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G SPRIN 6 2 20

Your spring guide Free and low-cost activities for all Your guide to Camden’s budget Get ready for the local elections …and so much more!

Welcome

Contents 3

Community kitchen in the spotlight

4-5 elections

As the days get longer and warmer, find out how you can help look after your local green spaces (page 11), as well as our round-up of free and low-cost activities (pages 8-9).

Your guide to Camden’s budget

Cost of living support

We have just set Council Tax rates and the council’s budget, so read on to find out how your money is being used to deliver a range of services for everyone (page 6).

8-9

Welcome to the spring edition of the Camden Magazine!

Camden

On Thursday 7 May, there will be local elections. Make sure you’re ready to vote by reading our guide (pages 4-5). Free & low-cost activities for everyone

10 Discover your local library Read online Every edition of the Camden Magazine is uploaded to our website camden.gov.uk/magazine

This edition has interactive links to take you to further information and is compatible with screen readers. Scan the QR code to use the electronic version of the magazine. Published by Camden Council. Distribution from March 2026. All content correct at time of print. Cover photograph by Jenna Selby.

Request a large print copy, audio format or in another language by calling 020 7974 5717

Volunteer outdoors

12 communities

Celebrating our

13 foster?

Advice for private renters & blue badge users Vaccinations for

15 young people

Could you

16 Stay up to date

This publication was designed and produced by Camden Creative Services. We offer a not-for-profit service to organisations and businesses. If you are interested in finding out more about us, please contact ros.daniel@camden.gov.uk

Camden

Spring 2026

We Make Camden in the spotlight The We Make Camden Missions are long-term goals for the future of the borough and hundreds of residents, community partners and businesses are joining us to work towards achieving them. Learn more about our Missions at WeMakeCamden.org.uk

Food brings communities together A community kitchen in Swiss Cottage is supporting our shared mission for everyone to access affordable, nutritious and sustainable food. Ellie Butterworth from operators FEAST With Us said: Our community kitchen offers asylum seekers, who are often without adequate cooking and dining facilities, a safe, warm space to create and share healthy, delicious meals. It also creates a meaningful volunteering opportunity, as the team cooks for local residents experiencing food insecurity.” The kitchen was developed following recommendations from a report on food experiences of people seeking asylum or living in temporary accommodation, which highlighted urgent issues such as unsafe food and lack of kitchen access.

Applications open for Camden’s Diversity Fund If you’re a business owner from a diverse background, you can apply to Camden Community Wealth Fund’s £2 million Diversity Fund for investment to grow your business. Apply for up to £500,000 of flexible, repayable finance if your business makes a positive impact in Camden - particularly in the creative industries, local employment, or community‑focused work. Applications close Monday 6 April 2026. To find out more and apply

CamdenCommunityWealthFund.co.uk/apply-for-funding/diversity-fund Camden 3

Get ready for th Get ready for the local elections If you’re not already

registered to vote, register at gov.uk/register-to-vote

On Thursday 7 May, registered voters go to the polls to decide who they would like as their local councillors to represent their community on Camden Council. Make sure you’re ready: Register to vote

Check you have photo ID

You need original photo ID to vote in person. Check the full list of accepted ID at gov.uk/how-to-vote/photo-id-youll-need and if you don’t have this, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by Tuesday 28 April, 5pm, at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authoritycertificate

You can register to vote at 16 but can only vote in the upcoming local elections if you’re 18 or over. You can vote in the local elections if you’re 18 or over on polling day and a British or an Irish citizen, or if you’re a qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen living in Camden. Check eligibility at gov.uk/elections-in-the-uk

Accepted forms of photo ID include: oyster

Passport

Apply for a postal or proxy vote You can apply to vote by post if it would be more convenient for you. Apply by Tuesday 21 April, 5pm, at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote A proxy vote is when you choose someone to vote on your behalf because you’re unable to make it to your polling station on polling day. Find out more and apply by Tuesday 28 April, 5pm, at gov.uk/apply-proxy-vote

Camden

Driving licence

Freedom Pass

Blue Badge

PASS CARD

Oyster 60+ card Freedom Pass Proof of Age (PASS)

Spring 2026

he local elections Polling day: Thursday 7 May, 7am-10pm

Find your polling station and local candidates Check your polling station and ward on your polling card, which will be sent a few weeks before the elections, or at WhereDoIVote.co.uk Read the official list of candidates at camden.gov.uk/elections from Friday 10 April.

Accessible voting We want to make sure that everyone in Camden can exercise their democratic right to vote. Our polling stations are accessible and there’s a range of support and tools available to help you vote independently at your polling station or by post.

About the local elections

You can also get paper application forms to register to vote, or apply for a postal or proxy vote or Voter Authority Certificate. Contact Camden Electoral Services – details below – or find out more about accessible voting at camden.gov.uk/accessible-voting

The London Borough of Camden is split into 20 areas called wards. Three councillors represent 15 wards, while two councillors represent Camden Square, Camden Town, Frognal, Hampstead Town and Kentish Town North due to size.

Contact Camden Electoral Services electoral.services@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444 camden.gov.uk/elections

You can cast two or three votes depending on the number of councillors representing your ward. Follow the instructions on the top of your ballot paper to vote. Votes will be counted during the day on Friday 8 May and results published at news.camden.gov.uk

Camden 5

Your guide to Camden’s budget 2026 to 2027 We have just set Camden Council’s budget for the coming year. We have increased council tax to balance the books and provide funding for vital public services. This increase includes funding protected specifically for adult social care, and continued support for those who need it most. We will continue to work hard to make every pound count. Your council tax goes directly into frontline services to keep our borough safe, clean and thriving. A borough for everyone.

Despite huge pressure we are meeting challenges head-on Like many councils, our financial outlook remains exceptionally challenging. Rising inflation and unprecedented pressures on our services mean that we have to be pragmatic to balance our budget. Since 2011 we have made savings of more than £240m, whilst continuing to provide the services people rely on and investing in new areas of support. Our strong track record in managing our budget puts us in the best possible position to tackle the challenges we face.

Funding your services 2026 to 2027

£6.3million tackling anti-social behaviour and keeping Camden safe

£21million on rubbish and recycling collections

£13.7million on keeping our streets and public spaces clean and welcoming

£34-36million £86.9million on our ‘outstanding’ early years and children’s services 6

Camden

£2.1million on our Cost of Living Fund which supported 3,154 households last year

on our Council Tax Support Scheme ensuring 16,000+ households pay nothing and almost 6,000 get reduced bills

£130.8million on our ‘outstanding’ adult social care services

£29.9million to update around 3,000 council homes – cutting bills and reducing carbon emissions Spring 2026

Support with Cost of Living We’re here for you Find help and support at

camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving or call

020 7974 4444

If you’re in an emergency financial situation, apply for a Cost of Living Fund payment worth up to £500 by completing the form at camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService

Reduce your energy bills Camden’s Home Energy Advice Team supports council tenants with energy bills, energy debt and more. Watch this 60-second video to learn more about how they could help you by scanning the QR code, call them on 020 7974 6207 or email EnergyEfficiencyHomeAdvice@camden.gov.uk

“Thanks for draught-proofing my door, it made a massive difference.”

Tips to save money and spring clean your finances

Council tax support

Apply for Council Tax Support – if you earn £623.25 a week or less, you could get money off your bill. If you’re disabled, a carer, or have children, you’ll get a bigger discount. camden.gov.uk/CTS

Live alone? Apply for a ‘single person’ 25% discount on your council tax bill camden.gov.uk/CTsingle

Receive benefits? Get money off your mobile phone or internet bills. Ask your current providers about a ‘social tariff’ or visit ofcom.org.uk/cheap-broadband

Check you are being paid the National Minimum Wage gov.uk/am-i-getting-minimum-wage

Check you’re receiving all the benefits you should be camden.gov.uk/BetterOff

r Bette Off lator Calcu

Camden 7

Explore Camden this Spring Free and low-cost activities for everyone to enjoy this season Discover Highgate Newtown Community Centre Camden’s newest community centre at Highgate Newtown offers a great range of activities and services. These include pottery classes by Clay Time, cooking classes, hairdressing services from Hattice Hair, pilates and yoga, and a Friday lunch club. You can find Highgate Newtown Community Centre at 30 Bertram Street, Highgate, N19 5DQ Visit

hncp.org.uk for more activities.

Find your local community centre Highgate Newtown Community Centre is one of 25 community centres in Camden where you can get involved in low-cost activities and meet your neighbours. Find your nearest centre at

camden.gov.uk/community-centres

Queer Britain Museum

Visit an outdoor gym

Camden is proudly home to the UK’s first and only dedicated LGBTQ+ museum. Visit Queer Britain for exhibitions and workshops celebrating queer lives and powerful history.

Did you know there are 11 outdoor gyms across Camden? Available for everyone aged 14+ to use.

Pay what you can for entry or become a Queer Britain member. Visit QueerBritain.org.uk to find out more. pen Wednesdays – Sundays, 12pm-6pm O 2 Granary Square, Kings Cross, N1C 4BH

Take your workout outside and use a variety of equipment – free and for any fitness level. Find your nearest gym camden.gov.uk/outdoor-gyms

Finding public toilets We know it’s easier to visit local places, parks and shops knowing that there’s a free public toilet close by. You can find our free facilities in:

Camden

• South End Green, NW3 • West End Lane, NW6 • Pond Square, N6 • Lincoln’s Inn Fields, WC2 • Camden Town, NW3

View the Great British Toilet map camden.gov.uk/ public-toilets

Spring 2026

Free and low-cost activities for children, young people and families You can find local activities, opportunities and community support at

Keep active Find sport and physical activities for children and young people of all ages. Visit camden.gov.uk/ sports-activities-forchildren-and-youngpeople

Discover your local Youth Hub Camden Youth Services has launched its new spring programme at Netherwood, Highgate Haven and Somers Town Youth Hubs. All activities are free for young people aged 12 to 19, or up to 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). From music, art and cooking to sports and social time, there’s something for everyone. Friendly, experienced youth workers create a safe, welcoming space for all. Visit

CamdenRise.co.uk/youth-clubs-and-projects

families.camden.gov.uk

Join the Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme The Easter Holiday Activities and Food Programme runs from 30 March to 10 April for 5 to 16 year-olds who live in Camden and are eligible for benefitsrelated free school meals. Visit YoungCamdenFoundation.org. uk/haf

Find activities and support for children and young people with special needs Camden’s Local Offer website is a ‘one stop shop’ for information, advice and services for 0 to 25 year-olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who support them. Visit families.camden.gov.uk/ send-local-offer

Visit your Children’s Centre and Family Hub Camden Children’s Centres and Family Hubs offer free services from pregnancy to age 19 (25 with SEND). Call 0800 389 5789, email FamilyHubs@camden.gov.uk, or drop into a Family Hub. See borough-wide events at families.camden.gov.uk/ events-and-activities

Camden 9

Discover your local library Our libraries are more than just places to borrow books. They’re friendly community spaces where you can meet people, find support, and take part in free and low‑cost activities for all ages - from rhyme time and reading groups to digital support and creative workshops. Find out what’s on near you at

camden.gov.uk/whats-on-this-month

Free books for children with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Children in Camden can receive a free book every month until their fifth birthday through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The worldwide programme sends age-appropriate books directly to families’ letterboxes, making it easy to enjoy stories together at home and build a lifelong love of reading. Families can sign up any child under five living in the borough by visiting camden.gov.uk/imagination-library

Bringing the library to your door If you find it difficult to visit a library, Camden’s Home Library Service can help you to continue enjoying books. The service offers free, regular deliveries of books, audiobooks and DVDs to your home, as well as visits to care homes and sheltered housing every month. Library staff take time to get to know what you like, matching titles to your interests, accessibility needs and preferred formats. Visit camden.gov.uk/home-library-service or email HomeLibraryService@camden.gov.uk for more information.

Camden

When the books arrive, it’s the highlight of the month for me. I listen to my talking books while I knit, crochet and sew, and it means I can keep doing the things I love. “It’s been an absolute lifesaver.” Margaret, Home Library Service member

Spring 2026

Volunteering in our parks and open spaces

Our parks and open spaces are great places to socialise with friends and family, relax with a good book, or enjoy a range of sporting activities. In Camden, we have more than 76 parks and 300 green spaces and we take pride in maintaining them all –but we don’t do this alone. We have hundreds of local residents, and people who work in Camden or visit the borough, who volunteer their time and effort to improve our local parks and green spaces. Visit camden.gov.uk/volunteering-food-growing-and-allotments to find out how to get involved in your local park groups, including the Camden Green Gym. I love the fact that as I travel around Camden I see the different ways in which Camden Green Gym has enhanced the appearance and biodiversity of our green spaces. “We have planted and nurtured new hedges in places such as Hampstead Road. We cultivate areas of grassland to turn them into wildflower meadows. We also increase accessibility to open spaces by installing steps, adding log linings beside the paths and adding wood chip.” Andrew, local resident and Camden Green Gym volunteer

Could you be a Neighbourhood Champion? Veolia’s Neighbourhood Champions Scheme brings together like-minded people who want to make a positive difference to their local area. Through community events, litter picking and waste reduction activities, Neighbourhood Champions help to make Camden a cleaner, greener place to live. To find out more about getting involved, register your interest, or to request litter picking equipment, visit camden.gov.uk/clean-camden Camden 11

Supporting our Camden communities In Camden, our diversity is our strength. We’re looking forward to celebrating Pride Month in June, and we want to shine a light on one of the fantastic community organisations we work with to support LGBTQI+ residents. Nobody should have to choose between their faith, culture and identity. Our mission is to never let religion or culture come in the way of love between a parent and child.” Matt Mahmood-Ogston The Naz and Matt Foundation supports LGBTQI+ people from religious or culturally conservative backgrounds, and works with parents from these communities to help them understand and accept their child for who they are. Through personal trauma-informed support, and workshops, trainings and school talks, the foundation brings LGBTQI+ and religious communities closer together. Matt founded the Naz and Matt Foundation in 2014 after his fiancé, Dr Nazim Mahmood, tragically took his own life. Through his work at the charity, Matt received a Camden Faith and Belief Award in 2024.

Find out more at NazAndMattFoundation.org

New artwork unveiled in Town Hall Artist Ted Tinkler was commissioned to create a bespoke piece of art to reflect Camden’s proud LGBTQI+ history, featuring quotes from members of the community. The quilt can be seen in the Grand Lobby in Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE.

Camden

Camden is no place for hate. If you’ve experienced a hate crime or discrimination, we’re here for you – visit camden. gov.uk/hate-crime to find support, and ways you can report a crime.

Spring 2026

Could you foster? Michelle’s story Fostering is providing a safe and secure home for vulnerable babies, children and young people who are unable to be at home with their own families. Sometimes this is for a few nights and sometimes for a few years. Michelle, 51, has three children of her own – two sons, aged 21 and 22, and a daughter who is 18. She was recently approved to be a Camden foster carer.

Looking back on my fostering journey so far, I feel incredibly proud and grateful. A friend, who’s a respite carer for Camden, recommended Camden, saying they offer a fantastic professional support network along with many great benefits for their foster carers. Having been assessed before, I knew how intense and sometimes intrusive the process could feel. However, my assessing social worker made me feel relaxed and comfortable. My children and friends have also been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. I’m feeling very excited and hopeful as I prepare to welcome a child into my home. I’m looking forward to growing in my role and providing a safe, nurturing environment. Most of all, I’m excited to support the child’s progress, knowing I played a part in their journey.

Before anyone considers fostering, it’s important to make sure you have a strong support network and that everyone in your household is 100% behind your decision. There will be challenges along the way, but don’t let that discourage you. Take the process seriously - it’s important to be fully committed from the start. Being approved as a foster carer is a dream realised and a new chapter filled with purpose. I’m ready to make a difference in a child’s life, to offer stability, care, and understanding, and to continue learning along the way.”

Find out more camden.gov.uk/fostering fostering@camden.gov.uk 0 20 7974 6783 or freephone 0800 028 1436

Camden 13

Help for private renters If you rent privately in Camden and need any support or guidance – we’re here to help Our Camden Private Renters website is a onestop resource, with guidance on the government’s recently-passed Renters’ Rights Act, understanding your tenancy, and dealing with disputes. If you need further support, there’s also information on contacting our specialist team and other useful organisations.

You can get support with: • finding an affordable home in the borough • understanding your tenancy and your rights • problems with your deposit • repairs, poor conditions and housing standards • noise and anti-social behaviour • problems with money and the cost of living • harassment, threats of eviction or homelessness • understanding the new Renters’ Rights Act, coming into force on 1 May 2026 Visit

PrivateRenters.camden.gov.uk

Blue Badges: supporting residents who need priority parking Blue Badges help many of our disabled residents and residents with a health condition park closer to their destination, either as a passenger or driver. Residents who already have a Blue Badge and need to park in Bloomsbury and Holborn can also apply for a Green Badge. Find out more and apply if you are eligible at camden.gov.uk/parking-for-disabled-drivers

Fraud crackdown Unfortunately, some people use badges fraudulently and deprive people of parking spaces who truly need them. Anyone who uses a lost or stolen badge, a counterfeit badge or a badge belonging to a deceased person is committing fraud. Using a genuine badge when the badge holder is not present is also an offence. Our street patrols check badges regularly and last year inspected around 1,200 vehicles. We will issue penalties were there is evidence of fraud or misuse, and serious cases may lead to prosecution. If you suspect that a Blue Badge is being misused, please contact InternalAudit@camden.gov.uk

Camden

Spring 2026

The vaccine reducing cancer in young people The HPV vaccine will be offered to all children in year 8 this summer term. It protects against the Human Papilloma Virus, which can cause six types of cancer. It is projected to save hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide. If you have a child in year 8, please look out for their vaccine response form and return it as early as possible.

Free until your 25th birthday Girls under 25, and boys born after 1 September 2006 can get the HPV vaccine for free until their 25th birthday at their GP or at a catch-up clinic, if they missed their vaccine at school. Find a clinic near you at SchoolVaccination.uk/catch-up-camden or call 020 4603 3495.

Measles cases are increasing Is your child fully vaccinated? Measles is a very contagious disease that can make kids seriously unwell if they’re not fully vaccinated. All children need two doses of the MMR or MMRV vaccine. Check if your child is up to date on their measles vaccinations by looking in their Red Book. If you’re not sure, and to book a free vaccine appointment, contact your GP.

camden.gov.uk/measles Camden 15

CAMDEN Spring Magazine Edition 2026

NEWSLETTER

Get council news and information delivered straight to your inbox every fortnight by signing up to our e-newsletter. Sign up today for free to get the latest news, events, support, and more by scanning the QR code.

We’d like to give our best wishes to residents marking Lent and Easter, Ramadan and Eid, Passover, and other significant observations or celebrations in the coming weeks.

Get ready for Windrush Week! Get d involve

Camden’s popular Windrush Week returns for its fourth year, celebrating the powerful legacy of the Windrush generation. The programme includes the much-loved Homecoming Celebration on Saturday 20 June, and the Annual Pitt Lecture on Monday 22 June at Camden Town Hall. Don’t miss this free, family-friendly celebration of Caribbean culture! For details, visit

LoveCamden.org/windrush

We’re on WhatsApp!

Follow our new WhatsApp channel for the latest updates, exciting events, support and more. Scan the QR code.

Camden C

ouncil

In an emer gency finan cial situation w ith no mon ey to pay for essent ial?

Other ways to keep in touch @WeMakeCamden London Borough of Camden

We can he lp you acce ss a £500 payment fr om Living Fund our Cost of .

@CamdenCouncil Camden Council @LBCamden WeMakeCamden

If you have a query or want to get in touch with one of our services, head to our website or give us a call. camden.gov.uk

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