IslingtonLife spring 2022

Your local magazine from Islington Council • Spring 2022

Building a more equal future

Council announces 750 new affordable homes

Apply now to 'green' your local area

Tackling inequality in schools

IslingtonLife

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Welcome

Message from the Leader of the Council

Jobs and money Apprentice success stories and an ode to rock history

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Children and young people Celebrating three years of free music education

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News and events Eco homes, Irish Month and museum improvements

Community safety Cycle safety, protecting women and tackling abuse

Local life Celebrating 50 years of the home library service

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Decent homes A new homeless hub and resident Jason tells his story

Health Connect with nature to boost wellbeing and Beat the Street

Local democracy May elections and new ward boundaries

Highlights 06

Building a brighter future

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Let's talk Islington

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Growing for gold

Spring 2022

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Welcome

Welcome to the spring edition of Islington Life, where you can find useful information about the support on offer from the council and what we’re doing to make Islington more equal.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz 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.

delivered our target of 550 new council homes since 2018 and I’m delighted to announce that we will aim to build 750 more by 2027.

We know that increasing costs are making life more difficult at the moment, but your council is here to help. With this copy of IslingtonLife, you will have received a leaflet setting out the support available, including money off council tax and help with energy bills.

But building new homes isn’t just about the people who live in them. They provide new jobs and can reduce our carbon emissions. As you’ll see on page 12, the jobs and apprenticeships our home building plans can create are changing lives for even more people across Islington.

As you’ll read on page 5, we’ve agreed this year’s budget, which includes reduced council tax for around 19,000 low-income households, boosted childcare bursaries, and increased investment in housing and the environment.

We’re also protecting and investing in the things that matter most to people, such as libraries and parks.

At a time like this, it’s important to come together and look after our community.

In February, our Islington Together Walk for Women brought people together to talk about how we can make Islington safer for women and girls. On page 15, you can see why we went on the walk and the work we are already doing to make everyone safer.

The theme of this magazine is housing, a vital way of tackling inequality in our borough.

Look out for the little housing symbol, dotted throughout the magazine. Providing safe, decent, genuinely affordable homes can change lives, as you can see on page 6. New council homes can support people out of homelessness, improve physical and mental health, and provide space for families to thrive. That’s why it’s so great that we have

Our Let’s Talk Islington programme is about listening to local people, so we can take action to make our borough an equal place. On page 8, read an interview with Inequality Task Force member and head of Drayton Park primary school Annabelle Kapoor, talking about what she hopes it will achieve. Please do take part in our survey to have your say, too, or join one of our upcoming Let’s Talk Islington events.

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

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News and events

Celebrating the Platinum Jubilee

Islington Irish Month

It’s often said that the Irish built London, but the ‘navvies’ of the past also planted roots in our community and made Islington their home. To celebrate their contribution to our borough, Islington Council is partnering with the London Irish Centre for a month-long celebration of Irish heritage. Look out for heritage walks, activities for under-fives and even cooking classes.

To top it off, a big charity ceilidh will take place on 18 March at Islington Assembly Hall, followed by a family day at Navigator Square with music, activities and live performances on Sunday 20 March. Visit the London Irish Centre website for the full programme. londonirishcentre.org/islington

This year marks the platinum jubilee of the Queen, the first British monarch to achieve this milestone of 70 years on the throne. A four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate this historic occasion. If you’d like to hold a street party or community get-together, have a read of the council’s advice at islington.gov.uk/ roads/street-parties Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonLife for more details on how the borough plans to mark this joyous and historic occasion

Building towards net zero carbon by 2030

A new council development in Highbury is raising the bar when it comes to sustainability.

An existing property is being refurbished and retrofitted and a new home is being built next to it, to provide four muchneeded homes in total. The homes will require less heating to stay warm, will be fitted with energy efficient lighting and appliances and will generate onsite renewable energy.

Find out more: islington. gov.uk/housing

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News

The budget: key takeaways

Islington Council has announced its spending plans for the next financial year, focused on creating a more equal borough in the face of the cost-of-living crisis and Covid-19. While the council has committed to protecting services people value and rely on, it will also help those who were already struggling to afford the basics.

It plans to: Increase financial support for those who need it most, with a £676,000 boost to its Council Tax Support Scheme, helping around 19,000 low-income, working-age households with their bills

Quadruple the size of the

childcare bursary scheme to £160,000, so up to 300 more parents can afford to get back into work or training

Build hundreds of new

council homes and press ahead with plans to buy and redevelop the former Holloway police station for yet more homes

Spend more than £11 million on projects to help Islington become a net zero carbon borough by 2030

For full details, see islington.gov.uk/ about-the-council/fundingand-spending/our-keyinvestments

New affordable workspaces

Islington Council has appointed co-working and small business experts Town Square Spaces (TownSq) to run three new innovative and inclusive affordable workspaces, to nurture local entrepreneurs and support new, diverse tech and digital businesses. The new workspaces are located at 160 Old Street, the nearby White Collar Factory building and 250 City Road. townsqislington.co.uk

Improving Islington Museum Islington Museum brings the story of the borough to life through a collection of fascinating objects. This year, it’s getting a full redesign and the team wants your help to reimagine the space. Visit the consultation page to find out more and sign up to attend a focus group or consultation open day. The museum will be closed from spring 2022 until spring 2023. islington.gov.uk/ museumconsultation

Broadband for estates Islington Council is bringing fast, reliable broadband to estates across the borough.

Fibre optic cables will run

directly into homes, allowing households to use multiple devices at the same time, without a drop in service. This project is expected to take around two years to roll out. islington.gov.uk/ estateimprovements

Healthy Start is changing

Healthy Start is changing from vouchers to a prepaid card. If you currently receive vouchers, you need to reapply by 31 March 2022 to continue.

Visit the NHS website to reapply or check whether you are eligible, or call the National Healthy Start Team on 0300 330 7010. healthystart.nhs.uk/howto-apply

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Building a brighter future

With a growing population and rising cost of living, it’s no secret that the housing situation in London is really challenging – and Islington is no exception. But, while demand for genuinely affordable housing is still high, the council has already made great strides of progress. Now, it's setting its sights even higher, having just announced plans to build 750 new homes by 2027.

IslingtonLife speaks to council staff and residents to find out how the work is improving the borough – and the lives of the people who live here Dipo outside his family home

One of the main benefits of building new homes, says director of new build housing Jed Young, is it allows residents to be moved into accommodation that meets their needs. That might be moving a growing family into a larger home, or downsizing an older adult into ground floor, accessible housing. This sets in motion a chain of movement: a family in a two-bedroom flat might move into a new three-bedroom house, for example, making way in a two-bed for a smaller household, and so on. “It helps to free up a system which is otherwise over stretched,” Jed explains.

Measures are also being taken to ensure the homes meet high standards, both in terms of resident wellbeing and the environment. In line with the council's net zero carbon by 2030 target, “all

structured so that a hoist can easily be fitted over the bath, for example. Fire safety standards have also “substantially shifted up a gear,” says Jed. Walls are built from non-combustible materials and surfaces are durable, “so our caretakers can clean them, they’ll last and they’re not trip hazards.”

We’ve just announced our target of building 750 new council homes by 2027” the new schemes will be net zero carbon energy in use,” he continues. Ten per cent of homes built will be wheelchair accessible and all will be ‘lifetime adaptable’, meaning “as people’s needs change over time, their homes can easily be adapted” – they’re

The job isn’t done once construction stops, though.

“Once a new home is built, responsibility is handed over to colleagues in the aftercare team,” Jed explains. "There are still bits of coordination needed, but we’ve got a new

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team in place to streamline the process and ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible.”

city, and public transport is great. There’s a good local community. Some of the people have lived here since it was built and now their children live here too. I feel quite settled here.

Eleni

The King Square estate in Clerkenwell is the council’s biggest development. Eleni Tsoskounoglou, project lead, tells us more.

It was a huge challenge to deliver such a high number of new homes, especially in the face of Covid. Working closely with the local community, we built on an underused car park and surplus land released from the adjacent school. This joined up approach created more space to build new homes, as well as helped fund the new primary school.

The scheme delivered 140 high quality, energy efficient and attractive homes, as well as landscaping and environmental improvements.

The new homes overlook communal courtyards, and have windows and entrances overlooking the street, reducing opportunities for anti-social behaviour. This makes people safer all-round.

The scheme created a new community centre and upgraded the local community nursery. We’ve also added extra bike shed spaces, to encourage people to cycle, and added a lot more trees and greenery.

It’s transformed the estate into a really attractive environment. There’s a different feel when you walk through, which benefits the wider community.

Dipo

Nick and Phil

Nick lives with his partner Phil, dog Boris and cat Cersei.

They moved from one of the original blocks on the King Square estate into a flat in a new block last year.

Phil and I work with vulnerable adults, so we understand how essential safe, decent and genuinely affordable homes are – not just for us, but for the people we help every day.

I have mobility issues and at times have had a mobility scooter. I sometimes struggled in previous homes to reach sockets or open cupboard doors, but here day-to-day life is much easier. It’s the small things – things you don’t notice when they're right, but really do when they're wrong, like having enough plug sockets, good sound insulation, good internet and wider doors that a wheelchair fits through. It’s also quieter, which is really helpful, as we both work from home and are often on the phone dealing with difficult and sensitive work issues.

I like living on the estate. It’s a great area; close to the

In 2019, Dipo and his family moved into a new home near Caledonian Road. They previously lived in a smaller home on the same estate, but they struggled for space.

The new home is a blessing.

Life has changed a lot since we moved in. During the pandemic, with everyone spending much more time at home, it became even more important to have enough space to work and relax.

My younger sister was at university, but due to Covid has spent the last two years completing her degree remotely. I don’t know how it would’ve worked if she hadn’t had her own room.

My older sister lives nearby and mum looks after her children in the day. Having enough bedrooms means she can look after them while my sister is studying and my brother is working from home.

We can enjoy the space with our family, but also do our own thing, on the same estate where we grew up. I still have the same friends. Our estate is friendly; people talk to each other. I know my neighbours.

I can really see the changes taking place in Islington, with lots of new restaurants and shops opening, but my estate still feels the same. islingtonlife.london

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Let’s talk Islington Annabelle Kapoor, member of Islington Council’s Inequality Task Force and head of Drayton Park primary school, and executive head Damien Parrott on how education plays a central role in tackling – or reinforcing existing – inequalities How diverse is the community here and is that reflected in the school?

Annabelle: It’s a good slice of what Islington is like in terms of different ethnicities, backgrounds and experiences – children and staff. It’s what brings the magic to the school. Everyone plays and works well together. Because we are such a diverse community, we make sure the teaching matches that. They learn about the Equalities Act, LGBTQ history and race equality. All kinds of things.

We’ve got Black History Month and gender weeks, but I don’t think it should be like that. We should focus on it all the time” – Zaccary, age 10

Educational attainment often differs between children of different backgrounds. How have you overcome that?

Annabelle: First, you have to keep an eye on your data – know the different groups in your school and actively look for comparisons. A few years ago, for example, we found that girls were underachieving in maths, so we made some

big changes and now they’re exceeding the boys! It’s about adapting to make sure things work for all groups.

Damien: It’s also the challenge system that we use. Often pupils are put into sets according to ability.

Research suggests that this follows lines of existing social inequality. It seems ridiculous to decide someone’s ability at the age of six, when we know that our brains are elastic.

Children also develop a sense of themselves as learners from that, as being capable or not. The children in the bottom groups are given less challenging work, so they’re never going to achieve as much as the top sets. There’s a link between being in a bottom group and behaviour, too. But when they’re effectively told they’re a failure every day, it’s no wonder they reject the system.

We take a strong view on that and have an alternative way of working. We set out a range of challenges for the children and allow them to choose. They can then ask for help when they get stuck. That has transformed children’s attitudes and their outcomes.

How else might inequality be addressed in schools?

Damien: If we want to really address inequality in schools, we’ve got to look deeply into our own practices and structures. Many of the conversations that we’ve had, or listened to, are around the experiences of Black people and Black boys in particular. It is clear that there is structural racism at play. We need to make a fundamental change to address that.

Annabelle: The demographic of a school can also change with how well it is rated by Ofsted, which can have a lasting effect. When a school

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Some are louder or more confident than others, but all children have something to say – they have opinions and feelings. That is something we try to look out for: we try to make sure we’re not biased towards the more extroverted children. It’s important children know that their opinions are valid and we want to hear them.

I have to say, when I turned up to the first task force meeting, I did think, “am I meant to be here?” as I don’t have political experience. But actually, I might be ‘just’ a head teacher, but I see a lot, as do other teachers in the borough in their schools. We see daily life, parents, grandparents, children, teenagers. They all filter through here. We have a lot to say, and our kids have a lot to say.

Homeless people should be given opportunities to get a job and we should give them somewhere to live, until they can get their own house and start life again”- Haboon, age 11 is rated ‘outstanding’, it can become more white and middle class. Schools differ greatly in their diversity, because some areas are wealthier than others.

Annabelle, you’re on Islington Council’s Inequality Task

Force. What role do you play?

Annabelle: I have been helping Islington Council to get more schools involved.

They also came to see our school council session, where we talked about inequality with every child in the school, from year two to year six.

Damien: If we really want to do something about addressing inequality in Islington, it is important schools are in that mix.

Islington has real poverty and real wealth and somehow, those two worlds don’t seem to have much contact with one another. I believe that schools can play a key role in addressing that.

Let's Talk Islington

Want to help make Islington a more equal borough?

The council wants your views. Take part in the Let's Talk Islington survey to have your say: see page 22 for more details on how to get involved.

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Decent homes

In conversation: Jon Glackin The founder of Streets Kitchen on how the new hub on Seven Sisters Road is helping homeless people through solidarity, not charity

Tell me about Streets Kitchen.

How did it come about?

I founded Streets Kitchen around eight years ago and I’m now one of the coordinators. We saw a need for homelessness services outside of the city centre, in boroughs like Camden, Islington and Hackney. People needed basic things like food and sleeping bags – the essentials. We started to address this need locally.

We’ve worked with a lot of local communities, particularly in Islington.

We’ve run a solidarity centre here before, which was very successful, supporting more than 100 people a day. We also ran a solidarity shelter in Hornsey Road, again with great community support. We set up the Islington Homeless Task Force, working with other community groups like Museum of Homelessness

and Union Chapel. During Covid, we actually worked out of Popham and Cummings Community Centre. The council gave us use of it, so we could provide crucial supplies to those in need.

What is your experience of homelessness and how does that inform Streets Kitchen?

I have had periods of homelessness; I’ve squatted for a long time, too. I have lived on the streets in the city, so I understand and know what problems people face. Quite a lot of our crew are ex-homeless, homeless or living in temporary accommodation. What we’re trying to do is set up the services we would like to have been available.

Tell me how Streets Kitchen works. What services do you provide?

We supply very basic services on the streets of London to those in dire need. We also run day centres, which are crucial.

People just want somewhere warm and welcoming; where they’re accepted and not looked down on, which can happen in other places. We’re still working out a programme, but it will include services like Westminster Drug Project, StreetVet, a district nurse and a doctor. Watch this space.

How do people access your services?

In general, people just walk up to us on the street.

Word of mouth is our best advertisement. We engage with people face-to-face, every day, across London.

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Decent homes What needs to be done to put an end to homelessness?

The answer lies in the community. The community can see the problem and only through working in solidarity and helping each other can this be solved.

Homelessness could happen to any of us. There is a good community here in Islington – a multicultural community who live and work together – and that’s really important.

How will the new space support your work?

It marks a new chapter.

Islington feels like a great place to be doing this because there is a feeling of hope here. Basically, we’re going to make accessing services a lot easier. Rather than having to go to a formal setting, like an office or GP surgery to access services,, you can come here. We’re not going to force you, but support is here if you want it.

We will be talking to the homeless community to find out what they want.

Homeless people know how to end homelessness so really, we’re just here to support them in any way we can. We will just keep it simple: treat people with a little bit of dignity and respect and we can make change. That’s all there is to it.

To find out more, including how to volunteer, visit streetskitchen.org

Home and dry

Islington local Jason talks about overcoming personal challenges and how having a place to call home has given him a renewed sense of purpose

I’ve been on the street on and off for the past 16 years.

Having my own home, being able to do what I want, when I want, being warm and comfortable – it's a huge deal. When I was homeless, I’d get something to eat and then straight away, I’d feel the stress. I'd be cold, wet and all I’d be able to think about is, where will I sleep? So it’s been life-changing.

was living under Finsbury Park bridge and then Lily, a Housing First support worker.

They’ve been unbelievable.

Not only have they helped find me a home, Lily has helped me every step of the way: to attend appointments, at the GP, at the job centre, setting up electricity bills, standing orders, council tax, everything. I can’t thank her enough.

The best thing about it is the safety, the stability. I don’t really go out that much because I love being here.

I only moved in in December and I didn’t know anyone in this area which is great, because I don’t get harassed.

I have two real friends that visit me here and I like that.

I feel protected.

I met Kevin, a council outreach worker, when I

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Jobs and money

Homegrown talent

The council works with many organisations to create jobs and training opportunities for residents, offering the skills and contacts needed to develop their careers. Two of these are Higgins Partnerships construction company and the Cripplegate Foundation, which works with Islington residents and voluntary organisations to tackle inequality.

Kamal, Mohamed and Eve tell IslingtonLife how their apprenticeships have helped set them up for success

Kamal’s story

Before my apprenticeship, I didn’t know much about the construction industry. I’d completed my BTEC level three diploma in engineering at City and Islington College and I used my gap year to visit my family in Egypt. While I was there, I searched online for engineering apprenticeships, following on from my studies.

A friend who already worked in construction said that I’d make a good site supervisor, based on my skillset. So, I widened my search when I came home to Islington. The council’s iWork team really helped, and put me in touch with Higgins Partnerships.

I was very nervous, as I’d never been on a building site before. Higgins arranged a work placement at one of their sites, building new council homes for Islington at Telfer

House. I shadowed the site manager, which helped me understand the responsibilities involved.

I was offered a site supervisor apprenticeship, working towards my qualification at London South Bank University. The training and support I received has made such a difference.

I’m a lot more confident working on site. Though it’s hard work balancing my studies and training, I’m looking forward to completing my apprenticeship and becoming a site manager.

Mohamed’s story

I never expected to work in construction.

Originally, I studied bioscience at City and Islington College and London South Bank University.

However, I wanted a change in career. I returned to university to do a postgraduate degree in quantity surveying. During this course, I learned about the role finance plays in the construction industry. I knew I could put my degree to good use, but without construction experience I found it difficult to get my foot in the door.

I spoke to the iWork team and they matched my skills with an apprenticeship with Higgins Partnerships. In October 2020, I joined a local project team and worked alongside the contract surveyor. The team made me feel really welcome and ensured I had everything I needed. I’ve learned so much about the construction industry and my role as a surveyor.

I’ve really enjoyed my apprenticeship and I hope that my hard work will see me continue to work with Higgins for many years to come.

Eve’s story

Before the pandemic, I studied architecture at university, while also working in retail.

It was challenging, but it allowed me to support my elderly mother, who I live with.

After lockdown, I had to make some difficult decisions.

I stopped working, as my job involved interacting with lots of people. My biggest concern wasn’t just that I might catch

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Jobs and money

Covid, but that I could pass it on to my mother.

Being stuck at home without a job made me reconsider my options. I wanted to be able to look after my mum, but I wanted to start my career, not just take a job for the sake of it. I searched online for suitable vacancies and found the Islington Working job site.

Because I could tailor my search, the jobs I found were much closer to what I wanted to do. The Islington Working team really got to know me and helped me choose the right roles to apply for and to prepare for my interviews.

With Islington Working’s help, I secured a full-time role with Cripplegate Foundation as a business support apprentice and office manager in the Angel office. Now, I’m in a job I love, while studying for my qualification. I can earn a salary that helps me look after mum while building my career.

To learn more about great career, apprenticeship and training opportunities in Islington, visit the Islington Working jobsite: islingtonworking.co.uk

For information on support and development programmes, visit the council’s dedicated training and skills page: islington. gov.uk/training-and-advice

Pillar of the community How the concrete pillars and arches of Turnpike House, an icon of rock history, have been restored to their former glory The council’s Borough Improvement Programme brings new and old together by using contributions from new developments to pay for improvements to existing properties and amenities.

“Whether it’s supporting local artists by commissioning art or improving safety with new traffic crossings, it all makes a difference,” says project manager Gerard Coll. “New developments can concern residents, so it’s important we give something back.”

One of the biggest recent projects was the restoration of the entrance to Turnpike House, which was built in 1965. Standing 20 storeys tall with striking wide, concrete arches that appear to hold it up, over the years, the

building has played a part in rock music history. The tower block was used to film the opening of Pink Floyd’s iconic music video, Another Brick in the Wall Part Two, and served as the inspiration for St Etienne’s album, Tales from Turnpike House.

The work has restored the entrance to how it first looked, right down to a reproduction of the original signage.

“The residents are extremely happy with the outcome,” says Penny Seal, member of the tenants and residents’ association. “The arch has been restored to its former glory.”

To find out what's happening in your area, visit islington. gov.uk/community-plans

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IslingtonLife

Community safety

Top tips: cycle safety

Peter Cook and Matt Bunce from Islington Council’s community safety team share their advice on keeping you and your bike safe The most important thing to remember is to double lock your bike, preferably with different types of lock. Try to lock as many parts of the bike as possible.

Register the frame number.

This links your bike back to you so if it’s stolen and recovered, your bike will be returned.

Lock your bike in a secure location. Places that are well lit with high footfall and CCTV are best. Take removable parts with you.

If your bike has been stolen, contact the police ASAP by calling 101 or reporting online.

Provide your frame number, cycle database number, a photo and any other details and make sure you update the status on the cycle database where you registered it.

Come to a free bike safety event. Get your bike marked and registered at one of the council’s free events. Keep an eye on social media to see when one is happening locally.

Register for secure bike parking. We have seen an increase in the number of bikes stolen from residential locations, so it really is important that you remember to keep it secure. The council is investing in more secure cycle parking, including plans to install 420 hangars by 2023.

Please remember not to cycle on footpaths. This can be dangerous to pedestrians, especially those with impaired sight or other disabilities.

As an Islington resident, you can get free cycle training. Courses are for all ages and delivered by accredited instructors. If you lack confidence cycling on the roads, take a look at the variety of courses on offer on the Islington Council bikeability web page.

Get your bike regularly serviced. The council also regularly offers free Dr Bike sessions, which provide an opportunity to get your bike checked over and small maintenance and repairs done at no extra cost.

Visit islington.gov.uk/roads/ cycling/cycleparking for more information

Home security How council staff are tackling domestic abuse

Late last year, Islington Council gained Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation: the gold standard for housing providers in tackling domestic abuse. The council has taken lots of steps to ensure anyone that lives in a council home is supported and safe from abuse.

This includes ensuring all caretakers, concierges, housing repairs operatives and other frontline workers are given training in spotting the signs of domestic abuse and offering people support.

“If you think someone is experiencing abuse, or if something looks or sounds suspicious, don’t be afraid to report it to any of Islington’s frontline team,” says concierge Rifat. Check electronic noticeboards and public notices on estates for information, to aid further action where required.

“We have partner and support networks that have been established for years and staff in the concierge have been working on average for more than 10 years,” he continues. “We have seen families grow in our housing blocks and are there for to help and support residents to a safe space.”

For more information or support, visit islington.gov. uk/housingabuse

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Community safety

In conversation: Anita Grant

Islington4Women is a local group on a mission to make Islington a better place for all women. The group organises regular strolls around local neighbourhoods, allowing women of all backgrounds to come together, walk and talk, and meet new people.

We caught up with one of the founders, Anita Grant, to find out more community group and was individual to that organisation.

What inspired you to start Islington4Women’s local walks programme?

From the start of Islington4Women, it was clear that safety and freedom was core to what women were talking about when they came to our events. Islington was identified as an amazing place to live, with services, shops, work opportunities, childcare and a general feeling of acceptance. But safety in the street, especially in relation to men, was consistently identified as a negative. It impacts women’s confidence.

After the horrific murder of Sarah Everard in March 2021, we picked up an ongoing conversation about women reclaiming their local area and worked with the council’s community safety officers and the Met to create the walk programme. Each walk was led by a local, women-led

What did you learn from it?

It was great to have a different organisation lead each walk.

We learnt not to try to fit too much into each one, as the socialising and exploration of very local areas was what women appreciated the most.

There are bits of streets, alleys and even parks that women don’t use because they feel unsafe. It was quite shocking.

What is the one thing you’d like people in Islington to know about women’s safety?

Women do not like being spoken to by male strangers in the street. This is not an accusation that all men are aggressive, but that they wish to choose for themselves who to speak to. Even ‘positive’ comments about their appearance are not welcome.

What challenges remain and what needs to be done to address them?

Women need to feel safe.

Most do not, and they assess and manage their routes, time and plans accordingly.

It needs to become normal for a woman to walk around Islington without avoiding places where men gather and without being spoken to or shouted at by men.

Islington4women.org

Five ways to keep yourself and others safe in Islington

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If you’re out and about and feel unsafe, pop into one of Islington’s many Safe Haven venues, which have specially trained staff to welcome you. Keep an eye out for the logo in the window. Visit islington. gov.uk/BecomeASafeHaven to find out more.

2.

The council supports the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, which allows women to seek help in bars, clubs, and restaurants across Islington and London. Just ask staff to see or speak to Angela, if you need any assistance.

3.

If you’re experiencing abuse at home, be it physical, financial, or emotional, the council can help you. Visit islington.gov. uk/VAWG for support.

4.

If you’re worried about your own behaviour or hurting a loved one with your words or actions, it’s OK to ask for help. Call 07501 722 611 for confidential support.

5.

Everyone, including men and boys, can be allies to women and girls. If you see bad behaviour on the street, call it out. islingtonlife.london

16

IslingtonLife

Cleaner, greener, healthier

Growing for gold There might not be acres of open space in our patch of London – but the greenery we do have, we certainly make the most of. If you’ve got an idea for planting out a grey corner to create a green oasis you can apply for funding through the council's new Greener Together scheme.

Or, you can join in the fun of the annual Islington in Bloom gardening competition. The gardeners at Wedmore Estate are the proud winners of Best Community Garden, 2020. We popped down to see how they've continued to grow Sue

I was involved in setting up the Gardeners of Wedmore in 2004. At the time, the garden only had some cherry trees, rose bushes, and grass.

A group of us thought it would be nice to do some work on it – that was 20 years ago. We now have a variety of plants, a greenhouse, a herb garden, and vegetable plots.

We try to be environmentally

Environmental maths Our guide to using Islington Council’s new carbon calculator

conscious by avoiding weed killers and pesticides and using natural fertilisers. We also have a wormery, which turns kitchen and garden waste into compost, and recycling bins for veg waste.

Matteo

The pandemic opened the garden up to many people on the estate who previously didn’t even know it existed.

We have put on community and educational events, such as one for children on how to plant strawberries and sunflower seeds. It’s become a lovely space where children can play and adults can pick herbs for their cooking, relax, and socialise.

You might consider yourself to be a champion recycler or a total beginner when it comes to your carbon footprint. No matter where you're at on the scale, the carbon calculator can help you understand your impact on our planet – and make small changes that make a big difference.

My passion for gardening started when I was at uni. I moved to the Wedmore Estate five years ago and became involved in the gardening group almost immediately.

I was warmly welcomed and I’ve learnt a lot since. Sharing knowledge is a powerful aspect of community gardening. You give a lot, but you receive a lot. You start conversations with

1

Visit togethergreener.islington. gov.uk to get started

2 Add some basic details

so you can log in later to check your progress.

3 Answer a short series of

questions on topics ranging from energy use to transport habits, that will help tailor the advice you're given.

Spring 2022

17

Cleaner, greener, healthier

who have remained involved over the years and created this habitat for insects, birds, and people, allowing them to connect.

Charles

I'm the estate caretaker. When I moved here 14 years ago, I knew that this garden was for me. I loved it. Gardening and being outdoors makes me feel great, whatever the weather.

I grow potatoes, bonsai and moss, and enjoy smelling all the plants.

We’ve really tried to bring people in, so it’s great to see more people joining in. neighbours you may never meet otherwise. It’s like being part of a family.

Community gardening is a fantastic way to foster a connection between people and the earth. Sometimes it opens up conversations about sustainability, as some people are interested in reducing their carbon footprint or learning about composting.

I am grateful to the people

If anyone is considering getting involved in a community garden, I would say to them: get some information, check out programmes like Gardeners’ World, and take it from there.

Come and see us – we won’t bite. Unlike the venus fly trap!

Zoë

I have lived on the estate for 12 years. I run my own garden design and maintenance

4 The calculator will do

its thing and give you a snapshot of your impact on the environment.

5 Stay accountable by

publicly committing to protect our planet, before pledging to make changes that will make a difference.

business, but I help out with community garden tasks when I can.

Everyone brings something to the table: I tend to focus on the weeding and pruning, and even helped build the new shed! Matteo knows lots about growing vegetables and loves to cook. Charles and Sue are all-rounders and work hard to make it a welcoming space.

For those who are unsure about gardening, my advice would be to just give it a go!

If you have the enthusiasm and care about nature, you will find gardening immensely therapeutic and rewarding.

Apply by 29 April

Want to make lslington cleaner, greener, and healthier? The council wants residents to shape their local area by submitting proposals for greening initiatives. Successful entrants will receive support and training. Find out more: Islington.gov.uk/ IslingtonGreenerTogether It’s also nearly time for Islington in Bloom 2022!

Keep an eye on the website islington.gov.uk/inbloom for announcements.

Finally, you'll receive

6 an email with log in

details so you can come back to your pledges and check them off as you complete them, or commit to a few more steps.

7 Try it today and share on social

media using #TogetherGreener. islingtonlife.london

18

IslingtonLife

Health

Natural medicine How Islington’s parks are helping people reconnect with nature and improve their mental wellbeing If you happen to have passed through Caledonian Park on a Friday afternoon, you might have noticed a group of people meditating, foraging for leaves or embroidering.

This is The Garden Classroom: a social enterprise that runs workshops on wildlife, gardening and the environment for parents, carers and children across Islington, designed to reconnect people with nature – and reap the mental health benefits that come with it.

These sessions in Caledonian Park are one of several wellbeing programmes being funded by Islington Council, thanks to a £50,000 Prevention and Promotion Fund for Better Mental Health from the UK Health Security Agency. “We are putting in place preventative activities that encourage people to come out and enjoy their local green space,” explains Amy Haworth, senior manager at The Garden Classroom. “They may have walked through the park before, but they might not have spent time here thinking creatively – being inspired by the colours and textures of nature.” Loneliness and isolation are a huge problem, particularly in the last couple of years, Amy notes “and so much of it

can be prevented by having regular opportunities to connect with others”.

Each session begins with meditation, then participants are encouraged to use natural materials – such as

dried grass and leaves – and recycled materials to create art. Participants are encouraged to explore a wide range of techniques, including weaving, painting, sewing and collage.

Diane found out about the sessions through word of mouth. Initially she was hesitant to participate, as she’s “not really interested in art, but I decided to give it a try and have really enjoyed it,” she enthuses. “The people

here are very kind, and it helps me relax. It is certainly good for my mental health.”

Specialist art therapist Nina Tara, who leads the sessions, notes that the positive impact of the workshops on people’s wellbeing carries through to the rest of their lives. “Having the space to connect and be creative is really vital for our wellbeing,” she says. “It gives space between us and the issue itself and in that space, we find possibilities.”

The Fund for Better Mental Health has also supported Octopus Community Network’s regular gardening workshops for adults with learning disabilities, and sessions for students with special educational needs and disabilities from Beacon High School at nearby Market Road Gardens. “It’s hard to overestimate the challenges our students face,” says Beacon High teacher Jonathan Deane. “Many don’t typically socialise or go out, but gardening is a tool to help them develop their skills.

It provides a therapeutic environment in which they can feel part of something.”

The workshops for adults are delivered jointly with Mencap Islington and supported by the Harington Scheme, an

Spring 2022

19

Health

Beat the street

Grab your trainers: the streets of Islington are about to be turned into a real-life, interactive game.

From 23 March to 4 May, schools, communities and families are invited to take on the Beat the Street challenge, which rewards people for ditching the car and walking, cycling or rolling around the borough.

internship programme that supports young people with additional needs into paid work.

Manoj has been participating in the gardening sessions since December. “Using scissors to cut off leaves is my favourite activity,” he says. “I have also picked up leaves with a shovel and put them in a wheelbarrow. It’s nice working together with my support worker and the others in the park.” The aim

Swap shop A quick guide to using the NHS Food Scanner app to make healthier choices Scan the barcode on the back of a product using your phone’s camera

1

The app will tell you if it’s a good choice or suggest a suitable swap, and if

2

is to get people back into the community, out in the fresh air, meeting other people and getting the chance to do the things the rest of us often take for granted. “There’s something about using your hands which really helps mental health,” adds Johny Brown, Mencap Islington Me Time co-ordinator.

“Working as a team and seeing the results boosts confidence and wellbeing.” thegardenclassroom.org.uk the product is high, medium or low in sugar, salt and fat A virtual reality feature

3 will pop up to bring the

unhealthy elements of the product to life, to help build your child’s understanding of food choices

4 The app will store a list of the products you’ve scanned, so you can refer back to them

The game is free to take part in and open to everyone. Teams that clock up the highest number of active travel miles are in for a chance to win book or sports equipment vouchers.

Players pick up a free card then, once the game is underway, use them to score points on special sensors called ‘beat boxes’, which will soon appear on lampposts across the borough.

Have a look out for:

Beat Box 45: Highbury Fields

Islington’s biggest park. Make the most of this green space while you’re there: getting outside is a real mood-booster.

Beat Box 65: Emirates Stadium

The home of Arsenal Football Club. Score some easy beat box points on match day.

Beat Box 57: Tufnell Park playing fields

Towards the north of the game area, beat box 57 involves a trip to this former site of a 19thcentury cricket pitch.

For more information on how to get involved, visit beatthestreet.me/islington islingtonlife.london

IslingtonLife

20

Children and young people

Culture club How the council’s free enrichment programmes for Islington children have opened up doors and minds This year, Islington’s schools are celebrating three years of free music education. Through a trio of programmes, thousands of opportunities for children of all backgrounds have been created: 11 by 11, which offers 11 outstanding cultural experiences to all children and young people in Islington by year 11; World of Work, a free programme of career-related activities for primary and secondary schools, which equips students with 100 hours of

experience of the world of work by the age of 16; and Music Education Islington (MEI), a partnership with Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which offers high quality music education to all children and young people in Islington.

We caught up with three students to find out how they’ve benefitted from the programmes.

Chandra and Raffy Siblings Chandra and Raffy, aged 14 and 12,

both attend a MEI Music Centre, as well as holiday activities such as orchestra and West African drumming.

“I highly recommend joining MEI’s after school activities,” says Chandra. “There are lots of really big opportunities for people who love music.

There is such a wide range of music genres that you can practice and learn from.”

Raffy, meanwhile, has found a whole new hobby through the programme. “I'd never played the trombone before and when they let me play it, I was very happy! It means a lot to me. It's really special to be able to hire my trombone.

“The music activities have helped me a lot – in school and in life in general.

The teachers are very kind.”

Spring 2022

21

Children and young people

Quickfire questions with Jenny Ling

All you need to know about Bright Futures, Islington Council’s new wraparound family support service What is your role?

I am currently head of Bright Futures, the council’s targeted support and outreach service for families in Islington.

Hussein

Eleven-year-old Hussein is a pupil at Arts and Media School Islington and attends the MEI Music Centre, where he has been learning the violin for two years.

“My life has changed so much since taking part in MEI,” says Hussein. “I moved to London from Syria and doing music has changed me as a person. It takes so much effort to play the violin, so I have become more hard-working. I also like how music uses my imagination. I can imagine the orchestra as a sea and we can make sounds like thunder.”

Find out more about Music Education Islington and sign up via gsmd.ac.uk/ MusicEducationIslington

What is Bright Futures?

Bright Futures offers families with children aged fiveto-19 support with parenting, employment, family relationships, home finances, getting to school – whatever families need to thrive. We work with people to assess what they need, ensuring that the right professionals and services are joined up in supporting them to make lasting, positive changes.

We collaborate with organisations across Islington as part of our Fairer Together way of working, including schools, health professionals, employment services, housing, voluntary and community organisations – anyone engaged in helping children and families.

How does it work?

We work with the whole family to build positive, productive relationships, both with each other and the network around them. We give people as much help as they need: whether that’s a phone call to provide information, a

home visit, a chat with a ‘parent champion’, or meeting people out in the community – or wherever they feel most comfortable. We can do that regularly, for a long period of time, until they are ready to say goodbye, having made the changes they want to see and with ways to maintain them after we leave. If they want more help in the future, they can always come back.

Who’s it for?

Families with children aged five to 19. Bright Futures is about understanding what families want and enabling them to access the services they need, at the right time.

What are the benefits?

It’s about providing the right support at the right time.

We aim to help reduce the stresses families face and build resilience for the future.

We harness the full power of Islington’s community to help families meet their aspirations – to have brighter futures.

If you would like to speak to Bright Futures, call 020 7527 4343 Monday-Friday, 9am5pm. You can also follow them on Twitter @ISBrightFutures or find them on Facebook.

islingtonlife.london

IslingtonLife

22

Local life

Book your delivery

The council's home library service has been delivering books and resources to residents for 50 years. Val and Barry Garnham tell us how they’ve been making the most of the service How long have you been using the library service?

We are both wheelchair users and have used the home service now for 12 years. It’s so easy and convenient. We mainly borrow DVDs, as we love watching a good movie as a change from just the TV, especially during these difficult times. It takes our minds off things and helps pass the time.

How important has the service been during Covid?

oject1_Islington ad 05/09/2018 13:02 Page 1

It’s been great. We don’t get many regular callers, so it’s good to have the extra contact. The librarians who deliver are helpful and friendly.

We really look forward to seeing them.

What do you usually request?

We usually ask for films with our favourite actors: Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman and Leonardo DiCaprio. If we don’t ask for anything in particular, the staff are happy to suggest something, which is great.

What’s the best book or film you’ve borrowed?

Our all-time favourite film has to be One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which we’ve seen many times now!

Contact the home library service 9-10.30am Monday to Friday on 020 7527 7980 or email home.libraryservice @islington.gov.uk

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Spring 2022

23

Local democracy

Are you ready for the 2022 election?

Local elections take place on Thursday 5 May to elect 51 councillors to Islington Council Councillors are elected to represent their local area, known as a ward, on the council. The May elections are the first since a review by the Boundary Commission determined that Islington should have one extra ward and three additional councillors. Because of that, some wards have changed size or name – or both!

Now’s the time to decide if you’d like to vote by post in the May elections. If you do, apply now by visiting islington.gov.uk/voting If you want to vote in person at your local polling station, please check your poll card when it arrives at the end of March as, due to the new pattern of wards, your polling station may have changed.

If you have recently moved into Islington or within the borough, please ensure that you are registered to vote at your current address by going to gov. uk/register-to-vote How many votes?

Each ward has three councillors, so you will have three votes on ballot paper.

Want to know who gets elected?

The votes will be counted on Friday 6 May. Results will be published on the council website, or you can

follow on Twitter @IslingtonBC for the news as it comes in.

names, such as Arsenal and Tufnell Park.

Did you know you can put your postcode into the Find My Local page to find your polling station? Visit islington.gov.uk/

Has your ward changed?

This map shows the new wards and their boundaries.

There will be 17 wards – some of which have new From: Hillrise To: Junction

your-area

Islington ward changes

From: Tollington To: Hillrise Hillrise

Current ward boundaries and name

From: Highbury West(now Arsenal) To: Finsbury Park

Hillrise Tollington

New ward boundaries and name (2022) Area to be transferred from current ward to new ward(2022)

Tollington Finsbury Park

Junction

Junction

From: Finsbury Park To: Tollington

From: Highbury West (now Arsenal) To: Highbury

Finsbury Park

From: Highbury East (now Highbury) to Mildmay

Highbury West

Arsenal

St George’s

Tufnell Park

From: Mildmay To: Highbury East (now Highbury)

Holloway

Holloway

Highbury East

From: Holloway To: Laycock (new)

Mildmay

Highbury

Mildmay

Laycock

From: Caledonian To: Laycock (new)

From: St. Mary’s To: Laycock

Canonbury

Canonbury

Caledonian

Caledonian St Mary’s

From: Caledonian To: Barnsbury

St Mary’s & St James’

From: St Peter’s To: Canonbury

Barnsbury

From: Barnsbury To: Caledonian

Barnsbury

St Peter’s

St Peter’s & Canalside

From: St Peter’s To: St Mary’s & St James’ From: St Mary’s’s To: St Mary’s & St James’

Clerkenwell From: Bunhill To: Clerkenwell

From: Highbury East(now Highbury) To: Mildmay

Bunhill

Bunhill

From: Bunhill To: St Peter’s and Canalside

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