Bienvenido
Welcome to Brent
On behalf of Brent Council, we extend a heartfelt welcome to you as you start on a new chapter in your lives.
Throughout history, Brent has always been a place in which people from different backgrounds and cultures have come together. We are so proud that to this day we can continue to welcome our new arrivals. You are most welcome here.
We understand that the journey leading you here may have been challenging, which is why we want to make sure that you know about the large number of services and opportunities available in Brent.
We have created this pack containing information about services and places in Brent to assist you and your family while you await your asylum decision. As you settle into your new surroundings, please know that our community is here to help.
Whether you are utilising our services through our contact centre, looking to engage with a variety of the community groups Brent offers, or have an issue around public safety we will always look to support you.
If you have questions about local services, need assistance getting around the area, or simply wish to connect with other residents, we encourage you to reach out.
Cllr Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Resident Support and Culture
Cllr Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Partnerships
About Brent
Brent is one of 32 boroughs which make up Greater London.
Each borough has its own local council also known as a local authority.
The latest 2021 census data shows that the population of Brent was estimated to be 339,800, making Brent the 5th largest London borough.
Brent has one of the highest range of languages spoken in the country. In 2021, around one third (34%) of residents used a main language other than English.
Overall census data has shown that there are around 140 languages spoken in Brent.
Wembley Park
Wembley Stadium Wembley Central North Wembley
South Kenton Kenton
Harlesden
Stonebridge Park
Neasden Dollis Hill
Willesden Green
Kensal Green
Kensal Rise Willesden Junction
Queens Park
Brondesbury Park
Kilburn Brondesbury
Northwick Park
Preston Road
Kingsbury
Sudbury & Harrow Road
Alperton
Park
Queensbury Queensbury Kingsbury
What are Brent Council’s responsibilities
Brent Council and other London local authorities are responsible for providing local services:
• Adult Social Care
• Benefits and money advice
• Bins, rubbish, and recycling
• Births, deaths, ceremonies, and nationalities
• Children, young people and families
• Council Tax
• Education, schools and learning
• Environmental issues
Brent has 57 councillors elected in different areas in the borough called wards. Wards have either two or three Councillors, according to the number of people living there. Councillors represent residents in an area and are responsible for making sure services the council provides meet the needs of residents and those who work in Brent. To find out more about Councillors, visit the website: democracy.brent.gov.uk/ mgMemberIndex.aspx
• Housing
• Jobs, training, and skills
• Libraries, arts, and heritage
• Neighbourhood and communities
• Nuisance, crimes, and safety
• Parking, roads, and transport
• Parks, leisure, and healthy living
• Planning and building control
Information about the support available in the borough for new arrivals can be found on our website: tinyurl.com/2d2ekz74
You can learn more about Brent Council by visiting the website: www.brent.gov.uk
What happens when I get my asylum decision?
Positive decision
If your asylum application is successful, you will be considered a refugee. You will receive temporary immigration status (known as ‘leave to remain’) for a period of up to 5 years. You will have the right to:
• Employment
• Education
• Rent a property
• Access to financial support from the government
• The right to reunite with immediate family
Please also note that any help you have been receiving from the Home Office will stop after 21 to 28 days from the day you got your refugee status. This includes any help you are getting with housing and money.
In this situation, you will need to find a new place to live and new ways to earn money.
The Refugee Council offers help and advice to new refugees who do not have a home or are in danger of becoming poor.
For more details visit: tinyurl.com/2jb2ybbx
When you receive a positive decision from the Home Office, you will be asked to set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. This is because from April 2024, the UK is moving to a digital immigration system. All physical documents, like biometric residence permits (BRPs), will be replaced by an online record called an eVisa. The eVisa is the official proof of your immigration status. Find out more about eVisas at www.gov.uk/getaccess-evisa
If you need help with your online Home Office application, support is available if you:
• are not confident using a computer or mobile device
• do not have internet access
• do not have access to a device, such as a laptop or smartphone.
You can receive help through:
• phone support: Speak with an advisor by calling
• in-person support: Visit a support centre for face-to-face assistance.
Contact ‘We Are Group’ for support:
• email: visa@we-are-digital.co.uk
What happens when I get my asylum decision?
• text: Send ‘VISA’ and your phone number to 07537 416 944
• telephone: Call at 03333 445 675
• available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm.
Find out more at wearegroup.com/ assisted-digital
Negative decision
If the Home Office refuses your asylum claim, they will send you a letter telling you to leave the UK. Usually, you must move out of the accommodation provided within 21 days. However, if you can appeal against this decision, you are normally allowed to stay in your accommodation until a decision is made on your appeal.
If you are getting financial support or accommodation from the asylum support system, this will continue while your appeal is being processed. If your appeal is also refused, then this support will stop.
It is advised that you get help from a qualified lawyer who can guide you through the appeal process.
If you are not sure how to appeal or if you can appeal your asylum decision, you can access a toolkit offered by Right to Remain: righttoremain.org.uk/toolkit/ appeals/. This website provides guidance to assist you with the process.
You can get help if you want to go back to your home country. This help is called ‘voluntary return.’ If you qualify for this service, they can:
• tell you about your choices for going back home
• help you get travel papers, like a passport
• pay for your travel tickets if you can’t afford them
• give you some money to help you when you leave the UK.
You can apply for this service by visiting: gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily/ apply
Money
Once you have refugee status, you are allowed to work in the UK. Working helps you support yourself and your family financially. The Home Office offers a programme called ‘The Refugee Employability Programme’ (REP) which helps refugees find jobs and settle in England. You will get one-on-one help, English classes, and support from your REP Case Manager. To learn more, please visit: repreedinpartnership.co.uk
Brent Works is a service from Brent Council that helps you find jobs
and apprenticeships. They connect you with suitable job opportunities and training to improve your job prospects. Brent Works gives personalised advice and support to help you find a job. For more information, visit: brentworks. brent.gov.uk. You can also email the team at brent.works@brent.gov.uk or call them on 0208 937 6295. For a list of organisations in London that help with employment and other support, visit the Mayor’s website and check the interactive map at: www.london.gov.uk/map-migrantsupport-services
Benefits
If you are not ready or able to look for work and have very little or no income, you can apply for benefits instead. You might be entitled to benefits like:
Universal Credit - if you are unemployed, too ill to work, or earning a low wage. It is a payment to help with your living costs. If you need money before your first payment, you can ask for an advance through your local Job Centre: find-your-nearest-jobcentre. dwp.gov.uk/search.php
Housing Benefit - if you need help to pay rent and you have reached State Pension age or you’re in temporary or supported housing
A refugee integration loan - to help pay for a rent deposit, household items, education and training for work.
Brent Council operates a service called ‘Brent Hubs’ which you can visit for help with identifying which type of benefit you may be able to receive.
They also provide advice in areas around money management, debt advice and more. You can learn more about Brent Hub services by visiting: brenthubs.com
For more information how to access benefits in Brent and for advice on how to deal with the rising costs of water, heating and electricity bills, and information on local food banks please visit: brent.gov.uk/cost-of-living-helpand-advice
Housing in Brent
Once you have the right to stay in the UK, you will need to find a place to live. Most people rent their homes from private landlords. This type of housing is flexible, letting you choose a home that fits your needs. You can learn more about renting privately from the government’s guide at: gov.uk/ private-renting.
You can find rental properties on websites like:
• app.dssmove.co.uk/property-to-rent
• fish4homes.co.uk
• zoopla.co.uk
• rightmove.co.uk
• onthemarket.com
• gumtree.co.uk
Please note, London and the southern parts of England have high rent costs due to a shortage of affordable housing. It’s common for single people in London to share houses to save money. You can look for shared housing on spareroom.co.uk
Housing in Brent
When looking for a new home, think about towns and cities outside London where it costs less and there are more houses available. You can move back to London when you get a good job if you want to.
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, please contact our homelessness team on 020 8937 2000 (select option 3), available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. If you are single or a couple without children, please visit the Single Homelessness team as soon as possible so they can work out your housing needs.
The team is available Monday to Friday, 9am – 4pm. Their address is:
Turning Point Housing Emergency Centre, Brent Community Health Council, Design Works, Park Parade NW10 4HT
The London Refugee Council runs a service called ‘Private Rented Scheme’ which helps refugees who may be at risk of homelessness. This service offers landlords a deposit bond on the behalf of a refugee who otherwise would not be able to make this payment. For more details visit: tinyurl.com/mry8t5kn
Legal Advice and Support
There are a number of organisations in Brent and London who provide asylum seekers with legal advice and support. It is important to be aware of the different levels of advice that an organisation can offer you. The ‘levels’ consist of the following areas:
Level 1: basic immigration advice
Level 2: more complex casework including applications outside the Immigration Rules
Level 3: appeals to a First-tier Tribunal against a visa, asylum or immigration decision
The Home Office has a service which can help you locate your nearest immigration advisor. Simply enter your current address into the search engine and a list of regulated advisory services nearest to you will appear: portal.oisc.gov.uk/s/adviser-finder
Legal Advice and Support
Brent Hub Immigration Advice Service
Brent operates a free immigration advice service which can be accessed through Brent Hubs. Upon visiting the hub if an immigration advice or support need is identified you will be referred to the service, with appointments on Monday afternoons at the Civic Centre Hub and Wednesday mornings at the Kilburn hub. For more information on Brent Hubs visit: brenthubs.com
Citizen Advice Brent (CAB)
CAB has an immigration helpline for those in need. They are equipped to give immigration advice and help with cost of living support.
Website: citizensadvicebrent.org.uk/call-us/
Young Roots
Young Roots work with young refugees and asylum-seekers age 1125 in Brent. They have a specialist casework service which provides 1:1 support to young people age 11-25 to link them with legal advisors and representatives, housing options, education, and other support services. They also offer psychological support and a programme of youth activities.
Website: youngroots.org.uk/brent
Praxis
Praxis is a London based charity that works with asylum seekers and refugees. They provide free immigration advice over the phone on Wednesdays 2-5pm and Thursdays 10am-1.00pm. To speak with an adviser, you can call 0207749 7605.
Website: praxis.org.uk/get-help
Health and Wellbeing
Everyone in the UK is entitled to basic medical care no matter what their immigration status is. You can register with a doctor, known as a General Practitioner (GP) in the UK, when you arrive at your place of stay. The GP usually works from a local office known as a surgery. A GP and other health professionals can offer free medical advice, provide a diagnosis, and prescribe medicines. Where applicable the GP can also refer you for more specialised hospital services. Please speak to a member of hotel staff who will be able to provide you with your local GP surgery details. You can also find your nearest GP surgery here: tinyurl.com/yaprbfus
If you require a dentist to look at your teeth, you can do so by visiting this link: www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist
NHS dental care costs money, but you can apply for help to pay for this service For more information see the government guidance Dental health: migrant health guide - tinyurl.com/ye266fcw
If in pain and you need to see an emergency dentist – Always call 111 – they will make an assessment with you on the phone – then send you through to a Dentist if needed.
You can find your nearest optician: tinyurl.com/2s3dksz7
For more medical advice and support for Asylum guests staying at the 3 hotels in Wembley. Call the Brent Health Matters Clinical Team on Tel: 0208 102 3456 (Option 4) / or 0203 114 7185.
Health and Wellbeing
Accessing health care
If you are experiencing an illness, you should contact your GP surgery and request an appointment.
You can contact the 24-hour service NHS free phone line by dialling 111 to get free health information and advice. You can ask for an interpreter in your language by saying “interpreter please.”
In an emergency, call 999. This service is for emergencies such as a heart attack, stroke, or serious accident and should only be used if your life is in danger. The phone line is open 24 hours a day. If emergency help is needed, an ambulance will be sent to help.
All calls to 111 or 999 are free of charge.
Mental Health Support
If you need help to rebuild your life, to recover from your past experiences, you can access support. In the UK this is called mental health support. Below you will find listed some of the services provided and how to access them:
Central and Northwest London NHS offers a ‘Talking Therapies’ service with trained therapists. You can ask for support by calling 0208 206 3924 or emailing cnw-tr.brent.iapt@nhs.net
Brent Cove – is a service for Brent residents aged (16+) who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Attendees can simply turn up as no appointment is necessary. The venue is open from 2-10pm. Monday –Sunday, every day of the year. Contact us: Phone: 07469 856963
Email: BH.Cove@hestia.org
Address: Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre 6 Hillside London NW10 8BN
Brent Bereavement Service - provides counselling, advice, information and training for bereaved people, their families and friends in the London Borough of Brent. Contact: info@bbsonline.org.uk Tel – 07765 402297
Health and Wellbeing
Refugee Council – tinyurl.com/46ff6e3j - offers one-to-one counselling for adults who are seeking asylum. For more information, please get in touch at london.therapeutic@refugeecouncil.org.uk
SHOUT – for support in a crisis. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Contact: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. giveusashout.org Text SHOUT To 85258 anytime 24/7.
Samaritans – samaritans.org - Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide. Call 116 123 for Free 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Email: - jo@samaritans.org Post:- Freepost SAMARITANS
LETTERS
Maternity and Infant support
Our health visiting teams work with mothers and families to promote the health and wellbeing of children. Health visitors are trained nurses or midwives who have undertaken additional training in community public health nursing. You may meet a health visitor while you are still pregnant or 10-14 days after your baby is born. You can ask them any questions you have, and they will also provide information for you. For more details about this program please visit: tinyurl.com/3p8cmw7e For health visiting and school nursing referrals, continue to telephone 0208 102 4900 or email clcht.brentadminhub@nhs.net.
Breastfeeding support service is available for all families that live in Brent. You can access more information by visiting tinyurl.com/4f2wmb65 Workers at this service are trained under the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, to provide you with the most up-to-date knowledge and evidence-based advice to help support you with your breastfeeding journey.
If you are more than 10 weeks
Health and Wellbeing
pregnant or have a child under 4, you are eligible for free vitamins from Brent’s Family Wellbeing Centres delivered as part of the Healthy Start programme.
Getting the right level of vitamins throughout pregnancies and early years is essential. Supplementing with vitamins can support pregnant women and babies in the womb and keep them healthy.
One parent who picked up the free vitamins said: “Our son needs to have vitamin D daily due to having low levels. Having the vitamins for free makes a huge difference.”
Free vitamins are available to collect from Family Wellbeing Centres in Brent.
You might also be eligible for support with your local grocery shop through the national Healthy Start scheme. Find out more at www.brent.gov.uk/healthystart
For more details on the ‘Healthy Start’ programme and for information on how to apply please visit: www.healthystart.nhs.uk/
Safeguarding
If you or somebody else, you know that’s staying in your hotel has a disability and is experiencing physical or mental health harm/abuse then please contact Brent’s safeguarding team at safeguardingadults@brent.gov.uk
If you or somebody else, you know is being controlled in some way, including by threats or violence you can contact a local charity called ‘Advance Domestic Abuse Services’ on 07398 454898.
Further information regarding support that is available for domestic violence victims can be found at www.brent.gov.uk/domesticabusesupport
Police and Fire Brigade Information
If you have been the victim of a crime or want to report a crime that you have witnessed, please contact the police. The police can be contacted on two numbers:
101 – Use this number for non-emergencies. For example, this includes reporting drug dealing, theft, cybercrimes etc. You can also use this number to contact your local police station.
999 – Call this number if the situation you are reporting is an emergency. For example, a serious assault, rape or if you fear there is a danger to life.
You can also call 999 if you need to contact the Fire brigade in case of a fire you are unable to extinguish or if you witness a fire somewhere else.
Local and London-wide Groups that provide support to new arrivals
Afghan Association Paiwand
Wide-ranging support to those in need, including advocacy, employment assistance, and welfare help in English, Pashto, Farsi, and Dari. Paiwand focuses on youth integration, mental health advice, and immigration guidance. The organisation also provides community support, youth activities, and parenting classes in Brent. Their mental health team offers counselling for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
Website: tinyurl.com/4zdj5fy6
Safeguarding
Freedom From Torture
This organisation provides English classes, hot lunches, and food for those in need. They offer a range of activities including gardening, music, and football classes, as well as art classes. In addition, they provide services and activities specifically for Asylum Seekers. Website: tinyurl.com/3zkabxv5
Groundswell
In Brent Groundswell assists clients who are rough sleeping or at significant risk of rough sleeping in addressing their health concerns, providing information on health services, and helping them schedule, attend, and understand medical appointments. The organisation offers practical support during follow-ups and hospital stays, advocating for clients when necessary to overcome barriers in accessing healthcare. They also support clients in applying for HC2 certificates to help with healthcare costs.
Website: groundswell.org.uk/
Little Village
Little Village supports families living in poverty with children aged 0-5. They provide essential items including clothing and equipment. They also offer a signposting and guidance service for additional support. Currently they do a lot of work assisting families living in hotels. In order receive this help, you will need a referral from a professional – for example: a healthcare worker such as a GP, Social Services, Family Wellbeing Centres Food or the hotel you are staying in. Website: littlevillagehq.org/make-a-referral/
Salusbury World
Salusbury World are a charity supporting refugee children and families. They offer 1 to 1 educational mentoring, classes for mothers, and holidays for children. For example, they help with school places, uniforms, etc., and run holiday programmes for children aged 8-11 and 12-16. Additionally, they provide housing and legal support, health advice, English classes, and help with accessing benefits.
Website: salusburyworld.org.uk/referral-form/
Safeguarding
Springboard Youth Academy
Springboard Youth Academy provides a Saturday supplementary programme for those aged 13-18 during term time, as well as half-term programmes based in Newman Catholic College. They also run a threeweek summer programme at Capital City Academy. Their English languagebased programme includes sports, a hot halal lunch and a life skills or arts workshop, plus the opportunity for additional 1:1 support if needed. Their services are free and open to newly arrived young people.
Website: springboardyouth.com/get-involved/refer/
Sufra
Sufra provides emergency food and offer a specific integration programme for new arrivals. They give advice to asylum seekers and refugees and provide services on Fridays which aim to empower new arrivals to become independent and start a new life in the UK. They also offer introductory English classes, asylum and protection and immigration advice.
Website: tinyurl.com/4f6uau3v
Young Roots
Young Roots have a specialist casework service which provides 1:1 support to young people as well as other support services. They have a partnership with the Helen Bamber Foundation to offer psychological support to those affected by trauma. They also have weekly youth and sports activities, young women’s groups, and trips during the school holidays. Their Youth Welfare Project supports the wellbeing of newly arrived young refugees aged 18-25 living in Home Office hotel accommodation in Brent.
Website: youngroots.org.uk/brent
A full list of all Community groups and organisations in Brent can be found by visiting our community directory address: tinyurl.com/yf3hs67y
Families, Children and Young People
Family Wellbeing Centres
Family Wellbeing Centres (FWC) offer a wide range of free health, education and welfare services to families and aim to give everyone in Brent the best possible start in life. The centres run a large variety of classes from pregnancy to parenting support and work with children from early childhood up to the age of 18. They also work with children who have special educational needs and disability – (SEND).
When you visit a family wellbeing centre, an officer will talk to you and find out what your needs are, and how the centre can support you. This may be looking after your children while you learn English, or supporting you to access benefits, or telling you what help is available to you elsewhere. To use a Family Wellbeing Centre, you must first register. To do this, and find out more about the facilities, courses, etc. on offer, visit our website: tinyurl.com/5t4mhdxz
Education
Enrolling your child in a school or college
In the UK every child under 18 is required by law to be enrolled in the existing education system. In the UK the education system is split into the following components:
n Primary school education - begins in the UK at age 5 and continues until age 11.
n Secondary School Education – from the ages of 11 – 16. In the last two years of secondary education starting at age 14, students prepare for GCSE exams that are taken after two years.
Families, Children and Young People
n Sixth Form/College – from the ages of 16 – 18. In the UK school system, most students at the age of 16 will start a 2 year programme which leads to A level examinations. Students specialise in subjects, that are usually relevant to the degree subject they wish to follow at university.
n Apprenticeships – starting usually at age 16 or after, apprenticeships are an alternative to the traditional academic route. They combine practical training in a job with study. An apprentice will work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific skills, and earn a wage.
If you arrive in Brent with children, it is vital to apply for a school/ college place as soon as possible. You can find details of all schools in Brent by visiting: tinyurl. com/76c24upz
For a more detailed overview of the UK education system including what to expect when starting school and lots of further resources please visit: tinyurl.com/bdenm48m
If your child is attending a primary school their school meals will be provided for. Please note that this applies to London only. Your child may also get free school meals in secondary school if you meet certain criteria. For further information on free school meals please visit: tinyurl.com/27kzevdx
Help with the cost of school uniforms
Support is available to Brent residents through the Resident Support Fund. If you are a Brent resident and in financial difficulties, this fund may be able to help with the cost of bills and essentials, including school uniforms: tinyurl.com/nnkb6572
To obtain further information regarding your child’s enrolment in a Brent school please contact our school admissions team: school.admissions@brent.gov.uk.
Families, Children and Young People
Activities for children and young people
The Brent Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme offers a wide range of free activities including sports, music, drama, crafts, and trips. These are available across Brent during the school holidays for children and young people. Healthy food is included with all the activities. You can be referred to the programme by a working professional such as a social worker or teacher.
To find out more information and how to sign up please visit: tinyurl. com/ms22xwvj
You can also email HAF@Brent.gov.uk for more information.
Kids Swim Free
During the school holidays, children aged 16 and under can swim for free at Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centres. To take part in this free swimming, simply complete the Kids swim free form inside the link below. tinyurl.com/mwdyx2my
Daniel’s Den
Daniel’s Den is an organisation which organises Parent and Toddler Groups. In each session, children play and take part in many other fun activities. Parents are encouraged to share skills with one another and build friendships. For more information on Daniel’s Den please visit: danielsden.org.uk/
An extensive list of third-party organisations which offer activities and work with young people in Brent can be found by visiting www.brentyouthzone.org.uk/
There are also a wide range of activities for children and young people which are available through the Family Wellbeing Centres.
Learning Opportunities
Libraries
Libraries in Brent offer a wide variety of services. You can borrow books and access the internet as well as attend events.
It is free to join a library and once you are a member you can borrow books, eAudio and eBooks for free, including in Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Somalian, and other languages.
There are computers in the libraries which you can use free for an hour a day.
Libraries also hold a variety of cultural events and learning programs throughout the year.
In order to find or join your nearest library please visit the link: tinyurl.com/v9fkus95
ESOL – Learning English
ESOL stands for ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’. As a new resident in the UK you can develop your spoken, written, reading and listening skills with an ESOL course. There are lots of different types of English classes across Brent, from beginner level to advanced.
One of the main providers of ESOL classes in Brent is English for Action: This organisation provides English language classes for new arrivals in London. You can book a class by visiting: efalondon.org/join-a-class/
Additionally, in the ‘adult education and training’ category below you will find listed a number of local organisations which also offer English classes as a part of their services.
For a full list of local English classes please visit the link: tinyurl.com/j96fx8ap
Adult Education and Training
Brent Start offers a variety of courses including:
Learning Opportunities
Asylum seekers that have been in the country for more than six months are able to access this service. Please note that some of the courses are free but others have to be paid for.
For more information, please visit the Brent Start homepage: tinyurl.com/5n8vdvr7
There are also a number of other organisations which provide education and training opportunities:
ELATT
ELATT offers a wide range of courses, including:
• English Classes • IT • Maths •Teaching Assistance
• Web Design
• Software Development
They offer digital classes and also have a sixth form (for children aged 16-18). Website: elatt.org.uk/courses/english-skills
Refugee Education UK
REUK supports refugee children and young people to access and thrive in education. Their work on access to education includes help getting into schools, further education and university - through an advice line, workshops and 1:1 casework. Their work helping young people to thrive in education includes academic mentoring, study clubs and wellbeing support. They work nationally, but are based at The Lighthouse, in Harlesden. Website: reuk.org/contact
Renaisi
Renaisi is dedicated to supporting professional skilled refugees and asylum seekers with the right to work. Through their Transitions programme, they find suitable jobs for these skilled workers in areas such as engineering, the built environment, and business services. The programme offers one to one career coaching and access to employability workshops, both in-person and online. Website: renaisi.com/transitions
Parks and Open Spaces
There are many parks and open spaces to explore and enjoy in Brent. Some of the main parks in the borough are listed below:
Barham Park, Harrow Road, Wembley HA0 2HB
King Edward VII Park, Park Lane, Wembley, HA9 7RX
Roundwood Park, Harlesden Rd, NW10 3SH
Gladstone Park, Parkside, , NW2 6RW
Woodcock Park, Address: Shaftesbury Avenue, HA3 0RD
Fryent Country Park, Fryent Way, NW9 9SE
Roe Green Park, Address: Kingsbury Road, , NW9 9HA
Welsh Harp Open Space, Address: Birchen Grove, , NW9 7NB
Queen’s Park, Address: Queens Park Lodge, Harvist Rd, NW6 6SG
You can find the full list of parks and open spaces in Brent by visiting: tinyurl.com/3hfevcyj
Parks and Open Spaces
Outdoor Gyms
There are 20 outdoor gyms located in parks and open spaces across Brent. They are free to use and there is no need to book. To find your nearest outdoor gym, visit: tinyurl. com/578tnkm4
Healthy Walks in Brent
Brent’s walks programmes are open to all, including those new to physical activity. Have fun and meet new people. Improve your health and fitness. Feel safe walking in a group. All walks are free of charge. For more details, please visit the links below: tinyurl.com/553z5fhu tinyurl.com/yk5dmsxm
Our Parks Activities
We also offer free exercise classes across Brent Parks including: Yoga, Abs Workout and Circuit, Bootcamps. All outdoor fitness sessions are for women and men. To book online, visit: tinyurl.com/2fn2e6dr
Park Run
If you enjoy running, Gladstone Park Run is a free weekly 5km event for runners of all standards. It takes place every Saturday at 9:00am at Gladstone Park. To register please visit: parkrun.org.uk/gladstone/
Multi-use Games Areas
There are Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) in many of Brent’s parks and open spaces. These are free of charge to use, seven days a week, and there is no need to book.
MUGAs are mostly used for netball, basketball and football but can be used for a range of other sporting activities Multi Use Games Area | Brent Council Visit tinyurl.com/szxt2cv7 for more details on how to keep active in Brent
How to get involved and volunteer in the community
Volunteering is very rewarding. It helps you learn new skills, become more confident, help your community, and meet new people. In Brent, there are many chances to volunteer.
If you like gardening, you can join community groups. To sign up, please visit: tinyurl.com/4yaaff5k
The NHS also offers many volunteering options while you wait for the Home Office to decide on your status. To learn about these opportunities, please email anthony.sembatya@westlondon.nhs.uk. They will cover your travel costs when you volunteer.
For more volunteering options in Brent, contact CVS Brent. They help build a strong community by offering many volunteering roles. You can email them at support@cvsbrent.org.uk or call 020 30111 169 for more information.
Places of worship
There is religious freedom in the UK which means you can practise any religion you choose. There are many places in Brent where you can worship and practice your faith. Some of the main places are listed below:
Central Mosque of Brent
41 Station Parade, Willesden, London NW2 4NX
Wembley Central Mosque
35-37 Ealing Road, Wembley, London HA0 4AE
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (also known as Neasden Temple)
Pramukh Swami Rd, Neasden, London NW10 8HW
St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church
Address: 339 High Rd, Wembley HA9 6AG
A full list of all places of worship in Brent can be found by visiting the link below and filtering by places of worship.
tinyurl.com/yf3hs67y
Transport
Brent is well connected with Underground (Tube), bus and train links to the rest of London.
The easiest way to use transport in London is to buy an Oyster Card. An Oyster Card is a card with pay as you go credit. Oyster cards can be bought (and topped up) at ticket machines in underground stations. If you are older or have disabilities, you may qualify for a Freedom Pass. This pass lets you travel without paying. To see if you can get one, visit this website: londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass
You must touch your Oyster card to the yellow card reader at the start of your journey on the train or underground and touch out at the end of the journey. On buses just touch your card on the yellow reader at the start of your journey - you do not need to touch it again when you get off. Fares vary depending on the method of transport and which transport zones you travel in.
You can plan your journey, see information on fares and service updates and find out more information about travel in London by visiting: tinyurl.com/2ye8pw9e
Transport for London (TfL) offers free travel on London buses to all children under the age of 18 who are in full time education. It offers other free or discounted travel of which full details can be found by visiting the TFL website: tfl. gov.uk/fares/free-anddiscounted-travel
Things to do in Brent
Fitness
There are several sport and leisure centres across Brent offering classes, gym and pool facilities and more:
Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre
Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre has an aerobics studio, two fitness studios, sauna and steam rooms, badminton and netball courts for workouts. Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre, Brentfield, Harrow Road, NW10 0RG
Vale Farm Sports Centre
Vale Farm Sports Centre has a gym and two swimming pools. Facilities include a sports hall that hosts activities including five-a-side football, badminton and gymnastics. The centre also has a 3G outdoor football pitch and tennis courts. Vale Farm Sports Centre, Watford Road, Wembley, HA0 3HG
Willesden Sports Centre
Willesden Sports Centre has swimming, track, pitches and gym facilities. Willesden Sports Centre, Donnington Road, London, Brent, NW10 3QX
There are also several sport and leisure centres, not run by the Council, across Brent offering classes, gym and pool facilities and more. Sport centres li.st (brent.gov.uk)
B.Active Leisure Discount Card at Willesden, Bridge Park and Vale Farm Sports Centres
You can get reduced prices at Brent’s Sports Centres through the B.Active Scheme. For a small one-off payment, this gives regular users 25% off. Senior citizens (60+), people with a disability and people on income support get 40% off normal prices for many activities.
Things to do in Brent
Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre is a venue which hosts events and activities for all ages. This includes a number of physical activities and lessons which cater to women. Full details are listed below.
Zumba - Wednesday 7:30m-8:30pm
Women ONLY Sessions - Fridays 10am
Street Dance - Saturday 1pm-2pm
Address: 6 Hillside, London NW10 8BN. Contact information 07923437912
Disability Sports Coach
Club Brent is a 2 hour multi-sports session covering a host of sports that can be adapted to all abilities based at Willesden Sports Centre, Donnington Road, London, NW10 3QX. Popular sports include Basketball, Cricket and Boccia. All disabilities and impairments are welcome. Price £4 Club Brent | Disability Sports Coach. More information can be found at: tinyurl.com/5d6javfj
Visit www.brent.gov.uk/parks-leisure-and-healthy-living for further details on how to keep active in Brent
Sights and places to visit:
Brent has many interesting places to visit and explore:
Wembley Stadium
This iconic stadium, known for hosting major football matches and concerts is probably the most famous landmark in Brent.
Wembley Stadium, South Way, London HA9 0WS
Wembley Park
This area offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the London Designer Outlet with various stores and restaurants.
Brent also contains many interesting places of culture:
Brent Museum and Archives: Learn about the history of the borough and its diverse communities through exhibitions and collections.
Willesden Library Centre, 95 High Rd, London NW10 2SF
Kiln Theatre
This venue regularly stages a wide variety of plays that reflect the diversity of the area. The venue has a 292 seat theatre alongside a 300 seat cinema, a bar, restaurant and café.
Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd, London NW6 7JR
The Yellow
The yellow is a vibrant local hub which has a jam-packed calendar with workshops, clubs and classes covering a huge range of topics and interests from fitness activities and social clubs to creative classes. Address:
1 Humphry Repton Ln, Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0GL
Lexi Cinema
Lexi Cinema is based in Kensal Rise. The Lexi is London’s only social enterprise cinema, a volunteer-run picture palace showing mainstream films and live opera.
194b Chamberlayne Rd, London NW10 3JU
