Autumn 2021 www.brent.gov.uk/yourbrent The magazine about life in Brent, published by Brent Council
Congratulations to all our Pride of Brent Youth winners
ROAD TO RECOVERY £17m boost post-pandemic
JUMP FOR JOY!
Young people celebrate exam results
PARALYMPIC HERO Ade Adepitan visits Kingsbury centre
YOUR BRENT
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IN THIS ISSUE... NEWS 4 A round- up of the latest news in Brent
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YOUNG PRIDE OF BRENT
BRENT STUDENTS SHINE
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BRENT STUDENTS SHINE Hard working students achieve outstanding grades
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POVERTY COMMISSION REPORT 40 ways to achieving a fairer Brent
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COMMUNITY SKIPS Get rid of your unwanted items
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SANDS UNITED FC Football playing dads bond over grief
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BLACK COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN Black businesses get major cash boost
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PRIDE OF BRENT YOUTH AWARDS 24 More than 60 inspirational young people nominated for an award
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YOU DECIDE Residents decide how to spend £2.5million on neighbourhoods
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GRAND PLAN FOR ALPERTON New homes, shops and restaurants under construction in Alperton
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CLIMATE EMERGENCY 34 Go green and help protect our environment
Issue No.169 AUTUMN 2021 Distribution queries and editorial: yourbrent@brent.gov.uk EDITOR Marilyn Ayoade Marilyn.ayoade@brent.gov.uk PRODUCTION EDITOR Charlie Graham Edwards graham.edwards@brent.gov.uk
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FAMILY WELLBEING CENTRES 28 Eight Family Wellbeing Centres offering support and guidance
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
NW TRILOGY
COVID JAB DECISIONS Over 200,000 people have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine
COMMUNITY SKIPS
ADVERTISING SALES advertising@brent.gov.uk Published by Brent Council 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. Printed on 100 per cent FSC paper. Please use your local paper bank when disposing of this magazine and other paper. 8596BDU0820
SHOP LOCAL Brent high streets are bustling with energy as shoppers return
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ARTS & CULTURE AND WHAT’S ON Events, activities and much more
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USEFUL CONTACTS 46 Your cut out and keep council services page YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
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YOUNG BRENT SHINES It’s been a fun-filled holiday season, with ‘Summer on Your Doorstep’ activities such as netball, football, hip-hop, learning to paint like Picasso, music, drama and swimming giving families lots to enjoy during the school holidays. Five talented young people even had the opportunity to play with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra live in Kilburn. As our young people head back to school, we are celebrating all they have achieved over the past year. I want to congratulate all the students who received their GCSE, A Level and BTEC results. COVID-19 has challenged us all – not least our young people – but once again the young people of Brent have risen to the challenge, with the support of their teachers, friends and families, and their hard-work and determination has paid off. There is a big focus on young people as part of the money given out through the council’s £17 million recovery fund, from extra catchup programmes for children who missed valuable learning time and a boost for mental health support in schools. I was also blown away by the nominees and winners at our recent Pride of Brent Youth Awards and the young people nominated for generous acts of kindness, or for going the extra mile to do something good in the community. We all know that climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face and young people in Brent are leading the conversation to find solutions locally. Our Climate and Ecological Strategy outlines our actions over the next 10 years through five key themes of consumption, resource and waste; transport; homes and buildings; nature and green spaces; and supporting communities to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2030. We are working closely with the resident-led Brent Environmental Network, which now has more than 700 members. As we continue to do our bit in Brent, I am keen to hear the outcome from the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow this autumn.
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Cllr Muhammed Butt
YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021of Brent Council Leader
Look out for this £17million logo throughout the magazine to find out more about where the money will be spent!
£17million to bounce back from COVID-19 Millions of pounds to help Brent’s local economy bounce back after the pandemic have been agreed by the council. The money is set to improve the lives of residents after a difficult year. It will help unemployed people into work, fund extra catch-up programmes for children, who missed out on learning, and boost mental health support in schools. Council teams will be filling more potholes to make roads safer, supporting
walking in the borough by extending Brent’s footway renewal programme, removing tree stumps, and catching the culprits behind illegal rubbish dumps. “Our recovery plan targets extra cash in the areas where we believe we can have the most impact, as the borough comes to terms with the longer-term impacts of the pandemic,” says Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council. “Together, these programmes are designed to move us one step closer to a fairer, better Brent.”
Healthy progress The Brent Health Matters programme has gone from strength to strength this year as the council has worked with health services and the local communities they serve to find innovative ways to address health inequalities. There are now Community Champions in every part of the borough and a regular series of Community Forums to discuss key issues. Health Educators have been employed to work in the community to address key health concerns, starting with COVID and diabetes. Community Champion, Suraj Bafna, originally from Mumbai, has lived in Brent since 2016, said: “I would encourage more people to come forward, take up these roles and help shape a healthier community.” The programme has also seen £250,000 in grants awarded to local organisations to find solutions to health inequality issues affecting local people. Watch this space for more progress updates as the programme continues to make a huge difference to lives.
Community Champion Suraj Bafna
NEWS
Energy saving pilot for Harlesden homes Two empty council properties in Harlesden are the first council homes set to benefit from an energy retrofit pilot in Nightingale Road and Hiley Road. The properties will be fitted with thermal efficient internal and external insulation, energy efficient windows, energy saving heating and power source with photovoltaic panels on the roof. Working with the council’s contractor, Wates, the process aims to be completed by winter. UK homes have the lowest energy efficient ratings in Europe, which is also a major source of carbon emissions. This means higher energy bills for the poorest in our communities. Retrofitting homes is part of the council’s ambitious Climate and Ecological Emergency strategy to reduce carbon emissions in the borough. We aim to roll out retrofits to other sites across the council’s housing stock in the future. Make your property energy efficient www.ecofurb.com/ You may also be eligible for grant funding for this work: https:// london.greendoctors.org.uk/green-homes-grant
We had joy we had fun Young people in Brent enjoyed a jampacked ‘Summer On Your Doorstep’ full of activities over the summer holidays. There was something for everyone with many activities free including: swimming,
Photovoltaic panels installation on the roof
football, learning to play an instrument, singing, dancing, drama and arts and crafts. Activities took place across the borough with children learning about cooking healthy food and the benefits of staying active while doing fun things. Cllr Mili Patel, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding, Early Help and Social Care said: “We wanted every Brent child to have a great summer exploring new adventures and making new friends. The wellbeing of our children and
young people is a top priority and after a challenging year for so many of our families, it was great to see so many getting stuck into the ‘Summer On Your Doorstep’ activities and enjoying themselves.” Cllr Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills said: “Our children have worked so hard, in what has been a very anxious and challenging year for them, so to be able to take part and enjoy these activities was a real bonus.”
£500k will go towards ‘get active’ pop ups, more mental health experts in schools, and a dental health bus rooting out tooth decay from a young age
Brent children enjoying summer activities YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
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NEWS
Litter heroes don’t leaf it around Keeping streets clean and clear is a never-ending task, and the challenges change with the seasons. Hundreds of volunteers, including local schoolchildren and businesses, joined litter picks as part of the Great British Spring Clean, which went on into the summer months this year due to lockdown. Teams from the council’s waste contractor,Veolia, also joined a number of school assemblies to speak to young people about the impact of littering and the importance of protecting the planet. Street teams are now turning their attention to autumn leaves, which can build up and make paths slippery for pedestrians or block drains if left to rot. The council has a 10-week programme to collect leaves in areas with the heaviest leaf fall –big London Plane trees in particular drop huge amounts of leaves. All of the leaves are taken away to be recycled into compost. For more information about recycling, or if you would like help or borrowed equipment to arrange your own litter-picking event, please email recyclemore@brent.gov.uk. Use #StreetSmiles on social media to show your appreciation for local street teams.
A fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work For the eighth year in a row, Brent Council has been accredited by the Living Wage Foundation as a London Living Wage Employer. The Living Wage is higher than the
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Local school children help Brent business, Skrap clean up
500 local volunteers
350 bags of litter collected
College Green nursery children picking up litter government minimum and is calculated based on actual living costs to make sure that a person’s earnings meet the cost of rent, childcare, travel, food and household bills. The London rate is higher to take into account the higher costs of housing in the capital. Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, said: “It’s not fair that some
Five school assemblies, attended by 300 pupils
120 tonnes of leaves recycled in 2020
Veolia leaf blower have no choice but to juggle two or more jobs just to make ends meet.” Brent was the first council in the UK to introduce a business rates discount for Living Wage accredited employers and believes in ‘A fair day’s pay for a hard day’s work’. Cllr Thomas Stephens, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, added: “We want to lead by example and show local businesses how important it is that workers are paid a fair wage.” Find out more at brentbusinesshub@brent.gov.uk.
NEWS Olympic Way becomes Paralympic Way to celebrate the games! Temporary signs have been placed along the iconic stretch up to Wembley Stadium as Brent cheers on this year’s paralympians.
£50,000 raised for local charities Two local charities are set to benefit from more than £50,000. The former Mayor of Brent, Cllr Ernest Ezeajughi, presented, the Sickle Cell Society and the Jason Roberts Foundation with their cheques at an event held at
Bridgestone Arena, Stonebridge in July. Cllr Ezeajughi said: “It is a pleasure to be presenting cheques to two charities that are very close to my heart, and even more so after all the challenges of the last 18 months.”
£5,000 Being Brent grants Twelve community groups and individuals are set to benefit from £5,000 grants to run community projects that help improve the health and wellbeing of local people through heritage. Brent Museum and Archives will work with the winners of the Heritage Wellbeing Fund to raise the visibility of the borough’s history, helping more people get involved and have a greater sense of wellbeing and belonging. Continuing the legacy of the Brent 2020 London Borough of Culture, the fund is part of Being Brent – Heritage for Health and Wellbeing, a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and delivered by Brent Museum and Archives. Find out more at: www. brent.gov.uk/beingbrent
Diane White, from (SABA), at the Brent Black Musical Co-Op Heritage Project
Covid testing If you have had both vaccines, you no longer need to self-isolate after close contact with someone who has Covid-19 – but you do need to take a PCR test as soon as possible. You still need to self-isolate if you test positive or have symptoms, regardless of vaccination status. Self-isolation lasts for 10 days. Go to brent.gov.uk/ selfisolationsupport to find out what support is available. Go to brent.gov.uk/testing to find a test. We should all be getting tested for Covid-19 twice weekly. Ultra-Low Emission Zone The Ultra-Low Emission Zone is expanding into Brent from 25 October 2021. Have you checked your vehicle? Four out of five cars already meet the ULEZ emissions standards, but the Mayor of London and TfL are asking owners of older cars, motorcycles, lighter van and minibuses to take action. Check your vehicle meets the ULEZ emissions standards by visiting tfl.gov.uk/ulez-2021 Brent is ready to welcome Afghan refugees Brent is a place that embraces and welcomes diversity from across the world, and the council is always ready to accept those facing harm and living under threat. It will continue to play its part in offering refuge and sanctuary as part of regional and national efforts to support communities around the world. The council has confirmed to the Home Office that it will take part in the recently launched Afghan Locally Employed Scheme and, at the time of writing, is preparing to welcome and support the first families into the borough imminently.
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Stonebridge School buries time capsule Future generations will be able to learn what it was like to live during the COVID-19 pandemic, thanks to 150 Stonebridge schoolchildren who shared their experiences in a time capsule. The capsule will be buried underneath a new play area, which is being built as part of the new Hillside and Milton Avenue development in Stonebridge. A celebratory event was held on the last day of term, where stories were collected and certificates were given to each student, along with a leavers t-shirt. The Hillside and Milton Avenue development, delivered by Brent Council and
Higgins Partnership, is a £22 million scheme to build 73 new homes, one retail unit with new public open space for local residents. Cllr Southwood, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, said, “With this development, 73 families will get a fresh start in a home that’s right for them, but that’s not all. It is also bringing a whole host of other opportunities for young people and their families, not least the new play area where this brilliant time capsule is being buried.” Amy Ross, who helped organise the event and works at Higgins, said: “We would really like to thank the children for all their wonderful
contributions for the time capsule, which will be a lasting legacy at the Stonebridge development.”
Paralympic hero Ade visits Kingsbury Centre
Image : Savannah Mullings Johnson
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Paralympic wheelchair basketball bronze medallist, Ade Adepitan MBE, paid a long-awaited visit to the short break centre that proudly bears his name in Kingsbury last month. The Ade Adepitan Short Break Centre, in Grove Park, is a first-class modern facility that looks after children, aged eight to eighteen, with severe and multiple learning difficulties, complex health needs, physical disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders. “It feels great to be back,” said Ade. “I am very proud of the work the team do here and the positive affect it has on the lives of the children, young people and parents who use the centre. It is important to continue to highlight the needs of disabled children. “We are all responsible for creating a fairer society for everyone. “Looking back on my 80’s childhood, if I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self: everything is possible. Always believe in yourself, keep that passion and keep the sense of wonderment that young children have.’ “Disability alone is not a barrier; but the lack of opportunity is.” For more information, email: ade.adepitan-sbc@brent.gov.uk
ST CLAUDINE’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Championing excellence and equality in girls’ education 73% A*-B at A-level • 63% of all GCSEs 9-5 • 30% of all GCSEs 9-7
Brent’s only all-girls 11-18 school. We welcome girls from all faiths and none. An all-girls’ school enables students to view all subjects, leadership positions and career choices as ‘for girls’ and allows them to flourish in an atmosphere of security and trust. Maximising potential. Our girls are able to develop their unique gifts and talents through our broad curriculum, supported by our staff. Exceptional academic achievement for girls. Our students win places to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities; have access to Pathways to Law and Routes to Medicine and Veterinary Science programmes; and have access to a unique American University Full Scholarship programme. Shaping the future. We are proud that St Claudine’s students develop the skills, resilience and commitment to become future leaders.
Girls do better in an all-girls’ school! Learn more about us at www.stclaudines.co.uk or call or email for an appointment to visit the school: 020 8965 2986 email: office@stclaudines.co.uk. Some spaces currently available in years 7, 8 & 9 YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
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NEWS
Youth employment scheme gets a Kickstart A new youth work placement scheme has been launched to help provide a much-needed boost to employment in the borough. The Kickstart scheme aims to create employment opportunities for young people, improve their confidence, and prevent long gaps in employment. So far, 75 local businesses have signed up to create more than 250 job placements across a diverse range of occupations. The scheme is open to eligible Brent residents aged 16-24 and in receipt of Universal Credit. The work placements run for six months, supporting young people to follow their aspirations, develop employability skills and eventually find work. Placement opportunities include Trainee Hairdresser at Chop Chop in Wembley Park, Graphic Designer at Excelsior Graphic Designer, and Bar Runner at BOXPARK Wembley – to name just a few.
More money to train and find local people jobs in growing industries via Brent Works
£500k set to boost four local community projects More than £500,000 in grants are set to benefit four community projects after they were approved by the council’s cabinet in July. The grants have been awarded to the Jason Roberts Foundation to upgrade works at the Pavilion and the Brent Music Service to provide out-of-school music activity to black and African Caribbean children who are underrepresented in orchestral music playing. Cash will also go to the Keslake Pocket Park to increase safety and reduce anti-social behaviour and to Alperton Sports Ground to improve the outdoor and play facilities and improve security. The money will be delivered through the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL), which provides grants for community projects that support the regeneration of the borough. The NCIL pot of cash is created by contributions from developers and new building in the borough. Since its launch in 2017, Brent’s NCIL scheme has been a resounding success with 229 councilbacked projects bagging £14million in funds to support the growth and development of neighbourhoods. Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property & Planning, said: “The NCIL scheme has
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transformed lives and brought community assets and infrastructure to life. It allows us to bring positive change to people’s lives, enabling us to tackle poverty, and inequality and address the underrepresented groups within our community. It literally puts
Girls community football club
money from regeneration back into the community for the benefit of our residents, and the results have been felt across the borough. For more information, go to www.brent.gov.uk/funding.
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Here for you
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At Mayhew, we work to improve animal welfare in our community and support the people who live in it. Our team of experienced Animal Welfare O�cers are always on hand to o�er advice or practical help, including: • • • •
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rescuing stray, sick and injured cats and dogs supporting vulnerable pet owners to stay with their animals helping to manage feral cat populations improving access to neutering, vaccinations and health checks
Find out more about our work in the community and contact our Animal Welfare team with any questions or concerns:
themayhew.org/community-support 020 8962 8000 awo@mayhewanimalhome.org
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At Mayhew, we do not judge and are here to assist and advise on the best course of action for pets and their owners, no matter what the problem.
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Mayhew, Trenmar Gardens, Kensal Green, London, NW10 6BJ Registered Charity no. 1077588
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NEWS
Golden boy makes history
Former Brondesbury Park school boy, Tom Dean, made history at the Tokyo Olympics when he scooped two gold medals in 24 hours. Tom, 21, became the first British male athlete to win a gold medal for freestyle swimming in 113 years before winning a team gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay a day later. The Olympic freestyle swimmer was a pupil at Malorees Infant and Junior School in Christchurch Avenue. Tom’s achievement is even more remarkable because he beat COVID-19 twice, after he got it for a second time in January, and worked hard to regain his strength to prepare for the Olympic trials ahead.
£1.8m to tackle County Lines crime The Rescue and Response programme, which supports young people exploited by County Lines crime, and safeguards vulnerable young people, has received a further £1.8m funding boost. County Lines is the name given to drug dealing where phone lines are used to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas across the whole country. Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, said: “Criminal County Lines drug networks groom young people to transport drugs. To date, we have received 1,600 referrals and are committed to helping them live a life free from fear of criminal gangs.”
Vunerable young people helped with funding boost
Young people perform concert in Kilburn Square
Talented young musicians
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Young people, aged 14-16 from across the borough, got the opportunity to work with musicians from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to create two show-stopping, ‘pop up’ style performances held in Kilburn Square during August. The project was developed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra who invited all young people with an interest in music – whatever genre or style – to sign up for a free place. The talented youngsters wrote and performed brand new pieces of music based on the theme of Wemba’s Dream – a creative exploration of the ideas and dreams of Brent residents.
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HAPPY & HEALTHY
Another great year Pupils from across Brent have been congratulated on their hard work following the GCSE, A Level and BTEC exam results this summer.
C
llr Thomas Stephens, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills said: “I’d like to wish my heartfelt congratulations to all Brent students who received their results”. “I know how hard students - as well as teachers, school leaders and support staff have worked over the last year. Every young person in Brent should be proud of what they have achieved in the most challenging of circumstances. “I am deeply proud of all Brent students, and of the outstanding support Brent’s schools have provided to ensure that all our young people have every opportunity to succeed.”
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We spoke to students from across the borough to find out how they did and what their plans are for the future.
Maaran Kaylie
Claremont High School
Kaylie said: “I’m really happy with my A Level results and I’m hoping to get a job next year working for the NHS.”
Michel
Newman Catholic College
Michel said: “When I came to the UK from Nigeria in 2019, I found learning quite difficult. It was actually easier with the lockdown because I could learn at my own pace. I’m going to college and then I want to study Medicine to become a doctor.”
Kingsbury High School
Maaran said: “I can’t thank the teachers enough for keeping us on track through our A Levels and I’m really looking forward to studying Medicine at Queen Mary University of London.”
Khaleel
Capital City Academy
Khaleel said: “I received Distinction* Distinction* Distinction in BTEC. I’m looking forward to studying Sport, Health and Exercise Science at Brunel University.”
HAPPY & HEALTHY
for Brent students! Dillon
College Newman Catholic
Dillon said: “For me learning in a pandemic was beneficial because I got to spend more time to focus on the areas which I needed to develop in. I’m very happy. I have a scholarship to a boarding school in Oxford.”
Gloria
Convent of Jesus and Mary Language College
Gloria said: “I’m aiming for medical school so I am beyond happy with my results today!”
Sarah
Capital City Academy
Sarah said “I am very pleased with my GCSE grades and am staying on to study Sociology, Media, English Language and Literature.”
Ismail and Sara
Queen’s Park Community School
Jonathan
Claremont High School
Jonathan said: “I got three A*s in Maths, Further Maths and Physics A Levels and I’ll be going to Cambridge to study Engineering. The last two years were different with COVID-19, but I’m glad I got these results in the end.”
Ismail said: “I achieved A*, A*, A*, A in Maths, Further Maths, Economics and History and I am going to LSE to read Economics. I am looking forward to studying Economics at a higher level and I am thankful for the support of all my teachers through lockdown.” Sara said: “I got A*, A, A in Biology, Maths and Chemistry and I am going to study Medicine at Kings College London. I was really pleased with my results, and although lockdown presented a lot of challenges, I felt really well supported by the school.”
Priya
Kingsbury High School
Priya said: “I got 3 A* and an A* for my EPQ! When the results came through this morning my Dad and I both gasped - we were in shock! The teachers have been absolutely brilliant over the last two years, continually supporting and keeping us focussed. I’ve been offered a place at Trinity College, Cambridge to study English and I am so happy!” YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
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JOBS & SKILLS
A fairer future Cash will go towards rolling out ‘money mentors’, tackling period poverty and programmes which help those who are struggling with their energy bills.
The independent Poverty Commission, which was chaired by Lord Richard Best, recommended 40 ways to making Brent fairer last August.
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COVID-19 has exposed the urgency of this issue and it is crucial that we keep up the pace over the next year and continue to work to create a fairer future for local people
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Rafael Lima completed a construction apprenticeship with Brent Works and is looking forward to a permanent role.
Cllr Southwood, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform
JOBS & SKILLS
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his landmark report picked out the soaring cost of rent in private housing, access to well-paid work, and debt as among the biggest problems. A year on from receiving those recommendations, a coordinated effort has been underway to confront the causes and consequences of poverty in Brent.
A place to call home Nearly 500 families have now moved into a new council home. Brent has one of London’s most ambitious homebuilding programmes and is ahead of schedule to reach its target of 1,000 new council homes by 2024. Wherever the council builds, it also invests in the local neighbourhood. Take Stonebridge resident, Rehan, who spotted a work placement opportunity advertised on a noticeboard outside the Hillside and Milton Avenue development, where building work is well underway. He applied and started shadowing the Quantity Surveying team on site this July. Now he is excited about his future in the construction industry. “I’ve been trusted by my team to help with certain tasks and given insight on what’s to come for when I graduate,” said Rehan
Keeping away the loan sharks
Work that pays
More than £2.2m has been given out in emergency financial relief through Brent’s Resident Support Fund, which was set up to help people get through short-term money worries as a result of COVID-19. The council is also working with credit unions to help local people who aren’t eligible for the grants to access interest-free loans, rather than resorting to loan sharks. Brent Hubs have continued to support local communities, putting people before process and working with individuals to sort out complex issues, from housing to benefits, wellbeing and employment. One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, told us her story. “In July 2020, I found myself homeless unexpectedly. The situation I found myself in left me so stressed that it affected my physical health. Brent Hubs helped me find practical solutions, which means I am now seeing my health improve.”
Over the past year, many people lost their jobs, were furloughed or had their hours and pay cut. Brent Works was a lifeline for anyone who needed help getting back on their feet, supporting 220 people back into work during the pandemic with connections to local employers, 1-1 advice and training opportunities. The council is also championing the Living Wage, which is based on the real costs of living. As well as being an accredited employer, Brent works has also put in place a range of incentives to encourage more local businesses to follow suit. “We are doing all in our gift to eradicate poverty in Brent”, said Cllr Southwood, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform. “By working across the council and linking up with local partners, we are addressing the underlying problems which push people into poverty.” “COVID-19 has exposed the urgency of this issue and it is crucial that we keep up the pace over the next year and continue to work to create a fairer future for local people.”
Rehan featured centre, meeting Brent Councillors
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ENVIRONMENT
Sofa-r, so good!
Community skips returned for 2021, carrying away 35 tonnes of unwanted items – that’s the equivalent of a humpback whale – over the summer! 18
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o make the most of each stop, a giant refuse truck which can take bigger items like sofas and mattresses replaced the classic yellow skips this year. Brent’s Neighbourhood Managers arranged for an event in each of the borough’s 21 wards, giving everyone a zero-cost option for disposing of up to five bulky heavy-duty items, legally and easily. Team members from council contractor Veolia were on hand to sift through items, separating them into things to be reused, recycled or repurposed. Anything that wasn’t repurposed was loaded onto the refuse truck to be compacted and transferred to a renewable energy site. Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, said, “We’ve had a fantastic
response to our community skips and I’m delighted so many residents were able to take advantage. It’s just one of the ways we’re working to stamp out illegal rubbish dumping.” More skips are planned for later in the year – for the latest dates, check www. brent.gov.uk/communityskips
Extra cash will go towards illegal rubbish dumping rapid response teams to clear and gather evidence, which may help catch the culprits.
ENVIRONMENT WANTED! The campaign to catch dumpers Brent Council’s WANTED! campaign calls on eagle-eyed residents to report illegal rubbish dumpers who are spoiling streets for everyone else. Where dumpers are caught on camera, enforcement teams have been using flyers and posters to try and locate the culprit.
possible take photos, but never approach those responsible or put yourself at risk.
You can report the incident anonymously at waste. enforcement@brent.gov.uk or on 020 8937 4994.
If you witness any incident, record as much information as possible such as the time, location and date of the incident, vehicle type and registration, and description of the person committing the offence. Wherever
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We’ve had a fantastic response to the community skip scheme this year, with so many of our residents taking advantage of the opportunity to get rid of unwanted items
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Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment
Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment
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MY COMMUNITY
They’ll never walk We caught up with Shareef Mani to tell us about Sands United FC London – a UK-wide network of football teams helping bereaved dads cope with the tragedy of losing a child.
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Don’t be hard on yourself, find help in a support group, don’t suffer in silence or on your own.
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© All images copyright Mark Shepherd
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Shareef Mani
MY COMMUNITY
alone How did Sands United FC start? We came together through bereavement and this unites us as a group of men who can talk openly about the sadness, guilt and the pain of losing a baby. In 2017, Rob Allen from Northampton suffered the loss of his baby daughter, Niamh. He soon realised there was no charity, or support network that specialised in providing help specifically for men affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth. Rob’s love of football led him to organise a football match at Northampton Town FC in aid of Sands, the UK’s leading stillbirth and neonatal death charity. The game was such a resounding success, that the dads decided to form Sands United FC Northampton.
What support is available? We have regional mental health coordinators who provide support. The team also has a welfare officer who does weekly check-ins with the players. Since COVID, this has taken place virtually. What advice would you give dads who experience this type of bereavement? Don’t be hard on yourself, find help in a support group, don’t suffer in silence or on your own. Talk to someone about your feelings and take time to heal.
To find out more about Sands FC United London, please get in touch through their social media channels: Facebook: SandsUtdLondon Twitter: Londonsufc Instagram: Sufclondon or email: sufclondon@gmail.com
When did Sands United FC London form? We got together in 2019, and currently have 36 fathers from London who have experienced the death of a child by miscarriage, stillbirth or neonatal death. All the players commemorate their child’s life by proudly displaying their names on their team shirts. So far, we’ve played six games since coming out of lockdown in April 2021. The camaraderie makes it special. We get to socialise with each other after each match and talk about the things on our minds. It break down barriers in the men who have never spoken to anyone about their grief. We support each other as good mates. Why did you join Sands United FC? My wife and I lost our son Noah, due to a stillbirth death, in October 2019. The nurses at Barnet Hospital gave me literature about Sands and a year I plucked up the courage to contact them. Through the love of football, we get to channel our emotions and grief. Everyone is welcome to join.
Sands United FC footballer dad
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MY COMMUNITY
A year of action A lot has changed since the landmark launch of the Brent Black Community Action Plan (BCAP), a year ago. In addition, the council’s internal processes are also changing, new rules will ensure the council’s spending power positively affects Brent’s black communities and staff have been given a platform to promote race equality. Abdi Farah, Director of Connect Stars, said, “While we have come a long way, this is a marathon and not a sprint. There is still lots of work to be done, and we will only achieve this by keeping up the momentum and working together as a community.” To learn more and get involved, visit www.brent.gov.uk/BCAP
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The unequal impact of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted the urgency of creating a fairer, more level playing field.
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he 10-year plan is committed to tackling inequality by investing long-term in the community and local black leaders. A Community Reference Group and Youth Advisory Group have been created to deliver the plan and give young people a voice to help shape it. The council has pledged £2.5m to help businesses thrive post-pandemic, including black businesses. This includes digital skills training, equipment grants and a new scheme to encourage young Black-led start-ups. 23 year old Sancia, from Wembley, who sits on the Youth Advisory Group, said, “I wanted to be a part of the process of addressing inequalities and making a difference within Brent’s black communities.” Cllr McLennan, Brent Council’s Deputy Leader, said, “The unequal impact of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter movement highlighted the urgency of creating a fairer, more level playing field. That is why, one year ago, we joined forces with local residents and community leaders to look at the lives and experiences of Brent’s Black African and Caribbean residents.”
Cllr McLennan, Brent Council’s Deputy Leader
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MY COMMUNITY
£2m has been given to local initiatives focusing on youth engagement, employment, culture and health improvement
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MY COMMUNITY PRIDE OF
BRENT YOUTH
AWARDS 2021
Young
Inspirational young people took centre stage at the second Pride of Brent Youth Awards, held at Brent Civic Centre in August.
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he Pride of Brent Youth Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the brilliant young people, aged between 11 and 24, who have gone above and beyond to help their local community. Over 60 young people were nominated by their friends, neighbours, teachers or local youth group and voluntary organisation leaders. The winners collected their awards at a special ceremony at Wembley Civic Centre.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
Maryam Al Qaysi
YOUNG PERSON OF THE YEAR
Casey Clowes
Casey is a truly outstanding role model. She dedicates a huge amount of her time raising awareness and educating others about autism. 24
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Maryam is an Iraqi refugee who has made Brent her home alongside her mother and younger brother.
heroes YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Niamh Butler-McMahon Niamh managed her GCSE coursework and extra revision sessions with volunteering as a play worker for the Two Da Stage Performing Arts & Childcare Club.
MY COMMUNITY Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said: “It was amazing to meet these brilliant young people and recognise their achievements. There are lots of children and teenagers working hard to help improve their local community. They are not only making Brent a better place, but they are also inspiring others to do better. These young people, their families and friends should feel very proud of their accomplishment.”
POSITIVE ROLE MODEL AWARD
Maleeklah Burden-Kaizra Having once been in care, Maleekah has an excellent future ahead for herself and her son.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD
Denisa Stinca
MOST IMPROVED YOUNG PERSON AWARD
Michael Panford
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD ANSAR Youth Project
These young people are outstanding role models to others and actively engage hard-to-reach young people.
YOUNG LEADER AWARD
Dev Patel
Dev volunteered to help deliver meals two or three times a week to the elderly and most vulnerable in his community, during the pandemic.
BRENT YOUNG ENVIRONMENTALIST AWARD Joshua Bennett
Joshua secured some litter picking equipment through a community-funding scheme and has been litter picking on a weekly basis ever since.
Denisa is currently managing a project around mental health that aims to increase awareness of mental health issues.
Michael is a passionate youth leader who strives to make a difference. He turned his life around through the charity, Connect Stars.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD Phoenix Rising
The young people involved with Phoenix Rising are a real inspiration to others.
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HAPPY & HEALTHY
Making your More than 4.25 billion people worldwide, 85 million people in the UK, and more than 200,000 people in Brent have, so far, received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
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mind up
HAPPY & HEALTHY
W
ith over 70% of adults doubled jabbed across the UK, it is estimated that the Covid vaccine has stopped 22 million cases and prevented 60,000 deaths. However, in London only 50% of adults are double vaxed and, with COVID still circulating around the community, anyone not vaccinated is at a higher risk of illness. Many people have chosen to take the vaccine gladly and with relief. Other people have chosen not to – sometimes because they have questions or fears about the vaccine. “We know not everyone has decided to take up the offer of a free vaccine yet,” said Cllr Neil Nerva, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure. “If you are still deciding on whether the vaccine is right for you, I would encourage you to seek answers to your questions from trusted official sources – such as the NHS website – or talk to a doctor or GP you trust.” Visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus to do your research and make your own decision. More details about the vaccine and how to get vaccinated in Brent can also be found at www.brent.gov.uk/vaccine
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In London only 50% of adults are double vaxed
We know not everyone has decided to take up the offer of a free vaccine yet
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Cllr Neil Nerva, Brent’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Culture and Leisure YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
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HAPPY & HEALTHY
We are family Offering health checks, childcare, parenting workshops, money management and more, there are now eight Family Wellbeing Centres across Brent. 28
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HAPPY & HEALTHY
O
ffering health reviews for under fives, afterschool activities, childcare, support services for parents including parenting programmes, money management and more, there are now eight Family Wellbeing Centres across Brent. Staff are on hand to help, from early pregnancy through to a child’s 18th birthday or up to 25 years old for young people with special educational needs. They also offer programmes for dads, advice and guidance, english courses, and getting back into employment. No wonder the centres are proving hugely popular! To find out more visit: www.brent.gov. uk/familywellbeingcentres
One family’s journey to getting help A Brazilian family of five recently settled in Brent, having arrived here from Portugal. Tomás*, the dad, was the only English speaker, the mother, their two boys aged 15 and seven along with their two-year-old sister only speak Portuguese. When Tomás registered online, he completed the ‘getting to know your family’ form and said he needed support for his wife, Ana*, to learn english, as well as advice on keeping fit, healthy cooking, employment support and help with education for their older son, including assistance with managing his behaviour. Tomás’ working hours had also been cut due to the pandemic and the couple were struggling to feed their children and pay the bills. So, the Family Wellbeing Centre team helped the family with benefits and access to the local foodbank and free school meals and supported Tomás to find work with local employment services. The team helped Ana, who was keen for her two-year-old child to learn english, to secure a nursery place close to home. Their family support worker also helped the children gain access to their online lessons from school.
Money will go towards helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities by opening a centre to help those over 16 prepare for adulthood
Another meeting with Ana, her 15-year-old son, and an interpreter helped to assess the teenager’s needs, and resulted in him becoming more engaged with school, and signposted them to an organisation to support his emotional wellbeing, which led the son to becoming calmer.
Young people aged between 10 and 16, created individual paintings, as part of a themed mural art project
*names changed to protect identities
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MY COMMUNITY
This November, residents will be given £2.5million and the power to decide how it is spent to improve local neighbourhoods.
Children and family’s outdoor play
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MY COMMUNITY
Power to the people Y
Using the same criteria, the public will be in the driving seat The money will be divided equally between Willesden, Harlesden, Wembley, Kingsbury and Kenton, and Kilburn areas. All sorts of ideas will be considered, from planting new trees, painting a community centre, revamping play areas or installing public water fountains. Separate ‘Decision Days’ will be held for each of the five areas. Councillor Krupa Sheth, Brent Council’s Here’s how it works… Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “Participatory Budgeting is a brilliant Criteria for applications initiative that gets residents directly Local people are invited to send in their involved in decision-making about their ideas and proposals. As long as the applications meet the criteria, they progress area. I’m delighted that one of the first trials is so closely linked to the environment, as it’s to the next stage. The community is invited to a “Decision Day” to vote on which projects get the cash. ou Decide is a new initiative, that aims to get the whole community involved in making decisions about council budgets. This autumn, two trials will see residents choose which projects get a slice of £2.5 million towards cutting carbon emissions and supporting regeneration in the borough.
an issue which affects everyone. Together with local communities, we’re making progress against our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2030.” Cllr Shama Tatler, Lead Member for Regeneration, Property, and Planning, said: “With regeneration, we’re investing in the future of our borough and creating a place that’s alive with opportunities. NCIL is one way that local people can see the direct benefits of regeneration in shared public spaces, so it’s great that they will be able to make the final decision on which projects go from ideas to reality.” To get involved, visit www.brent.gov.uk/ youdecide
‘You Decide’ this autumn First, a £500k pot will be up for grabs to reduce carbon emissions in the borough, as part of the council’s pledge to tackle climate change. A community planning group, including representatives from many of Brent’s different communities, is in the process of deciding the criteria for applications. It will be targeted at improving the energy efficiency of buildings across Brent, and you’ll have the chance to vote on where the cash goes later this autumn. Next, residents will decide how £2million should be dedicated to community projects that support the regeneration of the borough. The Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) fund is usually assessed by a panel of council officers.
Young boxers from Reaching Communities project
Women’s fitness training
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HOUSING
A grand plan for Alperton More than 3,000 new homes and new shops, restaurants and open spaces are being built around the historic Grand Union Canal in Alperton.
The Grand Union development will transform Alperton
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This is an exciting time for Alperton, where we’ll be able to witness the start of a new neighbourhood with the community at its heart
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Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning
HOUSING
T
he Grand Union masterplan is breathing new life into Alperton and creating opportunities for new and existing residents. Based in the Alperton Growth Area, the new development promises 3,330 new homes of which more than 1,000 are affordable homes, including 92 council homes. Building work has begun with more than 20% of the workers living in Brent. Mark Cox, from Harlesden, got a job as a brickwork apprentice during the Covid lockdown. He said: “I want to take satisfaction in creating something new for the community.” New open spaces will be created as well as a new community centre, shops, restaurants and leisure facilities. A brand new medical centre and nearly 200 square feet of workspace is being built with around 650 permanent jobs created. More than 600 electric car-charging points will go in while a new canal and riverside walk will improve walking and cycling routes to and from Stonebridge Park Station. Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning, said: “This is an exciting time for Alperton, where we’ll be able to witness the start of a new neighbourhood with the community at its heart. This development is an example of how regeneration can bring wider benefits to the borough, including community facilities, new open spaces, workspace as well as housing.” Cllr Eleanor Southwood, Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, added: “Creating more genuinely affordable homes is at the heart of how we are working to create a fairer and more equal Brent.”
Mark Cox, Brickwork Apprentice The Grand Union is set to deliver over 3,330 new homes, of which 35% will be affordable
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CLIMATE EMERGENCY
Green up your The climate emergency is here and now on your doorstep.
Nureen Glaves, CEO of Feed Me Good, recently spoke at the council’s Climate Webinar on ‘Food and its Impact’ and works to break down barriers in different communities around health inequalities and food waste enabling people to lead happy, healthy sustainable lives. Working with the BEN, the council wants climate to be the focus of all council activities. Leading by example, the council changed its procurement policy to incorporate working with businesses and contractors who can demonstrate their willingness to reduce carbon emissions in their field. The best part about going greener is that it you can save money, and help everyone feel healthier. We have made a good start, but cannot afford to take our eye off the ball, as there is still a lot of work to do. www.brent.gov.uk/your-community/ climate-emergency
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We are aware that this is not a councilonly issue, but it’s a journey for the whole community
Nureen Glaves, CEO of Feed Me Good
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Cash will go towards a new green project working with local schools will help move the borough closer to its environmental targets.
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ost recently witnessed by London’s scorching hot weather in July, flash flooding in Kilburn, frequent storms and unpredictable seasons, all part of the climate crisis we are all now facing. This freak weather and consequences are directly related to climate change. Together, we need to make significant changes if we are going to tackle this global issue and save the planet. Faced with such huge a challenge, the council is taking climate change very seriously, and has pledged to do everything possible to reach zero carbon emissions by 2030. Cllr Krupa Sheth, Cabinet Member for Environment, said, “We are aware that this is not a council-only issue, but it’s a journey for the whole community. “Putting local residents at the heart of the agenda is key. This why we are working very closely with the resident-led Brent Environmental Network (BEN) which was set up at the beginning of the year. It is now over 700 members strong and growing every day.” The diverse group of residents that make up the BEN are starting to lead on more and more campaigns. They recently launched a very successful and well-attended ‘Beginner’s Guide to the Climate’ webinar series, that aims to simplify the main issues around climate and the environment, with useful tips that everyone can follow in their lives.
Councillor Krupa Sheth, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment
life
CLIMATE EMERGENCY
College Green Nursery School in Kesnal Green organised a walking bus for Clean Air Day
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BUSINESS
Welcome back shoppers
H
ello and welcome back is a familiar greeting you are likely to hear everywhere you go on your local high street these days. Following a tough lockdown and the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, local business owners are welcoming back more and more shoppers into their premises. They want you to return to eat, drink, and shop at your favourite local high street outlet. Local shops need the community’s support to help them on the road to recovery. There is a noticeable buzz in the air as we step back into our regular lives. Families meeting up again, kids playing outside, and people visiting shops: life is beginning to look and feel normal again. Across the borough, town centres, high streets, retailers, and small businesses, many of which struggled to stay open, are hoping to bounce back stronger as customers feel more confident to venture out to the shops.
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We encourage residents to continue to shop safely and shop locally to support jobs and the local economy, and preserve the character of our high streets.
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Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning
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Sonal Chudasama
Sonal Chudasama manages several fashion retail stores at the indoor market in Viva Village, Wembley. Despite experiencing a dip in sales, she is enjoying the returning trade. Sonal said: “We want to give people good discounts, so that they can come and do local shopping. We want to bring Indian prices to the UK.” Travel down the road to Harlesden and the optimism continues. Dulcie Joseph, owner of the Trinidad Roti Shop said: “I’m looking forward to people supporting local businesses, because a lot of the shops here will go under and they won’t be able to survive the economic climate. That’s why I’m encouraging people to shop local and support small businesses.” Cllr Shama Tatler, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Property and Planning said: “The pandemic has been devastating for many businesses.
Although restrictions have lifted, there is still lots of work to do to recover. “We encourage residents to continue to shop safely and shop locally to support jobs and the local economy, and preserve the character of our high streets.” The council is giving away free bags as part of its Shop Safe, Shop Local campaign. Support local businesses and pick one up from your local library while stock lasts. The Shop Local, Shop Safe campaign is funded by the Welcome Back Fund from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Show your support at: Find out more at www. brent.gov.uk/shopsafeshoplocal
Dulcie Joseph, owner of the Trinidad Roti Shop
Enjoying Your Brent magazine? Get the latest local news straight to your inbox, by signing up to the council’s fortnightly e-newsletter. It’s quick and easy to sign up – go to:
brent.gov.uk/stayconnected or scan the QR code with your smartphone.
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ARTS & CULTURE
£1million boost for culture legacy Brent 2020, London Borough of Culture has been given a £1million boost to ensure the legacy of Brent 2020 ‘the borough of cultures’ continues to grow for future generations.
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Performers from Brent at the 2020 New Years Day Parade
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Brent 2020 provided a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the best of the borough Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council
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he funding will help provide creative opportunities across the borough, including the second Brent Art Biennial and a new bi-annual music event, alongside programmes for young people, artists, community advisers and teachers. This will continue through the work of Metroland Cultures – the charity established to deliver Brent 2020, based at the recently refurbished Metroland Studio in Kilburn. Cllr Muhammed Butt, Leader of Brent Council, said, “Brent 2020 provided a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase the best of the borough and has proved that determination, resilience and people power can achieve anything and inspire generations.” The work of Brent Artist Network, which was set up as part of Brent 2020, will continue to offer opportunities for local people to network, collaborate, grow, and share skills. For more visit: www.metrolandcultures.com
ARTS & CULTURE
Black History Month Proud to be B October is Black History Month and Brent will be celebrating with a special event with the theme of ‘Proud to be.’
Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council
BLACK HISTORY
MONTH
lack History Month 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. This year’s event, on Thursday 21 October, will take place virtually, with panel discussions about some of the issues still faced by the black community, performances, a quiz and cultural presentations. Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader of Brent Council, said: “The great poet Maya Angelou wrote: ‘Out of the huts of history’s shame, I rise up from a past that’s rooted in pain, I rise’. “Black History Month celebrates and recognises the major contributions and resilience of people from African and Caribbean backgrounds. This year’s line-up promises to both inspire and entertain and I look forward to welcoming you all.” Book your place on Eventbrite: https://www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/164868234327
...PROUD TO BE CELEBRATING BLACK EXCELLENCE YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
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ARTS & CULTURE
One night, three parts The autumn season at Kilburn’s Kiln Theatre promises to strike a chord with Brent audiences, as it presents NW Trilogy.
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hree powerful new plays – all told in one night – tell personal stories of Brent, from the Irish dance halls, the birth of Reggae through to the Grunwick dispute. Artistic Director of Kiln Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham, said, “Originally, I set out to create a production which would celebrate the real people of our borough as part of Brent borough of Culture 2020. These stories put our community centre stage and celebrate their remarkable achievements. Although the stories we’re telling are from over 30 years ago, their impact lives on and is ever present on the streets of Brent.” Susie McKenna one of the directors
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ARTS & CULTURE of NW Trilogy said, “The cast will give audiences a lively celebration of three migrant communities, where we take a journey through Kilburn and Brent and hear the different sounds, music and languages, watch our characters building a future and explore their different stories.” Taio Lawson the other director of NW Trilogy added, “After the last 18 months, it’s so important to us that we take time to come together to recognise and celebrate our local communities.” The theatre is currently playing to a reduced capacity of 170 seats, to allow space between the audience members. Book now for dates up until 9 October 2021. www.kilntheatre.com/ whats-on/nw-trilogy/
After the last 18 months, it’s so important to us that we take time to come together to recognise and celebrate our local communities.
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Taio Lawson, Co-Director - NW Trilogy
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ARTS & CULTURE
What’s On COMMUNITY EVENTS ASHFORD PLACE D-CAF
Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia
Online - Tuesday, weekly 11am to 12pm gabby.horecka@ ashfordplace.org.uk ASHFORD PLACE D-CAF
Social meeting for people and families affected by dementia
Tuesday, weekly 2pm to 3.30pm - Ashford Place Community Centre, 60 Ashford Road, NW2 6TU gabby.horecka@ ashfordplace.org.uk
DEMENTIA FRIENDS TUESDAY CONVERSATION Online meeting for people and families affected by dementia
Online - Tuesday, weekly 12noon-1pm Kamlesh.Patel@ ashfordplace.org.uk PROUD COFFEE LGBT+ OLDER PEOPLE COFFEE AFTERNOON
Proud Coffee is a free afternoon for older LGBT+ people in Brent
Wednesday, weekly 2.30pm to 4pm - Elders Voice, 181 Mortimer Road, Kensal Green, London PLACE OF WELCOME
The Place of Welcome at Brent Hub provides the community with a place to interact with one another, enjoy games and have engaging conversations.
Wednesday, weekly 10am to 12pm - Brent Hub
Community Enterprise Centre, 6 Hillside, London shanara.mackay@ brenthub.co.uk
FOOD AND MARKETS QUEENS PARK LATES
Queens Park Lates an evening market for all the family
Friday, weekly 6pm to 10pm - Salusbury Road Primary School, Salusbury Road https://www.facebook. com/queensparklates/
LIBRARY, ARTS AND HERITAGE EVENTS COFFEE MORNING PAUL LYALLS - WE ARE WORDS
A fun, look at words through poetry with One time Roald Dahl Poet in resident & Brent Reading champion Paul Lyalls
Online - 21-Sep 11am to 12pm Book your place on Brent Culture Service Events | Eventbrite WEMBA’S DREAM
A new performance event hosted by Wembley Park and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Saturday 11 September, 11am – 4pm Find out more at rpo. co.uk/wembasdream
>>
your guide to what’s on in Brent during Autumn 2021
FOSTERING DISCOVER FOSTERING INFORMATION EVENING
An evening dedicated to finding out about fostering and looking after vulnerable local children
Daily 7pm to 10pm info@brentdolphins.org.uk FULL BODY CIRCUIT BY OURPARKS GLADSTONE PARK Get fit for free with OurParks
Zoom - 07-Oct-21 5.15pm to 7.15pm fostering@brent.gov.uk
52 Mulgrave Rd, NW10 1BT, Saturday, weekly 10am
DISCOVER FOSTERING INFORMATION EVENING
YOGA BY OURPARKS
Zoom - 04-Nov-21 5.15pm to 7.15pm fostering@brent.gov.uk
HIIT BY OURPARKS GIBBONS RECREATION GROUNDS
SPORTS AND FITNESS
Brent Hub Community Enterprise Centre6 Hillside. Saturday, weekly 10am shanara.mackay@ brenthub.co.uk
An evening dedicated to finding out about fostering and looking after vulnerable local children
ABT BY OURPARKS - KING EDWARD VII PARK Get fit for free with OurParks
Online - Saturdays, weekly 10am to 11am
Get fit for free with OurParks
Online - Thursday, weekly 10am
Get fit for free with OurParks
PILATES IN BARHAM PK Get fit for free with OurParks
BRENT PARKS BOOTCAMPS AND FULL-BODY WORKOUTS
Barham Park Wednesday, weekly 10am to 12pm
Queen’s Park Kilburn Stonebridge Rec One Tree Hill Rec Ground, Roe Green Park Roundwood Park Days and times vary
INSTRUCTOR LED OUTDOOR GYM TRAINING SESSIONS
BRENT DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB
Tiverton Playing Field, Roundwood Park, Preston Park Grove Park Gladstone Park GEC Sports Ground Eton Grove Open Space Alperton Sports Ground, Tokyngton Recreation Ground
Get fit for free with OurParks
Brent 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
Led training sessions at our outdoor gyms are free and there is no need to book, so come along and join in.
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ARTS & CULTURE
Arts &
Culture
A SEASONAL PROGRAMME OF ONLINE AND PHYSICAL EVENTS IN BRENT LIBRARIES ADVANCE BOOKINGS REQUIRED FOR ALL EVENTS. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL LIBRARIES FOR MORE EVENTS. ONLINE
EXPLORE LEARNING FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 12.30 – 1.30PM
REMEMBRANCE DAY 11 NOVEMBER – BLACK POPPIES – BRITAIN’S BLACK COMMUNITY AND THE GREAT WAR THURSDAY 11 NOVEMBER 6.30 – 7.30PM Stephen Bourne will give an illustrated talk about his awardwining book Black Poppies. It was published by The History Press to
>> Exhibitions >> Theatre >> Cinema >> Music >> Talks >> Dance >> Tours >> Comedy coincide with the centenary of the First World War. Black Poppies explores the military and civilian wartime experiences of Britain’s Black community, from the trenches to the music halls. Poignantly, it concludes by examining the anti-black ‘race riots’ of 1919.
Book your place on: Brent Culture Service Events | Eventbrite
UNCOVERING THE HISTORY OF BLACK BRITISH MARINERS TUESDAY 19 OCTOBER 6.30 – 7.30PM
From enslaved crewmen to petty officers and even a ship’s captain, Black seamen were a constant presence on Royal Navy ships throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Join author S.I. Martin to learn more.
Book your place on: Brent Culture Service Events | Eventbrite
LIVE EVENTS
EALING ROAD LIBRARY FOR FAMILIES LEARNING ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER – ASSESSMENTS 10.30 – 12.30 MONDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – CLASSES BEGIN 10.30 – 12.30
This course is aimed at parents of school aged children only. 10 week English language course for adults learning to speak English. Participants will need to complete an assessment first. Spaces are limited. Delivered by Brent Start.
PAINTERS IN PLAQUES TUESDAY 12 OCTOBER 6.30PM – 7.30PM
Enjoy this tour of artists’ London homes which incorporates their studio workplaces and galleries. From illustrators Heath Robinson and Greenaway, to portrait painters Laura Knight and de Laszlo
Book your place on: Brent Culture Service Events | Eventbrite
FAMILY LEARNING IT MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER – ASSESSMENTS 1 – 3PM MONDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – CLASSES BEGIN 1 – 3PM
This course is aimed at parents of school aged children only. 10 week course. Participants will need to complete an assessment first. Spaces are limited. Delivered by Brent Start.
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YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
ARTS & CULTURE ENGLISH FOR ADULT SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES WEDNESDAY 22 SEPTEMBER – ASSESSMENTS 10.30 – 12.30 WEDNESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER – CLASSES BEGIN 10.30AM – 12.30PM 10 week English language course for adults learning to speak English. Participants will need to complete an assessment first. Spaces are limited. Delivered by Brent Start.
MATHS ON TOAST SATURDAYS • OCTOBER • NOVEMBER • DECEMBER 2 – 3.30PM
Monthly Family Learning drop in workshops for parents and children to support maths learning
HARLESDEN LIBRARY PLUS GETTING BACK INTO WORK WITH SHAW TRUST 1ST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH – 5 OCTOBER, 2 NOVEMBER, 7 DECEMBER 11AM – 12 NOON
KILBURN LIBRARY WEDNESDAY 6 OCTOBER 11AM TO 12 NOON FAILURE IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION WITH JUDY KARBRITZ
Many of the most popular products we use today were accidents stumbled on by clumsy scientists, chefs who spilled things.
WEDNESDAY 3 NOVEMBER 11AM TO 12 NOON WILLESDEN IN HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS
‘The most charming and secluded village in the neighbourhood of the metropolis’. Novelist William Harrison Ainsworth’s description of Willesden
THE LIBRARY AT WILLESDEN GREEN FAMILY LEARNING: MATHS TO THE RESCUE TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER OR 21 SEPTEMBER 4 – 6PM Family learning after school workshops. 10 weeks. Maths support for all the family at KS1 and 2. Aimed at skilling up parents to support their child’s learning as well as helping children.
FREEDOM’S FLIGHT BY SRABANI GHOSH 21 SEPTEMBER TO 2 OCTOBER
An exhibition of sculpture and mixed media. Freedom’s Flight is a recount of the pandemic given through a woman’s voice. It includes warm stories of hope and friendship, despite its difficult context.
www.brent.gov.uk/servicesfor-residents/cultureleisure-and-parks/willesdengallery?tab=upcoming exhibitions
WILLESDEN IN HISTORIC PHOTOGRAPHS
WEDNESDAY 1 DECEMBER 11AM TO 12 NOON THE 12 PLANTS OF CHRISTMAS - WREATHS, RAISINS & ROASTIES - BY MICHAEL HOLLAND, FLS This illustrated online talk will delve into the wonderfully rich world of Christmas customs and folklore, past and present.
STONEFACE:THE RISE AND FALL OF BUSTER KEATON FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER 6.30-8.30PM
Joseph “Buster” Keaton was the great innovator of silent movie comedy. To see Keaton at the height of his powers we’ll also be showing his extraordinary film “Sherlock Junior” from 1924.
The Shaw Trust’s employment support programme will help you back into work. Join one of the information sessions this Autumn and find out how they can help.
WEMBLEY LIBRARY IT FOR BEGINNERS – 5 WEEK COURSE WEDNESDAYS 1.30-3.30PM ASSESSMENT DATE 29 SEPTEMBER COURSE DATES – 6 OCTOBER – 10 NOVEMBER 17 NOVEMBER – 15 DECEMBER Delivered by Brent Start
YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
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CONTACTS
FOR THE LATEST COVID-19 INFORMATION
ACCESS SERVICES ONLINE
www.brent.gov.uk/coronavirus
Pay for council tax online www.brent.gov.uk/counciltax
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Make a claim for housing benefit www.brent.gov.uk/housingbenefit
Call 999 for the police, fire brigade or ambulance services. Call 101 to report a crime that is not an emergency. Call 111 if you have a medical problem that is not an emergency.
OTHER LOCAL SERVICES Find your local GP using the NHS search tool www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/GP/ LocationSearch/4 If you want to help someone sleeping rough, go to www.streetlink.org.uk If you are worried about domestic abuse, call Advance Brent on 07398 454898 Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm or email brent.admin@advancecharity.org.uk If you are concerned about a child, call Brent Family Front Door on 020 8937 4300
Apply for a parking permit www.brent.gov.uk/parking
SUPPORT AVAILABLE Community grants and funding www.brent.gov.uk/funding Financial support www.brent.gov.uk/ coronavirusfinancialsupport
COUNCIL MEETINGS September 8 - Planning Committee 13 - General Purposes Committee 13 - Cabinet 14 - Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee 20 - Full Council 21 - Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee 22 - Audit and Standards Advisory Committee & Audit and Standards Committee October 5 - Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee 11 - Cabinet 12 - Joint Committee of the London Boroughs of Brent, Lewisham and Southwark 13 - Trading Standards Joint Advisory Board 14 - Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE) 19 - Health and Wellbeing Board 20 - Planning Committee November 2 - Pension Board 8 - Cabinet 10 - Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee 11 - Schools Forum 15 - Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee 17 - Welsh Harp Joint Consultative Committee 22 - Full Council 24 - Planning Committee For more council meetings and the latest information go to www.democracy.brent.gov.uk/councilmeetings
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YOUR BRENT | AUTUMN 2021
Celebrate in style AT BRENT CIVIC CENTRE
Both the legal ceremony and reception can take place in an array of unique licenced rooms in the same location. Modern and versatile spaces that will inspire you, and your guests. Our hidden gem - the charming ceremonial garden furnished with a canopy, heaters and fairy lightingperfect for those who want an outdoor ceremony whatever the time of the year. Professional and skilled registrars and events team who will support you with planning your special day. Get in touch Registrars 020 8937 1010 The Drum 020 8937 4340
THE DRUM WEMBLEY
@brentweddings • @drumwembley • brent.gov. uk • Thedrumwembley.com
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. This is a unique opportunity for your child to attend an excellent school in Wembley Multi-Academy Trust. 2019
The 4TH HIGHEST Progress 8 score in the COUNTRY (+1.58)
2020
The 4TH HIGHEST Progress score for maths and science in the COUNTRY
61% of all GCSEs were awarded GRADES 9 – 7 (A*/A)
48% of all A Level GRADES A*/A, with 75 A*s
Wembley Multi-Academy Trust is comprised 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
