VACCINATE TO LIBERATE

As Wembley Stadium welcomes the Euro 2020 football tournament this month, no doubt we’ll see flags from across the continent go up in windows and front gardens. All in the spirit of good-natured competition, of course! I hope you’ll enjoy our round-up of Brent businesses cheering on their national team.

That’s what I love about Brent – we are a wonderful melting pot of people with different backgrounds and experiences.

Throughout all the turbulence and heartbreak of the last year, we continued to find common ground, to build each other up and to rally behind one other when it’s most needed. This sense of community is something we must continue to nurture and never take for granted.

In May, tragedy unfolded once again in the Middle East. I condemn the violence and pray for peace. My heart goes out to all of the ordinary people, both in Palestine and Israel, who are paying the price. Sadly, some have used these recent events as an excuse to spread hatred – there is no excuse.

As we come back together this summer, to enjoy the Euros, or the culture that’s on offer (p.14) or simply sitting round a table again with loved ones, let’s celebrate community and the things we have in common.

And while we’re thinking of others, I urge you to get vaccinated when it’s your turn. By doing our bit as individuals, we can protect those around us.

All bricked up

The final bricks were laid for 149 new Harlesden homes this spring.

The development at Anansi House will include the construction of two new buildings - 92 homes that will be used as temporary accommodation for households waiting to be rehoused permanently by the council and 57 homes that will enable people to live independently, whilst having access to support.

The council decided to build its own temporary accommodation in the borough to provide better quality housing than is often available.

Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Brent Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, said:

“Over the past year, it has become clearer than ever how important suitable and affordable homes are for everyone.

“This project is an opportunity for us to provide high-quality temporary accommodation and a safe home for people to live independently.”

“The fact we have been able to continue with our ambitious new homes programme during a global pandemic is a huge achievement, and we will continue to do everything we can to help our community and work towards creating a fairer and more equal Brent.”

Wembley key player in the Mayors Let’s Do London campaign

Wembley and all the excitement of the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 will be in the spotlight once again as part of the Mayor of London’s “Let’s Do London” campaign.

Aiming to kick-start London’s economy and help get the many industries impacted by the pandemic, back on their feet as COVID restrictions are eased, the new campaign brings together the capital’s world-leading hospitality, nightlife, culture and retail venues to attract Londoners and visitors from across the UK back to central London and support jobs.

Gearing up to go green

Two Harlesden businesses and a community group are trialling eco-friendly cargo bikes to carry out food deliveries and recycling drops.

Sparks Cycle Shop, Crazy Baker and the Harlesden Mutual Aid team have all strapped on their helmets as part of a Brent Council pilot which launched during Bike Week.. Cllr Krupa Sheth, Lead Member for Environment, said: “Cargo bikes are a great alternative to gas guzzling delivery vehicles, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 75% and can help cut costs. The cost of running one cargo bike for a year is around £319, compared to £6,169 for a diesel van. We are always exploring innovative solutions as part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions in Brent so I’m delighted to see everyone getting stuck into the pilot!” Sophie Grey, Owner of Crazy Baker said: “We are really excited to be getting involved in the cargo bike trial. It is important we all do our part to care for the environment, and as a business we feel that we can make a positive impact.” Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning said: “It’s great to see Brent businesses trialling cargo bikes. Climate change is an issue that affects everyone. None of us can afford to stick our heads in the sand. By working together and making small changes, we can achieve our target of zero carbon emissions in Brent by 2030.” Cllr Sheth with the owner of Crazy Baker, and reps from Zap Waste and MP Smarter Travel

Brexit: June deadline for EU nationals to register

EU nationals wanting to continue to live and work in the UK have until the end of June to apply for the EU Settlement scheme.

It is free to register. To be eligible for the scheme, you must be an EU national living in the UK on or before 31 December 2020 and must apply to the scheme by 30 June 2021.

Visit www.brent.gov.uk/brexit to find out more.

Community voices will be at the heart of climate change programme

A ‘Resident Planning Group’ made up of diverse members of the Brent community, will decide how a £500,000 fund to reduce carbon emissions in Brent will be allocated locally.

The bold new programme puts the community in the driving seat, as they take charge of the budget. The Planning Group will set the criteria for how the fund should be spent, then hundreds of local people will make the final decisions on which projects are awarded money.

Residents and community groups will be invited to attend an open and transparent ‘Decision Day’ event this summer, to hear from projects applying for “Brent Carbon Offset” funding and then vote on their preferred projects.

Ending period poverty, Period.

The council is working with schools to access support, as part of its commitment to ending period poverty in the borough.

Period poverty is an issue that affects millions of women and girls who struggle to afford or access safe menstrual protection.

A number of charities offer these products free of charge:

www.freedom4girls.co.uk www.bloodygoodperiod.com www.thehygienebank.com www.trusselltrust.org

and other local food banks

NEWS

Young black Caribbean boys encouraged to become furure entrepreneurs

“It takes a village to raise a child.” That philosophy has inspired a new programme to help boys of Caribbean heritage in Brent to reach new heights.

The programme which is organised by Ultra Education CIC, and part-funded by Brent Council, is key to delivering the aims of the ten-year Black Community Action Plan which is working to deliver a fair and equal Brent where all residents can thrive.

It Takes a Village has already supported numerous boys through mentoring, workshops and in-school sessions, and shows no signs of slowing down.

“Ultra Education has given me the confidence to have my own business” says Marcus, CEO of MJ Treats, 10 years old.

Deputy Leader of Brent Council, Cllr McLennan also added: “I’m so grateful to Ultra Education for launching such a fantastic initiative and know this is going to have a real and long-lasting impact on young people like Marcus. This initiative, which is run by a black owned business and supports young black people, is one of the key actions of the Black Community Action plan and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”

To find out more about It Takes a Village, go to www.ultra.education

King Che, Fashion Model Marcus, CEO of MJ Treats

Queensbury performing arts school celebrates 60 years of dance and drama

The Beverley School of Performing Arts is celebrating its 60th anniversary as part of the Queensbury community.

Many things have changed in Brent since the school was founded by Vivien Batchelder in 1961. But the school has stood the test of time, teaching classes from the same Methodist church hall since its founding. The school is spending its diamond anniversary celebrating the achievements of all its students and staff, creating an online book of memories.

Current principal Ruth Goodwin paid tribute to Vivien: “I cannot thank Vivien enough for establishing such a wonderful school back in 1961 at the Queensbury Methodist Church hall. Generations of students from within the local community have passed through The Beverley School of Performing Arts and it has played such a huge part in so many people’s lives.” A celebration and anniversary show is planned for 24 July. To find out more visit

www.beverleydance.co.uk

Happy, healthy, holiday fun for kids this summer

Sports, drama, art activities and cooking healthy food… These are just some of the activities on offer during the summer Holiday and Food Activity Programme for children eligible for free school meals.

Children will be able to take part in lots of interactive and fun activities in different locations around the borough. This will be a great way to keep your child happy, healthy and entertained in the summer. All activities will support children and young people’s physical health and wellbeing.

To find out more about what is on offer or to book a place for your child go to

www.brent.gov.uk/haf.

Mayor of London, London Assembly and Brondesbury Park May election results

Sadiq Khan, Labour Party was re-elected as the Mayor of London after winning the election that took place on Thursday 6 May 2021.

In addition, the Labour Party won the majority of the 25 London Assembly seats and Krupesh Hirani, Labour Party, has been elected as the Assembly Member for the Brent and Harrow constituency.

Gwen Grahl, Labour Party, was elected to Brent Council after winning a seat in the Brondesbury Park by-election that was also held on the same day.

This follows the resignation of former councillor, Kieron Gill, earlier this year.

Krupesh Hirani Gwen Grahl

Get tested weekly

All residents are being encouraged to get tested twice a week as part of their regular routine to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Everyone in England, including those without symptoms, is eligible to take a free rapid COVID test twice a week. 1 in 3 people with COVID show no symptoms at all so could be spreading it without knowing if they don’t test regularly.

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone is expanding

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone is expanding into Brent from 25 October 2021. Have you checked your vehicle? Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards, but the Mayor of London and TfL are asking owners of older cars, motorcycles, lighter van and minibuses to take action. Check your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards by visiting

tfl.gov.uk/ulez-2021

Apply for £60,000 share of sustainability fund

A £60,000 community fund, specifically for sustainable community projects, is now open for applications. The fund from Veolia, Brent’s recycling and waste collection partner, helps residents to spruce up their local area and think sustainably. Find out more about the fund and how you can apply at:

Veolia.co.uk/Sustainability-Fund

Register and book for Family Wellbeing Centres online

Family Wellbeing Centres support your family from the moment you know you are expecting until your child is 18 years old (or up to 25 for young people with additional needs). There is a wide range of services available from midwifery and baby clinics, to family learning, after school and holiday activities for children of all ages and parenting programmes. To ensure you can access the services, you will need to register in advance first. Go to www.brent.

gov.uk/familywellbeingcentres

to register online. Once you have registered, you will be able to book online for appointments for various services.