Camden magazine October 2018

Camden Camden this month

Your guide to council services | October 2018 | camden.gov.uk

Talent pledge Creating careers opportunities for young people @CamdenCouncil

facebook.com/lbcamden

Poema (left) and Jasmine, both 11, enjoy their lunch at Regent High School.

Find out about healthy school meals in Camden on page 13

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: Philip Wolmuth

@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 8 October 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 month Remember deadlines for primary and secondary school applications.

Get married at Tavistock House.

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Supporting you to give up smoking.

Tips for staying safe on Bonfire Night.

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23 Welcome

Introduction to the October edition

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News Annual electors canvass Hate Crime Awareness Week Youth Safety Taskforce update Young people’s sexual consent campaign Clean Camden fortnight Camden Disability Oversight Panel Stop smoking service Community Infrastructure Levy consultation Black History Month celebration event Primary and secondary school applications

Bringing empty homes back into use.

Features

Cover story

STEAM Talent Pledge

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Healthy school meals Investing in your schools Adopting a child World Mental Health Day Camden’s financial challenge Empty homes Weddings at Tavistock House Universal Credit Fire safety and Bonfire Night tips Greenwood Centre Camden Can Breastfeeding Welcome scheme Food waste information Volunteering in an emergency My Camden: Mark Hall, Headcorn TRA

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Listings Free and low-cost events

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WMC Camden Mag Sept 2018 v1.qxp_Layout 1 25/09/2018 10:01 Page 1

Short courses

WMC - The Camden College Enriching and Enjoyable Lifelong Learning

We have a range of short courses starting soon:

Try one of our Skills for Work courses: • Book Keeping for Self Employment • Introduction to Word and Excel • Training the Trainer • Conversation Clubs in Spanish and Italian Try a specialist Art & Craft course: • Bookbinding and Book Arts • Paper Marbling • Paper Making • Mould Making for Ceramics • Fused Glass Jewellery • Crochet and Knitted Wirework Jewellery • Metal Clay Jewellery • Picture Frame Making • Printmaking & Etching • Sculpture Try one of our short Saturday courses:

• Print Journalism • AutoCAD • Graphic Design • Digital Media • Photography • Fashion & Textiles • DJ Skills • Drawing & Painting

Come into the College and pick up a copy of our Course Guide or go online to: www.wmcollege.ac.uk to view our full range of course offerings.

ESOL assessment dates taking place weekly until w/c 15 October 2018: Tuesdays 12:30 and Wednesdays 13:00 at Crowndale Road | Thursdays - 12:30 at Kentish Town To book your assessment visit us, call us on: 020 7255 4700 or go online: www.wmcollege.ac.uk/english-maths-esol-assessment.

You can enrol now - online or come in and see us. www.wmcollege.ac.uk Call: 020 7255 4700 email: enrol@wmcollege.ac.uk

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

Welcome

to the October edition of Camden magazine

11 | STEAM Talent Pledge

14 | Investing in your schools

We will be working hard with residents over the coming months to tell the story of how important our local services are to us, and where we are faced with further cuts we will work with you to protect Camden’s essential services. I will keep you updated at every step – for more information turn to page 18.

We will not stand by and allow what is special about Camden to disappear. We are doing everything we can to continue to provide the best opportunities for local people. And this month I’m excited to announce that we have launched a 21st Century Talent Pledge.

Camden is the home of worldleading creativity, science and technological innovation, and we want to make sure that all our young people have access to the inspiration, networks and opportunities our borough has to offer.

16 | World Mental Health Day Camden is full of fantastic public services and community organisations but there is no doubt that this is a time of intense pressure for all local public services.

The Council has lost half its budget from central government since 2010, and along with local authorities around the country, we are deeply concerned about the impact of further cuts.

The pledge links Camden’s employers with our fantastic family of schools and further education colleges, offering valuable opportunities for young people to develop skills and get experience for careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). Find out more on page 11.

Giving children and young people the best start in life is one of our priorities in delivering the ambitions of the Camden 2025 community vision.

On page 14 you can read about how we are investing £167 million in new buildings and facilities in 48 schools across the borough through the Community Investment Programme.

Following extensive research and conversations with our communities, the Youth Safety Taskforce recently published its report into how we can work together to find new ways to tackle growing concerns around youth violence and make sure none of our young people are left behind – read more on page seven.

We are proud of Camden’s diverse and welcoming communities. To celebrate Black History Month and the contributions the Windrush generation have made to the country, we’re inviting everyone to a fantastic free event at the Crowndale Centre on 19 October – details on page 10.

On a final note, one in four of us will experience mental illness. To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we are shining a light on the support available in Camden – remember that you are not alone. Turn to page 16 to find out more.

Councillor Georgia Gould Leader of the Council 5

News

Make sure you’re registered to vote Last month we sent a form to every household checking who’s registered to vote as part of our annual canvass.

The household enquiry form shows the names of people who are currently registered electors – this may be blank if no one is currently registered.

What you need to do You need to respond, even if your details are correct.

It’s quickest to do this online at registersecurely.com/camden using the unique security code and instructions we sent you.

You can also call 0800 3161 571 (Freephone number) and enter your security code when prompted.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/elections

As part of our ongoing fight against all types of hate crime, we are making sure that everyone understands what it is and how to report it.

What is a hate crime?

Something is a hate incident if the victim or anyone else thinks it was motivated by hostility or prejudice based on: Find out more 6

• complete the household enquiry form online or return it to us by post so we know who has moved in.

• register to vote at gov.uk/register-to-vote Your vote matters, don’t lose it.

Camden: No Place for Hate

• disability • race or ethnicity • religion • transgender identity • sexual orientation.

Hate crime includes name-calling, threats and intimidation, on the street or online. It also includes physical violence.

How to report a hate crime • If you or someone else is in immediate danger, phone the

camden.gov.uk/hatecrime

Have you recently moved?

If you’ve recently moved, or you are not registered at your current address:

0800 3161 571

Help us to fight hate crime 13 to 20 October is Hate Crime Awareness Week.

You can also return your form to us in the prepaid envelope provided.

police on 999. Otherwise, you can phone the police non-emergency helpline on 101, 24 hours a day.

• Phone our community safety team on 020 7974 4444 or email communitysafety@ camden.gov.uk • You can also contact one of our partners, who can offer you support. Visit our website below for full details.

News

Investing to tackle youth violence We are investing £500,000 to help the Council, partners and community to act upon the key recommendations of the Youth Safety Taskforce.

Last month Camden’s Youth Safety Taskforce published a report into youth violence in the borough.

The taskforce was set up last year to look for new ways to address this growing area of concern.

The taskforce spoke to young people, parents and carers, voluntary youth services, schools, community leaders and local politicians.

From these conversations they found that: Find out more

Camden Youth MP Athian Akec (left) with Youth Safety Taskforce co-chairs Keir Starmer MP, Councillor Abdul Hai, and Leader of the Council, Councillor Georgia Gould

• although relatively few people carry knives, many young people report feeling unsafe and are concerned about the issue • there is a link between youth violence and the drugs trade, where gangs are becoming sophisticated at ‘grooming’ vulnerable young people and exploiting them to maximise profits • poor engagement, disengagement from, and exclusion from school are associated with increased risk.

The taskforce has made recommendations, which the council and other partners will respond to with a plan of action, based on five key themes: prevent, identify, support, disrupt and enforce.

You can read the taskforce’s report on our website.

We will keep you updated as we work with partners to put the recommendations into practice to tackle youth violence.

camden.gov.uk/youthsafetytaskforce

Sexual consent campaign targets young people

Sexual consent:

If they didn’t say yes,

Young people helped to create a new campaign that raises awareness about sexual consent and free condoms.

The campaign focuses on the importance of sexual consent, with the strapline ‘if they didn’t say yes, it’s no’ and emoji faces to illustrate where consent is not given, for example if someone is drunk or has changed their mind.

The campaign also promotes the London-wide free condom

NoT rEADY

scheme for under 25s, known as the C-Card scheme, or Come Correct.

high

Young people from Fitzrovia in Action and The Hive Camden worked with our public health team to create the main messages and design ideas.

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riseabove.org.uk

comecorrect.org.uk

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wheN BoTh People AGReE. For more about

Find out more

Working in partners

Designed with young people from Fitzro Youth in Action and The Hive Camd via en

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consent and rela

tionships visit:

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News

Clean Camden fortnight is back Download the Clean Camden app from our website

Clean Camden fortnight is back from 8 to 19 October.

and dog poo at bay in Camden.

Visit our website below to download your free toolkit.

We’re stepping up our usual enforcement against littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling, and we need your help to keep Camden clean and tidy.

Report it The Clean Camden app is the fastest way to get directly in touch with us and get things cleared. If you spot a fly-tip, graffiti, overflowing litter bin, dog poo or abandoned vehicle you can alert us at the tap of a button. Download the app from our website below.

New toolkit Our new community toolkit has tips on how you can help keep litter, graffiti, dumped rubbish Find out more

camden.gov.uk/cleancamden

Supporting residents with a disability

The panel reviewed designs for the temporary move to the Crowndale Centre

Our Disability Oversight Panel would like to hear from residents who have a disability.

Helping residents to lead independent and healthy lives is a priority for us as a council.

Our Disability Oversight Panel consists of five councillors who are Disability Champions. They meet three times a year to discuss a wide range of issues affecting all disabled residents, from accessibility to employment, and to make sure the Council considers them in making decisions about services.

Find out more 8

Recently the panel reviewed the designs for the refurbishment of the town hall, and the temporary move to the Crowndale Centre, to make sure that both buildings offer good disabled access.

The panel is keen to get out and meet residents who have a disability, to hear about your experiences, and how they can make services better for you.

Get in touch by contacting the Chair, Councillor Roger Robinson

roger.robinson@camden.gov.uk

or the Vice Chair, Councillor Larraine Revah – details below.

larraine.revah@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 2792

News

Help to stop smoking This month is Stoptober, a great time to stop smoking.

Stop smoking service, Breathe, in action in Kentish Town

Find out more

Giving up smoking is the single best thing you can do for your heart’s health, and can improve your overall health straight away.

Breathe offers as much or as little support as you feel you need.

The Breathe service offers free, tailored advice and support to people in Camden who want to stop smoking.

The service can offer you a supply of stop smoking medications, and there’s also support for e-cigarette users.

Friendly, experienced advisors will work with you to create your own personal plan of action.

Take the first step to a healthier life today – visit the Breathe website below.

breathestopsmoking.org

text QUIT to 66777

This can range from daily tips sent to you, to more intensive telephone or face-to-face support.

020 3633 2609

Help us to invest in your community We need your thoughts on where local funding should be invested in your area. and open spaces, and health and community facilities. Ward councillors have a leading role in deciding how these funds should be used.

The Community Infrastructure Levy has helped to fund platform planting at Kentish Town station (Thameslink)

When new building projects take place in Camden, the developers are usually charged a fee known as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). As well as using some of this money to Find out more

fund key infrastructure across the borough, we also use some of it to help make sure that the development contributes towards the local area. This could include improvements to streets

camdencilmap.commonplace.is

To make sure that the funds are spent on the things most important to you, we want your views and ideas. Do you think your area needs more investment in open spaces or facilities for young people, for example? Give your thoughts by visiting our Commonplace website below before Monday 12 November.

Your feedback will help ward councillors to consider what our local CIL funds should be spent on over the next few years.

camden.gov.uk/cil 9

News

Celebrating Black History Month This year’s Black History Month in Camden will be celebrated with an exciting free event to mark the 70th anniversary of Windrush.

Everyone is invited to the Crowndale Centre on Friday 19 October for ‘Windrush: inspiring a younger generation’, a free action-packed evening with a range of special guest performers and speakers.

Organised by Camden Black Workers Group and Camden UNISON, with support from the Council, the event will shine a light on what younger generations can learn from the generation invited from the Caribbean to help rebuild the UK after the Second World War. 802 passengers voyaged on the Empire Windrush ship to Tilbury Docks in 1948, and in the following years many hundreds of thousands left their homes and families to work and resettle in this country.

Many people made their homes in Camden, where the Notting Hill Carnival first began at the Camden Centre in 1959.

The event will begin at 4pm with a range of exhibitors and market stalls. Performances will start from 6.30pm.

Talented rapper, storyteller and poet Alim Kamara will compere the evening, joined by guests including: • Winston Reedy, UK-based reggae singer • Michael de Souza, author and Find out more 10

lovecamden.org

creator of the books and television series Rastamouse •D ennis Bovell, producer, musician, songwriter and filmmaker •A lex Pascall, OBE, broadcaster, journalist, musician, composer, oral historian and educator •G lenda Jaxson, award-winning comedian •R eggae Fraternity UK, keeping reggae alive in the UK, special performances with young talent.

More Black History Month events Throughout October, Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of black people in the UK. Events in Camden include storytelling workshops, walks and exhibitions.

To find out more visit the Love Camden website below.

Windrush: inspiring a younger generation event • Friday 19 October, marketplace from 4pm and performances begin at 6.30pm – event ends at 10.30pm • Council Chambers, Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD • Free • British Sign Language interpreters and T-Loop system will be provided.

Camden talking

Community comments on social media.

Did you know recent changes to apprenticeship funding mean that apprenticeships are now available to anyone aged 16 – 65? Find out more on Camden Apprenticeships’ new jobs portal here: camdenapprenticeships. meganexus.com @Acland_Burghley via Twitter

We are pleased to announce that we’ll be working with @CamdenCouncil & local community orgs to develop innovative ideas to prevent youth crime in Camden through early intervention via the #CommunityImpactsFund @Young_Camden via Twitter

Please share! We are welcoming new members to our thriving Older People’s Advisory Group. We meet monthly to discuss issues that affect older people in Camden. Please email ageingbetterincamden @ageukcamden.org if you would like to get involved or know someone who would @abc_camden via Twitter

The #Active10 app has been downloaded by over 600,000 people so far. Why not join them and start tracking your brisk walking today? #OneYou @camden_ccg via Twitter

Big shout out to @CamdenCouncil @mayorofcamden for creating places that just make you want to move... climb, balance, crawl... promotes natural movement, play, exploration & #adventure #placemaking #urbanism #healthystreets @TheStreetgym via Twitter

Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden @CamdenCouncil

News

Call for businesses to support our Talent Pledge We want all our young people to have access to the very best opportunities that the borough has to offer.

World-renowned institutions and companies here in Camden have the power to inspire and support our young people to aim high and forge exciting careers.

That’s why we have launched a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths) programme to link businesses with schools and further education colleges. The programme will create the best opportunities for all our young people, by developing the skills that will help them to access the work that is right for them in the future.

We’re now calling on businesses to sign up to our STEAM 21st Century Talent Pledge. Employers who sign up to the pledge will: • volunteer at least one STEAM Ambassador to work with schools and young people to develop the STEAM curriculum and enhance careers education by speaking in schools or offering masterclasses to teachers, governors or young people Find out more

Dinah Caine, Chair of the Camden STEAM Commission, with UCL Academy students at the launch of the pledge: (left to right) Imran, Sophia, Anne and Nyma

• welcome and inspire the workforce of the future through two other enrichment activities from a menu of opportunities, such as workplace visits, mentoring, work experience, running a summer business challenge or developing a bespoke project.

We also encourage businesses to employ Camden residents through paid internships or apprenticeships.

Employers can sign up to the pledge on our website below, where you can also find out more about the STEAM Commission.

Dinah Caine, Chair of the Camden STEAM Commission, said: “Our programme aims to promote Camden’s successful creative and knowledge economy and to ensure our businesses continue to succeed by having access to diverse, young, local talent.

“For this to happen, it’s vital that today’s local young people and subsequent generations have STEAM embedded into their education, their out-of-school activities, their careers advice and work placement opportunities, working in close partnership with business, education, young people and the Council.”

camden.gov.uk/steamcommission 11

News

Applying for school places – don’t miss the deadlines Parents whose children are moving up to secondary school next year have until Wednesday 31 October to apply for a year seven place.

For children moving from nursery up to reception classes in primary schools, the deadline to apply for a place for your child starting in September next year is Tuesday 15 January 2019.

Applications for both primary and secondary schools are co-ordinated across London.

You can choose up to six preferred primary or secondary schools, which can be either in

Camden or outside the borough.

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

Our website below tells you everything you need to know about our schools and how to apply. Most parents now apply online but if you are unable to do so or have any questions, just email or call us – contact details below.

Myth-busters Please don’t be fooled by any of these common myths and risk missing out on your preferred school.

Myth: Listing one school means you’ll have to offer my child a place there.

If you live too far away or don’t meet other criteria, we will not be able to offer your child a place.

Listing the same school six times won’t improve your chances either.

Myth: Children in my road go to the school so my child will too.

The number of pupils offered places under admissions criteria such as distance from the school can change every year. Just because you know pupils living near you who go to a certain school, it does not mean that your child will be offered a place there.

Myth: If my child has a brother or sister enrolled at a faith school I will get higher priority.

The deadline for secondary school applications is Wednesday 31 October

Find out more 12

camden.gov.uk/admissions

This may not always be true, as some faith schools rank regular worship at a particular church above siblings who attend the school. admissions@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 1625

Feature

Eating a healthy school meal We’re working with secondary schools and our school meals provider Caterlink to make sure children eat and enjoy a healthy school lunch.

After children headed back to school this term, we asked our schools what they think the benefits are for students.

Regent High School Gary Moore, headteacher of Regent High School, said: “We are committed to enabling our

students to understand the importance of healthy eating and establishing good eating habits for life. Our menus are nutritionallybalanced and there is a wide choice, catering for different tastes and needs.

“We have a high number of students who are eligible for free

Gabriel, 11, tucks into his school meal at Regent High School

school meals, and our staff work hard to ensure that all eligible families apply and take advantage of this important offer.

“The Pupil Premium funding that we receive from registered children also helps to provide additional support for students and healthy breakfasts before their exams.”

Acland Burghley School Dylan Owen, director of learning at Acland Burghley School, said: “Our dining hall is at the centre of the school community and we aim for meal times to be a community event enjoyed by all.

“Students who are entitled to a free school meal are encouraged to take up their meal every day.

We have invested in making the dining hall as pleasant as possible. The food is healthy and balanced, with fruit salad on offer every day, as well as a salad bar. Students also get to enjoy traditional favourites, such as fish on Fridays.”

Free school meals Parents who claim benefits or who are on a low income can apply for free school meals for children in year three right up to year 11 in secondary school. To find out if you’re eligible and to apply, visit our website or call the number below.

Find out more

camden.gov.uk/fsm

020 7974 5771 13

Feature

Investing in your schools The Community Investment Programme is helping unlock academic opportunities for 48 schools borough wide.

As well as brand new school buildings like the award-winning Kingsgate Primary School, Netley Campus and the LaSWAP sixth form building finished over the summer, the Community Investment Programme is helping to enhance existing buildings and facilities in schools across Camden.

Brecknock Primary School At Brecknock Primary School, we have built a new area for childcare for two-year-olds, as well as revamped early years spaces and a community room for adult learning.

Marianne Porter, headteacher at Brecknock said: “We are now able to make links with our community sooner by providing early learning, play and socialisation for children from the age of two.”

As well as helping children lay the first building blocks of their education and adapt to the school environment, the expanded early years space at Brecknock offers parents the opportunity to access up to 30 hours a week free childcare. This is crucial in supporting parents, giving them Find out more 14

camden.gov.uk/cip

We are investing £167 million in schools across the borough

the time they need to return to work or learn new skills through education and training.

“Children can’t wait to come into school and experience the environment, which is full of opportunities to engage them,” Marianne added. “Parents have been delighted too and we have been oversubscribed since we opened.”

Investment across Camden schools £167 million in total is being invested in schools across the borough. At Gospel Oak Primary School, the programme has helped pay for new playground areas. At La Sainte Union Catholic Secondary School, classrooms have been modernised to keep up with the changing demands of the curriculum, including a new

dance and drama studio as well as food technology rooms.

These smaller scale community investments can be just as valuable as the large building projects, helping to modernise school facilities so that children can access the best possible academic opportunities.

Kingsgate Primary School recently won a national Royal Institute of British Architects award, with the the jury commenting that “the children attending this school are off to an exceptional start in education”. Whether the investments are big or small, we’re working hard to ensure the same ethos is carried to all 48 who are receiving funding, extending the benefits of the Community Investment Programme to every child at a supported school.

Feature

Have you thought about adopting a child?

Our adoption service works with five other north London boroughs to help find loving families for children in need of adoption. who was just over a year old. As soon as Errol saw her, he said, ‘That’s my little girl!’

“As our social worker told us more, there was a lot for us to know. She was born weighing just one kilogram and had physical disabilities to her hands and feet caused by her mother’s drug use during pregnancy.

“After finding out all the details about Annie, doing my research and meeting the specialists we were ready to bring her home. With all the support offered by social workers and health visitors, Annie began to progress amazingly.

Annie now wants to be a surgeon when she grows up, and we will support her all the way.”

Families are wanted for children in need of adoption

Diane and Errol* already had one daughter, Chloe,* but they knew they had a lot of love to give and wanted to grow their family.

willing to find out more. We spoke with Chloe, who was so excited to finally be getting the brother or sister she always wanted.

Diane said: “After many miscarriages, we were physically and mentally exhausted. We thought long and hard about adoption and weren’t sure if it was the right answer, but were

“Thankfully, the adoption process went smoothly. We had a great relationship with our social worker – and we were approved to adopt.

Our social worker came over to our house with details about Annie,*

Find out more

adoptionnorthlondon.co.uk

If you think you could change a child’s life and adopt, the first step is to contact the adoption team and attend an information session.

The North London Adoption Consortium has two open days this month for National Adoption Week (15 to 21 October). Visit the website below to find out more and book your place. *Names changed for anonymity.

0800 694 0101 15

Feature

iCope is a confidential talking therapy service

It’s OK to not be OK One in four of us has a mental health problem at some point in our lives. When we’re physically sick, we reach out for help – from our family and friends, the pharmacy or our GP. In the same way, when we’re feeling stressed, worried, depressed or anxious, we need to look for support.

A good place to start is your GP. If you don’t feel like talking to your GP, there are other ways to get help in Camden.

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Confidential help Talking about your problems can help. iCope offers support to adults with stress, worry, depression or insomnia. You can contact iCope directly if you have a Camden GP. Visit icope.nhs.uk/contact-us or call 020 3317 6670

Staff at The Hive in Swiss Cottage

As we mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we’re highlighting some of the ways you can get support in Camden.

ental health and M wellbeing hub The Camden Hub offers six to eight weeks of tailored, free mental health support to residents over 18. You can contact them directly or ask your GP or an organisation you’re already in contact with to refer you to the service.

After an assessment, you’ll work closely with a member of staff to find the type of support that works for you, such as music and dance classes or mindfulness courses.

Feature

There’s support for parents at children’s centres

Every week, the centre will help you track your progress and review your support. Visit camdenhub.org.uk or call 020 7278 4437 upport for children and S young people The Hive Camden offers help to young people aged 16 to 24 who want emotional support and a safe and welcoming place to relax, as well as advice and support about local services, a chance to meet new people and take part in activities.

The Hive Camden will be marking World Mental Health Day on Wednesday 10 October with free drop-in activities, from 4 to 7pm, including making healthy smoothies, freestyle fitness, graffiti artwork, guitar workshop, quizzes with prizes, and sharing experiences. Visit catch-22.org. uk/services/the-hive or call 020 3198 0521

Open Minded is Camden’s child and adolescent mental health service, which supports the emotional health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families. Visit camden.gov.uk/openminded Support for parents If you’re pregnant or a mum or dad with a child under five and you’re feeling low, anxious or lonely, there’s help at our children’s centres. Drop by and let staff know – they’ll be able to help.

There’s free one-to-one support as well as activities for you and your child. Meet other parents, get help to find a job, receive money advice and more. Visit camden.gov.uk/surestart Getting active Being more active can improve your mental as well as physical health.

Mind in Camden runs a ‘Healthy Minds’ programme, open to residents over 18 who would like to try out new activities to improve their mood, with an emphasis on physical activity. You’ll have access to free workshops, courses and group activities, and one-to-one support to help you achieve your goals. Activities are wide-ranging, including walks, yoga and boxing, as well as nutrition and creative writing workshops.

You can refer yourself or on someone else’s behalf. Visit mindincamden.org.uk/ services/healthy-minds-2 or call 020 7241 8996 For more ways to get active in Camden, turn to the listings on page 29.

More ways to get help Visit mentalhealthcamden. co.uk to find out about the full range of support and services on offer in Camden.

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Feature

Camden’s financial challenge We continue to face a financial challenge and have to make tough long-term decisions about where we invest our money.

Over the past eight years, central government has cut our funding for public services by 49%, which means we have had to think carefully about how we use our remaining funds.

Cuts to other public services, such as the police and NHS, have had a knock on impact on our communities and put further strain on the Council’s services.

The continuing challenge While we have successfully managed to save £169 million since 2010, sadly the tough financial decisions are not over.

We are now faced with further cuts from central government, and increasing cost pressures from a growing and ageing population and an ongoing housing crisis.

There are also uncertainties Find out more 18

around future local government funding and the impacts of the UK leaving the European Union.

We now need to save around £40 million over the next three years. This is the equivalent to the annual cost to the Council for waste collection, support for adults with mental health problems, library services and community safety.

Next steps In December, we will publish proposals for how we begin to make savings. Residents will be at the heart of our decision-making, and we are determined to protect Camden’s essential services.

Our focus will be on the key priorities that residents identified during conversations to develop Camden 2025, the new

camden.gov.uk/financialchallenge

community vision for the borough: • homes and housing • creating strong growth and access to jobs • supporting safe, strong and open communities • building clean, vibrant and sustainable places • ensuring everyone in Camden can lead healthy, independent lives.

We will work closely with residents, partners, community organisations and businesses to develop new ways of doing things.

Our focus will be on intervening early to prevent problems, supporting our most vulnerable residents and developing new solutions to make the biggest impact for our communities.

We will keep you updated as work progresses.

Feature

Bringing empty homes back into use Over the past five years, Camden has helped homeowners to bring 461 empty properties back into use.

In Camden there are many privately owned properties that have been vacant for more than six months.

There are many reasons these homes have become empty, from money worries to legal disputes over ownership, and severe delays to renovation works. Many of these homes are unfurnished, having been unoccupied for so long they have fallen into disrepair.

let to families needing a home in Camden. This includes tips to get their property back onto the market and grants to pay for repair works. In extreme cases, where properties have been empty for many years and the owner is unreachable, we even have enforcement powers to take a home under Council control so that we can fix it up ourselves.

Our dedicated Empty Homes team provides essential support and advice to these homeowners, helping them to bring their empty properties back to a liveable standard so that they can be

Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Better Homes, said: “It’s important that we help to bring these empty homes to standard so that we can increase the amount of housing available

We’ve helped homeowners bring empty properties back into use

Find out more

in the borough. In doing this, we can help tackle the housing crisis across Camden and the capital, offering housing solutions in areas where they are needed most.

“Our work is vital to all sorts of people. In the last five years, 52 homes brought back into use with the help of grants have provided housing for homeless families in priority need. Likewise, support from the team has enabled homeowners to open their empty properties up to local workers looking to rent in the borough.”

Following our advice, the owner of a garden flat on Haverstock Hill saved money on the renovation of their empty home. Thanks to this help, he was able to refurbish his property so that it could be rented out after being empty since 2009.

Works were completed in July and tenants moved in at the beginning of August. In addition to the repair works, the owner was able to pay for wheelchair adaptations for his new resident.

If you own an empty home and would like to find out more about support available, or if you would like to report a home you believe is empty, visit our website below.

camden.gov.uk/emptyhomes 19

Feature

Get married at Tavistock House Our brand new venue in Bloomsbury is open for bookings.

Phil said: “Although we live in Liverpool, we really wanted to get married in London because it felt special to us after we got engaged here. We both really like Camden so I started doing some research and that’s when I came across Tavistock House.

“We got married on 21 August and the day was fantastic. We had an intimate ceremony in the ceremony room with just my parents in attendance.

Phil Broom and Lynsey Thompson Broom got married at Tavistock House in August

Tavistock House

Are you looking for the perfect place for your big day? Our new wedding venue, Tavistock House, is now officially open.

The newly refurbished venue, which opened in August, has two ceremony suites with brand new décor and a register office for wedding parties of any size.

Both suites cater for weddings, civil partnerships and vow renewal ceremonies, and our dedicated wedding team are on hand to Find out more 20

support you along the way.

Since its opening, more than 90 ceremonies have taken place at Tavistock House. The new venue will be in use while the town hall undergoes a major refurbishment.

Phil Broom and Lynsey Thompson Broom were one of the first couples to marry in the new location. The couple travelled from their home in Liverpool to mark their big day in the newly refurbished ceremony room.

camden.gov.uk/tavistockhouse

“The ceremony room and whole venue was so modern. I’m a joiner by trade and particularly liked the old style of the building and interior of the windows. Some register offices and ceremony rooms can be quite dark and dingy but this was the opposite, we were really impressed.

“It was a great experience, the staff were so helpful and accommodating, which made the day really special.”

Visit our website below to find out more about booking your wedding at Tavistock House.

Feature

Understanding Universal Credit The government’s Universal Credit is coming to Camden – this may mean changes for you if you receive benefits.

If you are already claiming any of the benefits that Universal Credit replaces, you will initially continue to receive your benefits as they stand. You will not need to claim Universal Credit until you need to claim a new benefit, your circumstances change or until the government asks you to do so.

Universal Credit claims are made and managed online.

Universal Credit will be rolled out across Camden in December

Universal Credit replaces six benefits for people of working age with a single monthly benefit paid into a bank account. These are: • Housing Benefit • Income-based Job Seeker’s Allowance • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance • Income Support • Child Tax Credit • Working Tax Credit.

Find out more

Some residents in Camden are already able to claim Universal Credit and some residents in West Hampstead and Kilburn (residents with a postcode that begins with NW2 2, NW2 3, NW6 1, NW6 2 or NW6 5) will be able to claim Universal Credit from 21 November 2018. From December, Universal Credit will be fully rolled out across Camden.

If you have more than two children, you will not be able to claim Universal Credit until February 2019 but you can still claim any of the six existing benefits. If you live in temporary accommodation, you will be able to claim both Housing

citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit

Benefit and Universal Credit.

Information and support If you are not sure whether you can claim Universal Credit or want to get advice before you make your claim, you can get support from Citizens Advice Camden or Camden Community Law Centre.

If you would like more information about claiming benefits and help if you have debts, visit the Citizens Advice website or our money advice webpages below.

Citizens Advice Camden • 0300 330 1157 • Drop-in advice available: 141a Robert Street, NW1 3QT or 2 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3LQ – see opening hours at camdencabservice.org.uk Camden Community Law Centre • 020 7284 6510 • Drop-in advice available on Tuesdays from 10am to 12 noon: 2 Prince of Wales Road, NW5 3LQ

camden.gov.uk/moneyadvice 21

Feature

Stay fire safe Camden’s London Fire Brigade Borough Commander gives tips on how you can help to prevent fires and keep safe.

Simon Tuhill, London Fire Brigade Borough Commander: “The best way to fight fires is to prevent them from happening in the first place. There are lots of things that you can do at home to keep you, your family and your neighbours safe.”

Smoking, candles and lighters • Don’t smoke in bed or anywhere you can fall asleep. If you’re not ready to quit yet (see page nine for support), make sure you smoke outside and dispose of your cigarette ends safely.

• Don’t place lit candles near curtains, furniture and clothes.

• Keep lighters and matches well out of reach of children.

Check your appliances • Check your household appliances regularly. If your fridge, freezer, washing machine or tumble dryer starts making a strange noise, don’t ignore it. If you think there’s a problem, always unplug the appliance and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.

• Register your appliances at registermyappliance.org.uk – you’ll be sent a message if the manufacturers have identified any issues with the products you have bought.

Smoke and heat alarms could save your life • A single smoke alarm isn’t enough. Fit at least one on every level of your home.

• Keep smoke alarms away from kitchens and bathrooms as steam can set them off by mistake and cause damage over time.

• Fit a heat alarm in the kitchen – these are best for detecting increased heat and won’t be set off by cooking fumes.

• Test your alarms every month to make sure the battery hasn’t run out.

• You can buy smoke and heat alarms in most DIY shops, but make sure they are marked with a British Standards or European (CE) safety mark.

EXIT

A recent large fire at Somers Town Coffee House was caused by a cigarette that had not been disposed of safely, while a fire that destroyed the roof at a private residential block in Inglewood Road, West Hampstead was caused by a faulty fridge freezer.

22

Feature

Staying safe on Bonfire Night As Bonfire Night approaches, remember, remember our tips for a safe and fun 5 November.

• It’s always much safer to attend an organised fireworks display.

• If you’re having your own display, only buy fireworks marked with the British Standard Kitemark BS7114.

• Keep fireworks in a closed box, take them out one at a time and always follow the instructions carefully when using them.

• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back.

• Never go back to a lit firework. Even if a firework hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.

•E ven when sparklers have gone out they are still hot, so put them in a bucket of water after use.

• T ake care with sparklers – never give them to children under five and always wear gloves.

• If you’re having a bonfire, one person should be responsible for it and children should be supervised.

• Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.

• Never throw fireworks and never put them in your pocket.

• Never

use petrol or paraffin on a bonfire.

• Keep

your pets indoors throughout the evening.

•D on’t let off fireworks late at night.

Find out more

london-fire.gov.uk/community/camden

twitter.com/LFBCamden 23

Feature

Working together to promote independent living Groups of voluntary sector disability organisations are joining forces to work with disabled residents at the newly built Greenwood Centre, which is opening soon.

“I am really excited about being co-located with Camden Disability Action and the day service for people with mental health support needs. Together we can challenge each other to make the services better and better.”

The Greenwood Centre will bring together a range of day services and Camden’s first Centre for Independent Living

We want residents to have every opportunity to live independently with more choice and control over their lives. When it opens, the Greenwood Centre will provide a one-stop shop for people with a range of needs and disabilities, supporting independence, inclusion, health and wellbeing.

The centre will be home to a range of services and will include Camden’s first Centre for Independent Living. The Centre for Independent Living will be led by Camden Disability Action Group, a user-led organisation which aims to promote the equality of deaf and disabled people in Camden.

Together, these organisations will Find out more 24

use their combined expertise to develop a centre that can support any disability and secure positive outcomes for all users.

New Shoots is one of the local day centres moving into Greenwood.

Centre Manager Philip Vaughan said: “I hope that the Greenwood Centre will be a vibrant and busy place, a true communal hub.

While it is a building designed, run by and built for the community of disabled people in Camden, I hope it becomes a magnet for the whole of Camden and beyond.”

Philip said: “There is nothing more important than recognising that no one person or service know all there is to know.

camden.gov.uk/greenwoodplace

As day services and the Centre for Independent Living move under one roof, there’s a sense of collaboration that’s key to developing Camden’s care offer.

In sharing expertise and ideas, Camden’s disability organisations are able to develop their services, working alongside the people who use them to tailor their offer to their individual needs.

Already, everyone involved is enthusiastic to get going, with each day service planning a transitional period of day visits and one-off classes before Greenwood officially opens. These are being designed with users in mind to help ease those with more complex needs into their new surroundings.

The Greenwood Centre has been funded through the Community Investment Programme and will officially open in the New Year.

camden.gov.uk/cip

Feature

Breastfeeding Welcome in Camden We launched the Camden Can Breastfeeding Welcome scheme earlier this year to make Camden a place where every mum feels welcome to feed her baby, wherever she needs to.

The thinking behind the scheme is that venues – cafes, museums and public places of any kind – sign up to it and display one of our stickers or signs in their window or reception area. This will help breastfeeding mums to identify venues where they will feel particularly welcome.

One of the breastfeeding mums who attended the launch was Catriona Gray from Kentish Town.

We asked Catriona about her experiences of breastfeeding her baby, Lenny, in Camden.

and Ure cafe at Camden Garden Centre particularly welcoming.”

Help the scheme grow Our interactive map of venues that have already signed up is on our website below. If you’re a breastfeeding mum who lives in Camden, or know someone who is, please tell them about the scheme so that they can have a look to see where the breastfeeding welcome venues are.

If you run a business or venue and you would like to make it clear to breastfeeding mums that they are welcome, please contact us or fill in the form on our website. We’ll be happy to include you on our map.

Catriona said: “I’ve never had negative reactions about breastfeeding when I’ve been out and about in Camden. Before Lenny was born, I found out about breastfeeding drop-ins. I was very keen not to be stuck at home with Lenny.

“It’s particularly nice when a venue actively makes sure you’re comfortable and brings you a glass of water. Little differences like this can make your day, so it’s great to have a scheme to publicise places where mums are welcome to breastfeed. I find the Pritchard Find out more

Perhaps you could help us to add more venues? Email us at the address below with details of the venues where you feel particularly welcome when breastfeeding.

We’ll contact them and invite them to join the scheme.

Catriona Gray with her son Lenny

camden.gov.uk/camdencanbf

Breastfeeding drop-ins If you’d like information or support with breastfeeding, there are drop-in sessions at children’s centres across Camden. Visit our website below for details.

camdencan@camden.gov.uk 25

Feature

Food waste isn’t rubbish Over a quarter of household waste in Camden comes from food so we’re encouraging everyone to reduce, reuse or recycle their food waste.

For every five bags of shopping bought, we throw away an entire bag of good food. This is usually because we cook too much or don’t use the food in time. Get the best out of your fridge and freezer and cut down on your food waste.

Top tips to save your food from the bin Saving food saves money as well as slowing climate change through reducing carbon dioxide emissions and unnecessary packaging waste.

Be savvy about salad

Feed your freezer

40% of the bagged salad bought in the UK every year ends up in the bin. Only buy what you will use – 2 for 1 offers aren’t a bargain if you’re throwing food away.

The majority of foods can be frozen before they go off, helping to save time and money. You can freeze fruit, vegetables, eggs, pasta, rice and herbs, amongst other items.

Love your leftovers

A rise in bread waste

Added extras like herbs, spices and sauces can jazz up the flavour of your leftover food. Make sure to freeze any leftovers you don’t eat so you can reuse them.

Over 240 million slices of bread are thrown away every year. Buy what you need. Put any leftover bread in the freezer or turn stale bread into croutons, eggy bread or even bread and butter pudding.

Food for thought

• Each year in London, we throw away 900,000 tonnes of food from our homes.

• A family of four could save as much as £70 a month by cutting down on their food waste.

• Food waste generates approximately 19 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

26

Feature Some food waste is unavoidable but that doesn’t mean it has to go into your general waste bin.

Many homes in Camden are eligible for our weekly food waste collection service. We provide a small kitchen caddy and compostable liners, which make it easy to scrape your plates and chopping boards. This waste can then be put into a food waste bin outside your home and we’ll collect it every week.

Food waste that’s thrown away doesn’t break down harmlessly like you might think. If food waste ends up in landfill, it rots and releases methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times

more potent than carbon dioxide – bad news for the environment.

When you recycle your food waste, it’s sent to special processing plants and is transformed into electricity, or turned into compost, which farmers can use as fertiliser.

Did you know?

In just eight weeks your food waste can be turned into a soil conditioner to help plants grow.

Food waste you can recycle

Leftovers and plate scrapings

Teabags and coffee grounds

Fruit and vegetables

Meat and bones

Win a cook book Send us your top tips for reducing food waste around the house and the best five will receive Cooking on a Bootstrap by Jack Monroe.

Send your tips to camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk

Be food waste wise • Order your food waste caddy – contact details below.

Find out more

• Use your food waste to make your plants grow.

We provide composters at just £5 each (plus delivery) – sign up at camden.getcomposting.com

camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

020 3567 8105 27

Listings Arts and culture Keats House Poets Black History Month special: Writing Our Roots and Rhythms Thursday 18 October, 6.30 to 9.30pm An evening of West African drumming with a poetry writing workshop, followed by an open mic. Booking recommended.

Keats House, 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR cityoflondon.gov.uk/keats 020 7332 3868 Windrush: Songs in a Strange Land Until Sunday 21 October, check website for opening times Exhibition telling the story of the Empire Windrush and how the people who came here have shaped Britain over the past 70 years.

British Library (entrance hall), 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB bl.uk 01937 546546 Figures in motion photography workshop Monday 29 October, 6.30 to 8.30pm Workshop exploring the body, movement and long exposure photography. Materials and camera provided. Booking essential.

Free Space Project, Kentish Town Health Centre, 2 Bartholomew Road, NW5 2BX freespaceproject.org daniel@freespaceproject.org Lunchtime recital: Varvara Maggs, piano Thursday 1 November, 1.15 to 2pm Music including Prokofiev’s Legend Op 12 No 6. See website for details of other weekly recitals. Donations welcome.

St Pancras Church, Euston Road NW1 2BA stpancraschurch.org 020 7388 1461

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All activities are free unless otherwise specified.

This Vexed Question: 500 years of women in medicine To Friday 18 January 2019 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, late opening until 8pm on the first Thursday of the month Exhibition exploring the stories of well-known pioneers and previously hidden medical women.

Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrew’s Place, NW1 4LE history.rcplondon.ac.uk 020 3075 1510

Community Holborn Fun Palace Sunday 7 October, 10.30am to 4pm A day of fun for the whole community.

Make some art, take part in a science experience or join in with a performance.

Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL funpalaces.co.uk/discover/ holborn-community-fun-palace admin@holborncommunity.co.uk Heritage fair Saturday 13 October, 12 noon to 4pm Sidings Community Centre celebrates 35 years with an archive photo exhibition and films, stalls, sports, multi-generational arts workshop and more. Lunch and refreshments available.

Sidings Community Centre, 150 Brassey Road, NW6 2BA sidings.org.uk info@sidings.org.uk Camden and Islington volunteering fair Wednesday 31 October, 12 noon to 2pm Drop in to meet organisations recruiting volunteers in Camden and Islington.

Voluntary Action Islington, 200a Pentonville Road, N1 9JP volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990

Journey 2 work Every Friday, 10am to 4.30pm Are you 40 years old or over and actively seeking employment but need some extra help to assist you in moving back into work? Get up to 12 months’ support with job searching, training and upskilling. Book an appointment.

St Pancras Community Centre, 67 Plender Street, NW1 0LG kennedyscott.co.uk/ journey-2-work 01304 201 213 Apple Day Sunday 28 October, 12 noon to 4pm Family harvest event: more than 20 varieties of apple to sample and buy. Apple-themed arts and crafts, cookery, treasure hunt, apple bobbing and longest peel competition. £1 adults, 50p children.

Kentish Town City Farm, 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk 07419 820 503 Coram’s Fields Fireworks Night Friday 2 November, park open from 3.30pm, fireworks start at 5.15pm Central London family-friendly fireworks extravaganza. Free – tickets to premium viewing zone £10 (plus booking fee), admitting one adult and up to two children.

Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, WC1N 1DN eventbrite.co.uk (search for Coram’s Fields) Celebrating Diwali Sunday 4 November, 12 noon to 3pm Celebrate the Festival of Lights at Burgh House. Enjoy an afternoon of dance and music, make a Diwali lamp and more. Suitable for children aged four and older.

Burgh House and Hampstead Museum, New End Square, NW3 1LT burghhouse.org.uk 020 7431 0144

Listings Families

Get active

Older people

Family barn dance Sunday 7 October, 3 to 5pm Bring the whole family and take part in lively dances in a supportive and fun environment. £7 adult, £5 child, £2 under twos. Booking recommended.

Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, NW1 7AY cecilsharphouse.org education@efdss.org 020 7485 2206

Learn to cycle Various dates and times Two-day training courses for children and 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

Hartbeeps sessions for under fives Sunday 14 October, 10.30 to 11.15am (toddlers and infants), 11.30 to 12.15pm (babies and pre-walkers) Music, drama, creative play, dance and movement. Booking essential.

See website for admission prices.

Jewish Museum London, Raymond Burton House, 129 to 131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk/whats-on 020 7284 7384 admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk

Highgate Harriers Quadkids athletics Sunday 7 October, 12 noon to 2pm with registration from 11.30am Fun athletics competition for under 12s. All children do one sprint, run, throw and jump with certificates awarded to all. £3.

Parliament Hill Athletics Track, Highgate Road, NW5 1QR highgateharriers.org.uk highgateharriersquadkids@gmail.com

Songhaven at the Bloomsbury Festival Saturday 20 October, 3.30pm Dementia-friendly concert with four professional classical artists. Favourite melodies from the operatic stage and classic musicals, and well-known songs from the past. £8.

Lumen church and cafe, 88 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9RS songhaven.co.uk 020 3108 1000

Get creative workshop Tuesday 23 October and Wednesday 24 October, 11am to 12.30pm and 2 to 3.30pm Spooky arts and crafts drop-in for five to 11-year-olds, inspired by the Jewish Museum’s Frankenstein exhibition.

See website for admission prices.

Jewish Museum London, Raymond Burton House, 139 to 131 Albert Street, NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk/whats-on 020 7284 7384 admin@jewishmuseum.org.uk Families growing together: Halloween crafts workshop Thursday 25 October, 3.40 to 5pm A workshop for families: try pumpkin carving and make a pumpkin bird feeder.

The Horticultural Hub, Hartland Road, NW1 8RG castlehaven.org.uk 020 7485 3386 nichola@castlehaven.org.uk

Half-term sports courses Monday 22 to Friday 26 October, various times Fun sports activities for children and young people during the school holidays.

Ages four to seven: gymnastics (9am to 10.30am) or trampoline (12 noon to 1.30pm).

Ages eight to 14: multi-sports programme (9am to 4.30pm), including bend, bop and bounce (gymnastics, dance and trampolining) and multi-sports (trampolining, table tennis, dodgeball, cricket, football and more).

Prices vary, concessions available.

Booking essential.

Talacre Sports Centre, NW5 3AF better.org.uk/talacre sportsdevelopment@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 8765

Songhaven: dementia-friendly concert and singalong Tuesday 23 October, 2 to 3.30pm Dementia-friendly concert, afternoon tea and singalongs of popular tunes, from classical to music hall. £3.

Kentish Town City Farm, 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk 07419 820 503 Gardening club for people aged 60+ Every Thursday, 2 to 4pm Drop into a friendly gardening club, have a cup of tea and a chat, and harvest the fruits of your labour.

Kentish Town City Farm, 1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN ktcityfarm.org.uk 07419 820 503 Ageing better in Camden Every Thursday from 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

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

Do you have the skills to help in an emergency?

A new programme from Volunteer Centre Camden will draw on residents’ skills to help in case of an emergency.

How to get involved All kinds of skills are needed in an emergency, so we need all kinds of volunteers. We are looking for: • first aiders • counsellors • youth workers • people who speak other languages • good listeners • friendly tea makers • organised people who can help sort or collect donations • performers who could entertain people at a rest centre • and anyone else who would like to help.

As well as time and skills, we are also looking for organisations or businesses to offer space or items that could be useful in an emergency, from food and drink to clothes to toiletries.

Enthusiastic volunteers are invaluable during an emergency, and we know that in our Camden community there are many people who have useful skills and experience that they would like to be able to share in an emergency situation.

Until now it’s been difficult for people to get involved as there hasn’t been enough time to

assess their experience, but a brand new programme run by Volunteer Centre Camden will change that.

CAMERA (Coordinating and Mobilising Emergency Response Activists) is an innovative government-funded programme to coordinate local volunteers to help in the event of an emergency – and everyone can get involved.

Find out more volunteercentrecamden.org.uk/camera 020 7424 9990 30

If you would like to volunteer to help your community in an emergency, you’ll need to register with Volunteer Centre Camden.

They will soon be hosting information sessions on the programme. To register and to find out more about volunteering opportunities in the borough, contact Volunteer Centre Camden below.

camera@volunteercentrecamden.org.uk

My Camden Mark Hall is Chair of Headcorn Tenants’ and Residents’ Association

What’s your Camden connection?

being supported and represented.

I’ve been a Council tenant for more than 25 years. I set up Headcorn Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TRA), which I chair. Through this I am a mediator between residents and the Council to help resolve issues and positively affect services and our environment.

Tell us about your volunteering in Camden I created ‘Neighbour Hub’ with Headcorn TRA as a community engagement pop-up project based on the idea of a charity shop, with donated items and volunteers from the local area. It was all about creating a place for people to get together and raise community spirits. We’re now forming a charity to further develop the idea. I am also keen to encourage other

What makes Camden special?

Our historic and modern multicultural environment, blended with music, art and fashion amongst a backdrop of stunning open green spaces and new architecture.

Mark Hall in the Neighbour Hub pop-up shop

residents to get involved in setting up tenants’ and residents’ associations – it’s great for opening up communication and making a difference to people’s lives.

Favourite place(s) in Camden and why?

Camden Market with all its international visitors, though I would like to see more local artists

Most memorable thing to happen to you in Camden?

Singing at Sade’s birthday party by WKD bar in Camden Town.

The cover band had no singer so I just got on the mic until someone else stepped in.

If you could change one thing about the borough, what would it be?

Camden Market

Stop people feeling isolated as it can happen to anyone. I think it would help if people said hello to their neighbours more.

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

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

Find out more

headcorn-tra.org

camden.gov.uk/tenantparticipation 31

Childcare places for , and year olds Free 15 hour places for 2 year olds For families on a low income. For eligibility go to GOV.UK and search for ‘help paying for childcare’.

Apply at camden.gov.uk/twoyearolds Or pick up an application form at your local Sure Start Children’s Centre.

Free 15 hour places for 3 and 4 year olds There is no need to apply for this. Just check with your chosen nursery or childminder to see if they are part of this scheme.

Government-funded 30 hour places For working parents - for eligibility and to apply visit:

childcarechoices.gov.uk

Camden’s Enhanced Offer If you are not eligible for the government’s 30 hour offer you may still be able to get 30 hours with the Camden Enhanced Offer for families on a low income who live in Camden.

For eligibility and to apply visit: camden.gov.uk/childcare

To find out more, visit your local Camden Sure Start Children’s Centre, call 020 7974 1679, email freeearlyeducation@camden.gov.uk or visit camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart