Your Brent - Autumn 2023

BRIGHTER FUTURES

BRIGHTER FUTURES

The new Borough Plan looks to the future page 20

The new Borough Plan looks to the future page 20

THE BEST START IN LIFE

THE BEST START IN LIFE

RECYCLING CHANGES

RECYCLING CHANGES

Recycling collections are changing from October 1

Recycling collections are changing from October 1

page 30

page 30

THE LIBRARY OF THINGS

THE LIBRARY OF THINGS

Save money by borrowing instead of buying

Save money by borrowing instead of buying

page 34

page 34

EVERYONE DESERVES THE BEST START IN LIFE

As we enter the Autumn, many young people across Brent are starting new adventures after picking up their exam results this summer (page 28), whether that be further education or going straight into work.

Their hard work has paid off and I look forward to seeing their achievements in the future. As a council, we are committed to making a difference to every child’s life as outlined in the new Borough Plan on page 20.

At the end of August, the new Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was expanded across the whole of London. The vast majority, 90% of cars and 80% vans, will not notice a change at all but for the small number who do, you can apply for up to £2,000 to replace your vehicle.

The new Superloop bus service is now making journeys across the capital easier, connecting Brent to other parts of London.

The expansion of the ULEZ will help create cleaner air for all of us and at the council, we are also doing our bit, with our brand-new green fleet of electric parking enforcement vehicles (page 6) followed in October with changes to our recycling collections to increase recycling rates and help to protect the planet (page 30).

I encourage you to take part in our climate action photo competition to showcase the great work residents across the borough are doing (page 10).

Also, there is a pull-out and keep guide to local health services signposting you to the help you may need more quickly and easily.

Pages 23 to 26.

This Autumn, I hope you have a chance to enjoy a safe and happy Halloween, Bonfire night, and Diwali.

Rangeelu Gujarat Festival

Thousands of residents enjoyed The Rangeelu Gujarat festival in Kingsbury earlier this month.

Capturing the rich history, heritage, and culture of Gujarat with music, food, and colourful dance performances the familyfriendly event took place over three days at Roe Green Park in September.

ULEZ scrappage scheme extended to all Londoners

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scrappage scheme has now been widened to include all Londoners.

Any Brent residents with a non-ULEZ compliant car can now access up to £2,000 to replace their vehicle. More support is also being given to small businesses, charities and those with disabilities.

The latest data shows that on average, 90% of cars and 80% of vans in the zone are already compliant, so won’t have to do anything.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “We have always supported ULEZ because air quality in our borough is a hidden killer.

“This expansion of the scrappage scheme is great news as it means owners of non-compliant cars can now upgrade their vehicle easily, knowing that they are also doing their bit to improve air quality for all of us.”

Give your bulky waste a new home

Brent’s Community Skips are back and coming to a street near you from September. The skips are touring the borough ready to take your bulky waste and recycle it or give it a new home for FREE.

If you have an old sofa, washing machine or mattress to get

rid of or are looking for an opportunity to freshen up and declutter your home, then drop off your items, which will help others who need them, and is also great for the environment. Find out when they are coming to your neighbourhood: www. brent.gov.uk/communityskips

Councillor Muhammed Butt Leader of the

Council

The ULEZ now covers the whole of London. Find out more and check your vehicle at tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone

Councillor Krupa Sheth and Councillor Muhammed Butt helping with one of the Community Skips events.

The Year of Black Workers

This year has been named by UNISON as the Year of Black Workers, underpinned by the desire to improve the experiences of Black workers. Earlier this year, an event organised by Hazel Satenay, Equalities officer, was held by Brent UNISON and the council to highlight progress and call for more collaboration.

The evening was hosted by Patricia Wharton from Chalkhill Community Radio and featured a comedy performance from Rudi Lickwood. Elizabeth Bankole, Branch Secretary of Brent UNISON, made an emotional speech about Black workers, followed by a special video from Dr Neville Lawrence, the father of murdered Stephen Lawrence.

It’s quicker by Superloop

The new Superloop bus network is now running in Brent, offering quick trips between Brent and other parts of London.

Four existing express bus routes, including 607, X26, X140, and X68, are part of Transport for London’s Superloop. The new SL10 will offer additional bus connections to busy areas across north and northwest London. Customers using the new SL10 service will be able to connect to nearly 40 other bus routes, as well as rail services at Harrow-on-the-Hill, Kenton, Northwick Park, Kingsbury, Hendon (Thameslink), Hendon Central, and Finchley Central. For more information visit www.tfl.gov.uk

New green fleet hit the streets

Following several new contracts signed at the start of the year, the council has now welcomed its new parking enforcement supplier and parking permit management platform.

The new parking enforcement provider, NSL, has already started patrolling the borough in its fully electric vehicles. Two new bases in the borough, with e-mopeds and e-bikes, will HELP improve response times.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member

Lionesses roar with pride in Wembley murals

Eye-catching murals have been painted across Wembley in honour of the winning England squad who took home the UEFA Women’s Euro trophy in 2022. The colourful artworks by Nathan Evans can be spotted on Park Lane Bridge and Wembley Park Station Bridge, with another set to be painted on the White Horse Bridge later in the year. They depict some of the famous faces of the Lionesses who lifted the Women’s Euro trophy at Wembley Stadium in July 2022, including Beth Mead, Jill Scott, and Nikita Parris. Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture, said: ‘‘Wembley Stadium is the home of football, so it is only fitting that these murals be installed a stone’s throw away from the hallowed ground itself.”

Serial slum landlord slammed with Brent’s first ever banning order

for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, said: ‘‘This decision reflects the borough’s ambitious commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030.

‘‘We aim to contribute to cleaner air and a greener future for our residents, whilst also providing a first-class service.’’

RingGo is the new parking permit management platform, already used by millions of people across the country. Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/parking

See abuse? Stop it

Looking out for each other and Safeguarding Adults is everyone’s responsibility. Neglect or physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse is not always obvious.

We especially need to look out for older people, those who live alone, those with mental health problems, drug users or people living in poverty.

These people may be more vulnerable to criminal activity such as cuckooing, where criminals use violence and abuse to take over their homes. Remember to only allow officials entry to your home if you have agreed this beforehand and ask to see their ID.

If you suspect anyone may be at risk, stop it by reporting it. Call 020 8937 4300 or in an emergency call 999.

Rogue landlord, Jaydipkumar Rameshchandra Valand from Wembley Central, has been slapped with Brent’s first ever rogue landlord banning order. He cannot let homes or engage in any property management work for five years after multiple crimes against tenants, including raking in £360,000 by packing 40 tenants into a four-bed semi-detached home in Napier Road, Wembley, in 2018.

Brent businesses urged to sign new climate charter

Local businesses are invited to sign a new climate charter to make a public pledge to work on improving their carbon footprint, with support from the council.

www.bit.ly/climatecharter

Move over Barbie, there’s a new film in town

We are Church End is a new documentary exploring the exciting changes coming to Church End following a £1.9million investment from the council.

Produced by United Borders and 50 Frames Ltd, this film was created by the community, for the community.

Filmed from a local perspective, viewers are taken on a journey through Church Road meeting lots of local faces sharing their experiences, hopes and aspirations for the future.

Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “Brent Council takes a zerotolerance policy against rogue landlords, and we will use everything in our powers to hold them to account. The new selective licensing scheme is part of our commitment to protecting renters’ rights and securing a decent standard of living for all residents.”

Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/ prslicensing

Turn up the volume on mental health

SHOUT LONDON is turning it up the volume on mental health for a second year, with the focus on neurodiversity. The Mental Health Film and Arts Festival will showcase on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 October, bringing film, music, theatre, dance, and poetry to audiences in Brent. Eastenders actress Michelle Collins, a festival patron, and Wicked star and actress Harriet Thorpe (right) are supporters, who attended last year. This year more voices within the industry will be talking about mental health.

Get your FREE tickets from The Kiln, Kilburn High Road, Tuesday 10 October and The Crown Hotel, London, Wednesday 11 October.

Watch it now: www.youtube. com/BrentCouncilLondon

New Corporate Director of Care, Health and Wellbeing

Rachel Crossley is set to become Brent Council’s new Corporate Director of Care, Health and Wellbeing, after joining from Surrey County Council. In a career spanning more than 20 years, Rachel has led a range of services from public health, strategy and democratic services to commissioning, health integration and transformation. At Brent, Rachel will be responsible for leading the directorate that provides adult social care and public health services.

She said, “I am looking forward to getting started and helping improve health and wellbeing outcomes for local people.”

Rachel will take up her new post towards the end of October.

Councillor Butt at the Lionesses mural

Wicked star and actress Harriet Thorpe with Eastenders actress Michelle Collins

Two of the guests enjoying Black Workers event

Bee-ing kind to nature with new planting in Craven Park and Church Road Wembley becomes the first national dementia friendly stadium

Residents of Craven Park and Church Road joined a community planting day as part of the Green Neighbourhoods programme.

Over the summer esidents potted colourful arrangements of plants to display in their front gardens, windows and balconies, with all materials provided for free by the council. The street has been transformed and is

now full of vibrant and colourful plants that promote biodiversity by attracting a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, and will help nature to flourish in the area.

Next spring, BEE Colourful will be coming to Kingsbury. Email ClimateEmergency@brent.gov.uk to nominate your street for the next phase of the programme.

Record-breaking turnout at Wembley Jobs Fair

A series of improvements to the iconic Wembley Stadium are changing the game for fans with dementia. Measures include bespoke training for public-facing staff like matchday stewards, information on ticket receipts and the Wembley Stadium website and increased visibility of services such as the dedicated lifts and accessible shuttle service. These changes come after an audit of the stadium by people affected by dementia and have been put in place by the Football Assocation, working with the Alzheimer’s Society, to improve accessibility and increase understanding and knowledge of dementia. For more information or support with dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Society: www.alzheimers. org.uk or call 0333 150 3456.

Harlesden primary school leaps into green action

Working with schools across the borough, LEAP London is an organisation that provides opportunities for children to repurpose unused areas in their schools into wildflower meadows and gardens.

As part of this initiative, a group of Harlesden primary school pupils planted wildflowers, vegetables and herbs and learned about the links between biodiversity and climate during a planting session earlier this summer.

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “It is wonderful to see schoolchildren transforming areas of their school grounds. Programmes such as this are so important and we’re working with LEAP to ensure children who have the least access to green spaces are given the opportunity to transform local areas into greener environments.”

The project is part funded by the Mayor of London’s Grow Back Greener fund and Brent Council’s Together Towards Zero fund.

More than 7,500 jobseekers connected with over 175 employers in a recording breaking turnout at the council’s annual Wembley Jobs Fair event this summer. From tech to travel, hospitality to health, job hunters got to meet with a huge range of businesses face-to-face and apply for roles directly.

The event is run by Brent Works, the council’s employment service, which was on hand throughout the day to provide personalised one to one career advice. If you missed out and are looking for a new job or apprenticeship visit: brentworks.brent.gov.uk

New affordable workspace opens in Neasden

The newly opened enterprise centre, Launch It Neasden, has a range of affordable workspaces for local entrepreneurs.

Based at 60 Neasden Lane, NW10 2UW, the new space is designed to support young business founders from 18-30 years old. It offers coworking space and private studios along with a comprehensive support package to help businesses flourish.

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth, said: “We look forward to Launch It Neasden becoming a thriving hub with young people from across the borough taking their businesses to new heights.”

Find out more at: www.launchit.org.uk/ launch-it-london

If you are looking for a workspace in your area to put down roots, get in touch via: affordableworkspace@brent.gov.uk

Brent’s new Creative Enterprise Zone in Ealing Road and Alperton (ERA) will also soon be home to 2000 sqm of new, affordable workspace for local creatives.

Residents from Church End taking part in the Bee Colourful Community Planting Day.

Councillor Gwen Grahl with pupils from Harlesden Primary School who took part in the LEAP project.

Faces of Climate Change photography competition - enter now!

Brent is the first place in the UK to launch a Faces of Climate Change photography competition celebrating climate action.

Residents are encouraged to submit a photograph that highlights the work they do to protect the environment with a 250-word story by 30 September 2023.

Photos and stories will be shown as part of an exhibition and documentary film at an event at Brent Civic Centre later this year.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, said: “This competition is a creative way to encourage residents to showcase the brilliant work that they are doing to champion climate action in their local areas.”

Enter now at bit.ly/foccbrent

Faith communities get green action plan

A Faith Climate Action Plan designed to support faith communities to embrace sustainability was launched this summer.

The plan is available to all places of worship in Brent to help promote greener behaviours and sustainable ways of living.

It focuses on key areas where faith organisations and places of worship can make a positive difference to the

environment locally, as well as save money on energy bills, and promote a healthier lifestyle for their congregations.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, said:

“This is a positive resource to help us reach our net zero goal by 2030 and make Brent one of the greenest boroughs in London.”

The Faith Climate Action Plan is a joint

Brent Council initiative in partnership with Brent’s Faith Climate Action Group. Download a copy of the Faith Climate Action Plan online at bit.ly/fcap

Brent’s Eastern European Community held a folk festival in Roe Green Park in June, to celebrate their culture, heritage, and music, with a fun filled day of performances, face painting and traditional food.

All children set to receive

Universal free school meals

All primary school children who attend state schools in London will receive free school meals for the full academic year 2023-24 from September.

Up to 270,000 primary school children are set to receive a healthy and nutritious free school meal following the announcement from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. The move could save families in Brent around £440 across the year.

Parents should continue to apply for government funded free school meals for children who meet the eligibility criteria, so they can continue to receive free school meals until the end of their primary or secondary education as well as accessing the Holiday Activity and Food Programme activities.

Schools can claim additional Pupil Premium funding for each eligible child to support their education.

Turning Point for single people facing homelessness

Brent’s service for single people facing homelessness has moved to a new location in Harlesden. Anyone who is single and at risk of homelessness can now drop into The Turning Point at the Design Works, Park Parade, Harlesden, NW10 4HT, for support with their housing needs. The drop-in service runs Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm. Pregnant women, families, and households of more than one person still need to book an appointment at Brent Civic Centre. Other services within the Turning Point include help with addiction, mental health services, employment support and immigration advice.

Cricklewood Gardens Project, Ashford Place.

Community leaders with the Mayor of Brent, Councillor Krupa Sheth and Councillor Muhammed Butt at the Faith Climate Action Plan launch event.

Tackling childhood tooth decay

An initiative to tackle tooth decay in children has been nominated for an NHS Parliamentary Award in the ‘Health Inequalities Award’ category.

Nearly 750 children were seen as part of the ‘Better health on your doorstep’ project which was started by Brent Council and run alongside health partners in the borough. An oral health bus toured the borough and parked up near schools, in local parks or next to green spaces to examine children’s teeth. 40 percent of the children involved had cavities identified and were referred for further treatment.

Councillor Neil Nerva, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care, said: “This is a fantastic endorsement of our work to get out into our communities to address health needs.”

Health workers support residents to get Tuberculosis treatment

Earlier this year, cases of Tuberculosis (TB) were identified by the UK Health Security Agency within the Diu community in Brent.

Tuberculosis is an infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated.

The Brent Health Matters team helped arrange an outreach event and then took a ‘find and treat’ bus to Ealing Road in Wembley in June.

By spreading the word at a local food bank and using translated leaflets and a voice note in Gujarati, the Brent Health Matters team helped to attract 200 residents to the

bus to get chest x-rays. Two cases of TB were identified, and five referrals made to GPs and to the TB team at Northwick Park for further investigations.

Brent Health Matters targets care and support for specific communities through the health inequality programme which aims to address issues that may otherwise go unnoticed and not receive the attention required.

Celebrating the class of 2023

A group of young residents with special educational needs and disabilities graduated after successfully completing a year-long supported internship with the council and neighbouring employers. The programme was designed to help young people gain new skills and find jobs.

To register your interest for the September 2024 course contact Rachael. heppenstall@cwc.ac.uk, or call 0207 258 5695.

Councillor Neil Nerva with council and NHS staff.

An Ealing Road resident registering for a chest x-ray.

New planning guidance to tackle climate change

To protect the planet and improve people’s wellbeing, the council has introduced new planning guidelines for developers looking to build in Brent.

Two new Supplementary Planning Documents set out how to design and deliver high quality open spaces and environmentally sustainable developments.

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Growth, said: “Residents deserve great places to live and welldesigned, sustainable development is key to enriching people’s quality of life. The new energy-efficient homes by Double Line Developments in Colindale are a brilliant example of environmental sustainability. From eco-friendly construction materials to long-term energy saving installations - we hope to see more high-quality schemes like this across Brent.”

Brent Council’s Local Plan wins

‘Best Plan’ at the Royal Town Planning Institute London Awards

Gunner kicks off new Queen’s Park school pitch

Former Arsenal footballer and Match of The Day pundit Ian Wright officially opened a new football pitch at Queens Park Community School in June.

The Institute, which is responsible for maintaining professional planning standards, praised Brent’s plan for its focus on good growth, delivering quality homes and providing the right infrastructure to support current and future communities.

New six-storey industrial building in Alperton set to create 250 jobs

Alperton will soon be home to the borough’s first multi-storey industrial development SEGRO V-Park Grand Union.

A ceremony to mark the building’s topping out, adding the highest structural feature, was held this summer with construction on track to be completed early next year.

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Growth, said: “Alperton has a rich industrial history, and we are proud to be building one of the country’s first multi-storey industrial developments here.

“The revolutionary design will provide 134,500 sq. ft of good quality industrial space on just a 1.7acre plot of land and create up to 250 jobs for local people.”

Almost £100,000 was contributed to the newly laid pitch through what is now known as the Community Grants fund. Community Grants come from money the council collects from new developments in the borough which is invested back into local areas through community projects. The fund is designed to make a positive difference to local communities by addressing the needs arising from new developments. See page 38 for more details and for details on how to bid for your share of up to £1million.

Topping out ceremony with Brent Council, SEGRO, St George Plc and the Greater London Authority.

Our extensive portfolio of vehicles ensures we can meet the needs of all our customers, from company car drivers, fleet managers and small businesses.

Local teenage girls at the event day match

Ian Wright cuts the ribbon to officially open the new football pitch at Queens Park Community School.

Brent’s planning team celebrating at the 2023 RTPI Awards.

Back in business Back in business

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our high streets reflecting the diverse communities that help make Brent such a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

S S BRENTWE DELIVERED ... £4.8million

Since the pandemic forced the temporary closure of our high streets and put lots of restrictions on local traders, the council has invested more than £9.4million to support local businesses and town centres to get back on their feet and thrive again.

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Growth, said: ‘‘Support from the council includes helping businesses with the skills and tools they need to unlock new opportunities in the digital age, as well as ways to go green and tackle high energy costs.

High streets across the borough have been revitalised with worn pavements upgraded, lighting improved, more trees planted, and new public artwork rolled out in celebration of local communities’’.

Check out your local high street and show our brilliant businesses some love.

www.brent.gov.uk/shoplocal

Case study

n

S BRENTWE PROVIDED ...

S BRENTWE HELPED... thousands of businesses access over £130million of grants ACROSS BRENT... Culture Splash events brought 40,000 extra visitors to town centres

BRENTWE PROVIDED ...

£155,000 in energy efficiency grants to businesses Digital skills training to 87 businesses

ACROSSBRENT ... 100+ shopfront art shutters and 18 murals installed across town centres

R O SS BRENT...Annual Brent Small Business Awards

Church

n COMING SOON: New youth hub

n We Are Church End documentary - produced by the community, for the community exploring the regeneration of the area and the exciting changes to come. Watch now: www.youtube.com/BrentCouncilLondon

– Brent and Camden are bringing together businesses, groups and organisations in the area to help shape projects, ideas and conversations to steer the development of Kilburn.

The Jubilee Clock

Bob Marley Art Trail

Culture Splash event in Neasden

Brent’s award-winning South Kilburn regeneration programme is transforming the area into a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood.

Spotlight on South Kilburn Spotlight on South Kilburn

Over 1,300 high-quality homes have already been built and once complete there will be a total of 2,400, more than half of which will be social housing for local families. This will bring many benefits to the local area, but regeneration is much more than just new homes. The council is also re-energising South Kilburn by creating neighbourhood amenities, new jobs, affordable workspaces and delivering a range of impactful projects for the local community.

One of these projects is Box Up Crime, delivered in partnership with Countryside Partnerships. More than 50 young people a week attend free boxing classes with mentoring support. Rebecca, a South Kilburn resident and Box Up Crime volunteer, said: “I find Box Up very inspiring. It teaches my children discipline, exercise and gives them confidence.”

Other projects include the Rebel Business School, which has helped 45 local people learn the skills to support them in setting up their own businesses.

Additionally, a programme called Design, Engineer, Construct has helped over 60 local students gain knowledge and skills in planning and development, designing and modelling their own inclusive homes.

Countryside has also employed local people on site to help with the development. Mustafa is on a Level 3 Plumbing Apprenticeship. He said, “I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity.

I’ve always wanted to be a plumber and this apprenticeship is helping set me up for life.”

Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/southkilburn

Learn more about Box Up Crime at www.thegranville.org

Northwick Park

Northwick Park is soon set to follow in South Kilburn’s footsteps with exciting plans for 1,600 new homes, new facilities and a raft of new opportunities for the local community.

‘‘

‘‘ I’ve always wanted to be a plumber and this apprenticeship is helping set me up for life.

Mustafa

Salihu, Plumbing Apprenticeship with Countryside.

Rebecca (top left in the red boxing gloves) is a local South Kilburn resident and Box Up Crime volunteer. Unity Place in South Kilburn

Artists Impression of Northwick Village Hub (650+ new homes on the land adjacent to Northwick Park Hospital)

The Best Start in Life

The Best Start in Life

Brent’s borough plan 2023-2027 sets out what the council is focusing on over the next four years.

The plan, which was created following nearly 1,000 responses from local people, sets out how the council will work with residents, partner organisations, and voluntary organisations, to best serve the people of Brent. There are five priority areas with actions and outcomes linked to each.

One of the five priorities is giving your children the best start in life, with the support they need, when they need it.

From pregnancy all the way to young adulthood, the council’s Family Wellbeing Centres are there for families and young people. Their safety is paramount, so the council has committed to continually improving its approach to safeguarding.

Four-year-old Charlotte (pictured left) arrived in Brent with her mum Karla, originally from Honduras in Central America as asylum seekers and learned about the Family Wellbeing Centres at the hotel they were staying in. Karla said, “The Family Wellbeing Centre has made a huge impact to my life.

I joined an emotional wellbeing workshop, and it was the first time, I didn’t have to worry about Charlotte, and she had other children to play with.

If it wasn’t for the Family Wellbeing Centre, I don’t think would have gained the confidence to become a volunteer myself. I would encourage other parents and families to visit their local Family Wellbeing Centre. There’s so much help and support available’’. Working with schools and partners, the council will ensure access to education is fair and equal, raising aspirations for all. This includes tailored support for young people from communities that are struggling the most. Investment in additional places for post-16 skills development will be part of the council’s continued support for people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “The Borough Plan sets out what the council will focus on over the next four years and giving every child in Brent the best start in life is one of our five priority areas.

“In delivering this plan, we are committed to working with young people, their families and our partners to shape services around our children’s needs, helping them realise their potential. Our Family Wellbeing Centres are a truly radical and innovative scheme offering a huge variety of services, including parenting classes, sport and access to health and food initiatives. It has been so successful that other councils are starting to replicate this service, and I am proud of the work we have done in this area to offer our children a brighter future.”

The support available to you:

Find one of Brent’s Family Wellbeing Centres at www.brent.gov.uk/ familywellbeingcentres

Concerned about a child or young person at risk of harm? Call 020 8937 4300 (option 1) or outside office hours, 020 8863 5250

For help with children with special educational needs

and disabilities, go to www.brent.gov.uk/sendlocal-offer

For ways young people can help shape council services, contact email: byp@brent.gov.uk

Find information about local apprenticeships and graduate schemes at www.brent.gov.uk/jobs

The Black Community Action Plan (BCAP) focuses on young people from Black African, Caribbean, and Somali communities to help continue developing future community leaders

Young people from diverse community groups across the borough help shape local services, from newly arrived refugees to young people with disabilities to those who belong to the LGBTQ+ community.

Now in its third year, BCAP Governance have been holding stakeholder discussions to map the future years of the delivery plan.

BCAP students visit Google HQ for workshop event

Nisha Lingam (left) Head of the Curzon Crescent Family Wellbeing Centre with Councillor Gwen Grahl

Young people attend a Brent summer school camp

Young people attend Google workshop

Seen & Heard

Seen & Heard

A project that explored young people’s views on public spaces and their role in designing it, has been recognised with a coveted Eurocities Award.

Seen & Heard brought together young people across Brent to share ideas on how to shape public spaces to suit their needs. A set of policy proposals were presented to the Mayor of London in 2020.

Following this, the London School of Economics (LSE) working with Quintain, offered apprenticeships to five young people, allowing them to design public spaces across Wembley Park.

Across three years they worked with architects, developers and artists to turn their designs from ideas into reality. The first, Samovar Space, opened in 2022.

Earlier this year, two of the young people, Keshav and Loshini, attended

the Eurocities Awards in Brussels where they were successful in the ‘Young people co-creating public spaces’ category.

They were shocked but elated when they won and said they felt “immensely proud of the team of young people and other collaborators who made the project what it was.”

Another space designed through Seen & Heard – White Horse Square – is due to open in 2024. They added, “As well as pride in representing our city, our main takeaway from the event is being glad to show that young people should be active participants in conversations around public space and design. Because, after all, aren’t we the people

who will be using them?”

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth, said: “We are delighted that Seen & Heard has been recognised as a leading example of community-led design in Europe. The Samovar Space is within a stone’s throw of Wembley Stadium, so we’re really pleased that young people from across our borough have been able to put their stamp on this area for generations to come.

Seen & Heard was a Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture project commissioned by Metroland Cultures, delivered by The Blueprint Collective with Brent Youth Parliament and in partnership with the London School of Economics and Quintain.

Your pull-out guide to Health and Care services in Brent Your pull-out guide to Health and Care services in Brent

This pull-out and keep guide is designed to help you access health and care services by providing details of all the access points to health and care – listing services in a logical way and providing you with the links to get the help you need.

‘‘ ‘‘ We are delighted that Seen & Heard has been recognised as a leading example of communityled design in Europe.

Councillor Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Growth

The five LSE apprentices who brought the Samovar Space to life.

Photo credit: Chris Winter

GET STARTED – GET A GP

If you haven’t got a GP, that’s the place to start. A General Practitioner (GP) is the doctor you will see most often.

They are usually the first contact you will make if you have a health problem.

GPs work in ‘GP Practices’ that will usually include a few doctors, as well as nurses and other health professionals. They can treat many conditions and give health advice. You will be able to book an appointment to see a GP in-person or you can arrange an appointment over the phone or online. If you need prescription medication, your GP can arrange for it to be collected at a pharmacy that is convenient for you.

GPs can also refer you onto other NHS services, such as specialists in hospitals, if you need more advanced care.

REGISTER TODAY

You need to be registered with a GP to use their services, but the good news is it couldn’t be simpler. Anyone in England can register with a GP free of charge, and importantly:

n You do not need ID

n You do not need proof of address

n You do not need proof of immigration status

n You also don’t need an NHS number – that will be assigned to you once you register Website: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-registerwith-a-gp-surgery

ONLINE GP ACCESS

Just like online banking, you can access GP services and look at your GP records online. You can choose to:

n Book and cancel appointments - your practice will choose appointments that can be booked online

n Order repeat prescriptions

n Look at part of your GP records

n Online services are free to use and are just another way of contacting your practice – you can still ring or go in person

You can also request your full printed records from your practice, although they may charge for this.

URGENT CARE

NHS 111

Making an appointment with your GP is the best way to make first contact if you have a health problem. However, if you need medical help urgently then you can phone 111. NHS 111 can offer advice if you need to:

n Discuss complex medical problems

n Discuss worries about a long-term condition

n Get end-of-life care, or report a death

n Report child protection or vulnerable adult concerns

If you need help in other languages, you can ask for an interpreter.

YOU CAN ALSO ACCESS 111:

n Online at www.111.nhs.uk/Help/OtherWays

n By text relay by calling 18001 111

n Using British Sign Language (BSL) at www.signvideo.co.uk/nhs111

999 AND A&E

You should call 999 for lifethreatening emergencies when you need an ambulance. These include issues such as:

n Loss of consciousness

n Acute confused state and fits that are not stopping

n Persistent, severe chest pain

n Breathing difficulties

n Severe bleeding that cannot be stopped

Text relay users can call 18000 to get through to 999.

USE 999 AND A&E WISELY

Many patients who attend A&E can be seen by alternative NHS services such as GPs, pharmacists and dentists.

A&E should only be used for life threatening emergencies, so if you require urgent help, but not emergency advice, use NHS 111 instead.

In an emergency you can also attend Accident and Emergency (A&E), but again only for life threatening emergencies such as those listed above.

There are two A&E departments in the borough, Central Middlesex Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital offering access 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

URGENT TREATMENT CENTRES

An alternative to A&E departments are Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs), which treat minor injuries and illness requiring urgent treatment that cannot be seen by your GP.

Your nearest UTC in Brent is at Central Middlesex Hospital, open 8am to midnight, seven days a week.

Tel: 0333 999 2575

PHARMACISTS

Local pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can help with minor health concerns and illnesses, including coughs, colds, upset stomach, skin or eye infections, some vaccinations, and medications.

This is a quick and convenient way to get clinical advice on your high street, allowing you to receive face-to-face confidential help on the same day, without the need to book an appointment.

MENTAL HEALTH

Your GP can talk to you about your mental health and help introduce you to the right mental health service for your needs.

You can refer yourself directly to some services, such as NHS Talking Therapies for people with feelings of low mood, anxiety, particular fears or problems coping with daily life and relationships. Phone 020 8206 3924 or go to: www.talkingtherapies.cnwl.nhs.uk/brent

There are also a range of approaches to support 16-25 year olds that you can find details of at: bit.ly/cnwlmentalhealth

In addition, you can access support anytime from a free, safe anonymous online mental health community – such as Brent Mind.

Brent Mind

With offices in Cricklewood and Harlesden, Brent Mind delivers services to support young people and adults whose lives have been affected by mental health problems. In addition to a programme of support, mentoring and coaching, training, activities and social groups for children and young people.

Website: www.bwwmind.org.uk Tel: 020 7604 5177

HELP IN A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS

Freephone 0800 0234 650 if you need help in a mental health crisis. This line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There is also information online for younger adults and children: www.cnwl.nhs.uk/patients-and-carers/helpmental-health-crisis

Website: www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services

GENERAL HEALTH SERVICES

Children’s services

Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust provide a range of services aimed at children, young people and their guardian/parent.

Website: www.healthmatters.clch.nhs.uk/brent

Immunisations and Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect ourselves and our children against ill health, preventing up to three million deaths worldwide every year and making diseases like smallpox, polio and tetanus very rare if seen at all in the UK.

Find out more about when your child needs to be vaccinated, the school-based immunisation programmes in Brent and advice for recent migrants.

Website: www.nwlondonics.nhs.uk/your-health-services/ immunisations-and-vaccinations

Dentists

NHS dentists provide all the necessary treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums in a healthy condition. To get NHS dental treatment, just contact a practice providing NHS dentistry and ask for an NHS appointment.

Website: www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist

Opticians

Optometrists and dispensing opticians are generally referred to as opticians, although optometrists carry out eye tests to check the quality of your sight and dispensing opticians fit glasses and contact lenses. Together they can look for signs of eye disease which may need treatment from a doctor or eye surgeon and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.

Website: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/ opticians

Sexual health

NHS North West London Sexual Health and Contraception Services provide sexual health services, HIV care, and a range of outreach services with their partner organisations to the people of Brent.

There are two clinics in Brent: Patrick Clements Clinic at Central Middlesex Hospital

Acton Lane, Park Royal, NW10 7NS

Nearest station: Harlesden

Buses: 187, 224, 226, 260, 440, 487

Community HUB clinic Brent

Community support for people affected by HIV in Brent Hillside Primary Care Centre, Harlesden NW10 8RY

Nearest station: Harlesden

Buses: 18, N18, 206, 224

Website: www.shc.lnwh.nhs.uk/home

Tel: 020 8453 2221

Wheelchair services

AJM Healthcare is the appointed NHS Wheelchair Service Provider for residents currently registered with a Brent GP.

Website: www.northwestlondon.

wheelchair.services

Tel: 0808 164 2040

CARE SERVICES

Brent Carers Centre

Brent Carers Centre provides support for carers, including advice and information on everything from legal support to carers’ rights in the workplace.

It also provides support for those who are lonely and socially isolated, and those needing skills training and help finding employment.

Website: www.brentcarerscentre. org.uk Tel: 020 3802 7070

Ashford Place

Provides practical solutions for people trapped in the interconnected web of homelessness, alcohol and substance abuse, while facilitating groundbreaking support to those struggling with mental health, dementia and agerelated issues.

Website: www.ashfordplace.org.uk

Tel: 020 8208 8590/95

Adult Social Care

Adult Social Care services within Brent Council include information, advice and practical support to people with a disability, physical or mental illness to live independently and stay safe and well. These services are usually provided in people’s homes, care homes or in the community and includes personal care, such as support with cooking meals, washing, dressing and getting out of bed in the morning, as well as wider support to help people stay active and engaged in their communities. This also includes support for people who are caring for an adult family member or friend. If you provide 35 hours of care a week, or more, you may be eligible for a Carer’s Allowance and in some circumstances, a Council Tax Discount. You will be offered a benefits check to make sure you are

receiving all the financial support you are entitled to.

Advisors are available MondayFriday, from 9am - 5pm. Website: www.brent.gov.uk/adult-social-care

Tel: 020 8937 4300

Email: customer.services@brent.gov.uk

Emergency Duty Team

The Emergency Duty Team (EDT) provides a range of emergency social care services out of hours to members of the public and other agencies. The team provides a service response to Social Care emergencies involving clients from Children & Families, Adult Social Care and Mental Health, which occur out of hours, and which cannot be safely left until the next working day. This service is for situations that are in the nature of an emergency or have an element of urgent distress.

Tel: 020 8863 5250

Reporting Abuse, Exploitation and Neglect

We all need to take the abuse, exploitation and neglect of adults seriously because everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, have their choices respected and live a life without fear.

If you are worried about someone who may be abused or neglected please report this.

Website: www.brent.gov.uk/adultsocial-care/protecting-adults-fromrisk-of-abuse

Tel: 020 8937 4300

£1million available across Brent for projects that benefit local communities and make positive change.

Students ace it

Students ace it

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said:

“Congratulations to all our young people across Brent who picked up their results. They should feel extremely proud of their achievements.

“All secondary schools in Brent are rated good or outstanding by Ofsted and I’m grateful to the teachers, support staff and parents/carers who have been supporting our young people in progressing to the next stage of their lives with confidence.

“Whether that is going to university, onto further education, apprenticeships or employment, I wish them the very best.”

Your Brent spoke to students from across the borough to find out how they did and what their plans are for the future.

Young people across Brent picked up their A-Level, Vocational and Technical and GCSE results this summer.

Zayan, Claremont High School

Esey,

Tyra, Claremont High School

“I feel really good about my results. I am ready to go to uni now. I got into my first choice, so it’s a brilliant day. took health and social care, and BTEC business; they were really good courses. I’ve improved a lot in so many areas and stuff and can’t wait for my journey.”

“I got an A* in history, an A in economics and an A in maths in my A levels. Next year am starting an apprenticeship in KPMG, so am looking forward to entering the accounting and finance world, and am very pleased with my results today.”

“I’m really happy with my grades – I’m really proud of myself. I will be going on to study Maths, Economics and Sociology at A-Level.”

Nana, Preston Manor School

“I am feeling happy that was able to pass all of my subjects and can go to sixth form.”

Raymond,

“When first entered felt a bit nervous. I got my results and am quite happy and pleased. After this am planning to do Biology, Sociology, and English.”

Chris: “I got a number of 8s and 9s in my GCSEs, worked really hard for this and I’m extremely proud of my results. want to thank my teachers, friends and peers for their great support.”

Charlie: “I’ve enjoyed my time at Newman Catholic College a lot.”

Anthony: “I plan to go on to study Further Maths, Physics and Economics and hope to one day become a Physicist.”

Alex (right), and Priyanka (left), Preston Manor School

Alex: “I am extremely pleased to have got into my chosen university and subject! joined Preston Manor in Year 7 and it’s been an amazing journey. am thankful to all the teachers for all their support throughout the years!”

Priyanka: “I am really excited to see my results and to find out that got into Greenwich and am very excited to start my new journey.”

Denise, St Gregory’s Catholic Science College

“I studied English, Sociology and Physiology and am happy with my results!”

Ryan, Newman Catholic College

“I’m off to study medicine at my firstchoice university, Queen Mary!”

Abdirahman, Alperton Community School

“I’m going to City University to study Computer Science. I’m really excited and had a great time at Alperton.”

“I wanted to go to London Southbank but wasn’t sure if I could get the grades so ended up not applying and found out got a distinction, which was better than expected. applied through clearing and they gave me an unconditional offer.”

Tomasz,

“I got mainly 8s and 9s. Over the last couple of years my friends encouraged and helped me.”

Ashanti,

“I found the last couple of years challenging, but passed Music and I’m really happy about that.”

Manav: “During revision felt like giving up, but now realise that all my hard work was worth it!”

Krisha: “I felt so relieved.”

Jiya: “I feel proud of my results, knowing my hard work has paid off.”

Mimasa,

“My results are much better than thought. hope to be successful in my pilot training and be a pilot one day. I’m going to college after this to do aviation level three.”

Chris (left), Charlie (middle), and Anthony (right), Newman Catholic College

Preston Manor School

Domenica, St Gregory’s Catholic Science College

Alperton Community School

Alperton Community School

Alperton Community School

Newman Catholic College

Manav (left), Krisha (middle), and Jiya (right), Claremont High School

Step one

You recycle your cans, paper and card

If you live in a property with your own blue-lidded recycling bin, your recycling collections will change from 1 October. Here’s how:

You will have to separate your paper and cardboard from your other recyclable items (glass, cans, plastics and cartons).

A new, reusable blue sack (90 litres) will be provided free of charge to use for your paper and cardboard.

Your blue-lidded recycling bin will continue to be used for other mixed recycling (glass, cans, plastics and cartons). You will still receive a weekly recycling collection service – however, your sack for paper/card and your blue-lidded bin will be collected on alternate weeks

You will receive a new recycling guide through your door in September, containing your collection calendar for October 2023 to March 2024.

Helen, who lives in Harlesden and took part in the trial of 5,000 households last year, said: “I loved it, it wasn’t difficult for me because we break down our cardboards and our packaging and I noticed with the blue bags could put more in my blue lidded bins, so I loved the blue bags.

“We are originally from the Pacific, so we are the ones being affected now with climate change and with all the rubbish that is in the ocean we have first-hand experience of seeing it and experiencing it. It is something we are passionate about.

Step two

Recycled items are sorted at the largest recycling sorting centre in Europepaper and card will now go to a seperate paper mill

Helen Vata

I have been actively teaching my child the importance of it. Throw your rubbish away properly’’. Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure, and Climate Action, said: “These changes have been shown to increase recycling rates, which is better for the environment and will help us work towards our ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.”

Brent’s recycling has a current contamination rate of 24%. Contamination is the amount of recycling we collect that contains items that cannot be recycled so ends up in the general waste. These changes will help us work towards a target contamination rate of 11%. Saving money and carbon emissions.

See what happens when you choose to recycle.

These changes have been shown to increase recycling rates, which is better for the environment

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action

Step three

Recycled items are then repurposed and end up back on your shelves

When you put recycling in your black bin it is worse for the environment

They are also occasionally used for other things, like aircraft wings

‘‘

Don’t bin it Don’t bin it

You could be a school gover nor You could be a school gover nor

Do you want to make a difference in your community and develop your professional skills? Then volunteer as a school governor in Brent!

Being a school governor is interesting, rewarding and worthwhile. Anyone over the age of 18 can become a school governor and you do not need experience. Governing bodies need people with a range of skills, from all walks of life and different cultural backgrounds.

Your Brent spoke to local school governor, Anna Gray from Harlesden. “I’m a therapist and work with adults. I’m a governor at Phoenix Arch School, a special needs school in Brent.

“I became a governor because the school changed our lives as a family. I really wanted to help the school support other families and I’m proud to see the children developing and excited to learn.’’ Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools said: “Being a school governor is a hugely rewarding role. Anyone over the age of 18 can volunteer to be a governor and you’ll be making a real difference to the effective running of a school.”

You could express interest in being a governor at a nursery, primary, secondary, or special school and you can choose where in Brent you’d like to serve as a governor. After you apply, it can take up to six months to be appointed as a governor at a school. Training and support are available to both new and current governors. Apply online and find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/schoolgovernors

Problem dam uld?

We can help,visit: ww

Anna Gray

Being a school governor is a hugely rewarding role.

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools

LIBRARY OF THINGS

The Library of Things offers residents the chance to rent household items for affordable prices that you would usually have to fork out a lot of money for to buy brand new. Did you know the average drill is used for just 13 minutes in its entire lifetime? Why not rent items that you might not use very often rather than buy them?

Aamir, from Willesden Green, was the first resident to take out an item at the Library of T hings in July. He borrowed a carpet cleaner for £22.50 a day, a tool which would have cost him around £600 to buy brand new, saving him hundreds of pounds. Aamir said, ‘‘Library of Things is a great way to save money and reduce waste. I will keep using the service and suggesting it to friends. Next time I would like to hire the heavy-duty pressure washer and the drill.”

Buying these tools brand new would knock you back an average £140 per item, but you could rent them from as little as £1. We also offer a 25% concession rate to anyone that cannot afford the full price.

Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action, said: ‘‘It is fantastic that Brent’s first Library of Things has now opened. It not only means that residents can save serious money by borrowing rather than buying, but it is also great for the environment. I encourage all residents to try it out.’’

Give hiring a go! Find out more at participate.libraryofthings.co.uk/ willesdengreen

Brent’s first Library of Things has opened at The Library at Willesden Green, saving the first customer around £600.

It is fantastic that Brent’s first Library of Things has now opened. It means residents can save serious money by borrowing rather than buying. Councillor Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Action

Your mental health matters Your mental health matters

The truth is your health can be harmed by these sorts of issues.

Recent research into loneliness, for example, suggested it was as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and that people who are lonely are 50% more likely to die earlier.

Fortunately, there are places that offer support for your mental wellbeing locally. Ashford Place, in Cricklewood, takes a community-centred approach to ending social isolation.

YourBrent recently visited an Ashford Place support group for residents with dementia and spoke to Pat, from Willesden. She was with her husband Donald, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. “To find people who have something in common was very comforting,” Pat told us. “Since we have been in contact with Ashford Place, I know that if we have a problem, I can bring it here. The staff here are very friendly and ready to help.”

In Queen’s Park, GPs at the Lonsdale Medical Practice noticed that loneliness was affecting several of their patients. As a result, they created a wellbeing space for people to socialise, take part in activities and enjoy a nutritious lunch once a week.

Dr Simon Read from the Practice said, “We want people to feel that this is an important part of their community and that when they walk through the door, they feel welcomed and cared for.”

The Brent Health Matters team, that addresses health inequalities, also provide mental health support in the community, so look out for their upcoming events. For further details of support for mental wellbeing, visit www.brent.gov.uk/mentalhealth

It is not unusual to experience feelings of depression, anxiety, or loneliness at some point in your life. But would you recognise these as mental health conditions?

The Dementia peer support group at Ashford Place.

Cash for your community Cash for your community

Boom Wow Theatre, Willesden

Claudia Andrea Rebolledo Sanchez, Director said:

“Thanks to Brent Council’s funding we have been able to deliver weekly drama workshops for adults with learning disabilities and neuro-diversities since September 2022. Participants have shown an incredible increase in their confidence. They have learned different skills like puppetry and carnival and started creating their own show, which they will perform for the community in December.”

Treasure Sports Club, Kilburn

Community Grants come from money the council collects from new developments in the borough which is invested back into local areas through community projects.

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture, said:

“Community projects funded through regeneration are making a real difference to local areas.

“We have launched our £1million Community Grants fund and particularly welcome applications from groups who have not applied for funding before.”

To celebrate the latest round of funding, YourBrent spoke to some previous applicants about how the fund has helped them.

providing quality swimming teachers who deliver fun and engaging swimming lessons. Through this funded programme, we deliver our courses to people in the community who need them the most and would not be able to take part if there was a cost. So far, we have trained 50 swimming teachers.”

Ashley Theophane, Director said: “Funding has helped us to promote health and fitness in Kilburn. Our aim is to help those from disadvantaged communities have access to free after-school activities. We want to help boost children’s physical health and mental wellbeing and that has been made possible with Brent Council’s support.”

“With this funding we have been able to support people with visual impairment through our home visiting service and rapid response counselling. Most importantly, we were able to co-ordinate a monthly meeting for people to meet up. These meetings have helped people with visual impairment to retain their independence and improve their mental wellbeing.”

AFC, Wembley

Tejean Hutton, Director said: “We are making football accessible in council estates across Brent. Sessions are free for residents aged 7 to 12 years and are delivered by young people who were born and raised on the same council estates where they deliver the sessions. We have over 100 young people registered. Funding from Brent Council has allowed us to deliver this project all year.”

Find

Community Grants are already making a positive difference in local areas and applications are now open for the latest £1million pot.

State of the art State of the art

Over 200 pieces of artwork were on public display, showcasing the artistic and creative talents of children and young people with SEND.

The celebration included an evening reception where certificates were presented to the children and young people nominated by their school for their outstanding achievements. It also featured a fantastic performance from the Manor School Choir and an Indian drumming demonstration from Woodfield School, as well as a display of creative writing pieces and samples of music created by students. The celebration was well received by families and schools, with one parent saying, “It was so wonderful to see all the children’s achievements today, including my daughter. Thank you for this event!”

Councillor Gwen Grahl, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Schools, said: “It was an honour to see the talent of these young people on display. I know that the artwork captured the attention of visitors to the Civic Centre and students could share this proud moment with their peers. hope we can continue to showcase the amazing achievements of children and young people with SEND in our borough.”

This exhibition was delivered in partnership with schools and the Brent Parent Carer Forum.

to Higher Heights this autumn, in Harrow

Brent Pest Control Team

We control all kinds of pests including: Mice, Rats, Ants, Bedbugs, Cockroaches, Wasps and More Competitive prices, local service, both residential and commercial customers welcome Professional, friendly, qualified staff offering discrete service

Book online at www.brent.gov.uk/environment /pest-control-for-your-home or scan the QR code: Or call 020 8937 5252

A spectacular art exhibition recognising the achievements of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) took place at Brent Civic Centre over the summer.

Manor School Choir

The SEND art exhibition held at Brent Civic Centre earlier in the summer.

Knowing me, knowing you Knowing me, knowing you

Paul Crooks, from Kingsbury, is a genealogy specialist who started a 13-year journey of discovering his family ancestry after becoming curious about the origins of his surname.

“The BBC was doing a series called Roots which showed someone tracing their ancestry back to Africa, which sparked my interest.” Paul gathered family stories before searching through archives in national libraries.

“When I started researching, this hadn’t been done before. This was before the internet!”

Following the trail led him on a trip to Jamaica, where he found the plantation his ancestorial family had been enslaved. Paul’s discoveries amazed him. He learned that his fourth great grandmother, Ami Djaba, “may have been instrumental in inspiring people in the uprising of enslaved people in Jamaica.”

Further research led Paul on a trip to Ghana, where his great grandmother’s name originated, and he met his extended family. “I felt pure elation and joy to be able to draw a line under the years of my research.”

Armed with a deeper sense of identity, Paul wanted to give others the opportunity and tools to find out more about their ancestry. His book, A Tree Without Roots, is a guide to tracing African, British, and Asian Caribbean ancestry.

“Knowing your family history helps build confidence and selfesteem. It’s important to know your heritage.”

Join Paul Crooks, Black History Speaker and Black Genealogy Specialist, on 4 and 11 October at 6.30pm at The Library at Willesden Green for his talk on Black Ancestry for Beginners. Sign up at bit.ly/ brentcultureserviceevents

Arts, Culture & What’s On

Exercise Our Circuit

Tai Chi

Every Monday. Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre, 6 Hillside, NW10 8BN, 1-2pm

Free. Tai Chi can help decrease stress, anxiety and improved your mood.

Book at: www.sportinmind.org/ Event/tai-chi-in-brent

Bootcamp

Every Monday. Outdoor Gym Area, Alperton Sports Ground, 6.307.30pm

Free. Get fit at this 60-minute bootcamp full body bootcamp workout.

Book at: www.ourparks.org.uk/ borough/alperton-sports-ground-0

Pilates

Every Tuesday. Barham Community Library, 12-1pm

Free. Join a gentle, relaxing weekly Pilates session.

Book at: www.sportinmind.org/ Event/pilates-in-brent

Badminton

Every Tuesday. Vale Farm Leisure Centre, Watford Road, North Wembley, HA0 3HG, 12-1pm Free. Fun, casual drop-in Badminton session to help with mental wellbeing. Book at: www.sportinmind.org/ Event/badminton-in-brent

Women’s Only Fitness Class

Every Wednesday. The Yellow, 1 Humphry Repton Lane, Wembley Park, HA9 0GL, 11-11.45am

Free. Have some fun at The Yellow’s ladies-only fitness class.

Email to book: info@ff-fituk.com

Gentle exercise for over 60s

Every Wednesday. Ashford Place, 60, Ashford Road, London, Brent, NW2 6TU, 11am-12.15pm

Free. A gentle exercise programme for over 60’s.

Book at: www.ashfordplace.org.uk/ what-s-on/gentle-exercise

NHS 75 Exhibition

Every Thursday. Online, 10-10.30am Free. Join an Our Parks 30-minute online circuit class from the comfort of your home.

Book at: www.ourparks.org.uk/ borough/tokyngton-recreationground-also-known-monks-park

Ladies-only Boxercise

Every Saturday. The Yellow, 1 Humphry Repton Lane, Wembley Park, HA9 0GL, 11.30am-12.15pm

A non-contact, effective and fun session packed with a punch! Great for toning, stress-busting & burning calories.

Email to book: Ladiesbefit@hotmail. com

Boxfit

Every Saturday. Bandstand, Queens Park, Kingswood Avenue, Kilburn, NW6 6LR, 10-11am

Free. This 60-minute Boxfit classes offers a fun and interactive way to keep fit.

Book at: www.ourparks.org.uk/ borough/queens-park

Full body circuit

Every Saturday. Roe Green Park, Kingsbury High Road, Kingsbury, NW9 9HA, 10-11am

Free. 60-minute full body weight cardio interval-based workout. Bring your own mat, water and hand wipes. Book at: www.ourparks.org.uk/ borough/roe-green-park

HIIT

Every Sunday. Gladstone Park, 10-11am Free. HIIT training is an intensive form of fitness training where a group of exercises is completed one after the other with 30 - 60secs recovery. Book at: www.ourparks.org.uk/ borough/gladstone-park-0

Brent Libraries

All events are free to attend. Unless stated as drop-in, all events require advance booking via the Brent Culture Service Eventbrite page: bit.ly/brentcultureserviceevents

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Club

Every Wednesday. Ealing Road Library, 4-5.30pm STEM workshops for children aged 8 – 11. Booking required.

Available now. Kingsbury Library

Drop in This display explores the history of hospitals and nursing in Brent to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS.

Harlesden Heritage Action Zone (HHAZ) Exhibition

Until 31 January 2024. The Library at Willesden Green. Drop in A celebration of Harlesden through art, film, and objects.

Coffee Morning: Vietnamese

Silk Painting

Tues 26 Sep. Kingsbury Library, 11am-12.30pm

Join Art Responders’ Daryl StenvollWells for a workshop exploring Vietnamese Silk Painting.

AI can help you succeed!

Thurs 28 Sep. The Library at Willesden Green, 6.30-7.30pm Discover how AI tools can help you to kick start your career, your business or help you become more effective working at home.

Coffee Morning: 1948 Olympics

Tues 3 Oct. Ealing Road Library, 11am-12noon

Discover the story of the 1948 Olympics at this talk by Philip Grant of Wembley History Society.

Power of Plants with Michael Holland

Weds 4 Oct. Kilburn Library, 11am-12.30pm

Join author Michael Holland to learn about a diverse range of houseplants and get hands-on with planting.

Tracing Black Ancestry

Weds 4 Oct

The Library at Willesden Green, 6.30-8.30pm

Join author and researcher Paul Crooks as he shares his experience tracing his roots.

Coffee Morning: Navigating the Digital Age

Thurs 5 Oct. Kilburn Library, 11am-12noon

Stéphane Goldstein will introduce some key ideas around information literacy.

Getting Back into Work with Shaw Trust

Thurs 5 Oct, 2 Nov and 7 Dec

The Library at Willesden Green, 11am-12noon

Find out how the Shaw Trust can help you join the 13,000 people they have supported back into work so far.

Women in Zoological Art

Fri 6 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green, 11am-12.30pm

In the wake of the British Library exhibition, Animals: Art, Science and Sound, create your own personal animal illustration.

Coffee Morning: Scams!

Tues 10 Oct

Kingsbury Library, 11am-12noon

Join Brent’s local Safer Neighbourhood Team for help and advice on how to protect yourself from scams and fraud.

Bridget Jones vs Bridgerton: It’s Time to Diversify Romantic Fiction

Thurs 12 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green, 6.30-7.30pm

Author Frances Mensah Williams will discuss the multicultural heroines and heroes in her books and how the UK’s diverse cultures can be represented in our romantic fiction.

Joyous jewellery

Sat 14 Oct. Harlesden Library, 2-3pm Make beautiful necklaces inspired by African designs.

Brent: The Birth of Muslim Hip Hop

Sat 14 Oct. Harlesden Library, 5-7pm

Join historian and writer Nadia Khan to meet Rakin Fetuga and Ishmael Lea South, founding members of Muslim hip hop act, Mecca 2 Medina.

Black Ancestry for Beginners

Tues 24 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green, 6.30-8.30pm Join author and researcher Paul Crooks as he shares his experience tracing his roots.

Home from Home: Exploring the legacies of BritishNigerians in the UK

Tues 24 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green

Explore the legacies of BritishNigerians in the UK.

3D Map of Africa

Tues 24 Oct. Ealing Road Library, 11am-12noon

In celebration of Black History Month, create a 3D map of Africa featuring landmarks, animals, famous people and more! For ages 5 – 11.

Spooky Snakes and Ladders and Halloween Hats!

Tues 24 October. Kilburn Library, 11am-12noon Spooky crafts. For ages 0 – 11.

Family craft: Celebrating Iraqi culture in Brent

Tues 24 Oct at Wembley Library, 2.30-4.30pm

Tues 26 Oct at Kingsbury Library, 2.30-4.30pm Drop-in. Find out about inspirational members of Brent’s Iraqi community and make a colourful talisman to take home. For ages 3+.

The Great Big Dinosaur Show

Weds 25 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green, 12-1pm Wembley Library, 2.30-3.30pm

Join poet Simon Mole and musician Gecko for a family show full of poems, raps and songs about all your favourite prehistoric protagonists. For ages 4 – 11.

Spooky Halloween

Thurs 26 October. Wembley Library, 2.30-3.30pm Come and create your spooky character. For ages 5 – 11.

Picture Perfect

Thurs 26 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green, 2.30-3.30pm Handmake a picture frame to celebrate your own inspirational Black History Month hero! For ages 5 – 11.

Film Club: Super Mario Bros

Thurs 26 October. Ealing Road Library, 2.30-4.30pm

Screening of an animated film. For ages 5 – 12.

Brent, London and the struggle against Apartheid

Tues 31 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green, 12-1pm Learn how London, and Brent, was a hub for the international opposition to apartheid South Africa.

Coffee Morning: Johannes Vermeer

Weds 1 Nov. Kilburn Library, 11am-12noon

Join artist Rosmond Kinsey Milner to discover Johannes Vermeer, man of mystery and one of the greatest painters of the Dutch Golden Age.

Coffee Morning: Prostate Cancer

Tues 7 Nov. The Library at Willesden Green, 11am-12noon

This awareness talk will cover prostate conditions, risk factors, signs and symptoms and diagnostic pathways.

Fun with fall leaves

Sat 11 Nov. Harlesden Library, 2-3pm Make your own table mat decorated with autumn leaves.

500 years of History: Building diversity, inclusivity and equity

Tues 21 Nov. The Library at Willesden Green, 6.30-7.30pm

Discover stories and experiences from the worldwide Black community ‘reflecting 500 years’ of Black history.

Coffee Morning: Can I fix it? Yes, you can!

Fri 8 Dec. Kilburn Library, 11am-12noon

Discover how to mend clothes and furnishings using hand stitching techniques at this sewing workshop.

Other Events

Mlima’s Tale

Weekdays at 7.30pm, Saturdays at 2.30pm and 7.30pm until 21 October

Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, NW6 7JR

This powerful story follows the death of an African Elephant, and the capitalism, corruption and greed of the global ivory trade.

Book at: www.kilntheatre.com/ whats-on/mlimas-tale

Laugh In the Box

Last Wednesday of every month

BOXPARK Wembley, 7-10pm

Free. Laugh In the Box sees host Aurie Styla brings a handful of comedians from all over to test out material and have fun with the audience.

Book at: www.boxpark.co.uk/ wembley/events/laugh-in-the-box

Wembley Park Antiques Market

Last Wednesday of every month

Green Parking, Canada Lane, HA9 0TQ, 8am-4pm

Free entry. Wembley Park Antiques

Market brings the most exciting retro traders under one roof. Find out more: www.wembleyantiquesmarket.co.uk

Discover fostering with Brent Council

First Thursday of every month Online, 5.15-6.30pm

Free. The ‘Discover Fostering’ Information Evenings are your onestop-shop for all things fostering.

Book at: bit.ly/discoverfostering

Library of Things Grand Launch!

Sat 14 Oct. The Library at Willesden Green, 11am-3pm

Free. Why buy when you can borrow? From carpet cleaners, to drills, or projectors - Willesden Green Library of Things is a place where you can borrow the useful household items you don’t need every day.

The Kids’ Table

Every Sunday (apart from big event days). BOXPARK Wembley, HA9 0JT, 12noon-4pm

Free. From mask decorating to origami chatterboxes, The Kids’ Table provides arts, crafts and entertainment for your little ones. Find out more: www.boxpark.co.uk/ wembley/events/the-kids-table

Dress to Remember: A

Dementia Project

Thurs 7 and 21 Sep, 5 and 19 Oct

Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer Rd, London NW10 5TN, 2-3pm Free. A series of drop-in workshops for people living with dementia. For more information, call 020 8937 3400 or email libraries@brent.gov.uk

Joe Hisaishi Symphonic Concert

Thurs 21 Sep and Fri 22 Sep

OVO Arena Wembley, 6-10pm

A concert with music from Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli Films

Book at: www.ovoarena.co.uk/events

Brent Health Matters

Community Forum

Thurs 28 Sep. Online, 4-8pm Free. Brent Council and local health services are looking at ways to better support the communities in relation to health inequality issues. Book at: bit.ly/BHMcommunityforum

England v Australia

Fri 13 Oct. Wembley Stadium, 7.45pm kick off The Socceroos travel to take on the Three Lions under Wembley’s famous arches.

Book at: www.wembleystadium.com/ events/2023/England-v-Australia

England v Italy – Euros Qualifier

Tues 17 Oct. Wembley Stadium, 7.45pm kick off

Italy travels to take on the Three Lions under Wembley’s famous arches.

Book at: www.wembleystadium. com/events/2023/England-vAustralia

Diwali Festival

Sun, 29 Oct. Ealing Road Wembley, 12-8pm

Enjoy a time of live performances, food, free kids rides and face painting and a fire and light show at 6pm with a parade. Register for the free event https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ diwali-festival-tickets-513868794397

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Sat, 14 Oct

The Drum, Brent Civic Centre, 2pm Join musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for a playful, interactive introduction to orchestral music!

Featuring 25 musicians and internationally renowned presenter Tim Steiner performing a range of music in ways you’ve never imagined, this event is specially designed for people who may find traditional concerts challenging to attend. Including interactive elements, close-up experiences of the musicians, BSL interpretation, Makaton singalong, and gentle sensory elements, this performance is Relaxed, so attendees are welcome to enjoy the concert without worry. There will be opportunities to sing, dance, move about or just listen as preferred, and ‘chill out’ spaces will be available for anyone needing some quiet time before re-entering the auditorium. At the end of the concert you’ll have the opportunity to try a range of musical activities led by the RPO musicians themselves!

Book free tickets: www.rpo.co.uk/ whats-on/eventdetail

FOR HELP WITH THE

COST OF LIVING

www.brent.gov.uk/costofliving

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Call 999 for the police, fire brigade or ambulance services.

Call 101 to report a crime that is not an emergency.

Call 111 if you have a medical problem that is not an emergency.

OTHER LOCAL SERVICES

Find your local GP using the NHS search tool www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/ LocationSearch/4

If you want to help someone sleeping rough go to www.streetlink.org.uk

If you are worried about domestic abuse call Advance Brent on 07398 454898 Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm or email brent.admin@advancecharity.org.uk

If you are concerned about a child, call Brent Family Front Door on 020 8937 4300

SEE ABUSE?

Looking out for each other is everyone’s responsibility.

Neglect or physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse is not always obvious.

If you suspect anyone may be at risk, help stop it by reporting it.

Call 020 8937 4300 or in an emergency call 999

COMMUNITY GRANTS AND FUNDING STAY CONNECTED

www.brent.gov.uk/funding

No ID No vote

Keep in touch with the latest news and service updates in Brent by signing up for e-alerts at: www.brent.gov.uk/stayconnected

ACCESS SERVICES ONLINE

Pay for council tax online www.brent.gov.uk/counciltax

Make a claim for housing benefi t www.brent.gov.uk/housingbenefit

Apply for a parking permit www.brent.gov.uk/parking

COUNCIL MEETINGS

4

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. The next scheduled elections in Brent are the Mayor of London and London Assembly elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024.

a UK or Northern lreland photocard driving licence (full or provisional)

a driving licence issued by the EU, Norway. lceland, Liechtenstein, the lsle of Man or any of the Channel Islands

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

a PASS card (National Proof of Age Standards Scheme)

an Oyster 60+ card

a Freedom Pass

an older person's bus pass

a disabled person's bus pass

a Blue Badge

a National ldentity Card issued by the EU, Norway. lceland or Liechtenstein

a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

a Defence ldentity Card (MOD form 90)

an Anonymous Elector's Document (AED)

Your vote is important. Don't lose it

No photo ID?

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Find out more

To find out more, including how to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, what will happen at the polling station and answers to some frequently asked questions:

• Visit www.brent.gov.uk/voterID

• Scan the QR code

• Call 020 8937 1372

A unique setting for pupils to achieve exceptionally and be extraordinary.

THURSDAY, 21 ST SEPTEMBER 2023 5.30PM – 8.30PM

Wembley High Technology College is one of the highest performing schools in the country. e school was once again confi rmed by Ofsted inspectors as an “Outstanding” school in 2022.

North Brent School is Wembley High’s sister school and has been set up to model Wembley High. Students will be moving to the brand new building during Autumn 2023.

WEMBLEY HIGH’S TRACK RECORD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT – 2022 RESULTS

89% of students achieved the English Baccalaureate (GCSEs in English, maths, science, humanities and languages).

44% of A Level exams were awarded A*/A grades.

51% of all pupils secured offers at Russell Group Universities, with 5 students studying Medicine or Dentistry and 3 students studying at Oxford or Cambridge.