We’re here for you. Support from Camden Council. This festive season is going to feel very different for many of us as we continue to face a cost of living crisis. Please know that there is support available. On the inside covers and back page of this paper, you will find support from the Council and local organisations. If you, or someone you know, is struggling, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Get in touch.
T he Camden Advice Network is a group of 12 local organisations who provide free and independent advice across a range of specialist topics. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/CAN. Speak to the Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9). Call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835. S ign up to receive Camden’s e-newsletter for updates on the cost of living crisis and more at camden.gov.uk/newsletter.
For the latest information, visit camden.gov.uk/ costofliving.
Some of the Council’s services will have different opening hours over the festive period. Please check before you visit council offices, libraries and leisure centres. F ind out more at news.camden.gov.uk/christmas-2022.
Community Advice Centre
camden.gov.uk/costofliving
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Job Hub
Cost of living crisis: Support from Camden Council As we reach the end of 2022, many of us will be reflecting on a tough year, with the impacts of the cost of living crisis all around us. But as always in the face of hard times, our Camden communities have come together to make sure nobody is left behind. The response we’ve seen across our borough has been one of people stepping up, looking out for each other, campaigning for change, and giving and doing what they can. Thank you so much for your support and care – it’s what makes Camden such a special place that I’m proud to call home. Over these pages you can find help and advice available if you, or someone you know, is struggling. If you need some support, we are here for you. I hope everyone is able to find some joy this festive season, and I wish you all the best for 2023. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
Find your nearest ‘warm welcome’ space. Library Community Centre
TRA HALL
Children’s Centre
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s safe, friendly and warm, visit one of Camden’s ‘warm welcome’ spaces. You’ll find them in libraries, children’s centres and other community buildings across the borough. Each ‘warm welcome’ space offers something a little different, but wherever you visit you’ll find friendly faces, and be able to get help and support with the cost of living if you need it. Visit camden.gov.uk/warmwelcome to find your nearest space. Holiday opening hours Camden’s ‘warm welcome’ spaces have different hours over the holidays and some will be closed until early January. Please check the website above or call ahead.
Cost of Living Crisis Fund. If you’re in severe financial hardship and cannot afford essentials including food, heating, water, electricity and rent, you may be eligible for a payment of up to £500 through the Council’s Cost Of Living Crisis Fund.
UP TO £500
To apply, get in touch: camden.gov.uk/colcfund.
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
If you’re a council tenant, you can also speak to your neighbourhood housing officer.
camden.gov.uk/costofliving
Support over the festive season. Find food options, companionship, and friendly spaces to relax in your local community.
Cost of living crisis: Support from Camden Council If you’re in urgent need of support with food
LOCAL SUPPO RT
A number of our ‘warm welcome’ spaces are open up until Christmas Eve including all Camden libraries (until 2pm). All libraries (except Highgate) are also open 28 to 31 December, when they close at 4pm Find out more at camden.gov.uk/warmwelcome.
Camden Council and community partners are here to support you findfood.camden.gov.uk. communityresponse@camden.gov.uk.
Food co-ops provide low-cost food. Join or start one with your community at cooperation.town
Kentish Town City Farm’s warm space is open from 9am to 5pm until 4 January (closed Christmas Day only). Come for a cup of tea, read a book, play games, enjoy their outdoor spaces, and even visit Shirley the cow. 1 Cressfield Close, (off Grafton Road) NW5 4BN.
Mental health help and support.
How to help others.
Many people feel stressed and lonely this time of year. Connecting with others is one way that you can feel less alone, whether it’s going for a walk with a friend, an art or exercise class, or volunteering in your local area. We can all do our bit to look after each other too – check in on the people around you, including your friends, family members and neighbours, to see if they’re okay. If you’re feeling low, anxious, sad or depressed, please know that you’re not alone and there is support available to you.
There are lots of different ways to lend a hand this winter if you’re able to. Here are some ideas: 1. Check in on your neighbours and the people around you to see if there’s anything they need help with.
Speak to your GP about how you’re feeling. Crisis Camden Day Centre is open from 24 to 28 December, 11am to 5pm and offers hot meals, companionship and support for people who are homeless or facing homelessness. Haverstock School, 24 Haverstock Hill, Chalk Farm, NW3 2BQ. c risis.org.uk/get-help/join-us-for-christmas/christmasguest-invite-london. Community Champions Regent’s Park are organising meals to be picked up or enjoyed with others at: O ld Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond St, NW1 3FE on 22, 23 and 28 December, 4 to 7pm. B WA Surma Centre, 1 Robert St, NW1 3JU on 29 and 30 December, 4 to 7pm. Please sign up as soon as you can at communitychampionscamden.co.uk/whats-on or call 07923 849 277.
Festive events and services. Check out the festive lights around Camden, including at Seven Dials and St Giles.
★ For an interactive service telling the story of the first Christmas Eve, join Crib Service at St Luke’s Church on Saturday 24 December at 4pm. The service is aimed at under 11s but all ages are welcome Oseney Crescent, NW5 2AT.
★ JW3’s Families Boxing Day Disco Boogie for Chanukah is open to under 7s and adults. Starting at 11.30am on 26 December, this fun, interactive disco-style party is for all the family jw3.org.uk/whats-on/familiesboxing-day-disco-boogie. or more free and low-cost events, F go to camden.gov.uk/winterevents.
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
020 7974 4444 (option 9). You can also visit camden.gov.uk/access-food.
S EVENT
Contact iCope for free, confidential help on icope.nhs.uk or 020 3317 6670. Young people aged 11 to 18 can access safe and anonymous support from a qualified counsellor via a text-based conversation at Kooth – find out more at kooth.com or on the Council’s dedicated webpage camdenrise.co.uk/ emotional-wellbeing. C amden Crisis Sanctuary offers a walk-in service seven days a week, 5pm to 11pm. Find out more at hestia.org/camden-crisis-sanctuary or on 07825 165 464.
2. Consider donating food and other essential items to food banks or local charities. euston.foodbank.org.uk. camden.foodbank.org.uk. chalkfarm.foodbank.org.uk. 3. If you’re in a position to donate money, the Young Camden Foundation supports Camden-based charities for children and young people localgiving.org/charity/ youngcamdenfoundation. 4. Camden Giving’s Cost of Living Appeal funds local organisations supporting people through the cost of living crisis camdengiving.org.uk/cost-of-living-appeal. 5. Find a local volunteering opportunity volunteercentrecamden.org.uk 020 7424 9990 If you’ve got a great idea for a project to support your community, you can apply for funding through our We Make Camden Kit camdengiving.org.uk/we-make-camden-kit
ind more mental health support services F at camden.gov.uk/mental-health. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 24-hour crisis line on 020 3317 6333 or visit A&E at University College Hospital, the Royal Free or Whittington hospitals. The Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service at St Pancras Hospital is closed. In an emergency always call 999.
GET INVOLV ED
Keeping well this winter. Viruses like flu and COVID-19 spread more quickly in winter. Please make sure you take up your free flu and COVID-19 booster if you’re eligible – visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or call 119.
Festive updates Recycling and rubbish over Christmas and New Year
Christmas tree recycling ES UPDAT
Your recycling and rubbish will be collected on different days over the festive period. Collections return to their normal schedule from Monday 2 January. camden.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish.
camden.gov.uk/costofliving
It’s free and easy to take your real Christmas tree to a collection point to be recycled. Drop yours off between Tuesday 3 and Sunday 15 January 2023. Find your nearest recycling drop-off point at camden.gov.uk/christmastree. 020 3567 8105.
020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Doing some DIY? Instead of buying new tools or gadgets, you can borrow from the Library of Things at Kentish Town Library. See what’s in stock and reserve at libraryofthings. co.uk/kentishtown
Cost of living crisis: Support from Camden Council Get free advice on debt.
Check you’re claiming all the support you’re entitled to.
This time of year in particular can put a strain on finances, but remember that there’s no Christmas gift worth going into debt for.
Benefits checker
Help to pay your bills
camden.gov.uk/costofliving
Check you’re being paid the National Minimum Wage gov.uk/am-i-getting-minimum-wage
It can be hard to speak about money issues, but whatever you’re going through, please don’t feel afraid to seek help. If you’re struggling with debt, contact a local or national organisation for free advice and support: StepChange stepchange.org
benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk
0300 303 5300
Citizens Advice citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt Find out more on the Council’s website V isit camden.gov.uk/costofliving and see information under ‘Managing debt’. If you’re struggling with council tax arrears, call the Council on 020 7974 6414. Loans If you need to take out a loan, don’t be tempted to approach a loan shark or take out a payday loan. Instead, consider credit unions or other ethical loan providers. credit-union.coop info@credit-union.coop
If you’re on a low income, you may be able to get a reduction in council tax camden.gov.uk/council-tax-support
BENEFITS CALCUATOR
If you live alone, apply for a council tax ‘single person’ 25% discount camden. gov.uk/council-tax-single-persondiscount
Camden’s advice bus. eep an eye out K in the new year for Camden’s advice bus. The onboard team will offer support with the cost of living crisis in collaboration with partners. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/winterevents
020 7561 1786
If you’re worried about housing costs or losing your home.
Help with energy bills If you’re in debt to your energy supplier, please speak to them. They may be able to offer you a payment plan or a grant to help pay off energy debts. If you have a pre-payment meter and cannot top up, ask your energy supplier for temporary credit and if you run out, ask them how they can help. For more advice to reduce energy bills and energy consumption:
GAS
Private renters If you’re having problems paying your rent, speak to your landlord. You can also find advice at camden.gov.uk/web/ private-renters-in-camden. Council tenants If you’re having problems paying your rent or service charge, call the Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 5). You can also speak to your neighbourhood housing officer.
Electricity
camden.gov.uk/energysavingtips greencamden@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Further financial advice. For advice, including on credit cards, household bills, income and budgeting, visit moneysavingexpert.com
Cost of living information in other languages. If you, or someone you know would like to read information about the cost of living crisis in another language, you can find translated resources at camden.gov.uk/donate-volunteer-help-others. If you’re a local organisation that is keen to help promote local advice and support, you can also download and share these resources – which include posters and social media graphics – on your channels.
camden.gov.uk/costofliving
020 7974 4444 (option 9)