Autumn 2020 www.brent.gov.uk/yourbrent The magazine about life in Brent, published by Brent Council
Recovery position Bouncing back – supporting you, local businesses and the environment Help us avoid a second wave of the virus – page 16
BRENT BIENNIAL
The stories of Brent’s past, its today and its tomorrow
BLACK LIVES MATTER Brent’s action plan helps protect local community
MUTUAL AID Local people going above and beyond
EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL We are delighted to introduce you to our amazing school. We are a unique primary school that provides strong subject based teaching.
Our Ofsted grades (November 2019): Overall effectiveness: Outstanding The quality of education: Outstanding Behaviour and attitudes: Outstanding We provide a structured, disciplined working environment in which every student receives high-quality teaching.
Teachers are highly qualified in their subject and have a relentless focus on high expectations, high aspirations and excellent academic outcomes for
Personal development: Outstanding Leadership and management: Outstanding Early years provision: Outstanding We have created a happy and caring environment, so that our students are wellrounded young people, and have a passion and love of learning.
Our 12 million pound, state-of- the-art brand new primary school has purpose built classrooms and facilities, learning resource centres for each key stage, Science Laboratories and a Multi-use Games Area.
Wembley Multi-Academy Trust comprises of three schools: WEMBLEY HIGH TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL (90 places for Reception in September 2021) NORTH BRENT SCHOOL (at Wembley High until the new school is built in 2022)
East Lane Primary School, East Lane, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 3NT CEO/Executive Headteacher: Ms Gill Bal OBE | Headteacher: Mr Amit Hathi Tel: 020 8289 4600 | Web: www.whtc.co.uk or www.elps.co.uk | Email: admin@whtc.co.uk
YOUR BRENT
IN THIS ISSUE...
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NEWS
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A round-up of the latest news in Brent
ACTION ON POVERTY A new independent plan to address poverty in Brent
HELP AVOID A SECOND WAVE OF CORONAVIRUS
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We find out what you can do to stop the spread
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BACKING THE BLACK COMMUNITY Read Brent Council’s plan to support local black residents
OUR MUTAL FRIENDS
FREE WHEELING
BACKING THE BLACK COMMUNITY
We learn about Mutual Aid Groups and the work they’ve been doing
FREE WHEELING Lori tells us all about her newfound two wheeled freedom
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FINAL 2020 CULTURE FUND WINNERS REVEALED
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BRENT BIENNIAL TAKING CARE OF YOU Discover the best ways to look after your mental health and wellbeing
FLAVOURS OF BRENT
ABUSE – SEE IT, REPORT IT Do you know who to call if you witness or experience abuse?
www.facebook.com/BrentCouncil
NEW HOMES, NEW HOPE
twitter.com/Brent_Council
More new affordable homes are being built in Brent
Brent Customer Services 020 8937 1234 www.brent.gov.uk
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YOUR BRENT is available in large print. Please call 020 8937 1234 Issue No. 165 AUTUMN 2020 Distribution queries and editorial: yourbrent@brent.gov.uk
BOUNCING BACK AFTER LOCKDOWN Shop Safe, Shop Local and support your local community
BUILDING A BETTER BRENT We take a look at some Brent Council achievements
FINAL 2020 CULTURE FUND WINNERS
FLAVOURS OF BRENT Three restaurant owners share their favourite cuisine with us
EDITOR Sarah Whyte sarah.whyte@brent.gov.uk PRODUCTION EDITOR Middleton Mann middleton.mann@brent.gov.uk
ARTS AND CULTURE
ADVERTISING SALES advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by Brent Council
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Brent Council does not accept responsibility for any goods or services offered by advertisers. Publication of an advertisement does not imply recommendation by the council of goods or services advertised.
Theatre, music, events and more
WHAT’S ON Classes, fitness and opportunities near you
Printed on 100 per cent FSC paper. Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this magazine and other paper. 8596BDU0820
SERVICES
BRENT BIENNIAL
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We introduce the final 18 projects to receive funding The first Brent Biennial is here
NEW HOMES NEW HOPE
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Your cut out and keep council services page YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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31 32 34 36 38 40 42 45
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We will bounce back What a challenging year this has already been. The chaos and tragedy of COVID-19. The pressure and uncertainty of the economy, children not being able to attend school and not being able to visit your loved ones. The horrific killing of George Floyd. Horrific reminders that inequality and prejudice remain an unwelcome and dangerous reality for so many people the world over. Yet in spite of this - or perhaps because of it - the people of this borough have once again proved themselves more than a match. Our communities have united to ensure that those unable to fend for themselves were not abandoned and there are few, if any, obstacles that our collective spirit and determination cannot overcome. You can find out more about the work of some of the amazing local mutual aid groups on page 20. Brent has been hit hard by coronavirus with lives and livelihoods lost to the virus and its aftermath. Still, even in the darkest days, minds were set on recovering, on rebuilding, on renewing our way of life. A Brent filled with cultures and opportunities. A Brent in which each of us can share equally in the wealth of our great borough’s prosperity. I have written before about building a better Brent and we will make this happen. On page 14 you can find out more about the Brent Poverty Commission and what we plan to do to reduce homelessness in the borough and on page 34 you can see what we measures we have put in place to encourage people to shop local. Brent is filled with many different cultures and earlier this year we stood with the Black community against racial injustice and police brutality. This summer we agreed on a Black Community Action plan to support our borough’s black residents. You can read about this on page 18. I am proud to be from and of this London Borough of Brent. Through hope and experience I have no doubt that we will recover, that we will rise, that we will go on to realise our greatest ambitions. Until then, take care and remember that the council is here to help, whatever the situation. Cllr Muhammed Butt Leader of Brent Council
Latest London Borough of Culture programme revealed Brent 2020 has unveiled its programme of events for the rest of its year as London Borough of Culture. You can read more about the Brent Biennial and the third round of 2020 Culture Fund projects on page 24-29. Plans include the Harlesden Bass
Weekender, reimagined as a digital festival and the Brent Anthem, a collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, award-winning composer and music leader James Redwood, the poet Momtaza Mehri, and more than 8,000 Brent school children. There will also be a nine-metre
Normal schooling starts in September
Back to school By the time this comes through your door, schools in Brent will be open for all children to attend. Although many of our schools were open throughout the lockdown to support children of critical workers and vulnerable children, and after 1 June to specific year groups, this is the first time since March that all children will be expected to attend school. Brent Council has been working closely with schools and settings to ensure they are safe. As always, the safety and wellbeing of all children is a priority.
For many pupils, this may have been their first time back in school for nearly six months. This is the best place for them to be as many will have missed out on some of key parts of their learning and development including interacting with other pupils and their teachers. Rest assured that your child’s school or setting has been well prepared for the reopening for all pupils. Should you have any concerns, please speak to your child’s school or setting in the first instance.
NEWS Images of previous artworks by Brent Biennial artists: Centre left: Rasheed Araeen, Zero to Infinity, 1968-2017. Venice Biennale. Photo: Charles Moore. Image courtesy of the artist and Grosvenor Gallery. Top right: Dan Mitchell, 29 Posters, 2018. Displayed at SPRINT, the Independent Publishers and Artists' Books Salon, Milano, Italy. Various prints, Ink Jets, 900 X 300 cm. Image courtesy of the artist. Bottom right: Dawn Mellor, Studies of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, 1984-5, courtesy Dawn Mellor.
Brent Biennial. Dan Mitchell at Wembley library
tall mural to remember Brent born legend George Michael in Kingsbury as part of the Brent Biennial. 2020 Culture Fund projects are secured and will take place in 2020 or 2021. Unfortunately, due to conditions imposed by the exceptional circumstances of Covid-19, it will not be
possible to stage The Kilburn High Street party and The SSE Arena, Wembley concert as previously planned. Throughout lockdown, Brent 2020 has been supporting artists and young people, and will continue to deliver its podcast series VENT, produced in collaboration with VICE and young people in the
Studies of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, 1984-5, courtesy Dawn Mellor borough and Seen and Heard– a campaign created with the London School of Economics, asking for better public spaces for young people in London. For full details visit www.brent2020.co.uk.
School Rough sleepers results supported through coronavirus Since lockdown began in March, Brent Council has housed 336 people in emergency accommodation as part of their “everyone in” approach. People sleeping rough, or at risk of homelessness, are at increased risk of catching coronavirus as they struggle to self-isolate. Once in emergency accommodation residents were provided with daily food, helped to access health services and supported with drug and alcohol issues where required. The council is now working with individuals to help them secure more appropriate longterm accommodation.
If you are homeless, threatened with homelessness, or know someone who may be, call 020 8937 2000 (choosing option 3). People worried about someone sleeping rough can also visit www.streetlink.org.uk
Despite the confusion caused by the assessment and grading of pupils due to sit public exams this year, many pupils celebrated excellent results and have moved on to continue their studies or start jobs and apprenticeships. Cllr Amer Agha, Cabinet Member for Schools, Employment and Skills said: “A huge congratulations to all the students across Brent who received their grades for GCSE, A Level and vocational qualifications in August. I know that this has been a tough year for many residents and unfortunately, for our young people, the closure of schools meant that many of them didn’t have the end of school experience they were hoping for. “Despite the difficult circumstances, many of you will have done your family and your teachers proud. I wish you all the very best for the future.” YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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NEWS
Residents Support Fund – a helping hand Residents who are struggling financially due to coronavirus can now get interest free loans through a council backed resident support fund. Brent has the second highest number of furloughed workers in London and the pandemic has left some residents struggling to pay their bills after their hours were reduced or jobs lost. Some residents have also had to deal with the devastating loss of a family member and unexpected funeral
costs that can lead to more money problems and debt. Councillor Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, says: “The pandemic has come as a complete shock to all of us; for many of our residents who were already struggling financially, it has really hit hard.” The Residents Support Fund, which is worth £2.6million, can help people out of a financial hole and get their life back on track. It includes: • A grant facility delivered by the council
• An interest free loan • Help to get online by purchasing laptops and Wi-Fi subscriptions “We have launched this fund to support as much as we can,” says Cllr McLennan. “We know how difficult the past few months have been and we want to support local residents as much as we can so please do apply if you need a little extra support.” To apply online for a grant, please visit: www.brent.gov.uk/ ResidentsSupportFund
An artist’s impression of the new Morland Gardens
New adult Futuristic tech helps fill thousands education hub approved of potholes in record time More than 4,900 potholes have been filled in Brent in just three months thanks to pioneering new technology. As well as being quicker and smarter, the works also came in at less than half the usual cost. While the roads were quieter, Brent Council partnered with Vaisala to send out a vehicle loaded up with clever dash-cams which used video technology to identify road defects. The whole process took just six days, much quicker than conventional
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YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
surveys usually take. The council then deployed Velocity, pothole specialists, to repair the defects. The Velocity method uses injection-patching, which cuts carbon emissions and takes just 2 minutes instead of 20 minutes to complete. “By exploring new technologies, we’ve been able to repair more roads at the same time as saving money and cutting our carbon footprint,” said Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment.
Plans for a brand new £43 million adult education centre in Stonebridge have been given the go ahead. The old building at 1 Morland Gardens will be replaced with a state of the art new home for Brent’s adult education service - find out more on page 36. New affordable workspace and 65 new council homes at London Affordable rent – a third of which are family sized homes – will also be built after the council’s planning committee gave the scheme the thumbs up.
NEWS
New homes in South Kilburn
Your new South Kilburn homes are ready a year after ‘yes’ vote One year on from one of London’s biggest residents’ ballots so far, the first set of households are set to move into high quality new homes in South Kilburn. 83 council tenants and households in temporary accommodation will move in to new homes at Unity Place, the former site of Gloucester House and Durham Court, in October. 152 more people will join them in 2021. Construction work is also going ahead at two other sites in South
Kilburn, following a pause due to the coronavirus pandemic. Councillor Shama Tatler, Brent Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Despite the constraints on face to face conversations due to the pandemic, we’re committed to resident-led improvements and have been determined to continue listening to the community. I look forward to personally welcoming tenants in to their new homes in October.”
Weddings are back Social distanced weddings are taking place in Brent Register Office and the gardens at the Civic Centre in Wembley. The Ceremony Suite, Celebration Suite and Wedding Gardens are open for bookings. Go to www.brent.gov.uk/weddings to find out more.
The Mayor donated blood to support The Sickle Cell Society blood donor campaign
Black history is important Black History Month is coming up in October, with some exciting plans for Brent’s celebration. Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, Mayor of Brent, has always shown his commitment to Brent’s black community through his work with his chosen charities – The Sickle Cell Society and the Jason Roberts Foundation. The Mayor of Brent said, “We have an amazing black community in Brent and I’m glad we will be putting on a show to highlight African and Caribbean excellence in the borough and discuss the needs of the community. “I am excited to once again recognise the proud heritage, history and traditions of black people. Celebrating Black History Month is very important, especially as we are the most diverse borough in London.” YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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NEWS
Neasden Temple celebrates 25 years!
COLOURING COMPETITION Thank you to everyone who entered the colouring competition on the back page of the last issue. Two lucky winners received LDO vouchers and a sweet hamper from Wembley Park Market!
HELP GETTING YOU BACK INTO WORK If you or somebody you know faces challenges that prevents them from working due to physical or mental health, financial, family or personal responsibilities, the Brent Work and Health Programme can help. The programme provides personal support to help individuals find employment. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/ workhealthprogramme
RESPECT OUR PARKS: TAKE LITTER HOME
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden Neasden Temple, one of the biggest cultural icons in Brent, celebrated its 25 anniversary this summer. The temple, which opened in August 1995, was the largest mandir (Hindu temple) outside of India. Since being open the temple has won a host of awards and is on the London Tourist Board as one of the places to visit in the UK. Anyone in the world can visit the temple
and to date more than 10.5 million visitors from over 120 countries, including over 18,000 schools and educational groups have visited. Throughout the pandemic, volunteers from the temple have been instrumental in providing essential support to those in need by providing cooked meals and delivering shopping and medication.
Construction begins at The Lexi Hub Kensal Rise’s Lexi Cinema has started building a hub that will enable twice as many films to be shown. The renowned independent cinema secured £385,000 from Brent Council’s Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) fund by successfully demonstrating that a community cinema is a valuable cultural space. The cinema’s local supporters raised £141,000 and the Mayor of London will provide £50,000. The cinema, on Chamberlayne Road, will
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Across the country, people realised the value of local parks when the pandemic hit. But recently these green oases have seen a rise in litter, especially in hot weather. Please show that neighbourly spirit that came out during lockdown – if bins are full, take litter home with you.
ILLEGAL PARKING – HAVE YOUR SAY Brent Council is consulting on a proposal to make the cost of getting a parking penalty consistent across Brent. Currently, areas outside of the Wembley Event Day Parking zone are subject to lower penalties. It is hoped that moving all Penalty Charge Notices to the same level will help deter illegal parking.Have your say until late September at https://consultation.brent. gov.uk/parkingfines
KEEP BRITAIN TIDY (WHILST STAYING COVID-SAFE)
The Lexi team at the ground breaking event reopen in September while the new hub building will welcome its first visitors from early 2021.
This September, Keep Britain Tidy and Brent Council are encouraging residents to consider organising small socially-distanced litter picks. Email recyclemore@brent. gov.uk to arrange for Veolia to drop off free litter picking equipment, and to pick up your bags of waste afterwards.
Keep up with the latest council information and covid-19 news RECYCLING & ENVIRONMENT
HOUSING
BUSINESS
ALERTS
PARKING
LIBRARIES & CULTURE
NEWS & EVENTS
Subscribe to our e-newsletters at www.brent.gov.uk/stayconnected
NEWS
Young artists needed for Family Wellbeing Centre mural Would you like to see your artwork on the walls of your local Family Wellbeing Centre? The council is looking for creative young people to work with local artists developing murals to bring a fresh look to the new Family Wellbeing Centres. Nine Children’s Centres are set to be
transformed into Family Wellbeing Centres by the council. The centres will offer a range of services including baby clinics, midwifery, health visiting, homework clubs, parenting workshops and much more for 0-18 year olds, and up to 25 year olds for people with additional needs.
Bee corridor is buzzing again Newly sown verges and roundabouts are bringing life and colour to Brent’s roads, as the borough’s biodiversityboosting bee corridor is expanded for 2020. Building on the programme which started by turning 22 of Brent’s parks into wildflower-rich urban meadows last spring, Brent Council hopes to encourage even more visits from pollinating insects. 13 verges and roundabouts have been transformed into urban havens for bees, butterflies, dragonflies and moths.
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Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment at Brent Council, said: “Many of us have been lucky enough to reconnect with nature during lockdown. Seeing the human impact of this pandemic has brought home just how fragile life is, and that is why it’s so important that we protect pollinating insects. They play a crucial role in our food chain. I’m incredibly proud of our commitment to boost biodiversity in Brent, and hope our residents enjoy the new splashes of colour too.”
Building on existing children’s centre services and the strong partnerships which are already in place with local communities, the centres are due to open in January 2021. For further information, please contact Kristina.PapworthSommers@brent.gov.uk
Fresh start for job seekers For many, lockdown brought some time to reflect on their jobs while others have been forced into doing so because of the economic impact of covid-19. Brent Start is Brent’s adult education college providing opportunities to learn new skills, get into employment or take that step up the career ladder. For more information visit www.brent.gov.uk/ brentstart For anyone looking for work, Brent Works – the borough’s employment hub – provides a range of job opportunities. Visit www.brent.gov.uk/brentworks
NEWS
New measures to support walking and cycling Community Skips are back on tour Neighbourhoods and schools around Brent are benefitting from new measures to keep car traffic down and encourage people to walk and cycle more as part of Brent Council’s commitment to making active travel safer and easier. In the past few months, pavements were temporarily widened down some of the borough’s busiest high streets to help with social distancing and two areas in Stonebridge and Wembley were
The fight against flytipping is having a reunion tour this September. Like all transformed into Brent Healthy great comebacks, this one is bigger Neighbourhoods, with colourful planters and better than ever. keeping out through-traffic. Seven more To coincide with the Great British are in the pipeline. September Clean, the Community In time for the beginning of the new Skip will be visiting a street near you. school year, roads outside over 30 schools With proof of a Brent address you will be transformed into ‘School Streets’, can drop up to five bulky items free limiting cars for pick up and drop off times and later on this year you’ll be able of charge. For more details of skip locations to bike a temporary cycle route along a portion of the Harrow Road, with further and dates, please check the Brent routes being planned. Council website.
Thank you, early years settings Cllr Patel, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the early years settings that stayed open throughout the lockdown to provide help and support to vulnerable children as well as children of key workers. “It has been a challenging time for everyone and I know that those parents who were working on the frontline as key workers will have been very grateful
to know their child was in safe hands. “As we get back to a more normal way of living and as more children return to childminders and early years settings, I’d like to reassure parents and carers that Brent Council is supporting early years providers to ensure they follow the Public Health England guidance. Cllr Mili Patel “Welcome back.”
Connect with the council
Brent Connects is a space for local communities to come together and discuss the things that matter most to you. The virtual sessions are now more interactive than ever and allow you to join from the comfort of your own home. Find out more at www.brent.gov. uk/brentconnects
YOUR BRENT | WINTER 2019/2020
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NEWS
Kick start your health It has never been more important to move more, eat well and look after our physical and mental wellbeing. Around two-thirds of adults are above a healthy weight and 1 in 3 children are leaving primary school overweight. Being overweight leads to reduced life expectancy. It is a risk factor for a range of chronic diseases and can negatively affect your mental health. People who are overweight are also more likely end up seriously ill in hospital
if they catch Covid-19. If you would like to improve your health and lose some weight, you can visit one of Brent’s many outdoor gyms free of charge. Go to www.brent.gov.uk/parks to find your nearest one. The NHS has also introduced a free app and 12 week plan which can help you to eat well and lose weight. Search NHS Weight Loss Plan on your app store.
Mayor of Brent’s message on face masks Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, Mayor of transport, when going to Brent is encouraging everyone a hospital, or in enclosed to listen to the advice we’re public spaces when being given by the experts. social distancing is not The Mayor said, “It is possible. compulsory to wear a “Thank you for mask in shops and complying to avoid Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, supermarkets, as well as putting yourself and Mayor of Brent when using public others at risk.”
New adult education hub approved
Books and Kulture to your door
A new online bookstore, celebrating literature and the arts from African, Caribbean and Asian creators has been launched by local resident Vanessa La Rose. Book and Kulture, is a platform shining a spotlight on new and existing authors and artisan crafters from underrepresented backgrounds. Visit www.bookandkulture.com
Lifetime tenancies in council homes Tenants in Brent will now benefit from a guaranteed level of security in their home as the council changes the way it manages its tenancies. Fixed term tenancies will be replaced with life time tenancies and couples who are renting together will be offered joint tenancies so that both people are protected. A new tenancy strategy approved by Brent Council’s Cabinet clearly sets out expectations of all landlords, including private landlords. The council also pledges to support Brent residents to stay in their homes for as long as is suitable for them and will continue to work actively to prevent homelessness.
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Days of Action Police, Brent Council officers and local youth workers working together during a Day of Action in Kingsbury to tackle anti-social behaviour and promote social distancing.
LET’S GET BACK TO THE THINGS WE LOVE LET’S GET TESTED FEELING UNWELL?
GET A FREE TEST NOW
MY COMMUNITY
Action on poverty An independent commission set up to examine poverty in Brent has delivered more than 40 recommendations to tackle the causes and consequences of poverty in the borough
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haired by Lord Richard Best, following a six-month review, the commission found that one in six households (17%) live below the poverty line in Brent. This figure doubles to 33% after housing costs are taken into account. More than one in five (22%) children live in poverty, doubling to a startling 43% after housing costs.
A FAIRER FU TURE End ing Poverty in Brent
RECOMMEND ATIONS FROM THE
Closing the housing gap
Lord Best led the Poverty Commission
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BRENT POVER TY
Housing costs have risen faster than wages and created an affordability gap that pushes people into poverty and is a key cause of homelessness, the commission found. In addition, a severe shortage of social housing has forced people into the private rented
COMMISSION JULY 2020
sector where rents are two or even three times higher. To address this, the Commission recommends the council builds on its ambitious plans to generate more affordable homes. It also urges the council to launch a review of the private rented sector, and enforce decent standards.
“We to MYwanted COMMUNITY understand how this web of problems, from wages to housing, debt and opportunity, come together to harm people’s quality of life in Brent.”
Keeping the sharks at bay
With the second highest number of furloughed workers in London and high rates of in-work poverty due to low pay, the Commission also highlights the importance of policies that support job creation and improve local earnings. Recommendations include using the council’s local influence to secure more quality apprenticeships and specialist skills training, as well as to encourage more small and medium-sized employers to pay the London Living Wage. In particular, prioritising activities to raise the aspirations of young people in the borough. Lord Richard Best, who is a crossbench peer and social housing champion, said: “Our report makes recommendations to ease poverty in Brent by raising incomes. It also shows that poverty is driven by high costs, specifically of private sector housing rents.” Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing & Welfare Reform at Brent Council, who commissioned the work said: “Because the causes of poverty are so complex, too often policy makers reach for sticking plasters. We wanted to understand how this web of problems, from wages to housing, debt and opportunity, come together to harm people’s quality of life in Brent. “I am extremely grateful to Lord Best for leading this Commission and I’m optimistic that this marks a new chapter in how we address poverty in Brent.” The council’s Cabinet is set to discuss what actions it can take, following the recommendations in the report, at a meeting in September. YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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MY COMMUNITY
Help avoid a second wave of coronavirus Brent has been one of the areas hardest hit by COVID-19
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o one wants another wave of coronavirus cases, and together we all need to pay maximum attention to our surroundings at all times so we can reduce the spread of the virus in our community and avoid any further restrictions. To ensure we are well prepared, the council has developed a COVID-19 Outbreak Management Plan outlining a range of prevention and control measures to contain the virus.
The plan details how the council would respond to different kinds of outbreaks, for example in a school, care home or in the community. The plan is in place to help prevent the spread of cases, but it’s also vital that everyone continues to act on the advice. To read Brent’s COVID-19 Management Plan, find out more about NHS Test and Trace or book a test, please visit www.brent.gov.uk/ testandtrace
WASH YOUR HANDS or use hand sanitiser regularly
THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19 ARE: rature • A high tempe tinuous cough • Or a new, con ange to your • Or a loss or ch or taste sense of smell
EAR A FACE COVERING in shops and supermarkets, on W public transport and in other indoor spaces where social distancing isn’t possible EEP YOUR DISTANCE by staying at least 2 metres away K from others when outside your home GET TESTED if you have COVID-19 symptoms, no matter how mild STAY AT HOME if you test positive for the virus, or if you’ve been in contact with someone who has the virus
TEST AND TRACE
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If you test positive for COVID-19, you’ll be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
The NHS will then contact anyone who may have caught the virus from you.
They’ll ask you where you’ve been recently and who you've been in close contact with.
I f you’re contacted by the NHS and asked to stay at home, you must do this to avoid potentially spreading the virus to others.
YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
The UK’s first hyper-local COVID-19 testing site in Harlesden offers tests for local residents
YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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MY COMMUNITY
Backing the black community
As black people around the world continue to be subjected to systematic and individual racism, Brent Council has agreed an action plan to better support the Black community locally
T
he tragic killing of George Floyd sparked Black Lives Matter protests around the world while the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted inequalities as the virus hit Black and Asian people the hardest. In this context, the council agreed a ten point Black Community Action Plan earlier this summer. The plan was developed by working closely with leaders and young people from Black communities across the borough. It sets out actions to tackle health inequalities, develop community spaces that will be run and managed by members of the black community and review processes within the council. “We are extremely proud to be the most diverse borough in the UK and the Black community is an integral part of that,” says Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council. “This community plan is our commitment to do whatever we can to reduce the inequalities that people from Black communities experience on a daily basis.” Boaz Adelekan, from Neasden said: “I think the Black Community Action plan is a realistic approach to tackling long standing issues. “I’m optimistic as the plan seems
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“I think the Black Community Action plan is a realistic approach to tackling long standing issues” Boaz Adelekan, from Neasden
MY COMMUNITY
George Floyd’s tragic death sparked global BLM protests
Abdi Farah set up local charity Connectstars
achievable. Although it may not bring immediate change, it will help to put the right systems in place, especially from an accountability perspective, to ensure that pushing for change is not just a knee jerk reaction to the Black Lives Matter upheaval.” Abdi Farah, a community worker who established local charity Connectstars in Harlesden said: “The plan is only the start of bringing the community and the council closer together. My hope is that the Black community plays a huge role in Brent society. Too often a negative light is shone upon it, we need to change that narrative and embrace the diverse heritage, culture, languages and talent the Black Community brings to Brent.” YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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MY COMMUNITY
Our mutual friends Mutual aid groups have been helping those in need since coronavirus arrived in March. Local volunteers played a crucial role at the time - and are still actively helping now A mutual aid group is a group of local people who all come together informally to help people in their communities. There are twenty of these in Brent and
they are all run entirely by volunteers. These groups have been working together to provide practical support - such as delivering food, medicine and
other supplies to people who were shielding, as well as providing emotional support to people who have been struggling during the pandemic.
Elena and Malcolm
James Moxon Browne Simon made 40 3d printed visors for NHS staff like Martina
During the lockdown Mutual Aid groups went above and beyond to help protect NHS staff. Elena, Malcolm and Albert, volunteers at Sudbury Local Aid, sourced 2,000 items of PPE for the Law Medical Practice in Wembley, whilst Simon made 40 3D-printed visors. Willesden Green Mutual Aid ward volunteer, James Moxon Browne, celebrated his 100th delivery, proclaiming: “It feels good - it’s something I’ll look back on with pride”.
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MY COMMUNITY QUEENSBURY
FRYENT
KENTON
If you still need help and support, or you would like to join a Mutual Aid group, you can find your local one and their contact details in the map below.
BARNHILL WELSH HARP
NORTHWICK PARK PRESTON
DOLLIS HILL
SUDBURY
DUDDEN HILL
TOKYNGTON
MAPESBURY
WEMBLEY CENTRAL WILLESDEN GREEN
STONEBRIDGE
BRONDESBURY PARK HARLESDEN
ALPERTON
KILBURN KENSAL GREEN
QUEENS PARK
BRENT MUTUAL AID GROUPS Alperton Barnhill Brondesbury Park Dollis Hill Dudden Hill Fryent & Queensbury Harlesden Kensal Green Kenton Kilburn Mapesbury Northwick Park Preston Queens Park Stonebridge Sudbury Tokyngton Welsh Harp Wembley Central Willesden Green
alpertoncommunityaction@gmail.com barnhillcovid19@gmail.com covidaid.brondesburypark@gmail.com st.catherines@gmx.com duddenhillmutualaid@gmail.com kingsburycommunity20@gmail.com aka_212@hotmail.co.uk kensalgreenaid@gmail.com kenton.mutualaid@gmail.com kilburnaid@gmail.com MapesburyMutualAid@gmail.com NorthwickPark.MutualAid@gmail.com preston.mutualaid@gmail.com qpmutualaid@gmail.com mrasifzamir@gmail.com sudburymutualaid@gmail.com tokyngtonmutualaid@gmail.com welshharpcovid19@gmail.com wembleycentralmutualaid@gmail.com willygmutualaid@gmail.com
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HAPPY & HEALTHY
Free wheeling Since lockdown, growing numbers of Londoners are getting about by bike. We spoke to a local resident to find out why she has swapped four wheels for two
L
ori McGuire is 60 this year. A Dollis Hill resident, Lori loves visiting Queens Park at the weekend and before the pandemic she would drive to get there. In fact, until recently, Lori hadn’t been on a bicycle for forty years. “I was always a little bit anxious about cycling in London,” she says, “but as we went into lockdown I noticed how quiet it was on the roads”. Her employer had a cycle to work scheme and she put herself on a waiting list for a bike. “As a driver I know all the road rules, but it’s different as a cyclist, so I wanted somebody to come out with me to help me feel confident on the road”. When her bike arrived, Lori booked a two-hour
session with a cycle instructor. They went through hand signals, posture and then they cycled to Queens Park for the first time, together. The instructor showed Lori quieter roads to take so she feels more comfortable. Now Lori cycles that route on Sundays, rather than driving. As cycling at a moderate speed burns almost 300 calories in 30 minutes it is a great way to fit in more exercise into your weekly routine. Lori also nods to the psychological benefits. “There’s a great sense of freedom with cycling, it’s fun being out there.” So what is Lori’s advice to anyone thinking about giving a bike a go? “Do it! Don’t overthink it, but, if it has been a while, maybe get a lesson or go out with somebody who’s already a cyclist.”
Discounts and help to get cycling in Brent •
GET A FREE 1-1 SESSION WITH A CYCLE INSTRUCTOR.
•
APPLY FOR A BIKE PARKING SPACE IN ONE OF OUR CYCLE HANGARS.
• TRY BEFORE YOU BIKE LETS YOU TEST-RIDE A BIKE FOR A MONTH FROM JUST £50 (FREE DELIVERY AND PICK UP). WWW.BRENT.GOV.UK/CYCLING •
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LIME BIKES CAN BE RENTED AROUND THE BOROUGH. DOWNLOAD THE APP TO GET STARTED.
YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
HAPPY & HEALTHY
YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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ARTS & CULTURE
Final 2020 Culture Fund winners revealed A further 18 brilliant projects have been chosen by a community panel to receive cash from the third round of Brent 2020’s Culture Fund The 2020 Culture Fund offers grants of up to £3,000 for individuals and up to £10,000 for groups in Brent, to enable local people to lead their own cultural projects as part of Brent’s year as London Borough of Culture.
Deaf Rave Live stage performances and special guest appearances reflecting Brent’s cultural diversity and platforming deaf talent and culture for deaf, disabled and hearing audiences. Enjoy music and dance through a unique sensory experience.
Ealing Road Mela A colourful, kaleidoscopic outdoor festival of music and dance, celebrating Europe’s oldest Asian settlement with a combination of established and emerging local artists plus a stage for newly commissioned work. Delivered by the Brent Indian Association.
Brent Seasons: The Library Tour In a creative collaboration with the Brent Library Service, Upswing will deliver live and immersive circus performances for families across six of the borough’s public libraries, exploring the theme of the natural world and the challenge of environmental change within Brent.
Bring Your Own Bars Poetry (BYOB)
A series of spoken word poetry events celebrating and promoting North West London talent. 24 34
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Irish Dance in 2020 Cara-Gael Irish Dance School will promote access to and experience of traditional Irish dance for all members of the community through group lessons across the borough.
Commedia Dell’Brent An intergenerational participatory drama project, from the Dende Collective, using the Italian comical artform of Commedia dell’Arte to tell satirical stories related to life in the borough, culminating in performances.
Diversity Comedy Festival A showcase of comedy performances highlighting Brent’s diversity. Presented by Entertainments.
Dance with the Nation Masterclasses in contemporary, hip-hop, Afrohouse and Bajan folk dance from Brent dance company Fubunation, emphasising community engagement across all skill levels.
Raggamuffin: Educational Theatre Programme A new play written by Benjamin Zephaniah, inspired by the Windrush generation – their stories, lives and impact on Brent will be presented by GREACH! Creative Outreach Company.
ARTS & CULTURE Brent Animated Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the borough, Inanimatoz will deliver bespoke animation workshops where participants can learn the principles of creative storytelling, set design and practical handmade techniques to create their own short lm, to be screened at a special curated exhibition, featuring the props, sets and characters from the final films.
COMMEDIA DELL’BRENT FASHIONING OUR HISTORY
THE REGGAE CELEBRATION CHOIR
The Brent Iconic Public Dance Outdoor performance specialists Jeanefer JeanCharles & Associates will lead a bespoke, experiential mass movement event allowing children from every Brent school – and their friends and family – to participate in a public dance.
BRENT ANIMATED
Oliver Sacks: Made in Mapesbury A celebration of the world famous, best-selling writer and neurologist, Oliver Sacks, at events with actors, authors, friends, family members, musicians and key figures form Sacks’ life.
South Asian Creatives (SAC) Moeed Majeed will lead a series a series of events aimed at informing, inspiring and engaging young people through panel discussions and in-conversation evenings, featuring trailblazing creative industry figures from the south Asian community.
Follow the Leader A portrait and crowd scene photography project, by Orlando Gill, celebrating the cultural richness and ethnic openness of the borough. The photographs will be collated in a photo-book and gifted to libraries, schools, youth clubs and the Brent Museum and Archives.
The Reggae Celebration Choir The Reggae Choir will bring together a diverse range of Brent community members: local choirs, elder groups, primary and secondary school children to create a mass choir celebrating the legacy of Harlesden label Jet Star Records.
Grown Up in Brent: 100 years of Youth Culture Share your photographs, notes and stories to help tell the borough’s youth culture story, and be part of an exhibition at Brent Civic Centre.
Fashioning Our History A fine art fashion piece comprising pattern blocks, illustrated by students and community participants, drawing on local knowledge and emotions to explore diversity in fashion. Assembled into a historicallyinspired dress, the final piece will be publicly displayed.
Shubeen Culture “Shubeens” were first held in London streets in the 1960s, having initially started in Jamaica a decade earlier. We Are Parable will celebrate this unique element of Brent’s cultural heritage through sound systems, film and discussion. www.brent2020.co.uk YOUR BRENT | |AUTUMN YOUR BRENT AUTUMN2020 2020
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ARTS & CULTURE
19 September-13 December 2020
Brent Biennial
The first BRENT BIENNIAL presents over 20 brand new artworks as part of Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture From sculptures to sound art, large-scale murals to intimate installations, Brent Biennial tells the stories of Brent then, now and tomorrow – and of the people who have been made and shaped by the borough. The Biennial takes art out of the galleries and museums and into public spaces right across Brent - to be sought out or encountered by chance – on buildings and billboards, in barbers and laundrettes, and across 10 community and council libraries. Featuring international and Brent-based artists including Rasheed Araeen, Imran Qureshi, Dhelia Snoussi, Jude Wacks, Jaykoe, Yasmin Nicholas and Ruth Beale, every work has been specially commissioned by and created for Brent 2020 – and all of them can be seen for free.
Download a guide to all the works from brent2020.co.uk from September or pick up a free printed copy from any of the participating venues. Look out, too, for details of walking tours, talks and workshops, some presented in partnership with ArtReview, that will take place across Brent during the Biennial. 2020 CULTURE FUND ACROSS THE BOROUGH Brent 2020 Culture Fund exhibitions and events presented by Action Space, AiR, INANIMATORZ and Crisis will highlight their work with artists and communities in Brent. Artists In Residence (AiR) will produce bespoke art projects for Brent schools, Crisis will create a photography project tailored to the needs of homeless Brent residents, Action Space will explore the life experiences of Brent residents with learning disabilities, and Inanimatorz will zap life into inanimate objects to celebrate Brent’s cultural heritage.
ABBAS ZAHEDI ACROSS THE BOROUGH Soul Refresher is a new commission by London based artist Abbas Zahedi. Through a process of conversations in Brent with invited collaborators the work will explore connections of identity to place and history. Abbas’ commission extends a long-term commitment to community organising in the borough including involvement with Rumi’s Cave in Kilburn and Sufra Food Bank.
COLLECTIVE AVANT GARDENING ADAM FARAH FILM SCREENING AND DISTRIBUTED ACROSS THE BOROUGH Artist Adam Farah has been invited to develop a new moving image work, which will be a personal portrait of the borough, co-commissioned with LUX.
BARBY ASANTE GATHERINGS ONLINE AND IN BRENT Declaration of Independence is an ongoing performance/forum inspired by a poem by Ama Ata Aidoo, reflecting how the political affects the personal and how social and cultural implications of historic declarations, policies and legislations impact our everyday lives.
BARHAM COMMUNITY LIBRARY Collective Avant Gardening (Polly Brannan and Paul Green) have explored the rich history of the library, park and wider local area to craft new stories with schools and local communities.
ARTS & CULTURE BRIAN GRIFFITHS CRICKLEWOOD LIBRARY SELF – CONSCIOUS is a parallel lending library of selected books paired with sculptures, exploring both the potential and limitations of the unreliable narrator.
CARL GABRIEL PRESTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY Carl Gabriel, whose sculptures have appeared on carnival floats and community processions across the country and internationally for decades, presents new and existing work at Preston Community Library.
DAN MITCHELL WEMBLEY LIBRARY A large-scale text-based work covering the glass facade of Wembley Public Library housed within the Brent Civic Centre, using the language of advertising slogans and stock images.
DAWN MELLOR
DAVID BLANDY HARLESDEN LIBRARY Brent-raised artist David Blandy has worked with young people from Capital City Academy and Roundwood Youth Centre to reimagine Harlesden 8000 years from now.
499 KINGSBURY ROAD, CORNER OF WINKWORTHS ESTATE AGENT, NW9 9ED The first permanent public artwork by British artist Dawn Mellor: a large-scale mural that will celebrate the life of local hero George Michael, who lived and went to school in Kingsbury. The work is cocommissioned by Studio Voltaire, Create London and Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture.
DHELIA SNOUSSI KILBURN Artist Dhelia Snoussi will explore how we might begin to think about our areas through our lived experiences, relationships and connections as the basis of a new map.
ELECTRONIC SHEEP
FOR NOW for House of Life
KILBURN
WILLESDEN JEWISH CEMETERY
Design duo Electronic Sheep present The Kilburn Tapestries, a knitted tapestry, based on the untold stories of the Irish community living in and around Kilburn. Launches in November.
A new sound piece featuring the stories of generations of families living around the cemetery, specially-commissioned as part of the ‘House of Life’ heritage experience opening at the historic Willesden Jewish Cemetery in November.
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ARTS & CULTURE IMRAN QURESHI EALING ROAD LIBRARY Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi’s commission will see a series of large-scale installations taking over the Library at Ealing Road, bringing his unique visual language to the public spaces of the library.
JOHN ROGERS Through walks and talks that invite local residents to contribute their stories, artist John Rogers will produce an audio-visual portrait of the local area surrounding Kensal Rise Library, drawing on people’s lived experiences and memories.
JAYKOE BRENT MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES IN THE LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN An exhibition exploring the history of sampled music in the borough, from the advent of Hip-Hop in the 1980s. 1 October-13 December 2020.
JUDE WACKS ONLINE A Lifetime’s Work is a photography exhibition, documenting local businesses around Brent, celebrating the history, entrepreneurship and community contribution of family firms across the borough.
THE OCTOBER ANTHROPOLOGIST TWO DOORS DOWN, WILLESDEN GREEN Baristas Under Brexit explores what it means to be an immigrant today, through the contributions to London of Southern and Eastern European immigrants working as baristas in the city’s cafes. Event to take place in October.
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LUCY FINE ONLINE Lucy Fine will present a curated photography exhibition and book documenting the style of Brent’s vibrant residents.
Image credit: Every Tool is a Weapon if You Hold it Right No.37, 2016, Unique acid dye print on silk twill, 100 x 100cm
KENSAL RISE LIBRARY
ARTS & CULTURE PAUL PURGAS IN BRENT 22 October - 13 December 2020 Co-commissioned with Camden Art Centre, artist and musician Paul Purgas will present an audio-visual installation exploring the sonic experimentations of India’s first electronic music studio, established at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India.
RASHEED ARAEEN Image credit: Every Tool is a Weapon if You Hold it Right No.37, 2016, Unique acid dye print on silk twill, 100 x 100cm
THE LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN An interactive installation for children, and a reading room featuring copies of the journal Third Text established by the artist in Brent in 1987 will be presented, alongside an exhibition of geometric paintings.
RUTH BEALE KILBURN LIBRARY ‘The library as memorial’ is a book dedication, in which books themselves become a way to mark and remember. A bookplate will be placed in one book for every victim of Coronavirus in the borough. The bookplates will have space for a dedication, and you are invited to visit the library and add a dedication, or send requests for the name to be added to a book. Alongside the memorial will be a new film work documenting Brent’s libraries during lockdown.
PIO ABAD BURTON ROAD, KILBURN Pio Abad’s large-scale mural on the Burton Road will depict personal, significant and idiosyncratic objects collected from residents that live in the area.
YASMIN NICHOLAS ACROSS THE BOROUGH A series of new collage works will be presented across the borough by Brent based artist Yasmin Nicholas. The work will be shared on public signage boards, in the windows of local businesses and bus stops throughout the borough.
CREDITS In partnership with Brent Council, Mayor of London, London Borough of Culture is a Mayor of London initiative, supported by the City of London Corporation’s Charity, City Bridge Trust. Commissions by Barby Asante, Adam Farah, Yasmin Nicholas, Dhelia Snoussi and Abbas Zahedi supported by Art Fund. Commissions by Electronic Sheep, Lucy Fine, FOR NOW, Jaykoe, The October Anthropologist and Jude Wacks are supported by Brent 2020 Culture Fund. Portraits by Roy Mehta.
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HAPPY & HEALTHY
Taking care of you Mental Health and Wellbeing can sometimes be an afterthought but taking care of your mind is just as important as looking after your physical health. Here are Brent Council’s 5+1 ways to wellbeing >> CONNECT
>> TAKE NOTICE
>> GIVE
Keeping in touch with friends and family has never been easier. Make use of many of the free apps, social media or just have a good old phone call to connect with people you love.
As many people get back to the hustle and bustle of life, it’s good to take time out, self-reflect and pay more attention to being in the moment. There are lots of free apps if you don’t know where to start.
Giving or volunteering can help improve mental wellbeing by creating positive feelings and a sense of reward.
>> BE ACTIVE
>> KEEP LEARNING
Physical fitness doesn’t have to mean running miles or lifting heavy weights. A 20-minute walk or some stretching indoors can really boost your mood. Why not use one of the free outdoor gyms in Brent parks or search “Brent Walks” on the council website to find a walking route.
Libraries are so much more than a place to read books. Brent Libraries offer free classes to brush up on your IT skills as well as courses, such as ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), online job-related training and much more.
Taking time to make or create something, whether on your own or with family and friends, can leave you with a huge sense of achievement. When was the last time you completed a puzzle, cooked something new or got the colouring pencils out? Why not try it this weekend?
>> CREATE
CHECK OUT THE GOOD THINKING WEBSITE FOR WORKBOOKS YOU CAN DOWNLOAD Good Thinking provides digital mental wellbeing support for those living or working in London, this includes free NHS-approved apps that residents can use to deal with stress, anxiety, low mood and poor sleep. www.good-thinking.uk/workbooks
IF YOU NEED TO SPEAK TO SOMEONE ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE GOING THROUGH • • • 30
Call the Samaritans free on 116 123 or go to www.samaritans.org Call the Parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 or go to www.youngminds.org.uk Text the charity SHOUT if you don’t want to speak. This is a crisis text service. Text SHOUT 85258
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SAFER BRENT
Abuse – see it, report it Do you know who to call if you witness or experience abuse?
E
veryone has the right to live free from abuse and neglect but some people are unable to protect themselves. This could be because of a learning disability, a physical disability or ill-health, or due to their mental health. Safeguarding means protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of adults who have care and support needs, enabling them to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. We all have a role in keeping ourselves, our families and those in our communities as safe as possible. So what can you do? Knowing the types of abuse and warning signs are helpful. It means you can support a person to report and stop the abuse. Abuse is not always obvious or with physical signs. You may notice for example a change in someone’s behaviour, that they are withdrawing from their circle of friends, or a change in mood. Our top tips to help keep you safe: • Have people around you to notice if abuse is happening • Get to know the services and support in your local area • Plan your will and who will act on your behalf when you are no longer able to • Do not be pressured by scam artists or door step sellers to part with your money • Make sure people you trust know your wishes for the future should you become physically or mentally frail. Cllr Harbi Farah, Lead Member for Adult Social Care said: “Abuse is wrong and it is never your fault. Don’t be afraid to ask for help for you or someone you know and love. “If you contact the Brent Safeguarding Adults team we will listen to you and take your concerns seriously. We’ll find out what is wrong and what you want to happen next. We can help support Cllr Harbi Farah you and ensure you are safe and well.”
BRENT SAFEGUARDING ADULTS TEAM In an emergency always dial 999. Call 020 8937 4089 or 020 8937 4099 Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. E-mail: safeguardingadults@brent.gov.uk
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help for you or someone you know and love.” YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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HOUSING
New homes, new hope More new affordable homes are being built in Brent than anywhere else in the capital for the second year running
D
espite the coronavirus lockdown, the council has continued with its housebuilding programme with excited tenants moving in to their new homes over the summer. Nearly 700 new council homes are currently being built in Brent with another 913 in the pipeline. Brent aims to make 5,000 new affordable homes available over five-years – 1,000 of these through its own council building programme. The council is spending £300 million on the new homes alongside a £95 million grant from the Greater London Authority. Councillor Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, said: “There has always been a demand for social housing, but COVID-19 has shone a light on the importance of suitable housing conditions and the impact on people’s health. It is very hard to
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socially distance when you share the only room you can afford with many others. “Reducing overcrowding and building larger family homes are priorities for us. I’m immensely proud to build on our existing record of leading the way in London for the number of new council homes built each year but we are not complacent.” Residents moved into their brand new council homes in Ellerslie Gardens, Willesden earlier this summer. New resident Mrs Chitate was concerned that the pandemic would delay her move but she was able to move in on time after the council’s housing team moved quickly to carry out the necessary safety checks. “I was actively bidding for 17 years and praying for a permanent home,” says Mrs Chitate. “I am so happy with our new place and it’s ideal as it’s only 10 minutes away from my kids’ school. We have a feeling of security, and have been able to stay near our community and support system.”
HOUSING
Carolyn Downs chats to Mrs Chitate outside her new home
Mrs Chitate gets the keys to her new home
A housing officer helps Mrs Chitate get settled
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BUSINESS
Jack Johal, owner of the Blue Check bar and restaurant in Wembley
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When shopping in Brent and further afield remember to: • Wear a face covering • Follow one-way and queuing systems • Use hand sanitising stations • Use contactless payment • Walk or cycle to the shops
T
CAL LO
T
o give our town centres, high streets, retailers, small businesses and markets across the borough the best chance possible of bouncing back from the pandemic while at the same time deal with the threat of covid-19, it is up to all of us to Shop Safe, and Shop Local.
P
ES SAF HO
P
E
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Across the country, businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic and Brent is no exception. Shop Safe, and Shop Local by following our tips below
SH O
Bouncing back after lockdown BR
By choosing to shop local, you are doing your bit to support local businesses, maintain local jobs and preserve the character of your High Street.
Changes to keep you safe
Perspex screens, queuing and one-way systems, hand sanitising stations, PPE for
Changes have been made to keep vistors to Blue Check safe
HEALTHY & HAPPY
staff, more contactless payment options and more regular cleaning are some of the changes introduced by Business in Brent to keep customers safe. “We have extensive cleaning schedules along with 30-minute checks that include the cleaning of door handles, entrances, exits and toilets,” says Jack Johal, owner of the Blue Check bar and restaurant in Wembley. “Hand sanitisers are available in the entrance along with the toilets. We have 1m+ between all tables and floor stickers to reinforce this idea. All staff wear PPE including masks and gloves, and the kitchen staff also
“We have extensive cleaning schedules along with 30minute checks that include the cleaning of door handles, entrances, exits and toilets” wear hair nets for hygiene.” Changes made at the Blue Check Bar have allowed Jack and his team to continue doing what they do best. “We pride ourselves at Blue Check for good music, great service and even better food,” says Jack. “The chilli con carne with nachos really steals the show. The chopped-up chillies mixed within the mince will leave your breath burning. However, with cooling sauces, the large-portioned dish will keep you coming back for more.” www.brent.gov.uk/shopsafe YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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MY COUNCIL
Building a better B Councils provide so many services that it is not always easy to keep up to date with what has been happening. Here we take a quick look at some of the council’s major achievements over the past few years
EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED • Brent Start, the adult education college, has supported over 3,000 residents this academic year, with an achievement rate of 93.7%. Read more about the new Brent Start building on page 6. • Only 1.4% of the borough’s 16-17 year-olds are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
A BOROUGH WHERE WE CAN ALL FEEL SAFE, SECURE, HAPPY AND HEALTHY • The ‘Bright Futures’ project has exceeded its target with 43 ex-offenders supported, 10 of whom have been supported into work. • In 2019/20, the New Accommodation for Independent Living (NAIL) programme identified and delivered 8 schemes and 149 units of accommodation, providing high quality accommodation for a range of vulnerable people.
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MY COUNCIL
r Brent
A CLEANER, MORE CONSIDERATE BRENT • T he council has planted 1,033 trees in the borough – four times as many as last year. Existing tree cover, levels of poverty and air quality are all factors in where new trees are planted. • The council declared a climate and ecological emergency in July 2019, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030.
STRONG FOUNDATIONS • There were over 8,000 visits to community hubs in 2019/2020. Of 8,229 visits to community hubs, 7,526 queries were fully resolved at point of contact – almost 90%. • The council distributed over £3.6 million in grant funding to local people this year, through initiatives such as the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which is funded by developers building in Brent, and Love Where You Live.
A FUTURE BUILT FOR EVERYONE • T his year Brent Council began a two-year programme of footway repairs costing £20million. 35 projects have been completed, with another 17 set to come. • This year there were: • 35 new properties built by the council and let to homeless households. • 242 new affordable homes generated in the borough properties purchased for use by i4B, the company set up by the council • 62 to provide affordable accommodation. YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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FOOD & DRINK
Flavours of Brent
One of the many benefits of living in Britain’s most diverse borough – the Borough of Cultures – is the different foods you can try on your doorstep. Jessica Alves spoke to some of the local businesses bringing their culture to our high streets FLAVOURZ AFRICANA, HARLESDEN Yetunde Owolabi is the co-owner of family run Nigerian restaurant, Flavourz Africana on Craven Park Road. Yetunde says: “We wanted to create a relaxed eat-in atmosphere, where people can feel at home, have a few meals and some laughs, while eating an authentic African meal, with spices and herbs from Nigeria. So far, customers have been blown away.” Explaining the impact that Covid-19 had on the business, Yetunde shares: “When we first went into lockdown, we had to stick to deliveries only. We’ve always believed an online presence is important, so we were able to survive and grow a lot during lockdown.”
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FOOD & DRINK HANSON GRILL, PRESTON ROAD Bayode Akinsola owns Hanson Grill, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant on Preston Road which has been open for 10 months. Bayode says: “I live around Wembley and always wanted to have my own restaurant. We also do events and catering. Our menu is mostly Caribbean food, with patties, proper Jamaican steamed fish, and grilled suya and jerk meats, to name a few.” “Afro-Caribbean food is my favourite. I grew up excited to eat the delicacies on the menu, so I’d recommend everything. I want to serve the most authentic and original AfroCaribbean food in Brent.”
POISÉ CAFE AND RESTAURANT, WILLESDEN Poisé, a Brazilian restaurant in the heart of Willesden is owned by best friends, Andreia Souza and Gleide Carrijo. “We both live in the area, so we wanted to open our own Brazilian restaurant here, because that’s where we’re from originally,” Andreia says. “We get a lot of customers from the Brazilian community, which is quite big in Brent, and contributes towards the great atmosphere here.” “We enjoy making dishes that people wouldn’t usually spend time making at home every day, like pastries and feijoada. Feijoada is a black bean stew that takes about 4-5 hours to cook.” All three businesses are open for eat in and takeaway YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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ARTS & CULTURE
Arts & Culture
>> Theatre >> Music >> Dance >> Comedy >> Exhibitions >> Cinema >> Talks >> Tours
NOW UNTIL SATURDAY 15 JANUARY
FLY GIRLS WELLNESS WALK & RUN COMMUNITY The Fly Girls Wellness is an established award winning community wellbeing organisation that provides a weekly walk or run hourly session on nonevent days at Wembley Stadium. To book and join please email in the first instance flygirlsuk@gmail.com. Wembley Stadium Sundays 9-10am. Free.
MONDAY 26 OCTOBER UNTIL THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER
Sleepless: a musical romance
NOW UNTIL SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER SLEEPLESS: A MUSICAL ROMANCE Don’t miss the exclusive world premiere of Sleepless,
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the enchanting romantic musical comedy based on the original film screenplay Sleepless in Seattle. Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Box office 0844 815 4865. 7.45pm Tickets £15 -£45.
JIMMY CARR – TERRIBLY FUNNY Jimmy’s brand new show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. Terrible things that might have affected you or people you know and love.l But they’re just jokes - they are not the terrible things.
Fly Girls Walk and run
Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. Box office 0844 815 4865. 7.45pm Tickets £30.
THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE FROM LETTERS AND DIARIES: AN ILLUSTRATED LECTURE BY KARIN FERNALD Paintings, sketches and portraits from the Nightingale Museum, at St. Thomas’ Hospital, London. Brent Libraries 2-3pm. Free.
WEDNESDAY 2 DECEMBER
TENNYSON & THE BRONTES Peppered with anecdotes about the man who invited Maud into the garden and the Bronte siblings (including Branwell, the original Graduate) who were outlived by their hypochondriac father. Brent Libraries. 11am-12noon.
THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER A CASE OF IDENTITY: HOW CINEMA HELPED CREATE SHERLOCK HOLMES Sherlock Holmes is probably the most depicted fictional character in cinema and TV. How did this happen? Join historical detective Will Bird to uncover the earliest adaptations of these famous cases. Brent Libraries. 6.30-7.45pm
CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE: BLACK LIVES MATTER On Thursday 22 October 2020, Brent will be celebrating Black History Month. This year’s theme is ‘Black Lives Matter’. This is a time to celebrate, research and learn about people of African and
Caribbean backgrounds who have made a difference to the country over many generations. There will also be discussions about some of the issues still faced by the black community. The day will include amazing performances, panel discussions, a quiz and cultural presentations – all delivered virtually due to COVID-19. Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent
Council, said: “There has been a lot to emotionally contend with for the black community in Brent recently, and this is a time for us to celebrate and lift our spirits. I am excited and look forward to bringing everyone together virtually. “There is a great line up planned, so do save the date and watch this space!” To confirm your place, email bhm@brent.gov.uk
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ARTS & CULTURE
What’s On CHILDREN’S HAIRITAGE - KIDS WORKSHOP Kids workshop to help youngsters express, learn and enjoy their curl or coil pattern in a natural way. HAIRITAGE1 Queens Parade, Willesden Lane, Willesden Green, London. Last Sunday of each month, 9.30am to 11am (term time only).
PROUD COFFEE LGBT OLDER PEOPLE COFFEE AFTERNOON
Proud Coffee is a free afternoon for older LGBT people in Brent. Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, London. Wednesdays, 2.30-4pm
HESTIA BRENT RECOVERY CAFÉ
The Recovery Cafe provides a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for adults in Brent who are in a mental health crisis or feeling distressed.Tokyngton Community Centre, St Michaels Avenue, Wembley HA9 6SA. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 6pm to 11pm (term time only).
HEALTHY MINDS COMPUTER CLASS FOR OVER-55s A free computer class covering the basics, that aims to improve participants’ confidence when using information technology. Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, London. Wednesdays, 1 to 2pm (term time only).
QUEENS PARK LATES
BRENT START MATHS WORKSHOPS Get tips on helping with homework Key Stages 1-4. For parents and children 5+ Wembley Library. Wednesdays in September, 3.30pm (term time only).
BOOKSTART STORY AND RHYME TIMES FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5
Brent Libraries Every Tuesday from October, 11–11.20am.
COMMUNITY PLACE OF WELCOME
Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a place to interact with one another, enjoy games and have engaging conversations. Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre 6 Hillside, London. Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm (term time only).
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YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
Queens Park Lates an evening market for all the family opens 17 April Salusbury Road Primary School, Salusbury Road. Fridays, 6 to 10pm (term time only).
FOSTERING
ONLINE FOSTERING INFORMATION EVENING
Join the local group of caring people who look after Brent’s vulnerable children. Attend one of the monthly information evenings taking place on 1 October or 5 November to discover fostering and find out how you can help children in care. The sessions are currently happening on Zoom so you don’t need to leave home to participate. Visit brent.gov.uk/fostering to sign up for the event.
>> Your guide to what’s on
HEALTH AND FITNESS PILATES FOR FITNESS, FLEXIBILITY AND RECOVERY FROM INJURY AND JOINT PAIN Suitable for all, this careful class is particularly suitable for those with back or shoulder pain and stiffness. Beginners welcome. Father O Callaghan Centre, Hay Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 0NG. 10 September 2020, 6.50 to 8.00pm (term time only).
PILATES FOR FITNESS, FLEXIBILITY AND RECOVERY FROM INJURY AND JOINT PAIN Suitable for all, this careful class is particularly suitable for those with back or shoulder pain and stiffness. Beginners welcome. Father O Callaghan Centre, Hay Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 0NG. 17 September 2020, 6.50 to 8.00pm (term time only).
PILATES FOR FITNESS, FLEXIBILITY AND RECOVERY FROM INJURY AND JOINT PAIN Suitable for all, this careful class is particularly suitable for those with back or shoulder pain and stiffness. Beginners welcome. Father O Callaghan Centre, Hay Lane, Kingsbury, NW9 0NG. 24 September 2020, 6.50 to 8.00pm (term time only).
OUR PARKS SESSION - ALPERTON Get fit for free with OurParks. Alperton - One Tree Hill Thursdays, 10-11am.
OUR PARKS SESSION - WEMBLEY Get fit for free with OurParks. Wembley - King Edward VII Tuesdays, 6pm-6:45pm.
OUR PARKS SESSION - CHURCH END Get fit for free with OurParks. Church End - Gibbons Rec Thursdays, 10:30-11:30am.
OUR PARKS SESSION HARLESDEN Get fit for free with OurParks. Harlesden - Roundwood Park Mondays, 6:30-7:30pm.
OUR PARKS SESSION - STONEBRIDGE Get fit for free with OurParks. Stonebridge - Tokyngton Rec Tuesdays, 10.30-11.30am.
ARTS & CULTURE If you would like your event included in these pages, submit the details at www.brent.gov.uk/events
at’s on in Brent during Autumn 2020 OUR PARKS SESSION - DOLLIS HILL
SELFDEVELOPMENT
OUR PARKS SESSION QUEENS PARK
FAMILY LEARNING: ADULT LANGUAGE AND LEARNING
Get fit for free with OurParks. Dollis Hill - Gladstone Park. Sundays, 10-11am and 11am-12noon.
Get fit for free with OurParks. Queen’s Park. Thursdays, 10-11am.
OUR PARKS SESSION KINGSBURY
Get fit for free with OurParks. Kingsbury - Roe Green Saturdays, 10.30 -11.30am.
RUN WITH ANDY - ONE TREE HILL WALKING AND RUNNING My aim is to get people out and show them that running and walking can be fun and enjoyable! One Tree Hill Recreational Ground,
Norton Road, Alperton, HA0 4QN. Tuesdays in September, 6.45 to 8.30pm (term time only).
BRENT DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB
Dolphins Swimming Club aims to promote the teaching and coaching of all aspects of swimming, including teacher training and lifesaving for those aged 5 and over. Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centres. Everyday besides Sunday, 7-10pm (term time only).
10 week course delivered in partnership with Brent Start. Brent Libraries. Monday 28 September, Wednesday 30 September, Friday 2 October, 10.15am-12.15pm.
MOVE ON WITH CONFIDENCE Move on with confidence. Brent Libraries. Monday 28 September, 10.15am-12.15pm.
FAMILY LEARNING: MATHS TO THE RESCUE
10 week course, for families: KS1 and 2 Maths. Brent Libraries
Thursday 1 October 4–6pm.
FAMILY LEARNING: MATHS TO THE RESCUE
10 week course, for families: KS3 and 4 Maths. Brent Libraries Tuesday 29 September 4–6pm.
FAMILY LEARNING FESTIVAL Family Learning workshops: CartBuild and Momentoframe. Brent Libraries Wednesday 28 October, 11–1.15pm and 2.15–4.30pm.
FAMILY LEARNING FESTIVAL Family Learning: Making Magnificent Mandalas workshops. Brent Libraries Saturday 7 November, 11-1.15pm and 2.15-4.30pm.
Opportunities for Businesses to Have a Big Presence in Brent Brent Council are offering a sponsorship initiative to local businesses that reaches the heart of the Brent community. The scheme allows businesses to advertise on both lamppost banners and roundabouts, affording them continuous and guaranteed exposure during these unprecedented times.
A few key benefits of the scheme:
Community Partners
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Your name will be seen every day in prime locations across Brent
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Reach up to 14 million local residents & passing commuters every month
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Cost-effective way to get your business noticed
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Both short and long term campaigns are available
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Promote your events and offers
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Provide directions to your premises
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Continuous 24/7 exposure
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Helps your business to become an integral part of the local community
To register your interest, please get in touch with Community Partners on 01422 322255 who manage the scheme on behalf of Brent Council.
YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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THE DRUM
Celebrate in style WEMBLEY
AT THE DRUM WEMBLEY Whether you’re looking to host an intimate wedding or a celebration, The Drum Wembley offers an array of amazing possibilities. •S ituated in the heart of vibrant Wembley Park • Modern and versatile spaces that will inspire you, and your guests • Skilled events team with over 25 years experience Book before 31 October 2020 to take advantage of our ‘early bird’ discount – call for details
020 8937 4340 @drumwembley thedrumwembley.com
MY COMMUNITY
USEFUL CONTACTS We’ve made a handy list of all their contact details for you to cut out and keep. It’s also easy to visit www.brent.gov.uk/services-for-residents for a full A-Z of all services offered by the council
FOR THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS Call 111 if you have a medical problem that is not an emergency.
Call 101 to report a crime that is not an emergency. Contact your local safer neighbourhood team www.met.police.uk/a/your-area
THAMES WATER Customer Service 08459 200 800 AFFINITY WATER Emergency hotline 0345 357 2407
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Call 999 for the Police, Fire Brigade or Ambulance services.
OTHER LOCAL SERVICES Find your Brent MP and how to contact them www.brent.gov.uk/mps
If you want to help someone sleeping rough, go to www.streetlink.org.uk
Find your local GP using the NHS search tool www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/ LocationSearch/4
If you are concerned about a child call Brent Family Front Door on: 020 8937 4300 YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2020
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OTHER COUNCIL SERVICES Community grants and funding www.brent.gov.uk/funding
Find your ward councillor www.brent.gov.uk/ councillors
WASTE AND RECYCLING Bin collection times and recycling waste www.brent.gov.uk/recycling Pest control treatment www.brent.gov.uk/pests
Customer Services 020 8937 1234
OUT AND ABOUT Find a library in Brent www.brent.gov.uk/libraries Find your local park www.brent.gov.uk/parks
ACCESS SERVICES ONLINE Pay for council tax online www.brent.gov.uk/counciltax Make a claim for housing benefit
www.brent.gov.uk/housingbenefit Apply for a parking permit www.brent.gov.uk/parking
LP E H N A C E W
Whether you need a DESK FOR A DAY, MONTH, or a STUDIO or an OFFICE MEETING ROOMS AND CONFERENCE FACILITIES AVAILABLE
Affordable workspace at The Granville, a short walk from Queens Park and Kilburn Park stations. For more information or to book a viewing, call 020 7328 1199 or email hello@thegranville.org quoting Brent Sept 2020 www.southkilburntrust.org
I’ve had my flu jab. It’s free if you’re 65 or over I have my flu jab because it helps to protect me and the people around me. And this year, it’s more important than ever. The NHS will contact you to tell you when and where to get it. Get your flu vaccination, stay well and protect the NHS. ML4475 NHS Full Page (210x270) Flu Jab Advert FIN.indd 1
18/08/2020 16:04
WEMBLEY HIGH TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE AND NORTH BRENT SCHOOL Wembley High Technology College is one of the highest performing schools in England. North Brent School is based at Wembley High premises until the new school is built (completion in 2022). This is a unique opportunity for your child to attend an excellent school in Wembley Multi-Academy Trust.
The 4TH HIGHEST Progress 8 score in the COUNTRY (+1.58)
The 4TH HIGHEST Progress score for maths and science in the COUNTRY
53% of all GCSEs were awarded GRADES 9 – 7 (A*/A)
SIXTH FORM Progress is in the TOP 2% of the COUNTRY
Wembley Multi-Academy Trust comprises of three schools: WEMBLEY HIGH TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE EAST LANE PRIMARY SCHOOL NORTH BRENT SCHOOL
CEO/Executive Headteacher: Ms. G. Bal OBE Executive Headteacher: Mr. A. Hathi | Head of School (North Brent School): Mr. G. Dineen See www.whtc.co.uk for Wembley High Technology College and North Brent School
