carpentry in January this year. He has been on site for the last 10 months, working alongside experienced carpenters, and goes to Hackney community college once a week.

Ashraful said: “I’m really grateful for all the support and advice from the centre, especially the

14 | Camden | July/August 2016

mock interview session, which really boosted my confidence before my interview. I would like to thank the team for helping me achieve my goal.”

His manager, Paul Gately, from Higgins said: “Ashraful’s attitude is spot on. He wants to learn, he is enjoying the experience and is a good asset to the team.”

Meet Jake Walker Jake came to King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre in December 2014, after completing a BSc Degree in Construction Management at Reading University.

He had previous experience on sites both as a labourer, and from work experience alongside his degree in construction

Artist’s impression of new development at Bourne Estate

management. With support and advice from our employment and training officer he completed his CSCS card training, and in less than three months he was offered a traineeship as a site manager on Bourne Estate.

keeping.”

Jake said: “King’s Cross Construction Skills Centre has provided me with the opportunity to undergo a traineeship in site management with a main contractor. This has given me invaluable experience and a path into a career in the construction industry.”

Employment opportunities

Paul Gately manages Jake too.

He said: “It’s always good to see someone progress. Jake did really well. He completed his traineeship within a year and was always up for a challenge. His duties included management of subcontractors, monitoring health and safety on site, quality control and record

After completing his traineeship, Jake was offered full-time work with Higgins. He is currently working as a site manager on a large site in Chelmsford.

If you’re interested in jobs or apprenticeship opportunities on CIP and other sites in Camden, visit the King’s Cross Construction webpage. For a range of nonconstruction apprenticeships, visit our apprenticeship web page.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/apprenticeships camden.gov.uk/cip kingscrossconstruction.co.uk

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Feature

Making history Volunteers get together to make Olympic event a success Many great events and activities rely on volunteers to make them a success. Whether you have a few hours to spare, or want to help out regularly on a long-term project, giving your time can really make a difference to the local community.

With the Olympic Games taking place in Rio de Janeiro this year, the celebrations across Camden have been hotting up. Around 170

volunteers, including 50 recruited

by Camden, recently worked together at an entirely volunteer-run event. Runners raced to achieve their personal best times, and competed for a place at this year’s Olympic Games.

The Night of the 10,000m PBs (personal bests) took place at Parliament Hill athletics track and was hosted by Highgate Harriers Athletics Club. Around 4,500 spectators flocked to the free event to watch the action from the track.

Volunteers marshalled the area and provided information to visitors,

while NVQ sports education students from our sports and physical activity service handed out medals and certificates at the junior races.

Keith, a volunteer on the day, said: “It’s great to have an opportunity to volunteer at such a big event. The atmosphere is fantastic and you really feel part of the occasion.”

Get involved by giving back

© Richard Stewart

Along with roles at sports events, volunteering opportunities in Camden include helping out in a local library or museum, caring for older people in the community or helping to conserve the borough’s green spaces. Get involved by giving back and find a role that’s right for you.

Keep an eye on our website for the latest on opportunities to support at sporting events or go to Volunteer Centre Camden to find a wide range of roles across the borough.

You can read more about the Night of the 10,000m PBs on page 27.

Volunteers at Parliament Hill athletics track

16 | Camden | July/August 2016

Find out more camden.gov.uk/volunteeringinsport camden.gov.uk/volunteercentre 020 7424 9990

l Pu lo ut an d e ke p

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Warm up to the sunny season with a programme of exciting events and activities across the borough.

In this guide you’ll find a taster of what’s on in Camden during the summer months and beyond, with lots of free and low-cost things to do.

Discover a new way to get active

Discover a new talent

Whether you’re just starting out, or a seasoned athlete, get moving more with our focus on sport and physical activity.

If you’ve always dreamt of learning a new skill, we have a wide range of workshops and classes to get you started.

Discover a new world

Discover a new delight

Visit libraries, museums and galleries to excite your mind with exhibitions, talks and family events.

Round up your family and friends and get inspired with community festivals, fun days, screenings and live performances.

Discover what’s on your doorstep

Look out for this stamp highlighting events celebrating the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Turn to the back page to find out more.

With dozens of parks and open spaces to explore, there’s plenty to discover around every corner.

Visit lovecamden.org for full details of events and to discover many more.

Follow @LoveCamden on Twitter or search for #DiscoverCamden or #CamdenSentido No computer? Visit one of our libraries and we’ll help you to plan your summer.

1

Discover a new way to get active in Camden

Waterlow Park

Use the map to find free or low cost activities near you.

Hampstead Heath ponds Parliament Hill Lido

Hampstead Heath overground station

Gospel Oak

The Armoury

Hampstead

West Hampstead

Hampstead Heath

Lismore Circus

Belsize and Adelaide

Finchley Road Frognal

Maygrove Peace Park

Kingsgate Resource Centre

Finchley Road West Hampstead

Belsize Park

Kentish Town Sports Centre

Swiss Cottage

Kentish Town

Kentish Town West

Leisure Centre

Swiss Cottage

Sidings Community Centre

The Dome

Cantelowes Gardens

Chalk Farm

Swiss Cottage Open Space

Talacre Community Sports Centre

Charlie Ratchford Resource Centre

Kilburn Grange Park

Camden Road

Camden Town

King’s Cross Pond Club

South Hampstead St Pancras Community Association

Kilburn High Road

Pancras Square Leisure Mornington Crescent

Samual Lithgow Centre

In this guide you’ll find activities to inspire and motivate you to get moving more in Camden this summer and beyond.

Regent’s Park

Somers Town Community Association

Cumberland Market Green

We aim to offer inclusive activities and a range of affordable price options, so that everyone can get more active.

King’s Cross

Polygon Open Space

St Pancras

Euston Euston Square

Russell Square

Millman Street Resource Centre Alf Barrett Playground

We offer activities for people of all ages with a disability, including gym and fitness, adapted cycling and a weekend multi-sport hub club for over 14s.

Our Camden Leisure Centre Accessibility Guide provides information about each leisure centre in Camden. camden.gov.uk/disabilitysport

Central Our Later Life sessions for YMCA older adults include tai chi, yoga and seated exercise classes.

Other activities in our leisure centres include women’s swimming and gym sessions.

Chancery Lane

Lincoln’s Inn Fields

Holborn

Oasis Sports Centre

camden.gov.uk/activehealth

Visit camden.gov.uk/active to discover lots more activities.

2 | Camden | July/August 2016

Leisure centres

Outdoor activities

Camden leisure centres

Health walks

Our leisure centres, run in partnership with Better, offer high-quality gyms, exercise classes, swimming and year-round children’s activities.

Join our nationally accredited ‘Walking for Health’ free weekly walks.

Walks are designed for those new to exercise or more advanced and last between 30 minutes and one hour.

Reduced prices are available for Camden residents, including disabled people, students, over 55s or those in receipt of benefit payments.

Pancras Square leisure is now offering a new monthly concessionary price for either swimming, using the gym or group exercise classes – so you only pay for the activity you want.

Talacre Community Sports Centre and Treetops soft play offer termtime and holiday sports courses for children and adults, including gymnastics, trampolining, football, and much more. Hire a badminton court, outdoor football pitch or visit Treetops soft play area and cafe. camden.gov.uk/active

The Armoury and Central YMCA leisure centres Gyms, exercise classes, children’s and older adults’ activities and more. jubileehalltrust.org/the-armoury ymcaclub.co.uk

Camden Active Communities Community sport and physical activity sessions for all ages and abilities. Free local activities include Athlefit, multisports and Zumba. camden.gov.uk/active

camden.gov.uk/activehealth walkingforhealth.org.uk

Cantelowes Gardens Skatepark Get active outside with friends at our skatepark. cantelowesskatepark.co.uk

Green Gyms Green Gyms are a great way to get outdoors, meet new people and improve local green spaces while getting active for free. Sessions run five days a week at green spaces across the borough.

Tennis Play tennis in our parks.

Book and pay for courts, and join local summer leagues online. camden.gov.uk/tennis

Swimming Swim sessions Kids can swim for as little as a £1 during school holidays at Camden leisure centres from Monday to Saturday.

Over 60s swim for free weekdays from 7am to 12 noon. Lessons are available for children and adults. camden.gov.uk/swimming

Ponds and lido Take a dip in the fresh water bathing pond at King’s Cross Pond Club.

You can also swim outdoors in the ladies’, mens’ or the mixed ponds at Hampstead Heath or at Parliament Hill Lido.

tcv.org.uk/camden

kingscrosspond/club cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath

Outdoor gyms

Health

Our free outdoor gyms are situated in Camden parks and open spaces. They are easy to get to grips with and include user-friendly diagrams for safe and effective use. Many of the gyms are being upgraded during summer 2016 and will provide exciting new equipment. camden.gov.uk/outdoorgyms

Rebalance A free programme of group exercise classes and oneto-one advice about diet and nutrition to help participants lose weight, grow in confidence and take control of their lifestyle.

Held at local leisure and community centres. camden.gov.uk/rebalance 3

Summer programme 2016 Here’s a taster of what’s on across the summer holidays and lots of events are Active

Doorstep

World

Free Mon 18 July It’s Love Parks Week.

Head to Fortune Green Open Space and hug a tree.

Talent

Delight

Free Tue 19 July Book your place at Camden Summer University, term starts 25 July.

Until 26 Aug

Mon 25 July

Free Tue 26 July

Join a sports camp at Talacre Community Until Sports Centre. 2 Sept

Relax under a tree with a book at Kilburn Grange Park.

Free Tue 2 Aug

Mon 1 Aug Book a game of tennis for the family online at camden.gov.uk/tennis

Pull up a deckchair at the Roundhouse’s Camden Beach.

Until 23 Aug

Free Tue 9 Aug

Mon 8 Aug Make a splash at a weekday splash session for all the family at Pancras Square Leisure.

Take a dip in the outdoor King’s Cross Pond Club.

Mon 15 Aug

Tue 16 Aug

Develop language through Roald Dahl at JW3, 10am to 1pm. Activities Until for ages 5 to 11.

19 Aug

Take the kids swimming for as little as £1 during the school holidays go to camden.gov.uk/swimming

Free Tue 23 Aug

Mon 22 Aug Calling all budding actors, Wac Arts is hosting a week of drama Until evening classes.

Free taster Bootcamp for ages 15 plus at Argyle school, 6pm.

Until end Sept

26 Aug

Free Mon 29 Aug Cool off this bank holiday in the Granary Square fountains.

Free Tue 30 Aug Girls Get Moving Week begins, with activities at Talacre Community Until Sports Centre.

2 Sept

4 | Camden | July/August 2016

Free

Free Wed 20 July

Thu 21 July

Sign your child up for the Roald Dahl themed Summer Reading Challenge Until at your local library.

3 Sept

Free Wed 27 July Spend the afternoon exploring the toy library at West Hampstead Library.

Free Wed 3 Aug Join a Health Walk and Talk at Alexandra Road Park, 1.30 to 2.30pm. Meet by Abbey Road Park.

Wed 10 Aug Swim outdoors at Oasis Sports Centre or climb indoors at the Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre climbing walls.

Free Wed 17 Aug Family fun day at Goldington Crescent Gardens, 2 to 6pm, with free stalls and the launch of a public artwork.

Wed 24 Aug Bring famous paintings to life with Summer Quest and Craft family workshop at Kenwood House, 12 to 4pm.

Free Wed 31 Aug Pick up a freshly cut bunch of flowers at Earlham Street Market.

There are a variety of summer playschemes in Camden. Find your nearest one at camden.gov.uk/play

Free

Thu 28 July

Family fun day at Lismore Circus, 2 to 6pm, with free Brazilian-themed stalls and games.

Free

Thu 4 Aug

Mais Um Discos take over Camden Market with interactive live graffiti, live music and Brazilian food carts, 6pm till late.

Free

Thu 11 Aug

Enjoy a BBQ in one of our parks. Read our safety guidelines at camden.gov.uk/parks

Free

Thu 18 Aug

Combine fresh air with a workout at the outdoor gym at Cantelowes Gardens.

Free

Thu 25 Aug

Pop into your local library or browse our library web pages and borrow an ebook at camden.gov.uk/libraries

Free

Thu 1 Sept

Help produce a special artwork at Camden Market with artist duo Walls on Walls, 6 to 8pm.

Discover our full range of sport and physical activities, including details of a wide range of concessions available, at camden.gov.uk/active Waltz your way to a traditional Tea Dance at the Camden Centre, 12.30 to 4pm.

Free

Free

Fri 29 July

Take part in a Project Yamanja Workshop to transform your recyclable paper into flowers.

Kentish Town Library, 11am to 2pm.

Visit Treetops at Talacre Community Sports Centre, a maze of ball ponds, slides and rope swings for children under 11, Monday to Fridays.

Don’t miss the last few days to step back in time with the Sixties London exhibition at the Until Jewish Museum.

29 Aug

Fri 2 Sept Visit the Museum of London’s interactive exhibition to mark the 350th anniversary of The Until Great Fire of London.

17 Apr 2017

Sun 7 Aug

Until 24 Aug

Sun 14 Aug

Join this four-mile cycle ride on Santander Cycles. Meet at Regent’s Park espresso bar, 10am. Bikes provided, booking necessary, visit goskyride.com/london

Free

Sat 20 Aug

Sun 21 Aug

Camden Tour Guides lead the final Sensing King’s Cross walk. Meet at the Giant Birdcage in Battle Bridge Place at 11am.

Free

Sat 27 Aug

Sun 28 Aug

Set sail with Project Yemanja at Camden Lock as a boat of handmade flowers, made by Camden residents, makes its way down Regent’s Canal.

Find a sport for all the family at the Kentish Town Sports Centre Open Day.

Free

Sat 3 Sept Celebrate 40 years of Punk at the British Library exhibition.

Visit Seven Kinds of Magic at House of Illustration, the first exhibition from the permanent Quentin Blake Gallery.

Free

Sat 13 Aug

Enjoy a family badminton session at Somers Town Community Sports Centre, 12 to 2pm.

Free

Fri 26 Aug

Sat 6 Aug

Join the Sensing Camden Town walk led by Camden Tour Guides. Meet at Chalk Farm Tube, 11am.

Free

Fri 19 Aug

Sun 31 July

Open Open at Swiss Cottage Gallery. The hanging day of the annual exhibition for artists in Camden.

Can’t get to Rio for the Olympic Games? Try something sporty at the King’s Cross Sports Day at Granary Square from 10am.

Free

Fri 12 Aug

Sun 24 July

Get active outside while helping the environment, at the Belsize and Adeleide Green Gym, every Sunday, 11am to 2pm at Belsize Sensory Garden.

Free

Sat 30 July

Sun 17 July

Try new sports and enjoy the entertainment at Give it a Go! Festival, Parliament Hill Fields, 1 to 5.30pm.

Free

Sat 23 July

Enjoy the bouncy castle at King’s Cross family fun day, 2 to 6pm.

Free

Fri 5 Aug

The Olympic Games open in Brazil.

Under 14s can celebrate by trying new sports at the Give it a Go! Festival Young, People Celebration Day at the Central YMCA, 9am to 5pm.

Free

Until 24 July

Join the Camden Tour Guides’ Sensing King’s Cross walk. Meet at the Giant Birdcage in Battle Bridge Place, 11am.

Get historical at the Camden in the Age of Shakespeare exhibition at Camden Local Studies Until and Archives Centre.

26 Aug

Free

Head to Russell Square for the Just for Laughs comedy festival.

Free

Fri 22 July

Free

Sat 16 July

Until 2 Oct

Sun 4 Sept

While away the day by following our Waterlow Park Tree Trail before term restarts tomorrow.

5

Camden family fun days Last year we held a series of events for residents and tenants from across the borough to come together for an afternoon of activities for all the family. This year the fun returns, bigger and better than ever. Find out more at lovecamden.org Events will be hosted in Camden parks and open spaces.

This year’s theme is the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Housing and other Council staff will be on hand to meet residents and showcase services, including: The WISH Plus referral hub: a way for residents to gain access to a range of warmth, income, safety and health services (WISH).

The Camden Account: get tips for managing your services online, including how to apply for parking permits and housing repairs.

Meet Camden Active Communities to find out about free and low-cost, all year round local opportunities to get active.

Take part in: boxing for fitness (non-contact), Boccia, basketball, table tennis, Zumba, Athlefit, running and much more.

6 | Camden | July/August 2016

Each fun day will include a variety of activities for all the family, including: Music

Face painting

Refreshments

Rodeo

Balls in buckets

Crazy golf

A smoothie bike

…and much more.

Walls on Walls As part of last year’s events, we unveiled a series of new public artworks created by local residents in collaboration with artists Walls on Walls. This year the artists will return to work with residents at three local estates to create unique artworks on the walls of the buildings.

Walls on Walls are an artist duo who create unique audio visual artworks using the environment as inspiration. They work with local communities to encourage them to look, listen and absorb their surroundings with fresh eyes and ears. Each artwork is individual because it is based on the stories of the residents and the history of the locations themselves.

Come along to join in the fun, meet your neighbours and enjoy the spirit of Brazil Thursday 28 July

Wednesday 17 August

Thursday 6 October

Lismore Circus 2 to 6pm

Goldington Crescent Gardens 2 to 6pm

Brunswick Square Gardens 2 to 6pm

Join us in Gospel Oak for the first family day. Work up an appetite for some Brazilian refreshments with boxfit, a non-contact introduction to the boxing ring, or take part in Boccia with local volunteers. Enjoy arts and crafts as we celebrate the first public presentation of the Walls Walls project.

Spend the afternoon exploring our free stalls, or make time for a game of pop-up table tennis, at this fun day near St Pancras.

Celebrate the work of the community in creating another innovative artwork and meet people from the local area.

The last of the year’s fun days and launch of our final public artwork.

Come and show your support at this event in the gardens next to the Brunswick Centre while enjoying a range of Brazilianthemed activities for all ages.

Get creative on the walls of Camden

Thursday 1 September: Camden Market, 6 to 8pm Show your creative side and work with visitors and local community groups to produce a special artwork on the walls of Camden Market. Walls on Walls will lead the creation of the work, which will be designed in community workshops in the lead up to a live painting on the day.

Highlights from last year’s family fun days with Walls on Walls.

7

Get involved in the carnival spirit this summer with Camden Sentido is a special series of events created to celebrate the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Sentidos is Portugese for ‘the senses’. These events will link the spirits of Brazil and Camden through the sounds, smells, tastes, sights and feelings that connect them.

We have partnered with Camden Market to explore connections between the two places, including street culture, live music, graffiti and street food, and the events will highlight the best of the public art in the borough.

There’s plenty to get involved with, from performances, gigs, talks, exhibitions and workshops by

partners including Central Saint Martins, Mais Um Disco, Walls on Walls, Argent and Camden Tour Guides Association.

We are also producing projects with Roundhouse, Latitude, Pacific Institute of Performing Arts (PIPA) and Frieze London.

Visit lovecamden.org to keep up-to-date with the summer programme throughout the summer.

Follow @LoveCamden on Twitter or search for #DiscoverCamden or #CamdenSentido

Take part in Project Yemanjá is a powerful figure in Brazilian culture and is celebrated as being the guardian of the sea. Every year in Brazil people go on pilgrimages to leave gifts of flowers in the sea as offerings to Yemanjá.

We are inviting everyone across Camden to help us make hundreds of paper flowers from recycled materials (old maps, letters, wrapping paper, newspaper) to represent the borough’s creativity and diversity, and to make a connection with a powerful and ancient Brazilian tradition.

On Sunday 28 August all the collected flowers will be loaded onto a beautiful barge at Camden Lock and sailed along the canal in a ceremonial journey.

Make your own flowers at one of these free workshops this summer: Sunday 17 July:

St Pancras Library, 12 to 4pm

Saturday 6 August: Join us in Granary Square as part of King’s Cross Sports Day celebrations, 12 to 4pm Friday 12 August:

Kentish Town Library, 11am to 2pm

Friday 19 August:

Camden Town Library, 12 to 4pm

Saturday 27 August: Camden Market, 12 to 4pm

8 | Camden | July/August 2016

Visit lovecamden.org/ project-yemanja for instructional videos, printable guides and details of how to donate your flowers. Once you have made your flowers, share them using #ProjectYemanja on Twitter.

Feature

Free childcare for two year-olds If you’re a Camden resident with a two year-old child, you might be entitled to fifteen hours of free childcare every week.

The 15 free hours will give your little ones the chance to learn, explore and have fun while helping free up your time to study, volunteer or take on extra hours at work.

Research suggests that early education can help your child’s development and their ability to learn as they grow up.

Am I eligible for the free 15 hours of childcare?

If your child is two years old, and you meet one or more of the following criteria, you could be eligible for free childcare: •Y our family is eligible for free school meals

• You receive working tax credits and have a household income below £16,190 • Your child has special educational needs and a statement of SEN or education, health and care plan • You receive disability living allowance or help from the National Asylum Support Service.

You can apply for free childcare from when your child is 18 months old.

Councillor Angela Mason CBE, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, said: “We want every child in Camden to have the best start in life and we know that the first few years have a big impact on their future.

“That’s why we want as many eligible parents and carers as possible to take advantage of these free childcare places for two year-olds, which are on offer through our Camden Sure Start service for under fives and their families.”

Visit your local children’s centre: camden.gov.uk/surestartcamden Check if you meet criteria for free school meals: camden.gov.uk/fsm

Find out more camden.gov.uk/twoyearolds FreeEarlyEducation@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 1679 17

Feature

Standing together against domestic abuse As part of our Know You’re Not Alone campaign to tackle domestic abuse, we’re working with the LGBT community in Camden to provide help and support to people affected.

Pride in London took place last month and thousands of people from across Camden, London as a whole and beyond came together to celebrate.

Pride provides a platform for the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender*) community, their friends and families, and anyone who wants to get involved, to celebrate how far the LGBT community has come in achieving equal rights and to raise awareness of the issues that remain.

As part of our the wider campaign, we have been working with Galop, an independent and London-wide LGBT anti-violence and abuse charity. Galop has recently been commissioned to run the National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline. We have also worked with the Camden LGBT forum on our campaign. Together we want to get the message out that there are support networks available for everyone who is going through abuse, no matter what

18 | Camden | July/August 2016

Image from the Know You’re Not Alone video

Feature

their individual circumstances or relationship.

Taking a closer look Domestic abuse can include physical violence, sexual, financial, emotional or psychological abuse, and controlling behaviour.

Currently, 25% of women who identify as lesbian or bisexual will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. For gay and bisexual men, the figure is thought to be around 49%. While there are no national statistics for the prevalence of domestic abuse in trans relationships (where one or both people are transgender), studies estimate that it could potentially be as high as 80%.

Domestic abuse tends to follow similar patterns of control and power, whoever is involved.

However, abuse across the LGBT community can also include identity abuse – using the person’s sexuality or gender identity against them, including threatening to ‘out’ them, as a means of control. This can come from a partner, expartner or family member.

Finding support Ardi**, 26, was physically attacked by his father and brothers when he came out as gay. Although he initially called the police, he decided not to press charges because “I loved them too much, even though I know what they did is wrong.” The abuse continued, however, and he began to feel more and more “depressed and hopeless”.

Ardi eventually found the courage to call a dedicated support service which worked with him to deal with the abuse and also the emotional implications of being hurt by people so close to him.

“My mental health has been up and down, it’s hard to cope with the loss of a family that I had grown up with and the effect that violence has had on me.” With the support of his caseworker, Ardi is now starting to rebuild his life.

Talk to us If you are experiencing any kind of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, there is help and support available.

We are here to listen, talk you through your options and most of all to keep you safe.

Camden Safety Net Phone: 020 974 2526 Text: 07814 671 427 Email: camdensafetynet@ camden.gov.uk Follow the Know You’re Not Alone campaign on Twitter or Facebook at #KnowYoureNotAlone camden.gov.uk/know You can also contact: Camden LGBT Forum Phone: 020 7388 5720 Email: forum.admin@ camdenlgbtforum.org.uk Galop Phone: 020 704 2040 Email: referrals@galop.org.uk National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline Phone: 0300 999 5428 or 0800 999 5428

*We use the term LGBT to be inclusive of all intersex, non-binary, queer and questioning sexualities and spectrum of gender identities. **Name has been changed.

19

Camden schools

Palace invitation recognises DofE success Our work to encourage young people to take up the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) has been recognised with an invitation to Buckingham Palace.

Camden’s DofE co-ordinators and our executive director for supporting people, Martin Pratt, were presented with a special plaque recognising the borough’s commitment to running the local DofE scheme, which has enabled 176 young people to gain their bronze, silver and gold awards over the last year.

Also present at the palace garden event were young gold award winners, as well as other DofE organisations, sponsors and supporters, who were all congratulated by members of the Royal Family, including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Earl of Wessex and Countess of Wessex.

The DofE scheme helps young people aged 14 to 24 to develop vital life skills and learn about team work. Young people in Camden can sign up for the DofE Award through their school or youth centre.

The DofE is celebrating its diamond anniversary this year, having supported millions of young people in the UK and worldwide to achieve DofE Awards since it was founded in 1956.

Peter Westgarth, DofE chief executive, said: “Through the DofE, Camden is inspiring its young people, equipping them with the attributes and skills to get a job and build strong relationships whilst opening up their worlds and introducing them to a broad range of interests.”

Camden staff receive plaque at palace event

20 | Camden | July/August 2016

Find out more camden.gov.uk/youth dofe.org joseph.myhill@camden.gov.uk

Camden schools

Brightening up Euston Road Camden primary pupils have designed artwork for hoardings outside the Camden Town Hall Annexe on Euston Road.

The annexe is being redeveloped into a 270-room hotel as part of the ongoing regeneration of King’s Cross. Argyle Primary School, the school closest to the building, has teamed up with Crosstree Real Estate Partners and construction firm McLaren to design the colourful artwork.

Jemima Wade, headteacher at Argyle Primary School, said: “The children really enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their art for thousands of people to see as

Racing to Rio Fourteen Camden primary schools take part in a physical activity challenge.

Argyle Primary School pupils with their artwork

they walk past the site on Euston Road. We look forward to working with Crosstree as they progress with construction works on the site.”

main contractor. Work on the hotel is now well underway and due to be completed in 2018.

Crosstree was granted planning permission in April last year to refurbish our former offices as a high-quality hotel. McLaren is the

Find out more townhallannexe.co.uk

Camden’s inter-school physical activity challenge is called Race to Health: Rio 2016. It was launched at the Night of 10,000m PBs (personal bests) event hosted by the Highgate Harriers Athletics Club at Parliament Hill Fields (see feature on page 16).

Thirty-six children from Camden schools walked, jogged and ran along the same track that the men’s and women’s 10,000m Rio 2016 Olympics qualifications took place on later that day.

The physical activity challenge, run by the our children’s health and

wellbeing team, sees 14 Camden primary schools competing to reach Rio de Janeiro before other schools in an online physical activity challenge.

Pupils have to log their daily minutes of physical activity. It is one of a number of ways that we are helping to increase children’s participation in sport and physical activity.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/sport Find out more healthandwellbeingteam@ townhallannexe.co.uk camden.gov.uk 21

Feature

A Camden wedding

Š cleanplatepictures.com

22 | Camden | July/August 2016

Feature © babbphoto.com

© rikpenningtonphotography.com

© paulfletcherphotography.co.uk

From this summer, you’ll be able to book a registrar to attend your marriage ceremony or register your civil partnership at a Camden venue through our website.

Camden is very popular for weddings and civil ceremonies because of the many wonderful buildings available here, and couples come here from all over London and the rest of the UK. We have Grade II-listed Camden

Town Hall, with a grand marble staircase that’s perfect for photos, small venues ideal for intimate ceremonies, and buildings big enough for parties of 500 people.

Camden offers something to suit every couple.

The good news is that online booking through our website is going live this summer, so the process will be simplified - saving you time and trouble, while you’re busy planning your wedding.

Our service Camden registration service can ensure that you have a fabulous day, which will be one to remember.

We officiated at 1,135 weddings last year in more than 45 venues across the borough, including the British Library, Burgh House, the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel and the Prince Albert Public House.

You’ll find the complete list of places where you can get married in Camden on our website, with useful information about organising your wedding.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/wedding 23

Feature

Supporting our unpaid carers We provide help, advice and activities for unpaid carers and their families through Camden Carers Service.

Carers can be adults, young people or children, and they provide valuable support to families across Camden. Caring is a demanding role, and our unpaid carers need support.

Camden Carers Service (CCS) is in touch with about 3,000 carers and 50 to 60 new carers contact them each month.

Carers Week bake off with carers and staff, and the Mayor of Camden (second from right)

24 | Camden | July/August 2016

Feature

CCS aims to: • assess the needs of unpaid carers and help them to identify their own needs • offer help and advice to carers • find carers who are not yet receiving support, or those whose needs have changed • ensure carers have a say in planning care services • organise activities, including last month’s Carers Week events • help carers to make time for themselves, look after their own health and wellbeing and get a break from caring.

Sean Deodat, 41, from Chalk Farm, has been the carer for his mother Banoo, 80, since he was a teenager.

He said: “My mum has had high blood pressure and diabetes for many years. These have got worse and she also now has dementia and arthritis. We have paid care workers for three hours a day but it is not enough so I am also a registered unpaid carer with Camden Carers Service.”

Sean, who lives with his mother, juggles unpaid caring with paid shift work for the Discovery TV channel and said the demands of both could take its toll.

He said Camden Carers Service offers useful tips about looking after his own health and wellbeing, as well helping him apply for grants to fund breaks. “They can also give you advice on the phone if you just need to ask something.”

Young Carers Service The Young Carers Service is run by Family Action and has worked with 45 families in Camden over the past year.

The service, which was recently awarded Investing in Children status, supports young carers such as Jackie*, who is just 10 and helps to care for her brother, nearly two, and sister, aged four, as well as supporting her mother who has mental health problems.

Jackie said: “I think I have become a better person as a result. I am a lot more mature and understand things I never understood before about mental illness and how it affects people.”

The Young Carers Service provides Jackie with one-to-one sessions with a family support worker, as well as support for her mum, and puts her in touch with other young carers. The regular Kidstime sessions have also helped Jackie to cope better with her mum’s mental ill health.

Jackie said her family support worker, Sheraine, gives her useful advice about staying healthy, how best to manage her caring role and cope with her mum’s sometimes difficult behaviour.

Jackie, from Kilburn, said her role as a young carer involves doing household chores such as cleaning and washing up as well as bathing her younger siblings and helping her sister get ready for school.

“I have regular chats with Sheraine at my school. She is a mum too so she understands why my mum reacts a certain way if I don’t help her.”

Although she has more responsibilities than other children, Jackie feels well supported by the Young Carers Service and her Camden primary school. She also benefits from Kidstime, a workshop run in partnership with the Kidstime Foundation, which helps children and families affected by parental mental illness.

Find out more camdencs.org.uk family-action.org.uk 0 20 7428 8950 (Camden Carers Centre) 0 20 7254 6251 (Family Action) *name changed 25

Financial challenge

Camden’s financial challenge You may have heard about cuts to local government funding, or be wondering why we’re making changes to the way we provide some services.

Why all this talk about saving money?

Most of the Council’s funding comes from Central Government – between 2010/11 and 2018/19 our funding from Government will have been cut in half. At the same time we are facing additional pressures from rising costs. This means we have to find new ways of doing things, so we can continue to provide the essential services that the people of Camden need.

We have consulted with residents, businesses, commuters, schools and charities on some very important decisions, and we managed to cut £123 million from our budget by the end of 2015/16. However, we still have to find another £48 million worth of savings across 2016/17 and 2017/18. That means that by 2018/19 we will have made budget reductions of £171 million since 2010/11. At the same time the Camden population is increasing,

and getting older. And our current forecast predicts we will have to cut another £20 million by 2020/21.

What does £171 million buy us?

These are big numbers. It can be hard to understand what £171 million is worth to the Council. £171 million would pay for a whole year’s combined spending on homelessness, adult social care, parks and sport, and waste and cleaning services.

Reduction in central government funding from 2010 - 2020 42%

57%

reduction

financial year £million

reduction

10/11

11/12

12/13

13/14

14/15

15/16

16/17

17/18

18/19

19/20

241

213

203

200

179

155

141

127

114

104

This graph shows our reduction in government funding. At the same time our costs are increasing due to inflation and a population that is growing and getting older.

26 | Camden | July/August 2016

Financial challenge

What does this mean for me?

Where do I come in?

£171 million equals about £700 per person in Camden – it’s just like you earning £700 a year less and still having to pay for food, housing, clothes and transport.

When we need to make a big decision, we usually ask how the community feels. You are able to have your say in different ways – in online surveys, on social media, at meetings or by writing to us.

We consider all feedback, and encourage residents and businesses to share their ideas on how we can continue to serve Camden while spending less money.

The budget cuts affect everything we do, but we are doing our best to be fair. Our priority is to make sure we spend our money where it will do the most good.

From 2010/11 to 2017/18 we will have reduced our budget by more than £171 million That’s the equivalent of a whole year’s spending on:

£3 2

m

Homelessness

£171

million

is equivalent to

£9 8

Adult social care

m

£3 7

£4 m

m

Waste and cleaning services

Parks and sport

Waste contract At their next meeting on 20 July, the Council’s Cabinet will decide which company will manage our rubbish, recycling and street-cleaning services from April next year.

We have been working on this since 2015, when we asked for your feedback at area action groups, pop-up discussions and online.

The new contract doesn’t come into effect until April 2017, so nothing will change immediately.

To keep up to date with the waste contract and other Council projects, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and keep reading your Camden magazine.

Find out more c amden.gov.uk/ financialchallenge

Over £700 per Camden resident

27

Feature

Challenges remain with Euston Station Camden remains opposed to plans for High Speed 2 (HS2) – if it does go ahead, we’re pushing to get plans for Euston Station right.

We are opposed to the decade or more of disruption that construction of HS2, the new high speed railway from London to Birmingham, will bring to Camden. We are actively working to reduce its impact on local residents and secure the best deal for the borough.

One of our major concerns if HS2 does proceed is that Euston Station is designed and constructed in a way that reduces disruption and provides the best station for local residents, businesses nearby and the people who use it. We’re determined that the need to get Euston right is understood at the highest levels.

The Euston problem The government’s current plans are to build a new HS2 station to

28 | Camden | July/August 2016

the west of the existing station.

A Crossrail 2 station on the east side of the existing station is also planned, providing new links across London.

We are clear that this piecemeal approach to the development of Euston is not acceptable. A full redevelopment of Euston Station, uniting these three stations, would provide a greater potential for new homes, jobs and benefit to the local area.

HS2 construction is already predicted to last 17 years.

Disjointed development plans could cause even more disruption from Crossrail 2 construction, as the current proposals are for a station outside the footprint of the existing station.

We are pushing Network Rail to work with Transport for London and Crossrail 2 to integrate the station and minimise the disruption to the area. A full redevelopment, with all the tracks on one level, would create the opportunity for at least 2,200 new homes and 16,000 jobs in Camden, and potentially provide £400m in economic benefits for London. New walking routes across the station would link up areas of the community currently separated by the existing station design, plus new open spaces would be created.

Pushing the government to speed up plans The government has said that it will redesign the existing Euston Station, but we are concerned that

Feature

this process is taking too long and are pushing to speed this up.

In our petition against the HS2 Bill in the House of Lords, we have asked for the government to unlock funds and to speed up plans for the redesign.

If the existing station redesign doesn’t happen at the same time as plans for the HS2 and Crossrail 2 stations are developed, then it will be more difficult to ensure the designs join up to create a properly integrated station.

We will present our petition in the Autumn in one of the final stages of the Parliamentary process before HS2 Ltd expects to gain permission from Parliament in December 2016 to start building the railway.

Influencing at the highest levels We are making sure Camden’s, residents’ and businesses’ views are heard at the highest levels of government to ensure the best outcome for Euston.

We have been pressing the Department for Transport to confirm funding for the redevelopment of the existing Euston Station and they have now agreed to fund the first stage of work.

We are speaking to the new Mayor of London and his team and are also discussing plans for the station with HS2, Transport for London and Network Rail to ensure that Camden’s concerns are fully considered. We will be speaking to residents, businesses

and other stakeholders over the next year to help shape the plans for Euston and influence the HS2 station design.

You can keep up to date with Euston Station plans by signing up to the HS2 newsletter on our website.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/hs2 highspeed2@camden.gov.uk

29

Feature

Discover an outdoor gym this summer We are replacing and adding new equipment at six of Camden’s outdoor gyms this month.

If you’re already a keen user of an outdoor gym, or if you’ve thought about trying a gym out but not got around to it, why not visit your nearest one? The sooner you start exercising, the sooner you’ll feel the benefit.

The outdoor gyms are free to use and the equipment is suitable for people who are 14 or older. As well as having new core gym equipment, some of the gyms will now offer equipment for activities such as table tennis, trampolining and kickboxing in order to appeal to as many people as possible.

Outdoor gyms contain equipment that you would expect to find at an indoor gym. The difference is it’s designed for outdoor use. No two gyms have exactly the same equipment, so if there’s something you particularly like to use, visit our website (see opposite) to see what’s available at the different sites.

30 | Camden | July/August 2016

Maria Schultz

Feature Training sessions Tim Hector, one of our physical activity specialists, who runs training sessions at the outdoor gyms, says: “I’ll help people who want to use the outdoor gyms regularly to develop exercise programmes suited to their individual level of fitness.

The aim will be to help people keep motivated and active in the long term, using the outdoor gyms to increase their fitness levels and improve their health and wellbeing. I’ll also be showing people how to use the equipment safely and assessing what they can do.

“The outdoor gyms are a great investment in the Camden community.

They are free and I hope people will make the most of them.”

Maria Schultz has lived in the northwest of the borough for 16 years. She’s a member of the Friends of Maygrove Peace Park and got involved in the refurbishment of the outdoor gym there. Maria says: “We first got an outdoor gym when the park was renovated about seven years ago and it has been really popular, because it’s free and anyone can have a go.

“All kinds of people use the gym, including parents who drop by with their children for a quarter of an hour as well as people with a variety of disabilities. I am a keen user of the gym and come to the park with my children to squeeze in a bit of time on the treadmill. It’s giving me small breaks where I am able to do something for myself. It is very mood-lifting and makes me feel great.”

“When the Council contacted us about putting in new equipment, we were really pleased to take part in the consultation on what we

should have. I talked to a broad selection of people from the local area about what they thought we needed.

“We’re very excited that there will be settings for people who have different levels of fitness on the new equipment. We also asked for accessible equipment that people with different disabilities can use, and finally we are thrilled that the Council agreed to install an outdoor table tennis table.”

“The park with all its wonderful facilities is such a gem for our local community.”

Busy as the gyms are, we’d like even more Camden residents to use them and feel the benefits.

That’s why we talked to many residents about what they would like. One thing that people felt was important was to have a range of types of equipment so that there is something that can be used by everyone, including people with disabilities.

Suitable for everyone The gyms are suitable for all levels of ability and the aim is that as many people as possible get a chance to benefit from the increased health and fitness they offer. The new equipment has variable resistance where possible, with up to eight settings, allowing users to increase the weight they lift over time as they get stronger.

Each piece of equipment carries information about how to use it and who it’s suitable for.

There are free group training sessions at a number of the outdoor gyms every week, so whether you are new to the outdoor gyms and would like some guidance or simply prefer to exercise as part of a group come along and join in. Everyone is welcome.

Find out more camden.gov.uk/outdoorgyms

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If you’re aged 40 to 74 and live in Camden you may be eligible for a check.

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For details contact your GP or the community team on 0203 308 2955 or book a pharmacy appointment at nhshealthcheck.com/camden

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32 | Camden | July/August 2016