IslingtonLife autumn 2020

Your local magazine from Islington Council • Autumn 2020

Celebrating students’ exam success

Lost your job? iWork can help!

People -friendly streets in the spotlight

High street heroes

Shop local and support small businesses

IslingtonLife

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Contents

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Welcome Message from the Council Leader

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News Islington launches programme to tackle inequality, racism and injustice

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Exam results Celebrating students’ success despite Covid-19 challenge

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Jobs and money Have you lost your job? iWork can help

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Stay safe Welcoming children back to school safely

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People-friendly streets Redesigning Islington’s streets to improve your neighbourhood

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Shop local Meet some of your lovely local businesses keeping our high streets unique

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Housing Discover the new council homes nearing completion

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Local life News from your local neighbourhoods

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What’s on Looking forward to celebrating Black History Month

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Health Are your vaccinations up to date?

Five reasons why they should be

Highlights 7

Birthday celebrations for Bright Start

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Do your bit to keep Islington safe

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Islington’s lockdown lifelines

Autumn 2020

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Welcome Welcome to the autumn edition of Islington Life which is packed full of latest news and helpful information 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.

Since the beginning of the pandemic local people’s lives have completely changed, but I couldn’t be prouder to represent a borough where everyone has worked together to keep each other safe.

Throughout the crisis we’ve seen so many in our borough go above on beyond to support those who really need it.

Many of Islington’s fantastic local businesses have stepped up to help local people throughout the crisis including donating and delivering food packages – all whilst installing new measures to re-open their doors in a way which keeps us all safe. You can find more information on what business have been doing and how you can show your support by shopping locally on pages 14 and 15.

I also want to pay tribute to our fantastic teaching staff across Islington’s schools who have been working tirelessly to keep our children and young people learning in extremely challenging circumstances. Congratulations to those staff and all the young people across Islington who received their results this summer.

Despite the challenges and upset caused by the Government’s exam fiasco, young people across Islington received incredible results that they should be immensely proud of. You can read more about those results as well as advice and support available for young people considering their future on page 6.

In this edition you can also read more about how were keeping vital services running and working to make Islington a fairer place by delivering more new council homes for local people, helping more people into work and training and making our streets more peoplefriendly for all.

As things continue to change, our dedicated ‘We are Islington’ service is here to support anyone who needs it. On page 4 you’ll find more information on how we’ve been supporting local people and how you can get in touch.

Finally, it is really important to remember that this virus hasn’t gone away and we all need to keep doing our bit to keep Islington Safe.

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

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IslingtonLife

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News

Helping our most vulnerable Welcome during the crisis back to our libraries We’re committed to making Islington a fairer place for all, and never more so than during the Covid-19 crisis when we made sure the most vulnerable in our community could get the help and support they needed. Here are some of the ways we have helped…

Total enquiries to the We Are Islington helpline:

WE ARE Islington

11,639

The help we’ve provided:

495

159

2,676

3,961

760

500

collections and deliveries of prescription medicines to those in need

food parcel deliveries to people’s homes

food vouchers and energy top-up vouchers issued to those needing financial support

APRIL

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(7,201 calls and 4,438 emails)

rough sleepers supported into accommodation

local businesses received grants

local businesses added to our business directory

296

calls and emails to the We Are Islington team on 20 April, their single busiest day

The We are Islington helpline is still open for people who need support, call 020 7527 8222 or email weareislington@islington.gov.uk

We have missed you and are delighted that some of our libraries are now open for visitors to browse, borrow items, and reserve PCs and study spaces. Visitor and staff safety is our top priority so we have opened services in phases, and you will notice some differences.

Visitors will be asked to use hand sanitiser and must wear a face covering inside the library. Staff are collecting contact details to assist with Test and Trace and the number of visitors in each library is limited.

There are no printed copies of daily newspapers.

All Islington libraries aim to reopen by 21 September. Keep updated about library services at www.islington.gov.uk/libraries

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News

Tackling inequality, racism and injustice The tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, in the United States, and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black and minority ethnic communities has highlighted the racism and inequality that continues to exist in society.

Investigating the history and origins of all statues, artworks and heritage plaques across the borough to ensure they do not represent issues and events which go against Islington’s long history of equality and fairness

Working with schools to ensure the curriculum highlights issues of racism, inequality and injustice and is honest about the role of Britain in history Ensuring we lead the way as an exemplar employer tackling issues around recruitment and selection, staff development and making sure we have a representative workforce at all levels of the organisation Islington Council is committed to challenging inequality, racism and injustice in the borough, and to making our community, our services and our workplace fairer for everyone.

will achieve this.

Initial commitments include:

This means a borough that is safe for everyone to live and work in, provides the best possible start in life, so that everyone growing up in Islington can prosper, and a place where we listen to our communities’ concerns and act on them.

Ensuring our Covid-19 recovery plans focus on supporting Black and ethnic minority communities and other disadvantaged groups

Our new Challenging Inequality programme sets out how we

Work with partners to ensure we are collectively tackling racism, inequality and injustice

Working with the Police to understand the reasons for the high rates of stop and search for the Black community and what we can do to address this

Creating forums for the community and our staff to engage with, and be at the heart of, our work to challenge inequality You can read more about our initial commitments online at www.islington.gov.uk/TBC We will continue to develop our plans with staff, partners and the community. If you have any thoughts on how we can tackle inequality, please get in touch by emailing equalities@islington.gov.uk.

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IslingtonLife

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Exam results

Students excel despite Covid-19 challenge career option you want to do, and that’s really helpful… You might [think] ‘Am I doing the right thing?

Am I too out of the ordinary?’ But, especially in the sixth form, I’ve realised that I can do whatever I want, I can be whoever I want to be.”

Students at St Aloysius

GCSE results have also improved in Islington compared to last year, with pupils’ average Attainment 8 score rising to 4.99, and more than half of students achieving a strong pass in both English and maths. The EBacc average point score increased, from 4.2 last year to 4.4 this year.

Highbury Fields students

Students in Islington triumphed at A Level and GCSE this summer, despite the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19 and the trauma, upheaval and uncertainty it has caused over the last few months, on top of last-minute changes by central Government to the way grades were given.

A record number of A Level students in Islington were awarded the top grades this year, with more than 1 in 4 grades being an A* or A, and more than half being A*-B, beating this year’s national average.

Zain Jivraj

At St Aloysius’ College, Zain Jivraj got two As and a B – enough to guarantee his place at Warwick University to study law. He took his mock exams just two weeks before the national lockdown closed the school. He said: “It was quite an uncertain time because no-one knew how it was going to affect our final grades. There was talk about universities being lenient, but no-one knew to what extent that would be, so I’m just happy.” His mum added: “I’m just very excited for Zain, it’s been very nerve-wracking, lots of anxiety, but everything paid off!”

Meanwhile, Alejandro Villamil hopes to land a job with a US animation studio like Pixar after a degree course in animation at Middlesex University, secured with three Bs. “I want to one day influence other people to do the same,” he said. “Since Year 7 the school has supported whichever

GCSE student Mia Folkes Pawlowski had one of many inspiring stories at Highbury Fields School. Mia started studying for her A Levels soon after lockdown in March, not knowing whether she may still need to sit her GCSE exams in June as well.

“It was a hard time, I was worried about everyone,” she said. “But I did a lot of work, which kind of took my mind off it.” After the relief of getting the results she needed, Mia will study chemistry, biology and psychology A Levels, and is thinking of becoming a surgeon.

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Exam results

Need advice on next steps?

Happy birthday Bright Start! wellbeing, parenting, money, training and employment.

Last year the service was given Unicef’s prestigious Baby Friendly status in recognition for its outstanding support for families with young babies.

I S L ING TO N’S

PROGRESS TEAM

This year has been particularly difficult for students trying to plan what to do next after receiving their exam results, with uncertainty over assessments, grades and a constantly changing picture over the summer.

A last-minute decision in August to review all BTEC grades nationally, caused further anxiety for hundreds of Islington students.

The council’s Progress team is on hand for young people looking for advice on the next steps. They are available to talk in confidence and offer information, advice and guidance on finding places at school sixth forms, college, training courses, apprenticeships and job opportunities.

Students can get in touch with them at any time over the phone, Skype and email – and face-to-face by appointment at both 222 Upper Street and Lift Youth Hub. Contact the Progress Team at progress@islington.gov.uk or on 020 7527 7031.

Bright Start celebrated its third birthday in September!

Since 2017 when it launched, Bright Start has offered thousands of families with children under 5, fun and exciting activities, as well as advice and support on children’s health and development, family

Parent Naomi Robin said: “Bright Start services and staff have been exceptional. They have offered me help and support in many areas and I feel I would never have been able to face certain hurdles without their advice and services.”

Don’t miss out on all that Bright Start has to offer. Visit islington. gov.uk/stayupdated to sign-up for the Bright Start, Bright Ideas e-bulletin or contact the Family Information Service, 020 7527 5959; fis@islington.gov.uk

School places for 2021

If your child is due to join a primary or secondary school in September 2021, you need to apply for a place for them now.

If your child was born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017, you need to apply now for a primary school reception class place for them. And if they were born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010, you need to apply now to secure a secondary school place for them.

Apply using our online application form, available alongside new primary and secondary school admissions brochures, which are your go-to guides explaining what to do, when and how. Find it all online now at islington.gov.uk/admissions Although there is a lot to think about before you apply, don’t panic. If you need help – particularly if this is your first time – call our School Admissions Team on 020 7527 5515, or sign up for our e-newsletters at www. islington.gov.uk/stayupdated

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IslingtonLife

Jobs and money

Lost your job due to coronavirus?

Let iWork help you

To ensure Sarah could confidently use Excel on a computer – one of the essential job requirements – her coach found a free online course to take, which she completed successfully. Her coach also conducted several mock interview sessions to build her confidence and reduce her anxiety.

After two interviews at the GP practice, Sarah was offered the job, and she accepted. Her coach has stayed in touch with her to ensure the transition to a new career is working well, and she is enjoying the next chapter in her working life.

We are determined to make Islington a fairer place by supporting more people into decent jobs and training. Covid-19 has been challenging for many local people who have lost their jobs, but our iWork team is here to help.

Sarah* contacted iWork after the national lockdown resulted in her losing her job in a cinema. She was feeling depressed and anxious at being stuck at home all day, and being 60 years old thought she would never find another job.

Sarah’s preference was to secure part-time work, and she wanted to embrace the opportunity to pursue reception or administrative work.

Sarah was assigned to an iWork employment coach who reassured her that she could find desirable work, regardless of her age, by focusing on her transferable *Names have been changed

skills and experience. Sarah’s coach supported her to apply for Universal Credit to address her financial concerns, then identified a receptionist role at a GP practice in Islington.

“I am thoroughly enjoying my new role. I’m learning new things and developing my skills. Your help and support have been absolutely invaluable! Thank you so much.”

The iWork team offer help to anyone who is out of work in Islington to find a job, apprenticeship, training or education.

Call them on 020 7527 2706 or email iwork@islington.gov.uk

Boost your skills and employability

There are plenty of local opportunities for residents wanting to learn new skills or gain a new qualification. For example, City and Islington - one of the largest further education colleges in London - offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses.

For more information including training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, as well as advice and support, visit www.islington.gov.uk/ employment-advice

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Jobs and money

Supporting our tenants through the pandemic

Save £140 off your energy bill this winter You may be entitled to £140 off your energy bills if you are on a low income, receive benefits or have lost income due to Covid-19.

Islington’s Energy Advice Team, known as SHINE, can offer you advice to help you claim under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Call the award-winning team on 0300 555 0195 to see if you qualify.

Make sure you have your electricity account number to hand before you call.

Free school meals for all primary school children – apply now!

Islington Council will do everything it can to support any council tenants who are finding it difficult to pay their rent as a result of coronavirus.

The council relies on rents to deliver vital services for all council tenants, so it’s important that you keep paying your rent. If you are struggling with debt and worried If you are a council tenant worried about paying your rent or other living costs, email income. recovery@islington.gov.uk or visit islington.gov.uk For questions about which benefits you may be are entitled to, call the council’s Income Maximisation team on 0800 731 8081 (free) or

about paying your rent or bills, the best thing you can do is to seek help early.

The council can help with financial advice, access to welfare benefits and discretionary relief, to provide you with the most appropriate support for your household.

020 7527 8600, or email claimit@islington.gov.uk If your situation has changed in recent months, you may be entitled to financial support or money off your bills. To find out more, visit islington.gov.uk/ moneyadvice or call the Islington Advice Alliance on 0300 330 1197.

Islington is one of only a few councils to provide free school meals for all nursery and primary school children – saving families more than £400 per child, per year, and guaranteeing all kids a nutritious meal.

We know how important free school meals are in making sure all of our young people get the best start in life. As well as helping to ensure that our primary schools are places where all young people can thrive, free school meals help families out with the cost of living and provide peace of mind, too.

In addition to free school meals, we offer a uniform grant of £150 to parents on certain benefits when their child moves up from Year 6 to secondary school.

Don’t miss out! To find out more and apply for both free school meals and a uniform grant, visit islington.gov.uk/ freeschoolmeals islingtonlife.london

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IslingtonLife

Stay safe

Welcoming everyone back to school!

Schools and nurseries across Islington have been busy preparing for their children’s return, following public health advice to make sure buildings are safe.

Going back to school is important for children’s social and emotional health. Children don’t spread coronavirus any more than adults do. For most people – and especially children – if they do catch the virus, the symptoms will be mild.

If your children have returned to school or nursery, follow these tips to do your bit and stay safe and healthy:

Keep safe Keep washing your hands Socially distance where possible, especially at the school entrance Stay at home if you (or someone you live with) have symptoms Get tested if you have symptoms. Tests can be booked online at www.nhs.uk/ask-for-acoronavirus-test

Keep healthy Walk or cycle if you can, rather than taking public transport Speak to your GP to make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date Look out for the free annual flu vaccine – this is even more important this year.

Primary school and Year 7 pupils will get this at school.

Speak to your school nurse if you have any questions. You can call the team on 020 3316 8021.

Visit www.islington.gov.uk/coronavirus for more information or sign up to our Latest News e-newsletter for news about coronavirus. For the latest guidance on public transport see tfl.gov.uk/reopeningeducation

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Stay safe

Do your bit Covid-19 is still a threat

Do your bit to keep Islington safe

Most people are doing their bit, but we all need to continue to work together to keep Islington safe and pleasant for everyone. Coronavirus is still a reality and we all need to act responsibly to minimise the likelihood of a local lockdown.

discarded face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

The council has more frontline staff on the ground, looking after Islington’s parks and green spaces – but despite all their hard work, your beautiful parks are still being left strewn with litter,

“To help Islington to be the best it can be, when you visit one of our wonderful green spaces, leave it as you would want to find it by taking your rubbish home. Bag it, bin it.

Fiona, one of the council’s park rangers, offers some advice on how you can help keep Islington clean and safe: “I have been a park ranger for 16 years, since about 2007. I love all aspects of my job, working with the public.

“Once you have finished with your PPE face covers, please bin them because they can become a huge environmental issue for our wildlife and pets – or a child might pick it up, or a person with a visual impairment could slip, trip or fall. Please think of others as well as yourself.

“And if you spot something that is not right, please talk to the park attendant, Parkguard or Contact Islington.

“Finally, I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to the people of Islington and also our Friends of Parks groups who help look after the green spaces.”

KEEP ISLINGTON SAFE

COVID SYMPTOMS?

GET TESTED NOW. nhs.uk/coronavirus Protect your friends and family

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IslingtonLife

People Friendly Streets

People-friendly streets are here to improve your neighbourhood What you told us “ Most households in

Islington don’t even have access to a car.

These measures will make streets safer and more pleasant for all.”

“ Introducing low-traffic To help local people enjoy their area, we are creating people-friendly streets that will: Make it easier and safer to walk and cycle Be healthier and greener Allow social distancing now and in the future We have already started adapting Islington streets to make it easier to socially distance while walking to busy areas for essential reasons, like shopping at local businesses, and we’re rolling out more changes,

including around schools.

We must act now to create more space for local people to walk, cycle, use buggies and wheelchairs as a safe alternative to using public transport. Why? Because modelling predicts that, without action, motor traffic volumes may get much worse than before the crisis. Also, the development of technology, including sat-nav in vehicles, has led to an increase in drivers cutting through residential areas as they travel through Islington – sometimes called rat-running.

neighbourhoods across Islington is bold and progressive.”

“ Without change our

roads would be no safer than they were 20 years ago. It is vital we show our support to ensure they become permanent.”

Have your say on our Commonplace website, islingtonpeoplefriendlystreets. commonplace.is

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People Friendly Streets Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, Cllr Rowena Champion explains: “People-friendly streets will create a better borough for all. As a result of the coronavirus crisis, there’s a need to implement these measures as quickly as possible.

“The Government has made clear that local authorities, like Islington, where local people usually rely on public transport, must swiftly adapt their streets to create more space for walking, cycling and social distancing and avoid a rise in motor vehicle traffic as we move

Need to know They are not car-free schemes. If you have a car you will still be able to drive to your home, as will visitors They will not stop deliveries, taxis or visitors to any address They will stop traffic simply cutting through your neighbourhood

All the emergency services have been involved in the planning of the peoplefriendly streets. We will continue to involve them as the new schemes bed in Evidence from similar projects in London shows that over time traffic reduces on main roads as people make different travel decisions People who use walking aids, wheelchairs or mobility scooters will find the streets quieter, safer and more enjoyable with lower amounts of traffic

out of lockdown.

“Local people remain at the heart of everything we do, and their feedback is incredibly valuable to us. The thoughts, ideas and feedback they are giving us via our Commonplace website are informing the way that we implement people-friendly streets.

“Local people know their streets better than anyone else and we are listening to their feedback, whether it is positive or negative.”

We launched our Commonplace public engagement site so residents can have their say. Find it at islingtonpeoplefriendlystreets. commonplace.is Each scheme is a trial and local residents will be consulted after 12 months to find out what you think of the measures For more information about peoplefriendly streets, visit www.islington. gov.uk//peoplefriendlystreets

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IslingtonLife

Shop local

Support your Islington businesses Since lockdown our high streets have been much quieter than usual – for obvious reasons – and businesses have had to adapt to meet the challenges that coronavirus forced on us all.

challenges, offering one-to-one support, free cargo bike trials for deliveries and an online directory for businesses to advertise their products locally.

The council is working with businesses to make sure they can reopen safely – equipping them

We asked a few local businesses to tell us how things have changed for them:

with social distancing floor stickers and posters and providing webinars to help businesses adapt to new

Rohit - 1 Stop Wash Launderette and Dry Cleaners Caledonian Road, N1

1 Stop Wash is an eco-launderette and dry cleaner established in 2011.

The business has been heavily impacted by the pandemic, but Ranjit and his family used their time in lockdown to reflect and adapt their business.

“We already offered pick up and drop off but are now promoting this as the main way for customers to place orders and we’ve added a contactless delivery option. We’ve made ordering online an easier experience.

Michael - Michael’s Fruiterers Seven Sisters Road, N7

Michael has been running his fruit, vegetable and grocery business for nearly 30 years and employs eight

members of staff.

“Unfortunately, I had to close my shop throughout the lockdown, and now that I’m open again business is really slow. People are scared to be too close to other people and are worried about coming into the shop now.

“We’ve put in place a number of safety measures to make sure our customers are safe. This includes requesting customers always wear a face covering, installing hand sanitisers and placing social distancing reminder signs around the shop.

“I’m worried that if people don’t support local businesses like mine the high street as we know it will die.”

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Shop local

Reasons to shop local Shop Spend Enjoy

Holloway Road, N7

“There was never a quiet day at our shop with a steady hustle and bustle of people visiting from all over the world! Many of our customers included tourists who came to check out the shop and also visit the local sights.

“The lockdown meant that we had to shut our shop for a while and focus on selling our products online. We wanted to make sure our customers

be safe

Every pound spent at an independent business contributes three times more money into the local economy compared to money spent at a chain.

Vivien of Holloway Vivien of Holloway is a vintage clothing reproduction business, with a focus on patterns from the 1950s. They have been operating for 11 years and employ 10 people.

The Covid-19 pandemic has posed a lot of new challenges for the team.

Before the lockdown, business was booming.

local

and staff were both safe.”

Since lockdown measures have been relaxed, they have also reopened the physical store with new safety protocols in place: “We have organised sanitation stations and will also be appointment based only to begin with. This means one or two customers will be in the shop at a time while keeping a safe distance from each other. Masks will also be required to be worn.”

“When you support a small business, you’re also supporting the community.”

You can find Vivien of Holloway on Instagram @vivienofholloway or via their website – www.vivienofholloway.com

For information on the support available to local businesses, visit www.islington.gov.uk/business/coronavirus-information-for-business

Independent business owners have roots in the community, just like you, and tend to make decisions with their community in mind.

It’s better for the environment. Shopping locally means you can walk or cycle to the shops, if you can, and cuts down on fuel consumption and air pollution.

Small, independent and local business are one of the things that makes Islington such a great place to live and each of our town centres unique.

Discover your neighbourhood at www.islingtonlife.london islingtonlife.london

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IslingtonLife

Health

Changes to sexual health services

Due to the coronavirus outbreak many health services have had to change the way they see patients. Below is the latest information from Islington’s sexual health services.

Spotlight on a service: SHAPES

CNWL Sexual Health Service Please call 020 3317 5252 before attending a clinic. The team is often able to provide help over a phone or video call and can post medication and contraception to you. If you need to be seen face-to-face you will be given an appointment after the call.

Walk-in services are still available for those in need of emergency care.

For more information visit www.sexualhealth.cnwl.nhs.uk

Young people’s services

The Brandon Centre, Brook Euston, and Pulse N7 are currently operating a telephone consultation system with booked appointments where needed.

Please call before coming to a clinic.

Pulse (Holloway Road) 020 7527 1300 Brook Euston (Euston) 020 7387 8700 Brandon Centre (Kentish Town) 020 7267 4792

North Central London Abortion Services Following a screening process, women who are eligible and under 9 weeks 6 days gestation can take abortion pills in the privacy of their own home without attending a clinic.

Women that need to attend a clinic are still able to do so.

Get support by calling 0333 999 9951.

The needs of people living with HIV can be complex and many people can feel isolated and unsure how to overcome the obstacles they face on a daily basis.

SHAPES, funded by Islington Council, provides a range of oneto-one and group HIV support for people living with HIV. Services include counselling, life coaching, wellbeing groups and peer support.

For more information, visit www.shapeswellbeing.com, call 020 3137 3373, or email info@livingwell.cic.com

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Health

Let’s talk about vaccinations

5 reasons to vaccinate your child now

1 Less and less of us are old enough to remember a time when serious childhood illnesses, like measles or whooping cough, were common in the UK, but we have all seen recently how quickly an infectious disease can spread when there is no vaccine.

But while these illness are less common now, if vaccination rates drop, we could see them start to increase again.

If your child missed their scheduled vaccinations because of the coronavirus pandemic, or is not up to date for any other reason, catch up now by calling your GP. Dr Jackie Lenders from City Road Medical Centre said: “We are following NHS guidelines to make sure vaccinations are delivered safely during the coronavirus pandemic, and we’ll be taking extra care when seeing patients.”

Protect yourself from flu this winter The flu jab is free if you’re aged 65 or over, are pregnant, or if you have a long-term health condition. If you’re the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, who would not

manage without your help, you can also get a free flu jab.

Don’t put off getting your flu jab.

Speak to your GP or pharmacist.

2 3 4 5

Protect your child against serious diseases that can lead to complications, like pneumonia, hearing loss and brain damage Protect yourself, family and friends from giving them the virus It’s better than getting sick with the diseases the vaccines protect you from!

The vaccines have been given to millions of children worldwide and are safe If your child gets sick, you may have to take time off work or pay for alternative childcare

Stoptober It’s more important than ever to look after your health. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others. Your local stop smoking service, Breathe, is here to help you, offering all their support over the phone. Call 020 36332609 or visit www.breathestopsmoking.org islingtonlife.london

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IslingtonLife

Housing

New council homes near completion

Improving repairs and maintenance service

The council has an agreement with property management company Partners for Improvement in Islington – or just Partners – to manage more than 4,000 council homes on its behalf.

However, this arrangement will end once the contract – known as PFI2 – expires in April 2022, and the council will directly manage these homes again.

The new homes are almost finished on the Redbrick Estate

Despite the coronavirus crisis, Islington Council is continuing its ambitious housing programme, and is still on target to build 550 new council homes by 2022 for local people.

There are several house-building projects across the borough which are almost finished, ranging from a large development on the Redbrick Estate in the south of the borough, where 55 new council homes have been built, to Belfont Walk in Holloway, where two family-sized council homes are under construction.

Building new homes has become more important than ever. There is a desperate need for more local, genuinely affordable housing and if the council pauses or stops building, some residents will spend even longer living in unsuitable homes.

Coronavirus has created new challenges for the construction

industry, which has had to change ways of working to ensure safety on building sites, and for the council, which has had to adapt its consultations with residents. The council’s New Build team are now running virtual consultation events with residents about these housing projects. The events take place online via Zoom, with additional support for those who are not online.

Moving these events online will ensure everyone can still get involved in the consultation process and make sure their voice is heard. It also means the council’s housebuilding programme can carry on without further delays.

The council will still deliver newsletters to residents on estates where building work is planned, to ensure no-one misses out on any updates or an opportunity to provide feedback.

Before taking this decision, the council carried out an extensive month-long consultation with residents in homes managed under PFI2, asking if they wanted housing management, maintenance and repairs to be carried out by the council, or another external provider when the contract ends. Of the 392 people who responded, 91% were in favour of the council delivering services directly.

In the coming months, surveyors will visit some PFI2 homes to assess their condition and any maintenance issues, to prepare for when the contract ends. All surveyors will meet strict guidelines for social distancing.

The council currently delivers housing management, repairs and maintenance services to more than 25,000 estate and street properties.

Islington Council and Partners are working closely together to ensure a smooth transition in 2022. Partners will continue to manage, maintain and repair around 2,000 other council homes under a separate contract, called PFI1, which runs until 2033.

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Local life

Let’s stand together against hate crime Islington is filled with people of many different religions, ethnicities and cultures, which make our borough a vibrant place to live and visit.

when misunderstandings or prejudice have resulted in hate crime.

We generally live together harmoniously, learning from one another and celebrating our differences. There are however, times

If you are a victim of a hate crime, report it so that we can make you and everyone in the community safer.

Hate crime is committed against a person because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or disability. It is also offensive and a criminal offence.

· Call 999 in an emergency

· Call the police on 101 in a non-emergency or report it online at www.report-it.org.uk · To report anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 Victim Support can offer counselling for victims of hate crime, call on 0808 168 9111.

Sign Islington’s hate crime pledge at www.islington.gov.uk/tacklinghate-crime

Free adult learning courses

Islington Adult Community Learning service are offering Covid-safe courses via the internet and socially-distanced 1-2-1 sessions. If you need support with digital skills and getting online, we can help with that, too!

Call or WhatsApp us on 07734 777 466 Visit our website at www.adultlearning.islington.gov.uk

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IslingtonLife

Local life

Community hubs – a lifeline during lockdown and beyond A massive thank you to the staff and volunteers at Islington’s Community Hubs, who have worked with Islington Council and others to adapt services to support local residents from the start of lockdown.

Community Hubs moved services online, made wellbeing phone calls and visits to residents, and adapted their services in a range of ways. Most hubs delivered food to local residents through lockdown, providing hundreds of food parcels and hot meals a week.

On average, the Community Hub network distributed nearly 2,000 food parcels a week and provided over 5,000 hot meals. Muslim Welfare House alone provided 4,000 hot meals a week.

To find out more about the activities on offer at your local community hub, visit [contact details to come]. With activities including film clubs, bingo, art, men-talk, Egyptian dance, yoga, creative writing, tai-chi, friendly chat services and group chats, there is something for everyone.

Local grants helping make Islington fairer These are difficult times for councils, charities and voluntary groups alike, but we are all working with the same goal – to make life fairer for our residents.

That is why the council has prioritised funding grants worth £10m over four years to 48 voluntary and community

sector organisations from 2020 to 2024.

Funding has increased to partners who work with older people, in mental health support, and with domestic violence and social isolation. Support has also increased within Black, ethnic minority

and refugee-led community organisations; and funding an equalities and cohesion network.

Grants also fund youth work, the arts, a community garden and an autism hub to benefit communities in Islington.

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We are Cally The council is excited to be working with local people and organisations to create new opportunities, to improve local facilities and shape a brighter future for the Cally.

We want to build on the great work that is already going on in the Cally area and to make an even bigger difference to the lives of local people.

We are looking forward to working with you to shape our ideas and to make sure we are focussing on the things you would most like to see.

What is planned?

A new-look Bingfield Park. We’ll be working with Islington Play Association, Awesome and the Copenhagen Youth Project, to make the park and its surroundings work better for local people. We’ll also be making major improvements to Barnard Park!

Improved West library lift access to

Our ambitions for Cally We would like to…

Create more opportunities for children, young people and families so that young people in Cally get the best possible start Boost the local economy by supporting local businesses and helping local people into training and work

make the building more accessible, and creation of a youth employability space to prepare young people for the world of work.

Redesign the Jean Stokes Community Centre, in co-operation with local people, to make the space more accessible.

The council’s newly established youth employability and skills team

Strengthen community connections and a shared sense of belonging Improve the local parks, community centre and library Improve the health and wellbeing of local residents and tackle air quality issues

will be providing targeted support to vulnerable young people at risk of long-term unemployment.

A Caledonian Road Traders’ Association will be set up to support local businesses.

More affordable workspaces for small businesses, to provide local jobs for local people.

Get involved – join in the ‘We are Cally’ conversation

To find out more visit islington.gov.uk/WeAreCally and if you are interested in getting involved, please email wearecally@islington.gov.uk

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Local life

Do you want to change a child’s life?

Islington’s fostering team is looking for more foster carers to make the difference to local children and young people.

Fostering is an amazing and rewarding journey that makes a positive difference to a child’s life and a wonderful way of enriching your own. When you choose to foster with Islington you’ll receive 24/7 support, fantastic training opportunities and a generous financial allowance of up to £815 per week.

By providing a stable and welcoming home for aPage child you’re giving them ject1_Islington ad 05/09/2018 05/09/2018 13:02 13:02 Page ect1_Islington ad 11 the chance for a better future.

We’re looking for people who can

give children and young people a safe, caring and supportive home, and work with us as part of a team.

Just as there’s no ‘typical child’, there’s no ‘typical foster family’ – we welcome people of any ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation and religion. It doesn’t matter whether you’re married, in a civil partnership, or single, whether or not you have a job, a disability or a long-term health issue.

And there are different types of foster care available, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

All you need to become a foster carer is to be aged 21 or over, be in

good enough health to care for a child, and have the space in your home and time in your life to care for them.

Don’t rule yourself out, even if you feel you might not have everything it takes.

Find out more, including when the next information sessions are by following @Islington.Fostering on Facebook. Or call 020 7527 7933 or email fostering@islington.gov. uk and someone from the team can help you.

Your FREE local newspaper

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

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Apply now for Islington secondary schools if your child was born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010

Everything you want from a school, right on your doorstep: inspiring teaching strong results excellent facilities opportunities for all outstanding extracurricular offer

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Apply by 31 October 2020 for the best chance of a place at your preferred school. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/admissions

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What’s on

Celebrating the history and culture of black communities in Islington

The council – including the newly-formed staff Race Equality Network – and partners across Islington have worked together to curate a month of exciting events for people of all ages and from all backgrounds, to come together and celebrate Black History Month.

There’s something for everyone in the jam-packed programme of activities, which runs right through October.

Some of the highlights include: a night of online conversation with David Lammy MP; music and movement online classes; Caribbean or West African cooking classes; a Black history walking tour of Islington; Caribbean dance classes; an online children’s book reading; and an online talk about the Black British Civil Rights Movement; plus

help to become a Black or Minority Ethnic charity trustee; writing for self-care workshops; and much more.

So, whether your passion is for music, food, local history or current affairs, there are numerous opportunities for you to share, learn, listen, think, remember, challenge, and be challenged during Black History Month.

The Islington Heritage Service is asking for your help to celebrate Islington’s Black community with

a #BlackLivesMatter collage. On display at Islington Local History Centre and online, the collage will be gradually created throughout Black History Month from images collected from residents, staff and archives of Islington. Images collected will also be added to the centre’s archive collection for future generations to view and research. Details on how to contribute are online.

Find out more and get involved at www.islington.gov.uk/bhm202

islingtonlife.london

Change a child s life If you have room in your heart and a room in your home for a child we want to hear from you.

We welcome people of any ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion or marital status.

In return we will: • give you financial support and rewards of up to £815 a week • give you training • support you every step of the way.

Best of all is the satisfaction of making a difference to a child’s life just when they need you most.

Call us on 020 7527 7933 or email fostering@islington.gov.uk or see islington.gov.uk/fostering to find out more.

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