Welcome
As the colder months set in, we want to warmly welcome you to our winter edition of the Camden magazine!
Inside, you’ll find free and low-cost activities to enjoy across Camden (pages 8-10), stories of how residents are coming together (page 3), and cost of living support available to help you through the winter (pages 6-7). You’ll also find information on staying safe this winter (pages 12-13) and festive recycling information, including how to recycle your real Christmas tree (page 15).
Council services
Some of our services will operate with different opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period. Please check before you visit council offices, libraries, or leisure centres. Visit news.camden.gov.uk/Christmas-2025
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 1 December 2025. All content correct at time of print.
Cover photograph by Jenna Selby
3 4
5
Peckwater Estate pitch transformation
Investing in young people
6-7 8-10
Free and low-cost activities for everyone
11
Request a large print copy, audio format or in another language by calling 020 7974 5717 Updates for families Financial support Working towards a safer Camden News
14
Camden elections
12-13
15 Keeping streets clean this winter
16
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 communities unite
In Camden our diversity is our strength. It’s never felt more important to bring communities together, to celebrate and learn more about one another.
Camden’s Interfaith Network marks Sukkot
In October, Camden’s Interfaith Network gathered at Calthorpe Community Garden to celebrate Sukkot, organised by The Dialogue Society. Sukkot is a Jewish festival marking the autumn harvest, with themes of community and gratitude. The network built a ‘Sukkah’, a welcoming space where visitors learnt more about Sukkot and shared messages of hope and peace.
This event was supported by Camden’s Cohesion Fund, which helps to fund projects or events that bring people of different communities together. Other projects supported this year include Somers Town Festival, an Interfaith Eid celebration and more. Contact faith@camden.gov.uk to find out more and apply.
London Irish Centre turns 70
This September, Camden’s London Irish Centre turned seventy. The centre opened in 1955 to support the local Irish community and continues to play a key role in London life today, celebrating Ireland’s rich culture and history and connecting people to vital support and advice.
All are welcome – find out more at LondonIrishCentre.org
Camden celebrated Diwali in October and we wish a Happy Hannukah and Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
No place for hate
We’re working closely with our partners and community groups to continue tackling hate crime and discrimination together. If you witness or experience any hateful behaviour, please report it to us. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/hate-crime
We Make Camden in the spotlight
Focus on estates and neighbourhoods
As part of our mission to support residents to live healthy lives, we teamed up with Arsenal FC and the NW5 Project to transform the sports pitch at Peckwater Estate. Thanks to funding from Arsenal, adidas, and the Kentish Town District Management Committee, the much-loved pitch is once again a vibrant space for the community to stay active and connect. To celebrate its reopening, Arsenal in the Community joined residents for a kick-about, with team mascot Gunnersaurus showing off his goalkeeping skills!
Peckwater pitch transformation
Me and my brother would come here and play football with our friends all the time, so seeing it now is really inspiring. To have a brand-new pitch on our doorstep will bring a lot of positivity to the area.” – Ellis, NW5 Youth Worker
Get moving this winter If this story has inspired you to lace up your football boots, or you’re looking for a new way to keep active during the winter months, visit camden.gov.uk/sport
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
Investing in Camden’s young people
We’re working with the charity Greater Change to pilot personalised employment grants to help Camden residents aged 16 to 30 into work or training.
Young people are referred for support by our job hub advisers and our Children’s Services team, and we work with them to understand how we can help – like paying for interview expenses or a training course to help them land their dream job.
While it’s still early days, we’re already hearing amazing stories from Camden’s young people who are benefiting from this pilot.
A pathway to work
I’ve been doing training and work experience at a warehouse where I’m learning packing skills and how to work with other people.
“I have a learning disability and I am proud of the progress I have made. This support has helped me become more confident, active, and independent.” - Mohib
So far, 29 young people have received grants and over £47,500 has been distributed.
This pilot will help us achieve our Youth Mission to ensure that every young person has access to economic opportunity that enables them to be safe and secure.
Read more about our Youth Mission and how you can get involved at WeMakeCamden.org.uk/youth
Camden is here for you this winter
It’s a difficult time and lots of us are likely to need help this winter. If this is you, please get in touch. Our cost of living web pages are packed with information and advice about money worries and debt, local activities, meeting new people, finding support as a parent, carer or disabled person and more camden.gov.uk/CostofLiving 020 7974 4444
EasyRead information is at camden.gov.uk/ER
British Sign Language information is available via the QR code or at youtu.be/KexTKoXWW-Y
Check you’re receiving the benefits you should be
Whether you’re in or out of work, a pensioner, a disabled person, you care for someone or you have children, you might be missing out on money. Use our Better Off Calculator at camden.gov.uk/BetterOff
Camden’s Cost of Living Fund
If you’re in an emergency financial situation or struggling to afford the essentials, apply to our Cost of Living Fund for a payment of up to £500 – and our Money Advice Service can help you increase your income too.
Apply for a payment by completing the form at camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService – we’ll do the rest.
Council Tax Support
If you earn £623.25 a week or less, apply for money off your council tax bill with our Council Tax Support scheme. If you’re disabled, a carer or have children, you’ll get a bigger discount. camden.gov.uk/CTS
Cost of Living Support with food
If you’re in urgent need of support with food:
FindFood.camden.gov.uk
camden.gov.uk/access-food 020 7974 4444 NHS HealthyStart
Scheme
If you are pregnant or have a child under 4, get help to buy food, milk and vitamins at HealthyStart.nhs.uk
Whatever your situation, consider joining or starting a food co-op to regularly access low-cost food at cooperation.town
What’s on this winter?
Explore your local area, meet new people in the community and try a new activity this winter. Discover the many free or low-cost activities you can enjoy in Camden.
Turn to page 10 for activities for children and young people.
Try a new hobby
Camden’s libraries host a range of free activities for all interests. Register at your nearest library and find out what’s on offer at camden.gov.uk/library-information
Chess & Chill
Test out your moves, get a checkmate and meet new people at our Chess & Chill sessions – for all abilities.
Mondays, 4.30pm-6.30pm
Kentish Town Library, Kentish Town Road, NW5 2AA
Ukulele group
Exhibition: St Giles Rookery
Chess & Chill
Activities for over 60s
Castlehaven Community Association is one of many community centres offering low-cost activities for everyone to enjoy. Activities in their over 60s programme include ukulele practice, line dancing, crochet, and more.
Visit castlehaven.org.uk to find out more. 23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU
A free exhibition blending artwork, archaeology and history to tell the story of the St Giles Rookery – known for its poverty and crime in the eighteenth century. Curated by historian Jane Palm-Gold. On display until 20 December 2025
Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre, Holborn Library, Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PA
‘A Court for King Cholera’ John Leech, 1852. Wellcome Library, London. Adapted artwork by Jane Palm-GoldCreative Commons Licence
Whatever your age or fitness level, there’s a range of free or low-cost activities you can get involved in to keep active this winter. Visit camden.gov.uk/sport-physical-activity to browse activities.
Walking groups
Wrap up warm and explore your local area by joining a nearby walking group. Groups suitable for all ages and abilities include:
• Kilburn Community Wellbeing Walks
• Primrose Hill Walks
• Camden Carers Walk
Find out more information and join walking groups in Camden by visiting camden.gov.uk/wellbeing-walks-in-camden
Light up Kilburn
The free lights festival returns to Kilburn Grange Park. Enjoy inspiring artworks by local artists, illuminated trails, soundscapes and more at this family-friendly event.
New women-only gym classes
Build your fitness in a safe, welcoming, and empowering environment at new women-only fitness classes at Pancras Square Leisure Centre.
• Legs, Bums & Tums – Wednesdays, 5.30pm
• Dance Fitness – Thursdays, 2.15pm
• Pilates – Sundays, 1pm
Find out more and book online at better.org.uk/pancras-square
27 & 28 February 2026
5pm – 9pm Kilburn Grange Park, London NW6 2JL
Find out more at LoveCamden.org/light-up-kilburn
Social walks
Gym class
A winter full of fun - for families, children and young people
Come in from the cold to our Family Hubs this winter
Our five Children’s Centres and Family Hubs run free drop-in stay-and-play sessions for under-fives, including children with developmental delays. Families can enjoy games, crafts, and festive activities in a warm, welcoming space.
Visit families.camden.gov.uk Email FamilyHubs@camden.gov.uk
Youth clubs and projects
Camden Youth Services provide free activities and support for 12 to 19 year-olds (up to 25 with SEND) through three Youth HubsNetherwood, Highgate Haven (formerly Fresh Youth Academy), and Somers Town. Whether you’re into beats or baking, lifting weights or lifting spirits, there’s something for everyone.
Visit CamdenRise.co.uk/youth-clubs-and-projects
Keeping active
Find sport and physical activities for children and young people of all ages.
Visit camden.gov.uk/sports-activities-forchildren-and-young-people
Get festive with free bauble
decorating
Get into the festive spirit with this crafty session. Children aged five to 12 are invited to get creative at Holborn Library.
Join us for a free bauble decorating workshop where kids can design and paint their own bauble to take home.
Tuesday 9 December, 3.30pm - 5pm
Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PA
No need to register, just show up.
Support and opportunities for families, children and young people
Shape Camden’s future with the Youth MP Election
Young people go to the polls in April 2026 to elect a new Camden Youth MP and two Deputy Youth MPs. Thirteen to nineteen year-olds who live, study or work in the borough and want to stand as a candidate need to apply by 30 January. Camden’s Youth MPs are the voice for local young people, representing their views and interests at a regional and national level.
Visit CamdenRise.co.uk/get-involved
It’s been a really nice experience – it’s given me a deeper insight into politics and has helped me gain so much more confidence.”
– Zarin, Camden Youth MP 2024-2026
Find activities and support for children and young people with SEND
Camden’s Local Offer website includes information, advice and services for newborns to 25 year-olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and those who support them. Visit families.camden.gov.uk/send-local-offer
Is your child starting school in 2026?
Holiday Activities and Food Programme
The Holiday Activities and Food Programme runs from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026 for five to 16 year-olds who live in Camden and are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Visit YoungCamdenFoundation.org.uk/haf
All Camden primary schools have “good” or “outstanding” Ofsted outcomes. Your child will be due to start primary school in September 2026 if they were born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022. You need to apply for a September 2026 reception place by 15 January.
Visit camden.gov.uk/primary-admissions
Email admissions@camden.gov.uk
We’re stamping out street harassment
We want Camden to be a safe place for everyone. Sadly, we know too many people, particularly women and girls, don’t feel safe when they’re out and about on our streets.
We can all play a role in making Camden a safer place, and that’s why we’ve introduced a free bystanding training course for residents, people who work or study in Camden, businesses and voluntary organisations.
The training gives participants the skills to safely intervene if they witness an incident of harassment or any type of inappropriate behaviour.
This is an excellent course, it’s given me the skills and confidence to take action safely if needed.”
Khalid, local resident and training attendee.
Sign up to bystander training
The next online training takes place on Thursday 18 December, 12pm to 12.30pm. To sign up for this session or future dates, visit camden.gov.uk/training-opportunities
Harassment and inappropriate behaviour
Sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour on the street can include the following:
• Sexual assault
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Catcalling
• Wolf-whistling
• Intrusive staring of a sexual nature
• Upskirting (taking pictures under someone’s clothes)
• Stalking
If you witness or experience this behaviour, please report it to the police. Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies. To report an incident anonymously, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
Staying safe this winter
Working together against anti-social behaviour
We know that anti-social behaviour can impact the quality of life for Camden residents, and that’s why our Community Safety Team regularly patrol the streets – helping to keep our communities safe.
We’re working with the police to act against a range of issues, from drug dealing and drug use, to noise nuisance and gang related crime.
If you have concerns about anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood or around Camden –we’re here for you.
Shop safe and avoid fakes
Our Trading Standards team recently seized thousands of fake Labubu toys being sold in Camden Town.
While you may think you’ve found a bargain, counterfeit toys can often be dangerous for children and their sale unfairly undercuts businesses selling the real thing.
Find out more and report anti-social behaviour at: camden.gov.uk/reporting-antisocial-behaviour or phone 020 7974 4444
How to spot fakes
Look out for considerably low prices, blurry packaging or logos, loose seams, and small detachable parts that might break from toys. Don’t be tempted to take a chance.
Get ready for local elections
In May 2026, there will be local elections for the election of Camden councillors. Here’s how to make sure you’re ready for these and future elections.
Register to vote
Register to vote if you are not already registered at gov.uk/register-to-vote or contact Camden Electoral Services (details below) for a paper application. You can register to vote at 16 but can only vote in the upcoming local council elections if you’re 18 or over.
You can vote in local elections if you’re a British or an Irish citizen, or if you’re a qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen living in the UK. Check eligibility at gov.uk/elections-in-the-uk
Apply for a postal vote
You can vote by post if you won’t be able to get to your polling station on polling day (Thursday 7 May), or because it would be more convenient for you.
Apply online at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or contact Camden Electoral Services for a paper application.
If you already have a postal vote, we may be in contact. We are required by law to ask you to refresh your postal application every three years, so reply to keep your postal vote for future elections.
Check you have photo ID
You need original photo ID to vote in person. Check the 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 at gov.uk/apply-forphoto-id-voter-authority-certificate – or contact Camden Electoral Services for a paper application.
Accepted forms of photo ID include:
Contact Camden Electoral Services electoral.services@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444 camden.gov.uk/elections
Keeping our streets clean
Christmas and New Year collections
Our recycling and rubbish collection teams will be working hard over the festive period to collect your waste and keep Camden’s streets clean. During this time, some collection days will change slightly. Normal schedules will resume from Monday 5 January. For more information, visit camden.gov.uk/check-collection-day
Christmas collections New Year collections
Christmas tree recycling
It’s free and easy to recycle your real Christmas tree in Camden. Simply remove the decorations and bring it to your nearest collection point. Collection points will be open during the first two weeks of January, find your nearest at camden.gov.uk/christmas-tree-recycling
Dangerous waste
Batteries, including those found in vapes, are a leading cause of fires in bins and collection vehicles. Please recycle them safely at shops, supermarkets, or at Regis Road Reuse and Recycling Centre. Visit camden.gov.uk/recycling-household-batteries for more information.
Investing in cleaner streets
We’re investing in cleaner streets with 14 new electric bin lorries, electricassisted cargo bikes and jet washers. Help keep our borough clean by reporting street cleaning issues at camden.gov.uk/loveclean-streets
Get rewarded for recycling
Sign up to Camden Eco Points to earn monthly vouchers and charity donations for your sustainable travel choices, positive climate actions, and recycling. Find out more at camden.LocalGreenPoints.com
CAMDEN
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Join the conversation about adult social care
Have your say
Thank you to all Camden residents who took part in the first two phases of “Who Cares? A Camden conversation about adult social care”. The third phase launches in January 2026 and we’d love for you to be part of it – everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw to win £1,000. Visit the website to learn more about the project and sign up for updates. Visit who-cares.commonplace.is or email who.cares@camden.gov.uk
Support
Thinking about your drinking?
If you’re thinking about drinking less alcohol, remember that any reduction in the amount you drink is good for you. Help is available to track your drinking and make changes to your drinking habits.
Download the free TryDry app from the App Store or Google Play to start logging your alcohol intake today, or pick up a ‘Know what you’re drinking’ paper calendar and unit calculator from any Camden library. Visit camden.gov.uk/know-what-youre-drinking
Join our new WhatsApp channel to stay up to date with support, events and more. Scan the QR code with your mobile phone, then click ‘follow channel’. Click the bell icon in the top right to turn on notifications, so you don’t miss anything.
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.