Camden Camden this month
Your guide to council services | November 2016 | camden.gov.uk
Wrap up warm Top tips for staying cosy and healthy this winter @camdentalking
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Page 8 Down on the farm at a local primary school
camden.gov.uk
camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk
The Camden magazine is distributed free to all homes in Camden to give you information about our services. It costs 15 pence a copy to produce, and is printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources. Cover image: Karen Lamminen
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Published by Camden Council Editorial, advertising and distribution: Communications team, Camden Council, Camden Town Hall, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE 020 7974 5717 Distribution from 7 November 2016
You can receive your copy of the Camden magazine in large print, on audio tape or in another language by phoning 020 7974 5717. 2
Camden this month We’re planning more than 60 measures to improve air quality in Camden. See page 12.
Our largest housing redevelopment project is set to deliver nearly 500 new homes for Camden residents. See page 20.
Pupils in Camden primary schools are keeping fit, healthy and happy with the help of the Daily Mile. See page 29.
Friday 25 November is White Ribbon Day – know the signs of domestic abuse. See page 25. Come on a tour of our recycling facility on Thursday 24 November. See page 18.
Welcome
Features
Introduction from the Leader of the Council 5
Viewpoints 10 Housing Act 11 Air quality in Camden 12 Recycling 18 New homes for Camden 20 Young people launch social enterprise 22 Camden’s financial challenge 23 Know the signs of domestic abuse 24 White Ribbon Day 25 Camden children’s centres 28 Daily Mile in schools 29 HS2 30 My Camden 31
News Registering to vote Living wage Evening GP appointments Help for joint, muscle and bone problems Farm comes to local primary school Solar panels at Acland Burghley Cold and flu season is here Camden talking
6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
Cover story Be ready for winter 14
Listings Local events and courses
26 3
Cleaners
Section: Temporary accommodation Contracts: Permanent, full time, and fixed term 1 year 36 hours per week
Salary: £19,073 - £20,484 per annum Locations: Multiple locations around the borough of Camden
Camden Council’s Temporary Accommodation Service have two new award winning accommodation schemes at Holmes Road and Mount Pleasant, which offer bright, new, modern facilities with en-suite toilets and showers for single people. We aim to provide a pleasant, clean and safe environment for all our residents living in our accommodation schemes and are looking for a committed, enthusiastic, professional cleaner to join our team.
About the role You will join our team of dedicated staff providing a comprehensive, professional cleaning service in our accommodation schemes. This will include cleaning communal areas and shared facilities, unoccupied rooms, office areas and outdoor areas such as courtyards.
to work flexibly as part of a team • A proficiency in written and spoken English
In this role you will have daily contact with our residents, which include families and vulnerable groups. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to excellent customer care and an understanding of working with vulnerable groups. You will also need to proficient in written and spoken English.
In return, you can expect a great range of benefits including a fantastic pension scheme. We also recognise and reward high performance, and salary progression is based on individual performance.
Essential Requirements • An NVQ or BICs qualification in cleaning, or equivalent knowledge and experience • A commitment to customer care and the ability
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Please note: shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of cleaning qualifications, and pass a basic test in written and spoken English before the interview.
Make it work for you. Make it your Camden. To Apply Please visit togetherwearecamden.com Job reference: LBC02074 Closing date: Sunday 27th November 2016 23:59 Interviews: w/c Monday 5th December 2016
Welcome
to the November edition of the Camden magazine.
20 | New homes
14 | Winter wellbeing
28 | Support for parents
We’re building nearly 500 new homes at Agar Grove, which are much needed, given the London housing crisis and the Government’s Housing and Planning Act (page 11). We believe that the Act will make it harder for us to build genuinely affordable housing, and it could even force us to sell some of our existing housing stock – but we’re absolutely determined to keep building homes, and to ensure that people from all backgrounds can continue to live in Camden. I was very pleased to be part of the ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark a significant stage of construction at one of the new housing blocks on the estate (pages 20 and 21). It was great to meet some Camden residents who will be moving into the new building and to hear about how they’re looking forward to settling into their new homes. I also recently visited Regent’s Park Children’s Centre (page 28) as part of World Mental Health Day, where we launched a new course for people who are about to become parents. The five-week class provides advice and support for parents-to-be. Parenting is a
huge challenge, and making sure that parents are well supported is crucial in ensuring that Camden children have the best possible start in life. Our children’s centres offer all kinds of support and activities for parents and their children – so if you’re expecting a baby, or have a child under five, do visit one of our five centres and find out what’s on offer. We’ve had a pretty mild autumn so far, but we still need to be ready for winter weather. On pages 14 to 17 there’s a huge range of advice to help you stay warm, healthy and safe this winter. Please do make sure that you, your family and any elderly or vulnerable friends or neighbours are prepared for the season ahead. Finally, I’d like to congratulate all of our residents who petitioned at the House of Lords Select Committee on HS2. They did a great job of making the case for Camden in a challenging environment. There’s more on HS2 on page 30.
Councillor Sarah Hayward Leader of the Council
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News
Electoral register Have you told us about any changes to your household? We’re updating our electoral register. You should have received a household enquiry form pre-printed with the names of people who are currently registered to vote at your address. If your property currently has no registered
voters you will have received a blank form.
possible. You can also respond online, or via text message.
What you need to do Check your form when it arrives, add any names that are missing and delete those who no longer live at your address. You should then return it as promptly as
If you have recently moved house, it’s particularly important that you look out for the form and check whether you are registered. If your name is added to the enquiry form you will be sent an application form for you to individually register. You can also register online at the gov.uk address below. Even if nothing has changed we still need to hear from you, and will visit your household in person if you do not respond. Find out more camden.gov.uk/ electionsandvoting gov.uk/register-to-vote
Living wage in Camden We are proud to be a London living wage employer, and we encourage other employers in Camden to follow our lead. We believe that inequality and poverty damage our community, harm individuals and ultimately cost us money through welfare benefits, housing assistance and other services like mental health, social care and community safety. We became a London living wage employer in 2012. People that we employ directly are all paid the London living wage, which is 6
currently £9.40 an hour and will be going up this month. We’re also working with our contractors to make sure that people doing council work through a third party contractor are paid the living wage. 308 of 312 council contractors now pay the London living wage and we’re working to address the remaining contracts. This year we have introduced the London living wage in traditionally
low pay sectors such as social care, in particular home care. We recently celebrated London Living Wage Week (31 Oct-4 Nov), by shining a spotlight on some of the people who work for Camden who are now paid the London living wage. Find out more livingwage.org.uk
News
Evening GP appointments launch across Camden If you can’t see your GP during the day, you can now get an evening appointment. north Camden). To book, contact your GP surgery in the usual way. The evening slots are in addition to Saturday GP and nurse appointments, which launched across the borough in June 2016. Dr Neel Gupta, a GP at Keats Group Practice in Hampstead, said: “We want to make it easier for people to see a GP at a time that’s convenient for them and evening and Saturday appointments can be really helpful for people who struggle to visit during standard opening hours.”
Dr Shakil Alum and patient Maria Gonzalez
Camden residents can now book to see a GP or nurse in the evening. The NHS service is
available Monday to Friday from 6.30 to 8pm at three locations (one each in south, west and
Find out more camdenccg.nhs.uk
Better help for joint, muscle and bone problems Camden patients with musculoskeletal conditions will have an improved service from next spring. The new musculoskeletal (MSK) service will be led by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). MSK services treat patients with injuries or conditions related to their muscles, bones or joints, such as arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, sports injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and shoulder, back or ankle pain. Local residents, GPs and specialist healthcare professionals worked together to design the new integrated service, to provide
Physiotherapy services at UCLH
better results and experiences for MSK patients. “Through improved integration between care providers, patients will experience shorter waiting times, have a single point of contact and find it easy to move between different services and providers,” said Hampstead Group Practice GP and Camden Clinical Commissioning Group MSK clinical lead Dr Tom Aslan. “Patients will be able to self-refer, won’t need to repeat procedures
unnecessarily and will be provided with high quality, personalised information.” Find out more camdencommunications@ camdenccg.nhs.uk 7
News
Countryside comes to King’s Cross Pupils from a local school got a taste of country life when they were visited by a mobile farmyard during their harvest festival. Dash the donkey and Speckles, Spot and Fluff the chickens were joined by sheep, ducks, a goat and a kunekune pig when Ark Farm arrived in the playground of Argyle Primary School for the day. Children were able to get close to the animals and stroke them.
Children at Argyle Primary School with Dash the donkey
Find out more
Headteacher Jemima Wade said: “The children absolutely loved the hands-on experience. They could not get over the idea of us having an actual farmyard in our playground.”
www.argyle.camden.sch.uk
Parents visited Argyle Primary during the harvest festival celebrations to cook food using vegetables grown in the school’s garden. There were also wonky veg and cake competitions, as well as a barn dance. Argyle, which hosted a London Food Growing Schools conference earlier this year, was also one of this year’s Camden in Bloom competition winners.
arkfarm.co.uk
Solar panels on the roof of Acland Burghley School Acland Burghley School now has solar panels which will cut energy bills while helping the environment. The 186 panels have been installed with the help of the Schools Energy Co-operative, a community-based social enterprise specialising in renewable energy. The £67,000 project was funded by us, and will save the school money in the long term. Kat Miller, Acland Burghley’s strategy and business manager, said the scheme was part of an eco-drive at the school, which will feed into the curriculum. “We are keen for the children to develop their social conscience Find out more 8
and be aware of the environment,” she said. Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Environment, said: “This exciting project will produce carbon-free energy for the school and provide them with an income stream for any excess energy they may produce.” Through projects like this we are encouraging schools and children’s centres across the borough to reduce their carbon footprint.
camden.gov.uk/greenschools
Solar panels on the roof of Acland Burghley School
schools-energy-coop.co.uk
News
Camden talking Your comments on social media. A great Brazilian-inspired family activities day in Brunswick Square Gardens this afternoon #CamdenSentido @camdentalking @Edgillwhl via Twitter
Cold and flu season is here What to do when you’re feeling under the weather. If you’re feeling ill this winter: Get advice from your pharmacist. Mild coughs and colds can become much worse in bad weather. The sooner you get advice from a pharmacist, the better. Call 111. If you need health advice quickly or aren’t sure where to go when you feel unwell, ring 111. Lines are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines and mobile phones. Visit a walk-in centre. Centres are usually run by nurses who can treat minor illnesses and injuries on the spot. Ask your GP. If you’ve got a more serious problem, you may need an Find out more
nhs.uk/staywell
appointment with your family doctor. A&E in an emergency. Only ring 999 or go to A&E if it’s a medical emergency. For example, if someone’s life is in danger. Don’t forget to get a flu jab. Flu can cause serious health problems, especially in the very young or old and unwell. You can get a free flu jab from your GP or a number of pharmacies if you: • are 65 or over, • have a long-term health condition, or • are the main carer of an older or disabled person. Children aged two to four, or in school years one or two, can also get a free flu jab. It’s done by nasal spray and it’s painless.
Great to see @camdentalking sharing @the_hive_camden story. Lots going on in Camden for our young people @nerysanthony via Twitter
New film explores refugee crisis through the eyes of London teenagers. Made with @CamdenSummeruni @JewishMuseumLDN @docudarling via Twitter
Delighted that the new Mayor of Camden Nadia Shah has selected us as her charity of the year. Will really help raise awareness and provide such a boost to the people who need our support. Anna Freud Centre via Facebook
Join the conversation: facebook.com/lbcamden @camdentalking 9
Viewpoints
What do you think? Following the recent publication of our clean air action plan, two Camden residents give us their views on air quality in the borough.
© Jürgen Kehn
Air pollution has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of our residents, workers and visitors. Improving air quality in Camden is very important to us, and we know that it’s something that matters to residents too. Many of our residents want to do something themselves to help tackle air pollution in their local area. There’s more information on how you can get involved – and details of our new action plan – on pages 12 and 13.
Doro Marden has lived in Primrose Hill for more than 30 years, and is one of our new vehicle idling action volunteers.
Rachel Wrangham lives just off Camden Road with her husband and three primary school aged children.
As a grandmother, pushing a buggy along roads with huge lorries putting out exhaust fumes at baby nose height, air quality started to really concern me. The number of early deaths from air pollution is second only to smoking – and research shows that children growing up in highly polluted areas actually have smaller lungs.
I’ve always used my bike to get around, and I think that people who are out and about on London’s roads are very aware of London’s air quality.
I’m a member of local green group Transition Primrose Hill and last spring we did a ‘citizen’s science’ monitoring project of NO2 levels around our area. The results were shocking, especially outside our schools. Through that I got involved in Camden Air Action, a borough-wide coalition of concerned organisations, and that’s how I heard about the vehicle idling action training. The training was fun and not too long. We will be working in groups with back up and were taught how to be non-confrontational and raise awareness rather than criticising. Find out more 10
camden.gov.uk/airquality
I really became concerned about air quality last year, when I saw the results of local citizen science monitoring. At the top of Kentish Town Rd, near my children’s school, NO2 levels were found to be well over twice the legal limit. I’ve been involved with a fantastic air pollution project run by children at Kentish Town School, who have been measuring air quality, lobbying local MP Keir Starmer, and speaking at public meetings. I’ve also been involved in setting up Play Streets. Play Streets are a wonderful way to reclaim streets, build communities, and give children some much-needed freedom to run about. My hope is that we can all work together, urgently, to clean up Camden’s air, so that we can live long and healthy lives.
camdenairaction.wordpress.com
Feature
Housing Act The potential implications and what we’re already doing to protect Camden housing. London is facing a housing crisis and we’re deeply concerned that the Government’s Housing and Planning Act, far from offering solutions, is likely to make it worse. We know that the Act could have a significant impact on social housing in Camden, where we’re already feeling the pressures of the London housing crisis. We are still waiting for the exact detail to be published by the Government about how they
propose to put their policies into practice. We do know that the legislation could: • increase rents for some council and housing association tenants - effectively a new ‘tax’ on those people • potentially force us to sell higher-value council homes when they become empty • create less stable housing for new council tenants through fixed term tenancies.
We have opposed these changes from the start and we’re continuing to make the case to Government that going ahead will make it harder for us to meet the housing needs of our residents. You can find out more about the Act on our website, and on the Government’s legislation web pages. If you have any comments or questions, please email us at the address below.
Protecting housing in Camden and building new homes Community Investment Programme We aim to build over 3,000 new homes in Camden including 1,400 affordable homes. We’ve already started construction on 900 new homes and a further 1,100 have planning approval. We’ve also set up Camden Living, a new housing company, to provide affordable rental options for residents who cannot afford private rents and are unlikely to qualify for social housing.
Find out more
Tackling tenancy fraud Our housing is in high demand, so we need to make sure that council homes go to the people who need them most.
Bringing empty homes back into use We want to make sure that we make the best use of all available homes in the borough.
We carry out regular checks and take action against tenants who break the law by illegally subletting. Since April, we have taken back 32 properties from people committing or attempting tenancy fraud.
We work with the owners of properties that have been empty for more than a month to bring those homes back into use. Since April this year we’ve brought 21 empty homes back into use.
Short term letting websites Short term letting websites like Air BnB can reduce the affordability and availability of housing, especially when the entire property is rented out. With the housing supply situation in Camden as desperate as it is, we cannot afford for these homes to be out of long-term use. Since 2010, we’ve received 168 reported breaches of planning control relating to short term and holiday lets. The majority of breaches are resolved by enforcement officers using the threat of formal action, but we need tougher regulation from the Government.
camden.gov.uk/cip camden.gov.uk/housingact legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/22/enacted housingnews@camden.gov.uk 11
Feature
Air quality action
Air pollution has a major impact on all of us, and in Camden improving the air we breathe is a priority.
Air pollution affects the health of everyone living in London, with studies showing that almost 9,500 people die each year as a result of pollution across the capital. Earlier this year we consulted on a new clean air action plan, which is our strategy for improving air quality across Camden over the next three years. The new plan was 12
launched by Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member for Sustainability and the Environment, at an event hosted by Keir Starmer MP. Our new plan contains over 60 actions for improving the air we all breathe. These actions are split into five categories: • monitoring air quality • reducing emissions from
new developments and existing buildings • reducing emissions from transport • raising awareness of air quality • lobbying and partnership working. We have a strong track record of taking action on air quality. Our project with Great Ormond Street Hospital won a national air quality
Feature
award last year and we are leading major London projects including freight consolidation and reducing emissions from construction sites. We no longer purchase any diesel vehicles for our own fleet, and have introduced an extra charge on our resident parking permits for diesel vehicles. Our new plan looks to both continue this work, and act as a springboard for us to take more action. We want to reduce pollution levels around our schools, encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, and further control emissions from construction sites. We also want to work closely with you on improving our air. We received lots of ideas from residents when we consulted on our new action plan and we will be working hard to make some of these ideas reality.
How you can help Walk and cycle more Research has shown that exposure to pollution is worse inside cars than it is when you’re walking and cycling. Experts also say the benefits of exercising far outweigh the risks of exposure to air pollution.
Our third air quality conference On 2 November residents, businesses, community groups and politicians came together to discuss the implementation of our new clean air action plan. Look out for the next steps we’ll be taking, and how you can get involved, in December’s edition of the Camden magazine.
Sign up to airTEXT Text ‘AIRTEXT’ to 78070 to receive text message alerts which will let you know when high air pollution is forecast. Join our anti-idling project We’re setting up regular antiidling action days where you can join council officers and help educate drivers about the problems of idling. Set up a play street Play streets are community led initiatives that see roads being closed on a regular basis to provide children with a safe space to play freely.
Find out more
camden.gov.uk/airquality
airquality@camden.gov.uk
playstreets@camden.gov.uk
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Feature
WINTER
WISE Cold weather can come unexpectedly and quickly. Prepare and have a healthy, safe and enjoyable winter. Visit our winter web pages throughout the season for information and updates, especially during bad weather.
Keep well and warm
Prepare for cold weather within your own home. Keeping your home warm over the winter months can be difficult, especially if you are worried about high energy bills. Living in a cold home is not only uncomfortable but it can also affect your health. The good news is that there are many ways Camden can help you to improve the warmth and comfort of your home, and save money on your energy bills. Find out more
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Your first step to a warmer home is to call our freephone Green Camden Helpline on the number below. It’s open Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. You’ll get free energy advice, such as no-cost and low cost tips, how to switch energy tariff or suppliers, and what to do if you are in fuel debt. You can also find out if you qualify for one of Camden’s free Well and Warm home energy advice visits, discounts on your fuel and water bills and an energy efficiency grant for insulation or heating improvements.
camden.gov.uk/energy
0800 801 738
18°C (65°F)
A warm home is important to your health
Top tips to save money on energy at home
Get help beyond heating your home
Winter can be bad for your health, especially if you’re over 65 or have a long-term health condition. Damp and cold can make problems worse or make it easier to catch seasonal illnesses. It also raises the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
Switch your energy tariff or supplier. Save around £200 a year. Follow the link on the opposite page for more advice on how to do this.
Heat your home to at least 18°C (65°F). If you can, you might prefer your living room to be slightly warmer.
Draught-proofing. Save around £30 a year.
WISH+ is a way for Camden residents to get help with warmth, income, safety and health. We can put you in touch with services that can help. You can refer yourself or someone you know. This is not for emergencies though, so don’t use it if someone is at serious risk of harm.
Keep your bedroom window closed on winter nights. Breathing cold air increases the risk of chest infections. Keep active indoors. Try not to sit still for more than an hour. Wear several layers of light clothes.
Turn off lights and appliances when not needed. Save around £40 a year.
Invest in thermal linings for your curtains to reduce heat loss through the windows by up to 15%. Use reflective radiator panels or tin foil behind radiators to reflect the heat back into your room.
Find out more camden.gov.uk/wish
Find out more camden.gov.uk/winter
15
Feature
Slips, trips and falls Reduce your risk of getting hurt when it’s wet or icy. Everyone has a greater risk of falling in wet or icy conditions. As we get older our risk increases, but help is available to manage and reduce your risk. If you have had a fall, or are worried that you could have one, get in touch with Camden Community Health. The friendly team offers assessments, treatment and rehabilitation, as well as providing advice to reduce your risk of further falls. Therapists make home visits, and provide exercises and other help to improve balance, strength and confidence when carrying out your normal daily activities.
Find out more
camden.gov.uk/fallsadvice
cnwl.nhs.uk/falls
020 3317 3400
Push the button with Careline Get peace of mind if you are worried about an older or disabled friend or relative who lives alone.
For a small weekly charge, Careline Telecare, our community alarm service, can ensure your friend or relative can get help at the touch of a button, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Users are given a button to wear around their
neck or wrist. When pressed, the button makes immediate contact with the Careline control centre that will send help if necessary, or alert a family member or friend. Careline can also fit sensors in homes. Sensors can monitor heating levels in homes and prolonged periods of inactivity. They can also sense if someone has had a fall, or if a front door has been left open. The Careline centre will be notified of any changes, and will attempt to contact the user. The service is available to anyone in Camden with any illness, sight or hearing loss, or a physical or learning disability. It is quick and easy to set up.
Find out more 16
camden.gov.uk/carelinetelecare
carelinetelecare@camden.gov.uk
020 7974 1491
Ice, ice
safety
We’ll help Camden to keep moving this winter.
of the gritting routes and details of who is responsible for keeping them clear on our website.
True grit This winter, we have access to up to 1,000 tonnes of grit to keep roads and footpaths clear of snow and ice.
Side roads and footpaths will be gritted as soon as we are able. You can help us tackle icy patches on public pavements that you may spot first by using grit from the many bins throughout the borough.
Grit is spread on priority routes and footpaths across Camden. These include transport hubs, main roads, bus routes and the road network around schools, hospitals and emergency service depots. We also work with Transport for London (TfL), who take responsibility for some routes. Together we’ll ensure bus routes, underground stations and transport hubs are kept clear, so you can continue to get around the borough. You can find maps Find out more
Can you dig it? Get a free shovel In past years, resident associations, volunteers and business groups in Camden have done a great job tackling snow and ice, allowing Camden’s residents to continue to get out and about. This year we’re offering another 1,000 free shovels to local community groups to help clear snow and ice from footpaths.
camden.gov.uk/winter
Each group can collect up to six shovels by calling by calling the number below between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday. You will need to leave contact details and information about where you intend to use the shovels. Find your local grit bin There are over 170 grit bins in Camden, which residents are welcome to use to grit public roads and footpaths. Please don’t use our grit on private land, as we have a limited supply. If you do need to grit your own drive or footpath, table or dishwasher salt should do the trick. Visit our website for tips on properly removing snow and ice, and more details on gritting.
020 7974 4444 17
Feature
The recycling quiz: which bin? Which bin should these go in?
1. Crisp packet
6. Chocolate bar wrapper
2. Empty deodorant can
7. Fried chicken bones
3. Egg shells
8. Beauty cream pot
4. Tetra Pak carton
9. Sauce bottle
5. Kitchen cleaner spray bottle
10. Cling film
Food waste
Recycling
Rubbish
Answers 1. Rubbish 2. Recycling 3. Food 4. Recycling 5. Recycling 6. Rubbish 7. Food 8. Recycling 9. Recycling 10. Rubbish
See what happens to your recycling You put your recycling out every week, the crews collect it, and you never see it again, right? Wrong! Your glass jars come back to life as paving stones and that plastic milk bottle might be in your new garden planter. But how does it get there? Come on a tour of our recycling facility and find out. The next public tour is on Thursday 24 November at
Find out more 18
Lea Riverside, less than a 10 minute walk from Bromley-by-Bow tube station. Sign up to see how your recycling is sorted and find out what happens if the wrong thing ends up in the wrong bin. You’ll never recycle in the same way again.
Tour our recycling facility Date: Thursday 24 November Time: 10am to 12:30pm Cost: Free
Spaces are limited, so register now by emailing us at the address below. The recycling facility is a working site, so it isn’t safe for children under 16.
camden.gov.uk/recycling
recyclingiseasy@camden.gov.uk
Ask
Jenny
Feature
Introducing Jenny, one of Camden’s resident recycling experts. Each issue she will answer some of your waste and recycling questions. The article ‘How to recycle more’ in your September issue said that recyclable textiles form 5% of the contents of the average rubbish sack. I’ve never heard anything about recycling textiles. Which of our recycling containers should textiles go into? Textiles are recyclable, but they are not currently part of your kerbside collection. We will start kerbside textile collection as part of the new waste contract starting next April. In the meantime, you can reuse or recycle your textiles in the following ways: • donate items to charity. Go to your local shop or fill the bags that come through the door (check that bag collectors are members of the Textile Recycling Association to ensure they are working legally) • take them to the Regis Road Recycling Centre • drop them into LM Barry textile banks on estates • swap them for vouchers at some clothing outlets.
Can I recycle light bulbs? No. Light bulbs, broken glassware and mirrors cannot go in your recycling bin. Lightbulbs contain other materials that can’t be recycled and glassware and mirrors are made from a different kind of glass that cannot be processed at recycling centres. However, low energy light bulbs can be recycled at a number of outlets. You can find your nearest recycling point at Recolight website (see below). Why does it matter if I put the wrong items in my recycling bin? Items like crisp packets, polystyrene and takeaway coffee cups cannot be recycled. If these are included with recyclable materials it may result in the whole vehicle load being rejected, and ending up in landfill or incinerated. This is a problem because it costs us more money to dispose of rubbish than to process recycling. For more information about what can and can’t be recycled visit our website.
Do you have a recycling question for Jenny? Email it to us at the address below and she’ll answer a selection in the next issue of the magazine. Find out more camden.gov.uk/recycleinfo camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk
recolight.co.uk/free-recycling
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Feature
New homes for Camden
Agar Grove residents Mrs Glenda Latchmansighn (far left) and Pat Dunn (far right) with Councillor Sarah Hayward, Leader of the Council, and Simon Trice, Regional Director of Hill
Our largest housing redevelopment is set to deliver nearly 500 homes for Camden residents. Camden councillors and residents celebrated as they marked reaching the top of the new housing block at Agar Grove, donning hard hats to inspect the completed concrete frame. This new block, developed by contractors Hill, will provide 38 new council homes for residents currently living in older housing on the estate. 20
In total, 493 new and replacement homes are being built at Agar Grove, consisting of a mix of council, intermediate rent and private homes. This will provide the range of homes badly needed in the face of London’s housing crisis and Government housing policy, which we think is damaging. The redevelopment is the largest housing project in our Community Investment Programme (CIP), a 15-year project to invest money in schools, homes and community facilities. The new homes will be larger than the flats they replace and are being built to high standards of environmental
sustainability to keep fuel bills low. We spoke to two excited residents as the frame was completed. Glenda and Pat will be among the first set of residents to move into the new block once it’s complete. Glenda Latchmansighn “I’m really looking forward to moving into one of the new homes. I’ve seen the plans and I’m now eager to see the finished look. It will be nice to have more room and I’m pleased to hear that it will be tripled glazed.
Feature “It’s just three of us on the Sturminster and we’re all excited about the move. I’ve lived on the estate for over 20 years and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.” Pat Dunn “I was one of the first residents to move into the estate with my parents over 50 years ago and so it’s quite nice to be one of the first again. This time I will be moving into the new block with my family and we’re hoping to get one of the ground floor flats with a garden.
With only 2% of the Council’s capital programme funded until 2025 from government grants, the Council generates funding for its Community Investment Programme through the sale of underused council buildings, receipts from the private homes it builds and making better use of its land. The Agar Grove community also got the chance to go to the annual family fun day, organised in partnership with the house builder Hill. Residents enjoyed a BBQ, bouncy castle and face painting.
“I’m looking forward to the move as it will mean more space and it will be a nicer design. I’m also keen on the cameras and the security measures which will help deter anti-social behaviour.” Residents in neighbouring blocks on the estate will move in to the new block in the summer of next year. Once these residents have moved, the second phase of development will begin. The second phase includes three new blocks and 34 new council homes for residents currently living in older housing on the estate as well as 23 private sale homes, a café, a new public square and garden. Overall, through CIP, we aim to build over 3,050 homes, including 1,400 affordable homes. We’re investing £117 million in schools and children’s centres and providing improved community facilities. To date, we have built 277 homes and expect to complete another 425 homes in the next 18 months. We’ve also invested nearly £58 million in schools and children’s centres.
Find out more
camden.gov.uk/cip 21
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(Left to right) Krystal, Janine and Armin, Hive staff, and tour guides Sarah and Hashim
Going underground Young people have launched a walking tour company that nurtures their business sense and entrepreneurial spirit. Axis @ the Hive, a health and wellbeing centre for young people on Finchley Road in Swiss Cottage, has just marked a successful first year in the community. They are also celebrating the launch of a new social enterprise to get young people actively involved in running a business. Beginning this summer, some of the Hive’s young people Find out more
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have started a small business – Underground Camden Tours – which offers walking tours of the borough. They have mapped routes, researched historical landmarks and other interesting stops, such as street art, and trained guides as employees. Underground Camden Tours also pays the London living wage – something important to any young Londoner. Tadhg, 18, says: “I received an email early in the summer, and have been part of the Underground Camden Tours project ever since. I’ve learnt how to deliver information confidently and wholeheartedly, and have
undergroundcamdentours.com
learnt more about my home borough. I hope to continue to improve my skills as a guide in the future.” While Hive staff supervise the social enterprise, Kirsty Magahy, programme manager at the Hive, says it is very much run by the Hive’s young people. Kirsty describes this initiative as a continuation of the Hive’s other health and wellness work. “It equips young people with skills and confidence. It lets people approach future employers with confidence. They can say ‘I’ve had a job, this is what I’ve learned from it, and this is what I can do for your company’.”
catch-22.org.uk/services/axis-the-hive
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Supporting families and young people despite cuts As our budget continues to shrink, it is even more important that we make every pound work harder, and ensure our most vulnerable residents are protected. We are supporting families and young people to stay safe and healthy, and succeed in education and employment, despite harsh cuts to our funding from Central Government. problems for young people and families are key priorities. Other valued services, such as Camden Summer University and youth projects for disabled young people, will also continue to run.
New youth service and young people’s foundation We’re preserving important youth services, despite having to take £1.6 million from the budget in response to Government cuts. Camden’s youth support services for 13 to 19 year-olds (up to 25 with disabilities) are now based in three main centres in Somers Town, Kilburn and Highgate. The three youth centres offer tailor-made support for teenagers and their families to stay safe, be healthy, find education, employment and training that’s right for them, and play a positive role in their communities. Early identification and response to emerging Find out more
The Young Camden Foundation is being established to support young people across the borough. Voluntary and community youth organisations will be encouraged to join the foundation, which will be run by a board comprising the Council, youth organisations, the Youth MP, John Lyon’s Charity, police, NHS and businesses. The foundation will become a charity, enabling it to raise funds from private individuals, businesses and other sources to support its work and improve the range of services and activities for young people. New Camden Sure Start service Our new service for families with children under five, and pregnant women was launched this
camden.gov.uk/youthservices
autumn. Camden Sure Start offers a broad range of services such as health, employment and wellbeing advice, as well as ‘stay and play’ drop-in sessions. The majority of the services are open to all local families, although there are some services specifically aimed at families who need extra support. You can book some sessions such as Terrific Talkers (help with your child’s speech and language) online. Camden Sure Start runs from five children’s centres across Camden, as well as other buildings such as Council-run nurseries. There’s more information about Sure Start in our feature on page 28.
camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart
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Feature
Would you spot signs of domestic abuse in your own relationships?
Domestic abuse isn’t always physical
Know the signs Everyone deserves to feel happy, safe and respected in their relationships, whether it’s with a partner or within a family. If someone makes you feel afraid, uncomfortable or you notice that you’re changing your behaviour because you are worried about how the other person will react, it may be a sign that the relationship is unhealthy. Every minute in the UK the police receive a domestic assistance call – yet domestic abuse remains one of the most underreported crimes. Part of the reason is that people may not recognise signs of abuse in their own relationships. One misconception is that domestic abuse is always physical – but it can take many forms, including: • Emotional / controlling: constantly checking up on you, controlling who you talk 24
to or where you go. Making unreasonable demands for attention or threats, belittling you and denying the abuse is happening. Using your sexuality or gender identity against you, for example threatening to reveal it without your permission. It could also be that your partner or family member is withholding medication or deciding when you do or don’t see a healthcare professional. • Psychological: making you feel bad or scared, putting you down or embarrassing you, stalking, blackmailing, and blaming you for the abuse or for arguments. • Financial: restricting access to your money or controlling when you can or can’t work. • Sexual: forcing or pressuring you to have sex (rape),
unwanted sexual activity, touching or groping, or making you watch pornography. • Physical: hitting, punching, holding you down, biting, kicking or using weapons. At the centre of all types of domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling and coercive behaviour. If you recognise any of the above signs in your relationships, what you are experiencing is not OK and you do not have to accept it. There is help and support available. Camden Safety Net is our dedicated support service. Call or email to talk to someone in our team in confidence about any concerns you have about your relationship. Our trained advisors will offer impartial advice and talk you through the options available to you.
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White Ribbon Day 2016
The London Fire Brigade show their support
Friday 25 November is White Ribbon Day, a worldwide campaign by men and boys to raise awareness about male violence against women and girls, along with promoting healthy relationships and gender equity. The day also marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Last November we took to the streets to ask residents and visitors to pledge their support to our Know You’re Not Alone campaign, which raises awareness of the signs of domestic abuse and that it can happen to anyone, regardless of
Find out more:
age, culture, sexual orientation or gender identity. Thanks to the amazing response it received we saw many more people reach out to Camden Safety Net for advice and support. Help us to speak out about domestic abuse We are inviting local businesses and organisations to work with us this month to get the Know You’re Not Alone message to staff who may be affected by domestic abuse. Along with advice on how to provide practical support to staff, we will provide them with print and digital materials highlighting Camden Safety Net.
camden.gov.uk/know
Borough Commander Julian Spooner from the London Fire Brigade says: “We are supporting Camden’s domestic abuse campaign again this year. In partnership, our firefighters have received awareness sessions on domestic abuse to make an active contribution to the wider agenda of community safety in the borough.” Domestic abuse is neither inevitable nor acceptable. We’ll continue to raise awareness and spread the message that there is help and support available. If you’re a business owner, or think your company would like to get involved, please see our website for further details.
camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk
020 7974 2526 25
Listings All activities are free unless otherwise specified
Seasonal events Christmas carols at Keats House Sunday 4 December, 3 to 3.45pm Craft activities from 1pm Free with museum admission, no booking required Keats House, 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR keatsevents.eventbrite. co.uk Keats and festivity Poetry readings, festive refreshments and games Tuesday 6 December, 6.30 to 8.30pm Booking required Keats House, 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR keatsevents.eventbrite. co.uk
Under 5s Rhyme-time at Keats Library Tuesdays, 10.30am, ÂŁ3 per child Keats Community Library 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR keatscommunitylibrary. org.uk keatscommunitylibrary@ gmail.com 020 7431 1266 Digital workshop: little feet, animal homes Saturday 26 November, 11am to 4pm Samsung Centre, British Museum, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG britishmuseum.org
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Baby Bounce sessions Tuesdays, 10.30am Kentish Town Library 262-266 Kentish Town Road NW5 2AA kentishtownlibrary@ camden.go.uk 020 7974 4001 Wednesdays, 2pm Camden Town Library Crowndale Centre, 218 Eversholt Street NW1 1BD jane.mcgrath@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444
Over 5s Chess for children Professional chess tutor Ages 6-12 Every Saturday, 2.30pm ÂŁ5 per child Keats Community Library 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR keatscommunitylibrary. org.uk Thursdays makerspace: kids crafts Ages 5-12 Thursdays from 17 November, 4pm Kilburn Library Centre 12-22 Kilburn Library Centre NW6 5UH camden.gov.uk/libraries Explore zoology Saturdays 19 November and 3 December, 1 to 4pm Grant Museum of Zoology, Rockefeller Building, University College London, University Street WC1E 6DE d.veall@ucl.ac.uk 020 3108 2052
Curious explorers morning For children with autism or other social communication conditions Saturday, 26 November, 10am to 12pm Free with museum entry Jewish Museum London, 129-131 Albert St NW1 7NB jewishmuseum.org.uk 020 7248 7388 Family day: small world Make a shadow puppet theatre. Ages 7+, Sunday 20 November, workshops at 1, 2 and 3pm Keats House 10 Keats Grove NW3 2RR cityoflondon.gov.uk/ things-to-do/keats-house keatshouse@ cityoflondon.
gov.uk
020 7332 3868 Clay soup bowls Create a soup bowl for the Foundling Hospital children. Saturday, 26 November, Sessions run 10.30am to 12pm, 1 to 2.30pm and 3 to 4.30pm foundlingmuseum.org.uk 020 7841 3600 Family variety acts Magic, dance, wisecracking and singing. Ages 5-11. Sunday 27 November, 2 to 3.30pm Harry M Weinrebe Learning Centre The British Library, 96 Euston Road NW1 2DB bl.uk boxoffice@bl.uk 01937 546 546
Youth Digital workshop: design a game Design your own computer game and learn programming skills. Ages 13 to 15. Saturday 19 November, 11am to 1pm and 2 to 4pm Booking essential Samsung Centre, British Museum, Great Russell Street WC1B 3DG tickets@britishmuseum.org 020 7323 8181 Mosaic LGBT youth club Lesbian, gay, bi and trans teens Wednesdays, 6 to 9pm Camden Town mosaicyouth.org.uk
Older people Computer training drop in Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm Over 50s Age UK Camden, Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, WC1H 9NA ageuk.org.uk/camden/ services/computertraining/ 020 7239 0400 Walk with Ainsworth & Alexandra community forum for older people Wednesdays until 7 December, 1.30pm Alexandra Road Park Abbey Road entrance to Rowley Way NW8 0SJ melwillwright@gmail.com 07539 390 786
Listings Opening doors London Coffee morning for LGBT people over 50 Fridays, 10am to 12pm Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square WC1H 9NA openingdoorslondon. org.uk 020 7239 0400
Somers Town Striders Beginners running group Every Thursday, 6.30pm Somers Town Community Association, 150 Ossulston Street NW1 1EE andrew.gilbert@camden. gov.uk 020 7974 6595
Courses and education
South Asian women: over 50s social club Mondays, 1pm to 3pm £5 annual membership fee Henna Asian Women’s Group, Abbey Community Centre, 222c Belsize Road NW6 4DJ hennaorg.co.uk hennaasianwomengroup@ gmail.com 020 7372 9860
Bootcamp & dance fit Wednesdays, 11am Alexandra Road Park NW8 0SF www.ourparks.org.uk 07903 017 778 born@ourparks.org.uk
Pre-entry ESOL for women English for speakers of other languages Thursday, 10.30am to 12.30pm The Hub, 8 Fairhazel Gardens NW6 3SG hennaorg.co.uk hennaasianwomengroup@ gmail.com 0207 3729860
Get active Somers Town community table tennis Table tennis: Wednesdays, 2 to 3.30pm (adults and older adults), 3.30 to 5pm (young people aged 11-19 years) Basil Jellicoe Hall, Drummond Crescent NW1 1LE andrew.gilbert@camden. gov.uk 020 7974 6595 Somers Town & St Pancras community tennis hub Saturdays, 11am to 1pm St Pancras Community Association sports pitches, 67 Plender Street NW1 0LB andrew.gilbert@camden. gov.uk 020 7974 6595
Pilates for South Asian women Every Tuesday from 2.15pm3.15pm Yoga for South Asian women Every Wednesday from 12.15-1.15pm £1 (plus £5 annual membership fee) Henna Asian Women’s Group, Abbey Community Centre, 222c Belsize Road NW6 4DJ hennaorg.co.uk hennaasianwomengroup@ gmail.com 020 73729 860
Social Tea dance Every second Wednesday, from 9 November at 1.30pm £4 The London Irish Centre 50-52 Camden Square NW1 9BX londonirishcentre.org mariaconnolly@ londonirishcentre.org 020 7428 2094
Careers and skills advice Thursdays, 10am to 4pm by appointment Pancras Square Library 5 Pancras Square N1C 4AG 0800 100 900
Exhibitions Resurrecting the Shakespeare Hut A First World War exhibition by Digital Drama Until Friday 23 December Camden in Shakespeare’s Day Elizabethan and Jacobean Holborn, Hampstead and St Pancras Historical exhibition marking the quatercentenary of the Bard’s death Until Friday 30 December Mon, Tues 10am to 6pm, Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 10am to 5pm, alternate Sat 11am to 5pm Camden Local Studies & Archives Centre 2nd Floor, Holborn Library 32-38 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA
Talks and lectures Elizabethan Camden Wednesday, 9 November, 2pm Primrose Hill Community Centre 29 Hopkinsons Place, Fitzroy Road NW1 8TN Camden History Society talk: Filmed in Camden by Danny Nissim Thursday 17 November, 7.30pm
£1 A London, Westminster and Middlesex family history talk: Churches and Chapels Thursday 24 November, 12.30pm £2 Air Camden: a talk by Lester Hillman Tuesday 29 November, 7.15pm Free Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre 2nd Floor, Holborn Library 32-38 Theobalds Road WC1X 8PA
Volunteering Green Gym A range of outside volunteering opportunities across Camden run by the Conservation Volunteers. tcv.org.uk/camden
Details may change, so please check with the organiser before attending an event. Want to get your listing on these pages? Email details to camdenmagazine@camden.gov.uk Space is limited and we give priority to free or low cost community events.
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Feature wide range of other support and activities on offer at the centre. They spoke to staff and parents, hearing details about the extra support available for families who are feeling stressed or worried, as well as visiting a ‘stay and play’ drop-in which is open to all local parents with children under five. Lots of support Cllr Hayward said: “Children’s centres are hugely important for supporting families with a range of different aspects of parenting – particularly for new, first-time and young parents. Michael Hadmon and his son Henry, aged two, at Regent’s Park Children’s Centre’s drop-in for under fives
New group for parents-to-be A new course aimed at preparing parents-to-be for their new role has been launched at our children’s centres. The Bump to Baby group is a five-week course which helps parents to prepare for the birth of their child and the period immediately afterwards. Funded by Camden’s Healthy Minds programme, it is available at all five Camden children’s centres as part of our Sure Start Find out more: 28
service for children under five, their families and pregnant mothers. Councillor Sarah Hayward, Leader of the Council, and Councillor Angela Mason, Cabinet Member for Children, visited Regent’s Park Children’s Centre last month to find out more about the new Bump to Baby course and the
camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart
020 7974 8961
“From knowing what to expect when your child arrives, to getting help with benefits and employment, there is lots of support available. Having a new child and becoming a first-time parent can be hugely stressful. If you are worried about any aspects of having a baby or your childcare, just drop into one of our children’s centres and ask.” To join a Bump to Baby group, speak to your midwife or call us on the number below. Councillor Hayward and Councillor Mason’s visit to Regent’s Park Children’s Centre took place on World Mental Health Day, which was 10 October. The Healthy Minds programme is a £750,000 scheme, co-funded by the Council and NHS, to provide a targeted local response to the mental health challenges that the country faces. There is more information about our Sure Start programme on page 23.
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Putting the fun into fitness
(Left to right) Jack Holmes, PE co-ordinator at Torriano Primary, Daily Mile founder Elaine Wyllie, the Mayor of Camden, Cllr Nadia Shah, and Torriano head Helen Bruckdorfer with pupils
Camden pupils are keeping fit, healthy and happy with the help of a daily physical activity scheme called the Daily Mile. The Daily Mile began in Scotland in 2012 and is now running in five Camden primary schools, with a further 13 planning to join the scheme. It involves every child in the school spending 15 minutes a day running, jogging or walking outdoors on top of their regular PE lessons. The founder of the Daily Mile, Elaine Wyllie, recently visited Torriano Primary School in Kentish Town. She found that the pupils there love the scheme, and staff and parents fully support it. Elaine said the secret of the Daily Mile’s success is to keep it simple and regular. Children don’t even need to change into PE kit or put trainers on – they can run in their everyday school clothes. Jack Holmes, PE co-ordinator at Torriano Primary, said: “We Find out more:
started the Daily Mile around Easter and made a video, which helped create a buzz and meant more classes wanted to join in. It takes 15 minutes from desk to desk. There are odd days when we don’t get out, if the weather is really bad – but the children will remind you that they didn’t do it.” The Daily Mile is supported by Pro-Active Camden, the local partnership for sport and physical activity, and Camden and Islington Councils’ joint public health service.
camden.gov.uk/sport
Other exciting sport and physical activities for schools include the annual Camden primary schools cross country run at Parliament Hill Fields, which is the largest cross country event in the country for borough primary schools. It’s organised by the Council and Highgate Harriers Athletics Club. Twenty-eight of our schools took part in the event this term and the winning school was Brookfield Primary.
thedailymile.co.uk 29
Feature
HS2: Building replacement homes for Camden Work is now well underway to build homes to replace those that will be lost to High Speed 2 (HS2). We continue to oppose plans for HS2, the government’s proposed railway between London and Birmingham, because it will bring nearly two decades of disruption to Camden. HS2 Ltd currently expects to get Royal Assent, which will give permission to build the railway, in December 2016.
Ravenglass and Bowfell, and tie in with the Lake District-themed names of existing buildings in the Regent’s Park Estate.
Did you know? Across eight sites on the Regent’s Park Estate we’re building:
90 replacement homes 11 additional council homes 5 shared ownership homes 10 private homes
If HS2 goes ahead, over 200 homes in the Euston area will be demolished. The Council negotiated funding from HS2 Ltd to build replacement homes on the Regent’s Park Estate, and secured the new Stanhope and Winchester apartments on Stanhope Street, for all Camden tenants set to lose their homes. We will also be able to offer affected resident leaseholders options to buy an affordable home. The homes will be completed ready for residents to move into in late 2017, before HS2 Ltd plan to start demolition works in 2018. We’re currently supporting residents through the process of matching them to their new homes based on their housing need and preferences. We recently asked residents to help us name the replacement housing blocks. The chosen names include Lindale, Find out more 30
camden.gov.uk/hs2
Ravenglass (on the former Cape of Good Hope site, Albany Street) will be ready for residents to move into next year
highspeed2@camden.gov.uk
My Camden Shelly Khan works at local health and social care charity, Healthwatch Camden. What’s your Camden connection?
Favourite park or open space?
I grew up in Camden, in Fitzrovia, and moved to Chalk Farm when I was twenty. Growing up in Fitzrovia in the 70s was an amazing experience – I have fond memories of the annual Fitzrovia Festivals, which were lively and attracted people from all walks of life. I remember Charlotte Street lined with various now famous Italian and Greek restaurants, with stalls and music. I started my career in Camden at Bloomsbury Community Health Council then moved to Voluntary Action Camden and I’m now back to my ‘roots’ working for Healthwatch Camden. Although I don’t live in Camden anymore, it will always be my home.
Tell us about your work in Camden I’m the Community Engagement Manager at Healthwatch Camden. Healthwatch Camden is an independent charity which works with local Find out more
One of my favourite things to do is to walk along Regents Canal to Primrose Hill then across to Regents Park. I especially love strolling in these parks during autumn, when the ground is carpeted with brown leaves.
What makes Camden special?
people to identify their unmet needs in health and social care, and provide a stronger voice for them to influence and improve how these services are provided in Camden. GP services and mental health are topics that are often raised by local people when they talk to us. You can find out how to get involved and read our reports on our website.
Favourite places in Camden? I love spending a day at Camden Lock,
wandering around Stables Market, just taking in the atmosphere, the smell of food from different countries, and picking up a bargain. There are new and talented designers displaying their wares and the place is buzzing with people from everywhere.
Camden is very rich in its diverse mix of communities, faith, culture and heritage. The borough is blessed with many beautiful green spaces and places such as the British Museum and Pollocks Toy Museum, as well as famous buildings like the BT Tower and of course Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station.
healthwatchcamden.co.uk info@healthwatchcamden.co.uk youtube: healthwatchcamden 31
Camden Sure Start. Pregnant or have a child under five? We can help — come and talk to us. Your journey. Our support. camden.gov.uk/camdensurestart