IslingtonLife Spring 2024

The next elections taking place in Islington will be for the Mayor of London and London Assembly on Thursday 2 May and a UK Parliamentary election will happen before the end of January 2025.

Are you registered to vote?

To register to vote, you must be:

y a UK or Irish citizen

y a qualifying Commonwealth citizen living in the UK

y an EU citizen living in the UK

y aged 16 or over (but you can’t vote until you’re 18 years old)

If you have recently moved or turned 18, make sure you are registered to vote!

To register to vote go to: gov.uk/register-to-vote

To complete your application, you will be required to provide:

y your national insurance number

y your date of birth

If you are already registered to vote, you do not need to register again.

The deadline to register to vote is midnight 16 April 2024

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4

10 Local life

Getting

6

12

Jobs

15

16 Health

De-bunking HIV myths with local activist Geoffrey Milton

14

19

Decent homes

Find out what’s planned for Finsbury

20

Children and young people

Expansion of free childcare, plus free music classes for kids

22

Community safety

Tackling hate crime and keeping young people busy

8

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz Leader of the council

View this and previous issues online at issuu.com/ IslingtonLifeMag

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Get in touch! Email us at IslingtonLife@islington.gov.uk

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Recycle me!

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

Welcome to our spring magazine. As the leaves come back to our parks and streets, and the afternoons and evenings get a bit lighter and brighter, it’s a great time to get out and get involved with some of the things happening on your doorstep.

Our cover stars from Fit Mammas box fit classes at the Sobell Leisure Centre show one of the many different ways to get active and have fun. Lots of women prefer getting fit and playing sport in women-only spaces – and Fit Mammas is a place where women of all ages and backgrounds come together to exercise and socialise. With women-only tennis, aerobics, gym, swimming and football all on offer in Islington, there’s lots to choose from, as well as lots for all genders and abilities – like our LGBTQ+ boxing, martial arts and tennis on p17.

One of Islington’s best-loved places is Chapel Market, where stallholders have been serving their loyal and local customers for more than 150 years. We’re making the finishing touches to major improvements, including a space for events and pop-up stalls, and trees and plants. So, whether you’re a regular visitor or you’ve never been, pop down to Angel to see what’s new, support your stallholders and find some great value items for your shopping bag.

Across Islington, there are parks, playgrounds, community centres and much more for local people to enjoy, thanks to funding we

have secured from developers. When developers build in our borough, we make sure that they also contribute to the local community, whether it’s paying for a new kitchen or helping our local gardeners bring unused bits of space to brilliant new life. You can read more about the refurb of Zone Youth Hub in Tufnell Park and great community gardens in Highbury Quadrant on p8–9.

There are also a huge range of things for young people to do across our borough. Did you know your teenager can learn to cook dishes from around the world at Lift in Angel? Or create music at the Rose Bowl in Ramsey Walk and the Soapbox Youth Centre in Old Street? If you know young people who are looking for something else to do in their spare time, away from the screens, there is lots on offer locally – more than you might think. See p23 for more.

Many of these great things are happening thanks to the council’s strong commitment to supporting local community groups and providers. Working together, we can get more done for everyone in Islington.

Finally, Thursday 2 May will see the next elections in Islington. Please register to vote online, so you can have your say, and remember to bring an approved form of ID. See p10 for more details.

Have a superb spring, everyone, whatever you do in our brilliant borough.

New spa at Ironmonger Row

You might remember that, in 2022, the spa at the historic Ironmonger Row Turkish Baths was destroyed in a fire. Following extensive renovation, it’s now back and better than ever, with a salt-infused steam room, sauna, relaxation benches, a plunge pool and treatment rooms.

Be sure to check it out! A high-end spa experience, at an affordable price.

better.org.uk

City and Nature Challenge

Help The Natural History Museum document UK wildlife by getting out into nature, taking some snaps and uploading them to the free iNaturalist app between 26 and 29 April. As part of the challenge, the Ecology Centre will be hosting an event on Saturday 27 April, where you can explore Gillespie Park, look for wildlife and take part in fun activities. Look out for more details and information about other events on the IslingtonLife website.

islingtonlife.london/ CityNatureChallenge

Health and history walks

Learn about Islington’s history on a free walk with Islington Guided Walks, provided in partnership with Islington Council. Walks take place on the last Friday of every month in a different park or green space: the next one’s at Newington Green on Friday 29 March (Good Friday).

islingtonlife.london/walks

Easter fun

Keep your eyes peeled for free activities and events for all ages happening in Islington libraries this Easter (3–14 April). Be sure to

have a browse of the Find Your Islington directory for more lowcost things to do locally, too.

directory.islington.gov.uk

Support for survivors

People who experienced abuse while placed by Islington Council in its children’s homes between 1966 and 1995 can apply for a support payment of £10,000.

The Islington Support Payment Scheme closes for applications at the end of May. By last month, the scheme had agreed payments to more than 94 percent of people whose applications were assessed, totalling more than £2.5 million. More applications are being processed, and people affected are invited to apply now for a support payment, or to get in touch to find out more. Payments are made through a process that aims to be as simple and quick as possible, minimising the need to re-live past trauma or risk further trauma.

islingtonsupportpayment.co.uk

Help Islington go green

Want to make Islington a greener and healthier place?

The new Islington climate panel, organised by the council, aims to involve the community in decision-making processes that consider what can be done to make the borough greener, and to reduce the risk of flooding and extreme heat. Find out more and follow the progress of the panel on the council website.

islington.gov.uk/ClimatePanel

A Borough of Sanctuary

Islington has formally been recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary! The award recognises Islington’s long, proud history of welcoming people in need and the borough’s commitment to valuing and supporting those seeking sanctuary, now and in the future. The new status was celebrated in February with a joyful event filled with music, inspiring speakers and food.

islington.gov.uk/ BoroughOfSanctuary

Council budget announced

Islington has set its budget for the next year, prioritising frontline services, and called for fair funding from Government. Key work funded in the budget includes building new, genuinely affordable council homes; continuing to support more than 1,000 residents a year into work; and opening a third family hub.

From April, council tax will increase by 2.99 percent, with a further 2 percent to help pay for adult social care. The council will

keep prioritising vital services, but has also warned Government underfunding can’t continue without impact on the frontline.

islington.media/news

Freightliners turns 50

Freightliners City Farm in Islington is a sanctuary of greenery, animals and wildlife, providing a range of free educational and therapeutic activities and volunteering opportunities. They’ve recently launched a fundraising drive, asking locals to help raise much-needed funds to help keep the farm running. Have a fundraising idea? Email fab50@freightlinersfarm.org. uk or call 020 7609 0467.

freightlinersfarm.org.uk

Islington’s new chief exec

Victoria Lawson has joined the council as chief executive, leaving a position as executive director of environment, culture and customer services at the London Borough of Hounslow. She is also chair of the London Environment Directors Network and passionate about tackling inequality.

islington.media/news

Fit for purpose

Many women feel safer and more comfortable playing sport or exercising in womenonly spaces, while some prefer to do so for religious reasons. Thankfully, Better, which runs Islington’s leisure services, is now offering a range of different sessions to suit all of Islington’s diverse communities. We caught up with some of the women who attend – and teach – the sessions, to see what they gain from being in women-only spaces

“For me, Naomi’s class is like being part of a sisterhood,” says Laetitia, who attends Fit Mammas box fit classes at Sobell Leisure Centre, which incorporates kickboxing, selfdefence and muay thai. “There’s a really supportive atmosphere. It’s much more than just exercise; it’s a space for women to come together and prioritise ourselves. We can chat freely about any element of our health, whether it be hormones, breastfeeding, or periods.”

Childcare is often a real barrier to women accessing health and fitness – “but we can bring kids to the class, which is lovely,” Laetitia continues. “There are a lot of mothers and daughters who come along together. I wear a headscarf, and women-only sessions mean I am able to take off my hijab and relax. I don’t feel self-conscious or restricted in any way and to be able to just focus on training or sparring is the best feeling ever. It’s a real release of tension and pent-up energy, which in turn means I function properly in my work and with my family.”

Naomi, who runs the classes, agrees that the boxing, kick boxing and self-defence sessions can be a brilliant stress relief.

“I started getting into martial arts when I was a single mum,” she explains. “I found traditional boxing gyms sometimes intimidating – I just don’t want to be feeling aware of my personal safety, or to worry if I am being looked at in a certain way. I just want to relax, let go and throw some punches!”

Naomi, who has a background in counselling and psychology, believes that box fit can be great for women who have experienced stress and trauma. “Some of the women I work with have been through a lot,” she continues. “Having the space to focus on themselves is key – you have to fill your own cup before you’re able to look after others. To be able to put their roles and responsibilities on hold and focus on themselves is so good. It helps

people to believe in their abilities and grow in confidence.”

The classes are also a great opportunity for women of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to come together, with the shared goal of getting active, having fun, and meeting other people in a safe environment.

“I love that Islington has so many different communities, and this is reflected in my classes,” says Naomi. “I have Muslim women from very different countries and cultures mixing with nonMuslims, women in their 70s chatting away to teenagers –people who might not otherwise cross paths supporting each other to push themselves, or bonding over their sparring technique.”

“I’ve worked with Orthodox Jewish women, taught yoga in mosques, trained young Somali women to teach box fit in their communities. I find it really inspiring to see how women from different communities can be so supportive and build each other up,” Naomi reflects. “And there is always a lot of laughter along the way!”

The same is the case at other women-only sessions, which include tennis, aerobics, gym, swimming – and football, which is where Lucia found the social connection she needed, after moving to Islington with her young son a couple of years ago. “A friend suggested I join her football team. I used to play football a lot when I was a kid, but stopped when my dad told me it was a men’s sport,” she explains. “So, I thought I’d give it a go. I am not at all tempted by the gym, so I thought it seemed like a good way to see if I’d still like it.”

Lucia now plays for Islington Borough Ladies Football Club. “I love it! I’ve made so many new friends, it’s a brilliant way to stay fit, and it’s fun and competitive,” she continues. “We also have quite a few socials outside of the game, which is great. I love the fact that often I’m hanging out with people I wouldn’t normally come across.”

There’s a real sense of community at the classes, which take place every day of the week, making them easier to fit around work or childcare. “I guess I have been inspired by the rise in the profile of women’s football,” says Lucia. “My dad now says he wishes he hadn’t told me to stop playing when I was a teenager!”

For more information, call 033 0123 1500 or check the Better website for the full women-only offer: better.org.uk/islington

Community building

IslingtonLife heads to Zone Youth Hub and the Quadrant Estate to see two projects funded by money from local building work, and find out how it’s benefitting communities

When developers build in Islington, the council makes sure that it benefits the local community.

A new office development might include a space that gives small local businesses somewhere affordable to work. Any new private development of more than ten houses must make sure some of those homes are genuinely affordable and available for social rent.

Sometimes money goes towards community projects – which are recommended by local ward councillors – like improving parks and green spaces, installing new playgrounds, funding community groups and renovating old sports pitches. A recent refurb of Zone Youth Hub in Tufnell Park is just one such example of funding being put to good use. It paid for new laundry facilities, which can be used by families impacted by the high cost of living, a new kitchen, which is used

for cooking lessons, and spaces for counselling.

“The improvements have made a huge difference, making the space feel brighter and more spacious,” says Sonia, senior youth worker at the centre. “Loads of the young people have made comments about how much nicer it is now –especially the kitchen. A few of those who used to only come here for basketball sessions are now staying longer to use the other facilities.”

The new kitchen makes it easier to run cooking sessions, with more cupboards and worktop spaces. “This means we can have more young people in there at any one time,” Sonia continues. “It’s a really fun activity for them and a great learning experience.”

The centre also got new flooring, ceiling tiles and internal windows. “The old ones needed to be replaced for safety reasons and to improve the feel of the rooms inside,” Sonia explains. “We definitely get more light in here now, which is helping to improve the young people’s mood and wellbeing.”

Zone Youth Hub runs all sorts of sessions, such

as life and social skills, cooking, homework support, sports, as well as many fun and relaxing activities including games, table tennis and pool. “Having the centre refurbished has made all of this easier and better for the people who attend.”

Octopus Communities Network, a group of 15 local community centres that work together to deliver

programmes and better meet their local residents’ needs, has also benefited from developer contributions funding.

The network is wellknown for delivering community gardening projects in Islington, giving local people opportunities to learn about growing and caring for green spaces.

On the Highbury Quadrant Estate,

funding was used to continue a food growing and gardening project, which was set up by Octopus in partnership with Elizabeth House Community Centre, the estate’s Tenants and Residents’ Association and local councillors. It brought several areas of unused and inaccessible green space on the estate back into use by turning them into shared

gardens cared for by local people.

“Having access to community gardens is completely invaluable in London, where there isn’t loads of green space,” says Fran, development officer at Octopus. “Being outdoors improves children’s behaviour and helps them do better in school. It also helps elderly people to

What else has been happening in Islington?

Finsbury Park Trust: the council has used developer contributions to pay for roof repairs at Finsbury Park Trust community hub, which hosts 14 organisations including groups like Jannaty and Islington Somali Community. Work also includes a new terrace for events and meetings – when the sun finally comes out!

Sensory rooms: funds have been used to build sensory rooms at Ambler Primary School, Pakeman Primary School and Goodinge Early

get physically active and prevents isolation. It makes people happy and it brings communities together. Even the people who aren’t active come over to chat and bring cups of tea to volunteers.”

Matthew started out as a volunteer, helping with the gardens at Highbury Quadrant, before being employed as a community gardener.

Years to give children with learning disabilities the best possible start in life.

Parks: Woodfall Park has been spruced up with better sports courts, a new play area, gym equipment and benches. Barnard Park, Morton Road Park and Cally Park are getting similar treatment.

Playgrounds: new playgrounds have been built at Kestrel House, Hillrise Mansions, Newington Green and Nailour Estate. More are being refurbished, including Martin Luther King Adventure Playground.

“Community gardens are so important for people who don’t have their own,” he says. “My partner and I started volunteering here because we didn’t have one and we wanted to get our hands dirty. That was seven years ago. We’ve made some great friends doing it –people who we wouldn’t have met otherwise, even though we live on the same estate.”

Encouraging more biodiversity in the green spaces on estates is also a big part of the work that Octopus does. “To get more biodiversity, you have to think about the soil first,” Fran explains. “That’s why we wanted new composting bins, so that we can get the soil right. Then you have to think about the diversity of the plants, so that you have things that flower or produce seed heads, or even provide a habitat for wildlife all year-round.”

New projects are being funded all the time, providing better facilities and opportunities for people who live here, new spaces that bring people together, and improvements that make Islington greener and healthier.

Find out more about developer contributions on the council’s website: islington.gov.uk/ SpendingDeveloper Contributions

Poll position

The next elections, for the Mayor of London and London Assembly, will take place on Thursday 2 May, with a general election expected later this year.

We speak to Daniela Taylor, who has worked Islington elections for the past 12 years, to get a behind-the-scenes insight into how they work

Many of us have voted in an election before: you register, turn up on voting day (bringing your pooch, if you have one, and joining in on social using the hashtag #DogsAtPollingStations!), go into a booth, put a cross against your chosen representatives and then pop your ballot in a box. Easy-peasy.

All of that will be the same this time around except, vitally, you now need to make sure you have your ID on you. If you don’t have an approved form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate.

So, you’ve registered, you’ve got your ID or certificate, and you’ve

voted. Then what happens?

“There’s lots of sorting and counting involved,” explains Daniela. “The first thing we do is check that we have the total number of ballot papers that we’re supposed to. We then count how many votes each candidate has received.” Once sorted, piles are recounted and totalled.

“You do all of this with a partner, within a small team, so there’s a lot of small talk,” Daniela continues. “You’re there for seven or so hours but when you’re not counting, you just have a chat. I remember working with a lovely lady a few years back who I ended up exchanging emails with, so she could send me recipes – it turned out we both have an interest in cooking.

“What’s nice is, you see a lot of familiar faces year to year.

I think it’s brilliant! I’ve always enjoyed it.”

The work is paid and there are several roles available: count assistant (which is the role that

Daniela has described), postal vote opening clerk, poll clerk – which involves setting up the polling station, checking the voter is on the register as they arrive and their ID, and packing down at the end of the day, among other things – and presiding officer, which is a more senior role that requires experience. Some positions require training, but most of them don’t.

“I recommend it to everyone,” says Daniela. “It’s long hours but decent money and the atmosphere is great.”

Register to vote on the Government website: gov.uk/register-to-vote

Find out more about voter ID and apply for a free voter authority certificate on the council website: islington.gov. uk/VoterID

To apply to work at an election, visit: islington.gov.uk/ ElectionRoles

Delivering great service

Unless you’re in the medical field, it’s not every day you deliver a baby. Yet Janet Oparebea, concierge at Weston Rise Estate, did just that, helping a resident before emergency services arrived. Along with being “approachable, warm and polite”, this led to a well-deserved win in 2022’s Caretaker and Concierge of the Year Awards. But you don’t have to have done anything quite so heroic to be a worthy winner!

If you know a fantastic caretaker or concierge on one of Islington’s estate or blocks, nominate them in this year’s awards by 17 March.

islington.gov.uk/CaretakerAward

OLD STREET SPA NOW OPEN

Spa features include infrared red sauna, Himalayan salt sauna and ice room. We’re proud to be working with sustainable brands Comfort Zone and Tea & Tonic.

Visit spaexperience.org.uk/old-street or scan the QR code to keep up to date

On the market

Chapel Market has been serving the local community for more than 150 years. In early 2023, Islington Council ran a consultation with local market traders, businesses and residents to get feedback on proposals for improvements. The plans included a new space for events and pop-up stalls; new signage and floor markings; as well as new trees and plants. There will also be better facilities for traders and some changes to parking, with flexible bays for resident parking and business loading.

After months of work, with the support of £998,000 from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, the council’s improvements are set to be finished this month. Two traders, greengrocer John Papworth and Adrian Serrano of La Real Paella, tell us what they like most about working at the market and what the improvements will mean for them

Adrian Serrano

Chapel Market is an awesome place. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse stalls and a mix of fresh produce. The market has a rich history and is a go-to spot for both locals and visitors, probably because of its blend of the traditional and modern – it really does have a unique charm.

My favourite stall is Only Fools and Flowers. Dean, the stallholder, is the grandad of the market for sure! I’m a newcomer compared to many of the traders: I’ve been here a year now, selling paella, but I was working on the market for a year

before that. A typical day for me means getting here by 7.30am, grabbing my meat, fish, and veggies, setting up the stall, and chopping everything up. I throw all the good stuff on the fire, cook it up, and get ready for service. I sip on black coffee every hour! By 1.30, 2pm, I’m sold out, so it’s time to pack up and head home.

I love meeting new folks and there are some real characters who come to the market. I dig people, so working with them every day is my kind of vibe!

John Papworth

I’ve had a pitch at Chapel Market since October 1973. Apart from an eight-year stint in the 1980s when I left to run shops and a pub, I’ve been a trader here the whole time. The area has changed a lot since then – it was once full of thousands of houses, now it’s mainly shops and restaurants.

I think the improvements will be good for the market and traders. Hopefully it’ll encourage more visitors and once the trees have developed, it’ll look lovely too.

A typical day involves leaving my house at 4am to go to Spitalfields wholesale market, where I buy produce, then back to Chapel Market by around 6am to unload, make a display and wait for the customers to arrive. l usually stick around till about 3pm, then pack away what hasn’t sold to sell with the new goods the following day.

The best thing about working here is the public. You see and serve all types of people and most of them are friendly and polite. I would encourage more people to visit the market, as it’s a great way to support local, small, and family-run businesses. I’m actually retiring this year, so I would like to say thank you to Chapel Market and the people of Islington for so many fantastic years!

For the latest on Chapel Market, follow the Chapel Market Traders Association on Instagram @chapelmarketn1

The Good Growth Fund is the Mayor of London’s biggest regeneration fund. Launched in June 2017, it provides £70million of capital funding from sources including the Local Growth Fund and European Social Fund, as well as expert regeneration advice, design support and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

For more information on the Good Growth Fund, visit: bit.ly/GoodGrowthFund

Jobs and money

Homegrown talent: site supervisor apprentice Sebrina

Sebrina has worked in construction for around six years. She is currently working on the Holloway Women’s Prison redevelopment, which will provide 985 new homes. She tells us about her role and why more women should get into construction

This redevelopment is a huge project and I think an important one, because there’s a focus on getting more women working in construction and that’s something I’m passionate about.

As a site supervisor apprentice, it’s my job to keep everyone on the site safe and working within health and safety guidelines. I trained as an electrician, but was always interested in the health and safety side, management, and how the site comes together. After a few attempts to break into the role with no joy, I spoke to Women in Construction, which helped me get the qualifications I needed and gave me some experience, too. Eventually I got this role, which is basically my dream job and just 20 minutes from my house!

There are some challenges and outdated attitudes that need to be addressed. I sometimes feel like I need to work that bit harder to prove myself, despite my knowledge and experience. But things are improving. I would certainly recommend that more women get into the construction sector. We need more people represented, so we can get new ideas, rather than the same perspectives all the time. I’m really proud to be working on such an exciting project and I look forward to welcoming more women into construction!

Want to get into construction, or find out about other employment options? Contact iWork on 020 7527 2706 or email islingtonworking@islington.gov.uk

3 ways to... garden for biodiversity

Spring has nearly sprung! The broad array of wildlife and plants at this time of year are always a highlight –and there are plenty of things you can do to boost that biodiversity

1 Pick the right plants

Plants that are native to the UK tend to be the best for promoting biodiversity, as they provide a familiar habitat for local wildlife. For spring, primroses, bugles, and forgetme-nots are all great options. The Royal Horticultural Society has a great list of plants for pollinators on its website, too.

2 Add a

touch of variety

The broader the variety of plants, the more likely you are to attract different insects, birds, and other wildlife.

3 Provide shelter and water Features such as birdhouses, bee hotels, and water sources all help bring more biodiversity to the area.

Parks for... life skills

In each issue, we delve into the different ways in which parks and green spaces can be beneficial for our wellbeing. This time, we speak to Kerry O’Connor, co-ordinator at Lumpy Hill Adventure Playground – which won Best Edible Garden and the Pattenden Award for Wildlife in last year’s Islington in Bloom Awards – about the multifaceted benefits of gardening

Taking part in Islington in Bloom was an incredible experience for us. We built the vegetable patch from nothing, with barely any budget, but a lot of passion and hard work from our volunteers. It’s been amazing to see fruit and vegetables grow, as well as the wildlife that it encourages.

preparing and cooking meals. It’s especially nice for people who don’t have gardens. They can come along, get outdoors, help out with jobs, and enjoy the produce, too.

It was so nice for us to have our hard work recognised and acknowledged by the awards. You can feel the sense of pride and achievement it’s brought. We’re already working on our entry for this year!

You don’t need a garden to get involved! Do your bit for wildlife by planting a window box, putting up a bird box, or joining a gardening group.

At first, some of the kids were sceptical – a lot of them thought veg was from plastic bags at the supermarket! But they got into it, planting seeds, pulling up vegetables, learning about nature and the seasons – and also important life skills, like

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a newbie, anyone can take part in Islington in Bloom, the annual gardening competition from Islington Gardeners and Islington Council. You don’t even need a garden! Plus, all entrants will be given a bag of compost to get started.

The competition opens on Friday 3 May. Check the website for information on all the different categories, plus how to enter: islington.gov.uk/InBloom

Going the extra mile

St Andrew’s Primary School in Barnsbury has been thinking inventively about new ways to get students moving. The school, which sits on one of Islington’s 37 School Streets – where roads are temporarily closed to traffic to make it easier and safer for children to get to and from school – is one of nearly 20,000 schools worldwide taking part in The Daily Mile programme, where children are encouraged to take time out of their day to run, jog, wheel or walk in the fresh air with their friends. Teacher Chris Hales tells us more

“The idea is to get children moving as much as possible,” says Chris. “Often we feel that they’re sat still in the classroom for too long a period of time. So, as part of the Daily Mile initiative, on days where we don’t have PE we make sure that the children get an extra 10 minutes or so between classes to do some active movement outside and get them focused on their fitness sessions.”

Chris and the other teachers at St Andrew’s nominate student volunteers to lead the sessions, with younger year groups helping to choose activities and encourage their classmates, and older year groups running the sessions themselves, teaching the children valuable lessons in responsibility and leadership.“Being a Daily Mile leader means helping the teacher plan games and activities and leading everybody into a better future,” says leader Maisie, who’s in Year 4. She particularly enjoys helping everyone with exercises like jumping jacks.

According to Chris, the Daily Mile has definitely had a positive impact. “When we go back into the classroom afterwards, the children are much more focused and refreshed.” Chris has also noticed improvements in children’s attitudes toward physical activity: participation in the school football team he coaches has doubled in the last year. “Give them that little bit of responsibility and you can see the engagement increase, and the excitement towards being physically active improves too.”

St Andrew’s is one of many schools across the borough taking part in Transport

for London’s Travel for Life programme, and has already achieved silver accreditation through the scheme. Chris puts the school’s success down to the Daily Mile, their partnerships with Arsenal FC, and signing up for free council support including cycle and scooter lessons, fostering an all-round approach to active travel. “Now, we’ve got our sights set on gold.”

Anyone who lives, works or studies in Islington can access free active travel activities, such as cycle training, guided walks and bike loans. Learn more:

islington.gov.uk/ActiveTravel

Health check: sexual health and HIV

Geoffrey Milton leads a support network for people living with HIV. He also offers mediation support to people experiencing stigma in the workplace through his company, All About People (AAP). He talks to IslingtonLife about his drive to help others, where HIV-positive people can get support locally, and how to look after your sexual health

Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to become a sexual health advocate?

About 15 years ago, I became HIV positive. As a result of that,

I heard about the Bloomsbury Network. It’s a charity that provides support, education and outreach to people living with HIV. I attended a programme, which at the time was called The Newly Diagnosed Course, now renamed The Beyond Diagnosis course. This explains all about how best to live with HIV, how to tell friends and family, and how the drug treatments support you. There is also a section on HIV and the law and stigma.

My professional background is in human resources, so I’ve always enjoyed working with people.

After starting treatment, I really wanted to give something back to the community, so I started volunteering as a member of the charity’s steering committee. A few years ago, the chair retired and I took on the position.

What support is available locally for people living with HIV?

People can of course get in touch with us at the Bloomsbury Network – we have nearly 1,000 members – and we run loads of online forums, workshops, and social events, like summer

picnics and Christmas parties, that people can attend. We work closely with NHS colleagues and the peer support team at the Bloomsbury Clinic, which is based at the Mortimer Market Centre.

Beyond the Bloomsbury Network, there is a wide range of other support available in Islington. We have the candiNETWORK, which is a group of organisations that’s funded by Camden and Islington councils to provide online and face-to-face support. It includes services for counselling, life-coaching, diet and nutrition, wellbeing groups, self-management programmes, events, and gym-based work. It really can help with all aspects of life.

What can people do to stay safe if they are sexually active?

The most important message is that anyone can get HIV. People sometimes see it as a disease that only impacts certain communities in society, but what we are seeing now is that people of all sexualities and ethnicities are becoming HIV positive. So, if you are sexually active, you need to get a regular checkup. You have a duty and a responsibility not only to yourself, but also to the people you are having sex with, to get tested regularly.

Using condoms correctly every time you have sex also helps to keep you protected from HIV and other infections. There’s also a medicine called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that people can take to reduce their risk of getting HIV.

How is HIV usually treated?

There is a concept in the sexual health community known as U=U, undetectable = untransmittable. This means that, with the right ongoing

treatment, monitoring and medication, HIV is untransmittable – in other words, you can’t pass it on to others. Obviously no one should assume this is the case without being told by a medical professional. Still, it’s amazing to see that treatment for HIV has come such a long way.

It is extremely important for the public to understand how effective HIV treatment is now, because it should encourage people to get tested so they know their status, and to help combat stigma and misinformation. If you want to know more about it, contact your local sexual health clinic for confidential and nonjudgemental support.

How does stigma affect people living with HIV?

Sometimes negativity about HIV comes from others, but it can also be internalised – that is, coming from your own feelings and biases. Unfortunately, some people think that only certain groups of people can get it and sometimes even make moral judgements about people who live with HIV. The truth is, this comes from a lack of information. We can all help end the stigma through our words and actions in our everyday lives. Talking openly about HIV can help normalise the subject.

The most important thing to know if you do get a positive diagnosis is that you are not alone.

For support with HIV in Islington, contact the Bloomsbury Clinic on 020 3317 5100 or visit the Bloomsbury Network website: bloomsburynetwork.co.uk Contact the candiNETWORK on 020 3137 3373 or visit the website: candinetwork.com

3 ways to… get active for the LGBTQ+ community

1 Boxing

Join Knockout, a friendly, nonprofit boxing club for London’s LGBTQ+ community – a space for all genders, sexualities and abilities to try boxing as a fitness exercise. Find them at Sobell Leisure Centre on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

2 Martial arts

Ishigaki Jujitsu is the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ martial arts club, helping people improve their physical and mental health, gain confidence, and learn self-defence. They have a class at Finsbury Leisure Centre every Tuesday.

3 Tennis

Access to Sports runs a project called Tennis for All, which aims to make the sport more inclusive. Join the North London Lob-sters sessions in Finsbury Park on Thursdays and Sundays.

Find an activity: islington. gov.uk/SportsActivityForAll

Home improvement: greening estates

How the council is creating greener estates ready for spring – and how you can get involved

What Islington Council is doing

The council’s housing community gardening team has been busy this winter, working with residents to create greener outdoor spaces on estates.

The team works with greenfingered volunteers and gardening groups to identify spaces that residents would like to transform, then helps them bring that vision to life.

Recently they’ve been building raised beds for fruit and veg at Thornhill Houses, working with the gardening club at Finsbury Estate to plant up flowerbeds, and tackling stubborn weeds to make way for a wildflower meadow at Mildmay Street.

The council’s grounds maintenance team has also been out raking leaves, pruning shrubs and planting bulbs ready for spring.

What you can do

Keen to get involved? There’s lots you can do.

Set up a community garden or gardening club. Find out how to do this on your estate, and how the council can help, in a new guide available from partnerships@islington.gov.uk.

Get advice from the housing community gardening team on how to improve outdoor spaces. Email hcgt@islington. gov.uk or call 020 7527 5300 (option three).

Become an Islington greener together champion. Get free training and resources to help plant up and take care of precious green spaces. Contact IGT.Champions@ groundwork.org.uk

If you’re taking care of a patch on your estate, please let the council know, so it can factor this into its grounds maintenance and offer any support it can.

Latest developments

Each issue, we shine a light on new homes being built in the borough. This time: Holloway Park

Construction has started on 985 new homes at the former Holloway Prison site. Working with the community, Peabody and the Mayor for London, the council will ensure 60 percent of these are genuinely affordable, with 415 homes for social rent and 178 for shared ownership. Many of the social homes will have two or three bedrooms, and there’ll be 60 extra care, one-bedroom homes and a sensory garden. Homes will be heated by air source heat pumps and solar panels will provide electricity. There’ll also be parking for up to 2,000 bicycles, commercial spaces, and a women’s building that provides support services to vulnerable women, in recognition of the site’s previous purpose as a women’s prison.

There’s also been an effort to increase the number of women in the construction industry as part of the project – it was agreed to include a requirement that at least 30 percent of the target for local employment on site should be women, and at least 50 percent of trainees.

Through working in partnership with Women in Construction, a woman caseworker has been appointed and outreach sessions undertaken to engage local women, six of whom have secured roles in construction as a result. You can read about Sebrina’s experiences on p13.

More about housing developments: islington.gov.uk/ HousingDevelopment

Islington Life, Spring 2024

Creating communities: new homes and better facilities

How the Finsbury Leisure Centre site is being transformed to provide first-class new facilities and muchneeded homes

Something exciting is happening at Finsbury Leisure Centre. After nearly 50 years of hard service, you could say the current building is past its best. Now, the council has announced plans for a fantastic new centre, muchneeded council homes and space for an NHS GP surgery.

The plans include around 100 new council homes, with 100 more for sale to help pay for them. They focus on homes big enough for families and wheelchair users, which are especially needed in Islington. The homes will be surrounded by cleaner, greener streets and sit alongside a new leisure centre with better facilities, improved accessibility and a smaller carbon footprint.

“The current building needs constant repairs!” explains Katie, the centre’s assistant manager. “It can be frustrating, especially when we have to cancel bookings because we’ve got a leak in the roof. The way it’s built also means we struggle to be environmentally friendly. When it’s really cold out, we have to put electric heaters in the sports hall and squash courts so it’s warm enough for people to play. But that’s not energy efficient, is it?”

The new centre will feature all the facilities that are currently provided – including a six-court sports hall, four rooftop football pitches, four squash courts, studios and a gym – in a first-class building, with new equipment.

“Having a brand-new building will make a huge difference. It’ll be more appealing, and help us build an even stronger relationship with the local community, so more people can stay active,” says Katie. “I live in Islington and I know how bad the housing crisis is here, so for me the housing and health parts of the plans are both really important. We desperately need more affordable housing, so people aren’t forced to move away or pushed into paying rents they can’t afford.”

Alongside the new homes and leisure centre, the plans include a modern NHS GP surgery, which will have flexible spaces to meet growing demand. The council is also proposing to transform the area around the site with more planting, improved, better-lit streets and cycle paths, and ‘play on the way’ features for children.

“It’ll be much nicer when I’m locking up, it’s a bit creepy now!” laughs Katie. “It’ll be a big change, but that’s exciting – we need it.”

The council has been listening to feedback on its proposals and will publish more detailed plans in late spring. Keep an eye on the Finsbury Leisure Centre webpage for more information: islington.gov.uk/ FinsburyLeisureCentre

Family matters: free childcare

From April, free early learning and childcare will become available to thousands more families in Islington for the first time, reducing costs at a crucial time. Kunbi Jones, interim manager of Islington’s Family Information Service, shares the details

If you’re a working parent, the cost of sending your child to a nursery or childminder might feel daunting. Well, things are changing: if your child is about to turn two, they may be eligible for up to 15 hours of free early learning and childcare each week during term time,

which could save you thousands of pounds.

Early learning and childcare brings huge benefits to your child. Parents say they notice that their child’s rate of development improves –they’ve spoken of “phenomenal” progress in terms of language and numeracy, and their child becoming inspired to learn, grow and develop.

Children love the mixture of learning, play, songs, stories and being around other children. One parent said he and his wife have been able

to return to work knowing that their daughter is cared for “in an environment that is loving and nurturing and gives [them] peace of mind”. He said it prepared their daughter for school, increasing her confidence in numeracy and literacy and making her excited to start.

Both parents must be working to take advantage of the new scheme, and certain criteria apply. It’s important to point out that this is an expansion of the early learning and childcare scheme, so nothing is changing for parents whose children are already eligible. What it means is, eligible working parents with children aged two – or who will be two before 31 March – can also get 15 free hours per week, for 38 weeks per year, from April.

You must apply online for a code before the deadline, or you’ll miss out on the free hours in the summer term. Once you’ve got the code, you can use it at the nursery or childminder of your choice, depending on availability. Under the expansion of the scheme, parents have to reconfirm their eligibility every three months.

To hear from parents who have used early learning and childcare, check out the videos on the Parent Voices page (in English, Turkish and Somali): islington.gov.uk/ParentVoices

To find out what you are eligible for and how to apply, visit: childcarechoices.gov.uk

If you need further help, speak to the council’s Family Information Service on 020 7527 5959 or email fis@islington.gov.uk

Spotlight on... Music Education Islington Shooting stars

Budding musician Adelaide and Savanah Popal, head of services at Highbury Roundhouse, on why everyone should make the most of free music sessions run by Music Education Islington

What are the drop-in sessions and who are they for?

Savanah: Music Education Islington offers free access to instruments and tuition in a relaxed, interactive and fun way. It’s an amazing project, so when we were given the opportunity to partner with them I thought, absolutely. It has something to offer everybody, and is completely free. You might never have played a musical instrument in your life but if you’re curious, come along.

What can young people expect when they turn up?

S: The weekly sessions are led by enthusiastic, highly experienced tutors. We’ve got a wide range of instruments available – drums, guitars, keyboards, tambourines – but if we’ve got a young person interested in playing the flute or the trumpet, say, we can source it.

Adelaide: I’ve played the drums, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, piano and sung. I’ve improved on the guitar a lot, which my dad is pleased with! I’ve been to two sessions so far, but I’ll definitely keep coming.

What do you enjoy about the drop-in sessions?

A: It’s very fun and there’s no pressure. It’s a good way to try something new and it’s nice when you’re feeling stressed to be able to sit down and play something. There’s no right or wrong answer, it’s what you think the song is about, and you can express yourself.

For more information, including drop-in sessions at Highbury Roundhouse and Lift, visit: gsmd.ac.uk/MusicIslington

In each issue, we spotlight a young person who is making a positive contribution to their community. This time, New River College pupil Neveah discusses her involvement in the Time to Talk project, for which she and her classmates scripted, cast and acted in films encouraging young people to open up about mental health

It took courage for me to take part in this project – I get camera shy. I had to read out loud, but it wasn’t that bad and my confidence improved. Acting out the different choices you can make in a

situation is a good way to make mental health a subject young people can talk about. I used my own experiences and what I’ve learned from them for this project. If you want young people to open up, you have to understand them, let them speak, hear them out.

My advice to other young people is, surround yourself with good people and to never give up.

The young people have chosen four organisations in the borough they’d like to signpost others. To gain access to this free digital resource, email contact@bigideas.org

Community champions:

Merium and Kat, hate crime prevention champions

Many hate crimes aren’t reported and victims often suffer in silence. Hate crime prevention champions like Merium (pictured above) and Kat (pictured right) promote understanding and awareness of hate crimes in their communities, so more people know how to report them and get support. They tell us more about their work and why it’s so important

Why did you become a hate crime prevention champion?

Merium: As part of my role as the vice chair of Islington Faiths Forum, I am actively involved in the Islington Hate Crime Forum, which works to address hate crimes at a broader level. I became a hate crime prevention champion to help combat hate crimes in my community, encourage inclusivity and understanding.

Kat: I attend the Islington Hate Crime Forum on behalf of The Elfrida Society’s power and control group, which is a team of people with learning disabilities (LD) who speak up about issues that impact them. The forum is a helpful meeting, which brings people from different sectors together to look at stats and preventative measures. The professionals involved really try to create change and work hard for hate crime to be more widely recognised and dealt with.

It was clear from the statistics given at the Hate Crime Forum that hate crimes are hugely underreported in Islington by people with learning disabilities, with members of our group saying they don’t bother. I became a hate crime prevention champion to learn more about why people with LD are targeted and what support is available.

You received free training to become a hate crime prevention champion. What did you learn?

M: The training gave me valuable knowledge to identify, prevent, and respond to hate crimes, so I am better placed to make a positive impact.

K: The training was very helpful. I learnt what a hate crime is and how to identify and report it. It was easy to follow and suitable for anyone to attend. The rest of the power and control group will be doing the same training very soon, so they can become champions too.

What have you achieved in your role so far?

M: I’ve had lots of discussions with people about recognising and reporting hate crimes. Feedback has been positive, which just shows the importance of initiatives like this. I’ve provided support to victims, ensuring they get the help and resources they need during challenging times, and have been actively encouraging people to report

hate crimes. It’s a group effort to combat discrimination and intolerance and I try to emphasise that.

K: We held an event to raise awareness of hate crime in the LD community. The group made a powerful video that showed some of the reasons people don’t report it, highlighting what needs to change. The video was shown at the event, and shared with our network and the Hate Crime Forum. This led to us making links with local police officers to start building better relationships between the police and people with LD. We also made easyread leaflets and posters, which are free for anyone with an LD to collect from us.

What difference do you hope to make in your community?

M: My goal is to create a safer and more tolerant community, promoting awareness and educating people, and to reduce instances of hate crimes.

K: Many people with LD have reported distressing incidents to The Elfrida Society and they feel like they can’t do anything about them. It is vital to me that I help people with LD feel empowered to know these incidents are wrong and that the people who commit them face justice.

If you’re interested in becoming a hate crime prevention champion or learning more about preventing hate crime, email hatecrime@islington.gov. uk or visit: islington.gov.uk/HateCrime

To report a hate crime anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If someone is in immediate danger always call 999; call 101 to make a non-emergency report to the police.

Top tips: keeping young people busy (and safe) outside school

Try an unusual activity. Is Katniss Everdeen your child’s idol? We can’t promise they’ll win the Hunger Games, but if they’re aged 13–19, they can learn to use a bow and arrow at Lift, 45 White Lion Street. Archery lessons are on every Wednesday during term time, 5.30–7pm.

Expand their musical talents. Rose Bowl on Ramsey Walk in Canonbury has top-of-the-range software and a vocal booth, where young people can learn to produce beats and lay down vocals in a real music studio. Sessions are available Thursdays and Fridays, 5–8pm, or 4–7pm during school holidays. Reserve a spot by calling 020 7354 3524 or emailing clive.tachie@isledon.co.uk

Get into activism. The Women Empowerment Project is a new social action music project at Soapbox Youth Centre, 69 Old Street, where young women aged 16–25 can come together to make music about issues that matter to them. The club meets every Monday, 6–8pm. For more information, email: eugenia@dragonhall.org.uk

Get fit and have fun. Lift offers non-contact boxing and pad training for all abilities. Your child will learn techniques to increase their speed, power and stamina. Training is for ages 13–21 on Wednesdays, 6–7pm. Register online: liftislington.org.uk

Learn to cook. Join the creative cooking club at Lift and cook a different dish from around the world at every session. Classes are for 13–19-year-olds and take place Mondays and Fridays, 5–7pm. Visit the Lift website to register: liftislington.org.uk

The UK government has made it a legal requirement for all voters to show an approved form of photo ID when voting in a polling station at elections.

Approved forms of photo ID include:

a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)

a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands

a UK passport, or a passport issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country

a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)

a Blue Badge

a biometric residence permit (BRP)

a Defence Identity Card (MOD form 90)

a national identity card issued by the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

an Anonymous Elector’s Document

an older person’s bus pass

a disabled person’s bus pass

an Oyster 60+ card

a Freedom Pass

Forms of ID that will not be accepted:

work and student passes

photocopies or pictures on mobile phones - only original documents can be accepted

To view the full list of approved documents please visit islington.gov.uk/Vote

Remember to take your photo ID with you to the polling station so you can cast your vote.

If you don’t have an approved form of photo ID, you must apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to vote.

voter

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