Coronavirus: Weekly update From Camden Council
I want to start by saying Eid Mubarak to all our residents, families and communities that were celebrating last weekend. I hope your celebrations were joyful and thank you to all who made the sacrifice of staying apart from loved ones to keep our community safe.
The situation with coronavirus is changing daily and the Council is committed to keeping residents updated regularly with essential information. You’ll find weekly updates here in the Camden New Journal, including changes to council services and information about the support available in the community through the Council and its partners. For the latest updates, visit the dedicated webpage at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus and the rolling news feed at camden.gov.uk/coronavirusnews You can also check Twitter @CamdenCouncil or speak to someone at the Council directly on 020 7974 4444 (option 9). SIGN UP to the Council’s coronavirus e-newsletter for service updates, news and support, at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates
The sunny weather has meant many of us are outside enjoying our parks and public spaces. To help everyone keep a safe distance from each other we’re piloting wider cycle lanes and pavements – and we would love to hear your suggestions for locations where you think wider pavements would help. This continues to be a deeply difficult time for many people and I’m so proud of how our community continues to support each other, together we have now delivered 100,000 meals to residents and I would like to thank all the organisations and volunteers who have contributed. Next week is the start of Pride month, and I’m looking forward to the events going on around Camden and London as part of digital Pride. Camden citizens have been at the forefront of fighting for justice and equality, and at this time it’s so important to take time to celebrate, honour and champion our LGBTQ+ citizens and communities. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
How to watch council meetings or contact your local councillor Some formal council meetings have now restarted and are being held remotely. You can watch meetings live or catch up at camden.gov.uk/councilmeetings For a list of upcoming meetings, visit camden.gov.uk/democracy
Due to the public health guidance around coronavirus, councillors are not holding face-to-face surgeries until further notice. However they are still here to help, and are available for any questions you’d like to ask or issues you would like to discuss.
There are a range of different ways to get in touch with your local councillors. Visit camden.gov.uk/councillors to find out more, email membersupport@camden.gov.uk or phone 020 7974 2792.
A different day job for the repairs team For everyone’s safety, lockdown put a stop to non-emergency repairs in council homes – but it’s still all systems go for Camden Council’s repairs team.
who are staying in B&Bs, hotels and hostels. “I’ve had residents tell me how thankful they are for me delivering their packages – it gives me a real sense of achievement.”
While Tony can’t do his normal job as a plasterer, he’s still busy making a difference. “I deliver protective masks and gloves throughout the day to health centres, care homes and hostels right across Camden.”
The team’s hard work is having a real impact on people’s lives across the borough. Repairs manager Kieran said: “Tony, Graham and the rest of the repairs team are working incredibly hard and putting smiles on the faces of people who feel forgotten, vulnerable, and isolated in unknown times. The contact is seen as a blessing.”
And glazier Graham has been delivering food parcels to vulnerable residents self-isolating, and pre-cooked meals to homeless people
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
CORONAVIRUS
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Service updates I’m stuck, I don’t know what to do?
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£ Here to help you find work during the COVID-19 crisis
Employment advice
Link to local job opportunities
Financial support and advice
Find training services
housing
education
health and fitness
mental health
childcare
adult social care
Additional support services
For more information and to register visit: camden.gov.uk/employment-support
Find fulfilling work as a carer Care workers are playing a vital role in the fight against COVID-19 by supporting people to stay well in their own homes. There are lots of paid, short-term care worker roles available across North Central London. Applications are welcomed from people who have lost their job or regular income due to the crisis and need short-term employment. It’s not essential to have experience of working in adult social care or the NHS as you will be fully trained. Where possible, you’ll be matched with a service near your home and working hours can be flexible to suit your availability. Services are working hard to keep carers safe. Find out more and register your interest at proudtocarenorthlondon.org.uk
Improving cycling More people have taken up cycling as a safe way to travel around their area in response to the crisis – but for many of them it’s their first experience of cycling on London’s busy roads. To make sure everyone travelling by bike feels safe and comfortable, the Council is adding and improving cycle lanes across Camden. The first improvements are to the existing cycle lanes on Goods Way in King’s Cross, where the Council is widening the lanes and separating cyclists from traffic. More improvements across the borough will follow. Visit camden.gov.uk/making-travel-safer-in-camden to share your suggestions for improvements, call 020 7974 4444 or email safetravel@camden.gov.uk
Watch your speed Transport for London (TfL) is reporting an increase in speeding across London. While collisions have reduced, increased speeds mean they are more likely to be fatal or serious. Breaking the speed limit is extraordinarily dangerous, putting extra strain on the NHS and other emergency services. Remember, despite reduced traffic, the speed limit always applies: 20mph in Camden.
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Community support Camden’s communities come together Camden’s amazing communities have been vital in supporting residents throughout the COVID-19 outbreak: Over £1 million invested by the Council into the local voluntary and community sector and an additional £155,000 to Age UK Camden to deliver emergency food parcels Over 100,000 meals delivered through Camden’s Community Hub and Age UK Camden and 15 tonnes of food donated by Arsenal FC delivered to 20 organisations The Council has accommodated over 170 people who were previously sleeping rough 2,000 people signed up to volunteer through Time to Spare: help.timetospare.com/camden £215,000 to support to Camden Giving’s COVID-19 Charity Fund: camdengiving.org.uk/donate
Get support Whether you have been told by the NHS to stay home, have a clinical vulnerability or are experiencing financial hardship, there’s support available. Find out about access to food, including priority supermarket shopping, and other support at camden.gov.uk/access-food or call 020 7974 4444 (option 9). Local community and voluntary organisations are also ready to help. Find out more at coronavirus-help.camden.gov.uk
Supporting pupils, parents, families and schools
Camden Council is working closely with headteachers and trade unions on how to best provide the safest learning and working environment in schools. The Council’s Public Health team are working closely with each school to plan for when and how more pupils can return.
Camden’s headteachers, teachers and school staff have been doing amazing work since lockdown began to support the majority of children learning at home. Many schools have also kept their buildings open for the children of key workers and vulnerable pupils, including over the holidays. Learning and teacher support is important for all children, especially those who can’t access learning from home or who might be vulnerable. But the Council also understands that teachers, school staff and parents have concerns about children
West Euston Partnership West Euston Partnership (WEP) has been serving the Camden community since 1992. The charity helps to improve local people’s opportunities in employment, health and community life, offering activities and support for everyone, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds who need a helping hand. WEP has been busy during the COVID-19 lockdown period, providing virtual activities focused on employability, health and wellbeing, and what’s going on locally. Online activities include Tai Chi, Reiki healing, yoga, a community choir, help with anxiety, coaching to help you get job ready whatever your experience, business support and much more. Visit westeustonpartnership.org/about-us-2/newsletters to read WEP’s weekly newsletter and sign up for updates.
returning to school. The Council is fully supporting schools, headteachers and governing bodies with Public Health advice and information to make sure they can put plans in place for their building and pupils. All schools are different and the Council supports them to make the right decisions for their school community, recognising that plans will vary between schools and involve a gradual return. Schools will be in touch with parents about their plans. For general updates, visit camden.gov.uk/ schools-children-and-families
The Winch Community Hub The Winch Community Hub is a community-led effort to support people affected by COVID-19 in Belsize and Swiss Cottage. Trained volunteers can deliver food and medicine to those who can’t get out of the house, arrange care packages for people facing financial difficulties, and offer friendly phone calls to anyone who needs a chat. You can ask for the help you need at thewinch.org or call Maddie on 07526 555679, between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.
Further information Stay safe outside
Camden kindness
As restrictions have changed to allow everyone to spend more time outside, it’s important you continue to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep yourselves and others safe. This means:
Camden Council is proud to share stories of kindness every week because they show how the borough is pulling together at this time. Please keep sharing these messages of thanks by emailing camdentalking@camden.gov.uk or tweet @CamdenCouncil #WeMakeCamden
Keeping your distance (2 metres) from people outside your household. You can now meet with one person from another household, in a maximum group of two, but you should avoid being face-to-face – staying side-to-side can lower the risk of infection. Washing your hands regularly for 20 seconds, particularly when you get home. If it’s available or if you can take some with you, use hand sanitiser while outside. Avoid touching your face as much as possible. If you can, wear a face covering in any enclosed spaces where social distancing isn’t possible. Please continue to stay at home as much as possible. For up-to-date information on the situation in the UK, visit gov.uk/coronavirus For the latest NHS advice, visit nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
“ We asked a street artist to draw a butterfly in Clarkson Row (NW1) to cheer up both residents and passers-by at this time – particularly as it was Mental Health Awareness Week. Thank you to Graffiti Kings who agreed to do this just for expenses.” Simon, Chair of Clarkson and Mornington Tenants and Residents Association “ I wanted to feed back that the new janitor for Torriano Estate NW5 is doing a really great job. Suddenly everything is looking a lot neater and he’s really making it a much nicer place to be around.” Peter
Vaccinations for children – don’t delay Vaccinations for young children and baby checks after birth are essential for your child’s health and are still being delivered by your GP. Please contact your GP to book an appointment.
Support for people experiencing domestic abuse or violence If you’re feeling anxious about being at home because of domestic abuse or violence, know you’re not alone. Camden Council’s dedicated team, Camden Safety Net, continues to provide support for anyone experiencing domestic abuse or violence. Contact Camden Safety Net in confidence on 020 7974 2526, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm, email
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk or visit camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence The team are providing additional support, like increased contact and safety plans, and are making sure residents across Camden’s communities get the help they need by working with trusted community leaders and specialist services, such as Hopscotch, which supports Bangladeshi women and
children. You can call Hopscotch on 020 7388 8198, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email DV1@hopscotchawc.org.uk In an emergency always call 999. If you feel you may be overheard, stay silent and the call will be forwarded to an operating system. Press 55 and the operator will transfer to the relevant police force as an emergency.
CORONAVIRUS
PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS