IslingtonLife autumn 2019

Your local magazine from Islington Council • Autumn 2019

Tackling the environment and climate emergency

Top of the class Exam success for Islington students

Discover our awardwinning new homes

Local events for Black History Month

IslingtonLife

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Contents

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Welcome Message from the Council Leader

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News Meet our new Chief Executive

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Climate emergency Islington’s bold step to become carbon neutral

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Back to school Celebrating Islington’s exam and schools’ success

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Children and young people Find out about Islington’s upcoming Youth Council election

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Jobs and money Meet the new man in charge of adult and community learning

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Housing See Islington’s award-winning new council homes

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Your Home News and information for Islington Council’s tenants and leaseholders

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Health and wellbeing Get your blood pressure checked for free

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Healthy communities Creativity shines on the Girdlestone Estate

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Black History Month Why we celebrate, and how to get involved

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What’s on Save the date for Islington’s festive lights switch ons

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Safer Islington Did you know Islington has 67 Safe Havens?

Highlights 12

Want to be your own boss?

19

Islington’s new Neighbourhood Inspector

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Local scuba club celebrates 50 years

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Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of IslingtonLife – packed full of the latest news about how Islington Council is making a difference for local people.

Cllr Richard Watts Leader of the Council

View this and previous issues online at issuu.com/islingtonlifemag Be the first to hear about the latest news.

Visit islingtonlife.london Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonLife and @IslingtonBC for council news You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. Search for IslingtonLife

Other formats If you would like IslingtonLife in large print, audiotape or another format, please call 020 7527 3416 Recycle me!

Please recycle this magazine once you’ve finished with it.

Giving young people the best start As the schools have recently gone back, I want to congratulate all those young people who received their GCSE and A-level results over the summer. Once again, pupils across Islington have done exceptionally well and bucked the national trend for A-level results, by delivering an improvement on last year’s results.

Nine out 10 local schools are now rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, which is a tremendous achievement. It’s really important to me that our schools offer all children and young people in our borough the very best start in life. As you’ll see in the ‘Back to school’ feature from great exam results to our pioneering ’11 by 11’ programme that provides all pupils with 11 free cultural experiences by Year 11, Islington’s schools are all about helping young people to get on in life.

Tackling the environment and climate emergency I was proud that, in June, Islington Council declared an environment and climate emergency and has committed to taking bold action to help make Islington net zero carbon by 2030.

council’s and the borough’s impact on our environment. We have switched all streetlights to more efficient bulbs – helping reduce the equivalent of 1,000 cars’ carbon emissions in the borough each year.

However, we know we need to go further and faster to prevent devastating climate change, but we also need the help of local people to make changes that will make a real difference. You can read more about what you can do to help on pages 6 and 7.

Keeping our community safe I know that local people want to see action to keep our communities safe and I am determined that we do more to prevent crime and to deal with it when it does occur.

That’s why we are working closely with the police to support efforts in Finsbury Park to tackle drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour (read our interview with Islington’s new Neighbourhood Inspector on page 19), as well as working across the borough to keep young people safe. Hate Crime Awareness Week (12-19 October) is also a fantastic opportunity to show that Islington is no place for hate, in any form.

I hope you enjoy this latest edition of IslingtonLife.

We are already leading from the front in our efforts to reduce the

To receive news and updates directly to your inbox visit www.islington.gov.uk/stayupdated

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News

Meet Islington Council’s new Chief Executive Linzi Roberts-Egan, who has worked in the public sector for 28 years, has just taken up her position as Islington Council’s new Chief Executive.

She comes from Waltham Forest Council where she was Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Families and Housing.

“I feel truly honoured to take on the role of Islington’s Chief Executive,”

said Linzi. “Islington is a values-led organisation with a long tradition of delivering great services to its residents, while reducing inequality. Its vision and values completely align with my own and I am thrilled to be part of its exciting and vibrant future.”

Linzi’s appointment follows the departure of Lesley Seary, who retired in April after eight years as Islington’s Chief Executive.

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News

EU citizens: we can help you apply for settled status The UK is due to leave the EU on 31st October 2019 and the council wants to support Europeans living in Islington to stay.

If you are an EU, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss citizen, you will need to apply for settled status by 30 June 2021 (31 December 2020 if

there is ‘no deal’) to continue living in the UK. Your rights will remain unchanged until then. Apply at www.gov.uk/eu-settled-status

The council offers a free identity checking service for Islington and City of London residents to help them with the application. For more on this and other local support available visit www.islington.gov. uk/brexitsupport There is also a free advice session for EU nationals and their families at Islington Town Hall on Thursday 17 October, 7.30-9.30pm. To book visit bit.ly/EUinUK7

Make sure your voter registration is up-to-date.

You will have received your Household Enquiry Form through your letter box.

You must respond even if there are no changes in your household.

Find out more at www. islington.gov.uk/voting

Don’t risk a £100 fine for dropping litter

The council is getting tougher on litter louts by increasing the fixed penalty notice for people caught dropping litter from £80 to £100.

The fine for fly tipping remains £400, but the reduced rate for early payment within 14 days is rising from £200 to £250.

If you’ve got large items to throw away, like furniture, you can make use of the bulky waste collection.

Visit www.islington.gov.uk/ bulkywaste

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Climate emergency

Taking bold action to tackle the environment and climate emergency Islington Council has declared a climate and environment emergency and pledged to work towards making the borough carbon neutral by 2030.

The evidence is clear: we face life threatening climate change and the council has committed to taking bold action to help tackle this.

According to the United Nations, the world has until 2030 to avoid an increase in global temperatures above 1.5˚C, which would have devastating impacts on the planet and people’s lives.

Islington’s pledge is an important local step that builds on pioneering work which has already brought a big reduction in the borough’s carbon emissions.

Borough-wide carbon emissions were cut by almost 40% between 2005 and 2017 but we still have a long way to go to hit our 2030 target.

Islington’s net zero carbon target exceeds the UK’s target for 2050.

What the council is doing A lot of work has already been done to reduce carbon emissions in the borough, and the council is on target to achieve a 40% drop in 2005 levels by 2020. Here are some examples of what we’re doing: More energy efficient council homes and buildings have saved 8,600 tonnes of carbon each year

Installing new generation electric charging points in lampposts and bollards

Replacing our street lights with LEDs has saved 28,000 tonnes

Launched in 2017, our Community Energy Fund has funded 31 projects which will save 121 tonnes of carbon a year

Replacing more of our vehicles with electric or hydrogen powered alternatives

Our draft Transport Strategy seeks to reduce carbon emissions as well as tackle poor air quality

Decarbonising our pension fund by 2022

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Climate emergency Working together to cut carbon It’s important that everyone plays a part in helping Islington achieve a net zero carbon borough by 2030.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington’s Executive Member for Environment

and Transport said: “To achieve our ambition, there are many factors that are outside the council’s control and we will call on national government and others to provide the leadership and bold action

needed to support us. We will work hard with people from across Islington and beyond to achieve our ambition, to help tackle the climate emergency facing our world.”

What you can do to reduce your carbon emissions Here are a few ideas if you haven’t already started: Buy your energy from renewable sources Angelic Energy’s electricity is 100% green Eat more sustainably Go veggie a few days a week. According to studies, a meal containing meat produces nine times more CO2 than a vegetarian meal containing local products Change your working habits Do you always need to travel to

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work or could you work remotely or from home occasionally?

Reduce, reuse and recycle Reduce the amount of waste you produce in the first place, think of ways to reuse something and make sure you recycle rather than binning things Buy less fast fashion Buy quality items that will last you a long time, think vintage or buy clothes made from eco-friendly materials

Get healthy by walking and cycling as part of your daily routine If you are a business or a local organisation, you can get support from the Islington Sustainable Energy Partnership (ISEP) to reduce your emissions. The partnership has helped 40 organisations cut their carbon emissions by over 25,200 tonnes.

Visit isep.org.uk for details.

To receive news and updates directly to your inbox visit www.islington.gov. uk/stayupdated

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Back to school

A great place to go to school

Islington wants to give its children and young people the best possible start in life. Ensuring our schools are places where all young people can learn and thrive is key to this.

Students from St Aloysius collecting their results

We are very proud of our GCSE and A-level students who will be taking their next big step in the world of education, work or training this autumn – as well as welcoming our four and five year olds to their very first term with us.

Islington schools provide high quality learning. Our primary school pupils are now ranked in the top 20% for England in reading, writing and maths combined, with 69% reaching the expected standard – a full 4% above the national average.

Our secondary school students are bucking the national trend by continuing to gain higher grades in both GCSE and A-levels.

A unique enrichment offer

Our schools are going the extra mile to deliver an outstanding extracurricular offer too, so every child gets the chance to explore their passions and gain the skills they

need to have a fulfilling future, whatever their background or ability.

Last year, Islington launched three pioneering schemes to help make this happen.

11x11 – young people will benefit from at least 11 outstanding creative and cultural experiences at worldclass institutions before they leave school in Year 11. More than 40 organisations are involved, including the National Youth Theatre and the Arts Council.

Music Education Islington

– this partnership with the Guildhall School of Music aims to ensure that every child can discover and develop their musical skills under the guidance of some of the best music teachers in the world.

World of Work – gives students

access to 100 hours’ experience in the world of work, including work

placements, mentoring and seminars by industry figures, to help prepare them for their future careers.

A helping hand

The cost of raising a family is high, so unlike many other councils, we provide free school meals for all nursery and primary children – saving families over £400 per child per year. Secondary students can also get free school meals if they, or their parents, are in receipt of certain benefits.

The council also offers a uniform grant of £150 to parents on certain benefits to help meet the cost of school uniforms when their child moves up from Year 6 to secondary school.

Find out if you are eligible at www. islington.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals

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Back to school

Top of the class Islington students continued to improve their performance and gain higher grades in both A-level and GCSEs.

At A-level, despite a fall in results nationally, the borough’s students made improvements on A*-B (+1.5% points), A*-C (+4% points) and all A-level passes (+1.2% points) compared to 2018 final figures.

Student Jenna Cahusac de Caux got AAB in English, Sociology and Maths.

She said: “I’m happy with my results, I needed an A and two Bs to get into Bristol University to study English Literature, so I have what I need to get in. I’ve told my parents and they are really happy too.”

GCSE results showed a sustained improvement in performance despite the shake-up of the exams system and a raft of new rules which are only now becoming firmly embedded in the education system.

The Attainment 8 measure, which shows a pupil’s average grade across eight of their best subjects, remains well above the national average.

In the English Baccalaureate Islington’s average point score has improved and also remains well above last year’s national.

An impressive one in four pupils achieved three or more of the very top grades (7-9). One such student was Otnael Samuel, from St Aloysius, who achieved all 8 and 9 grades. He said: “I feel the hard work I put in during the past two years has

Apply for a school place

GCSE student Zaki Johore with Islington’s Mayor, Cllr Rakhia Ismail

paid off. I’m very happy.” He is going to study A-levels in accounting, maths and economics. His mum, Yodit and dad Samuel were there to watch him open his results. Yodit said: “I’m so happy and proud.”

At Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school student Safiya Abdillahi was celebrating. She said: “I’m really happy. I worked really hard for my exams so it makes it all worthwhile when I see the results.”

She is going to study A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths. “I want to study medicine at university and become a doctor – a lot more hard work is ahead of me but I’m prepared for it.” Her mum Khadra Jirow, summed her daughter’s results up in one word “fantastic!”

Go to www.islington. gov.uk/schools for all you need to know!

Don’t be late! If your child was born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016 they are due to start school in next September, and you need to apply now.

Applications are made online and it is recommended that you apply by 11 January 2020.

If your child is in Year 6, you need to apply for a secondary school place online by 31 October 2019.

Don’t miss the deadline.

Sign up for our primary and secondary e-newsletters that have date reminders and links to useful information to help you with the process at www.islington.gov.uk/stayupdated

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IslingtonLife

Children and young people

Me and my friends go to primary school in Islington – that’s why we enjoy FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL! Unlike many other councils, Islington provides free school meals for all nursery and primary children – saving families over £400 per child per year and guaranteeing all kids a nutritious meal Don’t let your child miss out!

To register visit

www.islington.gov.uk/ freeschoolmeals

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Children and young people

Why it’s important to have your say On 25 November young people across Islington will be going to the polls to elect their next Youth Council. If you’re aged 11-17 and live or attend school or college in Islington, you can vote.

Current Young Mayor Lydia (pictured below) explains why it’s so important to have your say!

“Being a youth councillor, and now Young Mayor, has been such a great experience. I’ve learnt new skills and really grown in confidence. Plus, these skills will help me with my career and in the future.

“I urge all young people in Islington to vote in the Youth Council election.

It’s really important to listen to what the candidates have to say and support those that are interested in issues that affect you. It’s also good practice for voting in future general elections when you are old enough.

“It’s been an amazing two years for me and the other youth councillors.

We organised two really amazing events including #YouthFest19! which more than 200 young people attended. We’ve also worked really hard to listen to the voices of young people and make sure their views have been heard by the people who make decisions affecting them.”

“So make sure you take a few minutes to have your say on 25 November, and good luck to all the candidates!”

Find out more at www.izzy-info. com/youthcouncil

Sign up for email tips and deadline reminders at www.islington.gov. uk/stayupdated

Apply now for Islington secondary schools if your child was born between 1 September 2008 and 31 August 2009

Apply by 31 October 2019 for the best chance of a place at your preferred school.

Visit www.islington.gov.uk/admissions

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IslingtonLife

Jobs and money

Want to be your own boss?

Have you thought about starting, or expanding a business with a market stall? From just £10 a day, a pitch at Chapel Market is a great way to try out your business idea.

The council is looking for new traders to join the Chapel Market community. You don’t have to commit to trading every day, or come from a market trading background. You just need a positive attitude, excellent customer service and a good idea for a product or service.

“The thing I like most about Chapel Market is the people, both the stallholders and the customers, everyone around. Most people are happy and cheerful. It’s a lovely place to work,” says Jo who runs the card stall, (pictured above).

Applications for pitches are welcome particularly from nonstreet food vendors.

For more information and to apply visit www.islington.gov.uk/ streettrading or email street.trading@islington.gov.uk

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Jobs and money

Learn new skills, says Akeel Akeel Ahmed is Islington Council’s new Head of Adult and Community Learning (ACL). He’s been in the job for four months and says there’s lots in store for residents who are keen to learn something new.

“This is an exciting period for adult learning in Islington. We’ve reviewed our curriculum and are putting on a range of family learning, digital and vocational courses.

FREE activities during October

“Over the last few months I’ve seen some excellent teaching and learning. Residents have taken pride in sharing their achievements and it’s been great to see them achieve what they once thought was impossible.

“So, whether you are looking to brush up your skills, start up your own business, get into a vocational job or have a creative time with the family, look at what ACL has to offer.”

For more information, visit www. adultlearning.islington.gov.uk or call 020 7704 4500.

Family fun activities and more with Adult and Community Learning Come along to one or more of our FREE fun-packed activities during October, including during the school half term.

To find out what’s on, visit www.adultlearning.islington.gov.uk

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IslingtonLife

Housing

Helping private renters More than one third of households in Islington rent their home from a private landlord.

Standards can vary from property to property, but the council wants to make sure that all private tenants live somewhere safe.

Over the past five years, 31 rogue landlords have been convicted, including most recently a man who tried to pass his letting agency off as a membership club to dodge the law while leaving tenants in the lurch.

During the same time, 14 civil penalty notices totalling £138,000 have been issued and landlords have been forced to improve conditions in 1,821 privately rented homes across the borough.

Do you rent privately? The law has recently changed – make sure you and your landlord know your rights.

Find out more at www.gov.uk/ private-renting

[Box out] Islington Council wants to support private renters and crackdown on landlords and letting agencies who are breaking the law and treating renters unfairly. It has developed proposals for landlord licensing to improve the standards of property in the borough. Read more and have your say at www.islington.gov. uk/licensingconsultation

Council officers found this home with no glass in a window

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Housing

Building award-winning new council homes Did you know the council has won three awards this year for the homes it is building?

Redbrick Estate near Old Street

The Redbrick Estate near Old Street won the award for Affordable Housing in this year’s Planning Awards. With 55 new homes all for social rent, this development will provide new homes for up to 191 people when it is completed next year.

Genuinely affordable housing doesn’t mean compromising on quality, each new home built by the council is generously sized with access to outside space or a balcony. Many are wheelchair accessible and built flexibly so they can be adapted for people’s changing needs, making it easier for older residents to stay in their homes for longer.

King Square Estate off Goswell Road

Brickworks and 1A Holly Park near Crouch Hill

The King Square Estate, off Goswell Road, won a gold award in the Considerate Constructors scheme.

This large development is now partially completed and will provide 98 homes for social rent and 42 homes for sale.

Brickworks and 1A Holly Park near Crouch Hill won the 2019 Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland award for Building for all - Universal design category. Now complete, this scheme has provided 23 new homes all for social rent and a new community space.

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IslingtonLife

Your home News for council tenants and leaseholders

Don’t illegally let your council home A council tenant in London was recently fined £100,000 and lost their tenancy, for advertising their council property on short-term rental site Airbnb.

Council housing is here to provide genuinely affordable housing for residents who need it - illegal subletting is unfair and could be costing you or someone you know a home.

Islington Council uses data matching and works with the National Fraud Initiative to crack down on illegal subletting. If you are caught, you could lose your tenancy. So don’t risk it.

If you suspect someone of housing fraud or illegal subletting, you can report this anonymously online at www.islington.gov.uk/tenancyfraud Photograph: Pixabay

Are you having difficulty paying your rent?

If you are struggling to pay, let the council know. Contact your Income Recovery Officer so they can help. If you are a Partners’ tenant, contact them directly.

The longer you leave the problem, the bigger your debt will become.

More support is available at www. islington.gov.uk/advice

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Your home News for council tenants and leaseholders

Plant nursery blooms on Tufnell Park estate

Residents, councillors and members of Octopus celebrate the opening of the plant nursery

A disused games pitch on Tufnell Park estate has been turned into a wonderful community plant nursery for residents to use to grow their own fruit and vegetables.

The plant nursery is managed through a partnership between Octopus Community Network and

the council. It was started at the beginning of this year and is now thriving.

There are potting tables and community food growing beds, plus a large polytunnel for yearround growing. There is also a mobile pop up kitchen for healthy cooking workshops, which uses fresh produce grown at the site.

The nursery, which is behind Hollins and McCall House, is a community resource available to all Islington residents and estate-based or park

growing groups.

Octopus runs several workshops and drop-in sessions from the plant nursery, like ‘Green Fingers’ a group for all ages that focuses on health and wellbeing through community participation; ‘Growing Together’ a workshop that teaches specific growing and gardening skills; and ‘Get Growing’ specifically aimed at children, young people and families.

Find out more and get in touch with Octopus Community Network at www.octopuscommunities.org.uk

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Safer Islington

Take care of your blue badge Sadly, Islington has one of the highest rates of badge theft in the country, but there are things that disabled motorists can do to make it harder for thieves: Get a blue badge protector, which is a padlocked metal sleeve and Perspex cover

Apply for a free resident parking

permit so that you can store your badge safely inside your house while your car is parked outside in a residents’ bay.

The council’s parking fraud team is also working to deter blue badge thieves. Recently, 18 people were successfully prosecuted and 40 vehicles removed from Islington’s streets due to blue badge abuse.

For more information visit www. islington.gov.uk/bluebadgeparking

Be wary of fraudsters issuing fake traffic fines Drivers are urged to be vigilant after a rise in reports of fraudsters posing as police officers and traffic wardens to issue fake fines.

Police say elderly drivers are being targeted in car parks by suspects who say they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and need to pay a fine.

Victims are taken to a parking meter, but this has been tampered with and does not give the card back, while suspects ‘shouldersurf’ the victim to see the PIN. If you are approached by someone and asked to pay a fine, do not pay it unless you are certain it is valid.

Ask to see ID from the officer if you are suspicious.

If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber-crime, report it to Actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 1232040.

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Safer Islington

Tough on crime: Islington’s new Neighbourhood Inspector Inspector Thomas Ashley is responsible for Islington’s neighbourhood police teams. He’s been in the force for more than 10 years and recently became the borough’s new Neighbourhood Inspector.

The safety and welfare of residents is a key concern for Islington Council, and the council works closely with the police to tackle crime in the borough.

Officers use intelligence provided by the council, residents and businesses to ensure local people and their property are kept as safe as possible.

Inspector Ashley says: “There’s a great deal of incredibly positive activity taking place – including the closure of eight crack houses, the removal of over 1,000 weapons from the street, and a reduction in moped enabled crime.

“In response to issues in Finsbury Park, I’ve recently moved some of my officers to an office on Blackstock Road, which brings us closer to the problems in this area.

“I’m also in the process of creating a problem solving team to deal with specific Islington issues, which will be introduced in the next couple of months,” he says.

The council has a number of initiatives in place to keep Islington a safe place to live, work and visit.

Find out more at www.islington. gov.uk/community-safety

Report a crime: 999 in an emergency 101 for everything else.

Report a crime anonymously with Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 Report antisocial behaviour: 020 7527 7272

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Safer Islington

Keeping your child safe from knife harm Advice for parents and carers if you are worried your child might be involved in knife crime.

It can be extremely worrying for any parent or carer to think their child is involved in something as dangerous as knife crime, but if you have your suspicions here are five things you can do.

1 2

Don’t panic – by panicking you could push your child away Learn about the law – a criminal record could stop your child getting a job and

the police can stop and search someone if they believe a weapon is being carried

3

4

Make them aware of the consequences – possessing a knife could mean going to jail for up to four years Talk to the parents of your child’s friends – this will help you get a better understanding of what’s going on

5

Talk to your child – pick the right time, listen carefully, encourage them to share their fears, stick to the facts and be prepared for answers you might not like

For more advice and information for parents, visit www.islington. gov.uk/knifeharmadvice or www.benkinsella.org.uk or www.knifefree.co.uk

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Safer Islington

There to give a helping hand If you ever feel unwell or worried for your safety when out and about in Islington, there are a number of Safe Havens that will be able to help you.

Safe Havens are shops, cafes, pubs, libraries and other places where staff are more than happy to give you advice or help if needed, no matter how big or small the place may be!

Bekim Koraci, manager of Happening Bagel Bakery in Finsbury Park joined recently. He said: “We wanted to be a part of this scheme to help people – mainly young people who may find themselves in dangerous situations.”

There are currently 67 sites dotted across the borough – look out for ‘Safe Haven’ stickers in windows to see who’s involved.

Remy Cullinan, chair of the Islington

Bekim Koraci, manager of Happening Bagel Bakery

LGBT Forum said: “A welcoming, safe environment can sometimes be hard to come by for the LGBT community, so the Safe Haven scheme is a welcome initiative that is essential to the promotion of inclusion.

“With many unfortunate incidences of hate crimes, knowing that there are places that will protect and help our community, including some of

our most vulnerable community members, is amazing.”

See a full list of Save Havens at www.islington.gov.uk/safehavens

Hate has no place in Islington We are proud of our diverse community. In Islington, there is no place for hate and people from all backgrounds are welcomed with open arms.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week runs from Saturday 12-19 October and is a good opportunity

for you to sign the Hate Crime Pledge. More than 400 people and businesses in Islington have already signed it.

Unfortunately, hate crime does exist in Islington, and is a serious issue for some members of our community that can greatly impact on their

quality of life. It’s important that everyone does their bit to stamp out hate crime in our borough.

Visit www.islington.gov.uk/ hatecrime to sign the pledge or to take a short online course that will help you be better equipped to tackle hate crime.

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IslingtonLife

Health and wellbeing

Flu vaccination protects your family Flu is a highly infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you’ll usually begin to feel better within about a week. However, for some people, particularly those in what are called ‘at-risk’ groups, flu can result in a serious infection.

That’s why the NHS offers free flu vaccinations to certain groups.

If you’re over 65, or are pregnant, have a long-term condition, or care for someone with a long-term condition, you can get your free flu jab from your family doctor or local pharmacist. The sooner you have it, the better protected you are. This includes children of any age with a long-term health condition.

Children are offered flu vaccinations (through a nasal spray rather than a jab) because as well as being unpleasant and a risk for more serious illnesses, children spread flu very easily – including among family members who are in ‘at risk’ groups.

Children aged 2 and 3 (and 4-yearolds who are not starting school this year) will be offered a nasal spray vaccination at their general practice, usually by the practice nurse. Children in primary school are offered a nasal spray vaccination through their school – don’t forget to sign and return their consent form!

The flu virus can live on hands and hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. This is why it is important to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’. Catch any sneezes in a tissue, bin those tissues immediately and kill the virus by washing your hands with soap and warm water.

Dr Karen Summerfield, GP at St Peters Street Medical Practice says: “Flu vaccination is particularly important for patients in ‘at risk’ groups such as those with chest or heart conditions, people aged over 65, young children and pregnant women.

“As a GP, I will be getting my flu vaccination to ensure that I do not put my patients at risk. I urge you to protect your children and families by ensuring they get their flu vaccination in time.”

Flu vaccines will be available from October but check with your local GP or pharmacy before you make an appointment.

Remember, children in primary schools do not need to go to their GP as they will be offered the vaccination in school.

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Health and wellbeing

Are you ready for Stoptober?

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. Relying on willpower alone is the least effective way to stop.

You can boost your chance of success by getting some support. Here are five top tips to help you give up:

Get your free blood pressure check A struggling heart can be hard to detect, so get your blood pressure checked.

Thanks to Arsenal in the Community, it’s quick and easy in Islington.

High blood pressure is one of the biggest known causes of disability and early death in the UK. If left untreated, it can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

One in five people in Islington has

high blood pressure, but only half know about it. The only way to know whether you have high blood pressure is to get it measured.

1

Contact Islington’s Breathe Stop Smoking Service to get personal support.

2

Ask your family or friends to give you motivation.

3

4

Arsenal in the Community is providing free blood pressure checks over the next few months.

Sessions are taking place from Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm at The Hub, 56 Benwell Road, N7 7BA. There’s no need to book ahead. The checks are available to people who live or work within Islington.

5

Try nicotine replacement products, a prescribed stop smoking medication or e-cigarettes.

Put the money you would spend on cigarettes away and at the end of Stoptober use it to treat yourself.

A craving can last 5 minutes.

Before you give up, make a list of five-minute strategies to help you.

For more information: Text Quit to 66777 www.breathestopsmoking.org

020 3633 2609

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IslingtonLife

Healthy communities

Creativity shines on Girdlestone Estate

Every week on an estate in Archway a group of Islington residents meet for an art class to test their creativity and meet new people.

The class, run by artist Marta Corada, is just one of the activities provided by Islington Council to help more residents get involved in arts. It also helps to reduce isolation, boost self-confidence and strengthen communities.

Julie, who has been going to the class since it started last year, says:

“I love it. These classes get me out of my house and I’ve made some great friends.

“I couldn’t draw or paint very well before I joined the group, but now I have a lot of work that I’m really proud of, including sculptures made from felt!”

“My husband passed away over two years ago - this class and the friends I have made here have really made a difference. We do lots of things together, for example, the class recently went on a trip to Southend together.”

a trip to Southend together.”

“We’ve always enjoyed Wife and husband: “We’ve always arts and crafts, so when enjoyed arts and crafts, so when we we heard of this groupwhy we heard of this group we thought not come along and give it ago.” thought why not come along and give it ago.”

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Look out for arts activities, workshops, courses and events on @IslingtonLife social media, or email hcdt@Islington.gov.uk to find out about what’s happening near you.

“I’ve achieved a lot in this class. I’m especially proud of the banner that I made to celebrate Mary Wollstonecraft and the suffragettes.”

A dementia-friendly community The Alzheimer’s Society and Islington Council are working together to make Islington a place where people with dementia are understood, respected and supported.

People with dementia have the right to live a life they want and continue to do the things they

enjoy. But often they feel excluded and face isolation.

Two-thirds of people with dementia continue to live in their own homes, but many say they feel trapped, with only one in three getting out once a week.

With dementia on the rise, it’s important that we all work

together to create a place where people with dementia are understood, respected, supported, and confident they can contribute to community life.

Find out how you can get involved at www.alzheimers.org.uk

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IslingtonLife

Local life

Black History Month events

Get involved in these great events happening at Islington libraries across the borough throughout October. All events drop-in unless stated.

Writers present ‘100 Years Unheard - WW1 and the Afrikan Diasporan Woman’ The book celebrates the lives and unheard stories of Afrikan heritage women impacted by the Great War and gives voice to those history has forgotten.

Central Library, N5 1PF, Saturday 12 October, 1-5pm

Unseen Scientists by Linnean Learning Join this exciting printmaking workshop and discover a range of natural historians past and present, with emphasis on BAME pioneers in the life sciences.

Finished entries will be submitted to the Linnean Society’s BioMedia Meltdown competition, with a chance to win prizes for artistic and scientific merit!

For ages 7-12.

Central Library, N5 1PF, Monday 21 October, 11am-12.30pm Lewis Carroll Library, N1 0ST, Monday 21 October, 2.30-4pm

Hair, It’s a Family Affair!

Join award-winning author Mylo Freeman who will be reading from her picture book which celebrates afro hair and getting children involved in an illustration workshop.

For ages 3-7.

South Library, N1 2SL, Wednesday 23 October, 11am-12noon Archway Library, N19 5PH, Wednesday 23 October, 2-3pm Under 5s storytelling The Keskidee Centre in Gifford Street was Britain’s first arts centre for the Black community. Hear some special storytelling celebrating its history.

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Local life Islington Museum, EC1V 4NB, Tuesday 15 October, 10am and 10.45am An evening with Paul Crooks Trailblazing family historian Paul Crooks, author of Ancestors, traced his family back six generations. Paul’s acclaimed novel and appearance on Who Do You Think You Are? inspired a generation to start exploring Black and British ancestry. Paul talks about his book and his journey to find his family history.

Central Library, N5 1PF, Thursday 17 October, 6-7.30pm Abstract art workshop Create your own Frank Bowling-inspired modern abstract art work. For ages 4+ Archway Library, N19 5PH, Friday 25 October, 2.30pm Under 5s messy play Get creative at this messy play session to celebrate the Keskidee Centre’s history.

Islington Museum, EC1V 4NB, Thursday 31 October, 10am

Other community events Self-care as an act of warfare: a Black women’s reading group Black feminist writers offer a radical perspective on resistance, resilience and perseverance.

Housmans Radical Booksellers, 25 Caledonian Rd, N1 9DX, Thursday 17 October, 7-9pm If you would like to attend, email blackfeministreading@gmail.com

Black history of Islington walk A two-hour walking tour through some of Islington’s little-known landmarks and places of significance. Find out about the first Black cultural arts centre, the history of the ANC, Islington’s Egyptian links and the legacies of Black revolutionary politicians and activists, such as Claudia Jones and Angela Davies.

Meet outside Angel Station (or inside if it’s raining), Saturday 26 October, 10.45am-1pm A suggested £3 donation to attend but spaces are limited. Email info@everyvoice.org.uk to book.

400 years of Black women resistance leaders A seminar detailing the Black women around the world who have made pivotal contributions towards the fight for freedom and equality.

Islington Town Hall, N1 2UD, Tuesday 8 October, 6.30 - 9pm Black history education – a practice of freedom Celebrate Black-led interventions that are decolonising history curriculums and challenging the racial bias.

Brickworks Community Centre, 42 Crouch Hill, N4 4BY, Tuesday 22 October 6-9pm For further information email Aishah.w@everyvoice.org.uk Our stories; reminiscence and history-making A fun workshop for African and Caribbean people aged over 55. Bring along family photographs for a morning of sharing and storytelling and take

part in arts and crafts activities.

Drovers Centre, 19 North Road, N7 9EY, Wednesday 23 October, 11am-12noon If you would like to attend email asinclair@ageukislington.org.uk or call 020 7607 7701.

Kimbanguism – a universal heritage Discover more about the ideology and vision of Simon Kimbangu, a peaceful freedom fighter in the Congo during the colonial era. There will be a choir, play and a brass band to enjoy.

Manor Gardens, N7 6ER, Saturday 26 October, 4-9pm To book, email mr.iyefa@gmail. com or call 07438 637065 Fashion4Africa showcase A showcase celebrating African fashion and beauty, with catwalk shows, competitions and live entertainment including artists from Ethiopia, Sudan and Ghana.

Gracepoint, 161-169 Essex Road, N1 2SN, Saturday 26 October, 5.30-10.30pm Tickets from £11.37 For further information contact annanjieafrica@gmail.com

Pick up a book from Islington Libraries’ new booklist celebrating British authors of Black heritage. The list includes books for all ages from picture books for younger children to hard-hitting novels for teens.

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IslingtonLife

Local life

New affordable workspace for tech entrepreneurs

Are you looking for a workspace for your tech start-up or micro business?

A new affordable workspace at Finsbury Park might be just what you need. Rising rents and high business rates means that it can be a challenge to find somewhere affordable to start, or develop, a business. In an effort to encourage more entrepreneurs to remain in the borough, the council has embarked upon an exciting plan to create more affordable workspaces.

The first of these workspaces is on Fonthill Road and was purchased using a £1 million grant from the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and another £1 million from the council. The tech co-operative, Outlandish, has been awarded the contract to run the space. Local businesses will be offered space at a reduced rate.

Anyone working on a social impact project, on a low income or from an under-represented group in the tech industry, will be asked to just pay what they can.

Outlandish will also give local people the training and support

they need to get work in the tech industry.

There are more affordable workspaces in the pipeline. Some of these will focus on different sectors, but each will use the same innovative model.

To find out more about the Finsbury Park workspace email space4@outlandish.com or visit https://space4.tech/ To find out about other affordable workspaces email: affordableworkspace@islington. gov.uk

Planning to ‘Say I Do’? Central As well as helping you plan your perfect big day, Say I Do Islington can design and print high quality invitations, orders of service, reception menus and much more using stylish designs. They also offer a bespoke artwork design service if you want to create something totally unique, or print from a design you already have.

They are offering a 20% discount to IslingtonLife readers on all ceremony stationery, so get in touch!

Contact printing@Islington.gov. uk or call 020 7527 3742 for more information.

Library reopens

Over the past few months, Central Library has gone through an amazing transformation that has restored, improved and helped preserve the borough’s oldest and busiest library.

The restoration includes the second floor reference library, which now offers a large and well equipped study space, as well as a brand new First Steps Learning Centre. All works are now complete and the library is open as usual.

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Local life

Clidive Scuba Club celebrates 50 years of diving This friendly Islington club based at Ironmonger Row Baths is part of the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) and is one of the most active clubs in the country for both training and diving.

Set up in 1969, a lot has changed in its 50 years.

“Back in 1969 if you wanted to learn to dive you would have to sign up in September and it would take weekly training till the following summer before you got to dive in open water,” says Chris Wilson, Diving Officer.

“Nowadays people can learn to dive in just a week on their holidays. We still take teaching diving at entry level relatively slowly, with eight evening sessions followed by a weekend on the coast.”

Anyone is welcome to join Clidive and the club offers diving courses and

trips to dive sites around the UK and abroad – for its 50th year celebrations 80 days of reef and wreck diving has been organised including to the Red Sea and the Mediterranean!

“We are just back from a poignant expedition to Normandy to dive the wrecks of the D-Day landings during the 75th anniversary,” said Chris.

“We have also been to St Abbs where some members were lucky enough to see a Minke whale swimming past while they were underwater.”

Find out more at www.clidive.org

Archway Pool refurb Archway Leisure Centre’s £20k pool investment is now complete. Brand new features include a wave machine, fun spray, rapids, bubble and a slide ring blower. Check out the pool programme at www.better. org.uk/archway

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IslingtonLife

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What’s on

Save the date

Get festive at these Christmas lights switch-ons and events across Islington!

Saturday 9 November

Thursday 14 November

Angel Day

Angel Evening

Start your Christmas shopping in Chapel Market and Angel Central.

Lots planned across all of the Angel, including Camden Passage and Upper Street.

Saturday 23 November

Nag’s Head Shopping Centre Bring family and friends to enjoy local choirs at this festive lights switch-on event, from 1pm.

Saturday 30 November

Finsbury Park festive lights Grab a mince pie and get your Christmas party outfit sorted, from 1pm.

Sunday 1 December

Archway festive lights Head to Navigator Square to sing carols, browse stalls and meet the big man himself, from 12.30pm.

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What’s on

Music Hall in Islington From ‘Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay’ to ‘Pack up your troubles’ and beyond, music hall songs and their performers occupy a special place in the hearts of Londoners and, in particular, Islington.

The borough’s music halls and theatres entertained generations of Islingtonians, who would drop in to see their favourite ‘turns’, including Marie Lloyd and Charlie Chaplin.

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Between 1840 and 1960 there were over 100-known licensed halls and variety theatres in the borough, each promising a unique evening’s entertainment.

A new exhibition at Islington Museum illustrates this fascinating era. The exhibition runs until 22 October on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (10am-5pm) at Islington Museum, 245 St John Street.

To find out more visit www.islington. gov.uk/museumexhibitions

Stargazing: celebrate World Space Week Stargazing returns to Archway’s Navigator Square in October and, like the ever expanding universe, it’s got a whole lot bigger!

News Letters Theatre Films Food Sport

Out every Friday islingtontribune.co.uk Tel: 020 7419 9000

Expect pop-up space themed fun on the square, in Archway Library and around the town centre from 4-9 October. There will be galactic games, film screenings, space-crafts, supernova songs, martian munchies and blasting off to infinity and beyond!

Free tree walk Did you know Islington streets have the greatest number of trees per kilometre in London? Or that there is a tree in the borough that is valued at over a million pounds? Come and meet an arborist from Islington’s Tree Service to find out about this and more!

Canonbury Street tree and park walk takes place on Friday 11 October at 11am. Meet outside Canonbury Tavern. The walk takes approximately 1 hour. islingtonlife.london

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