We wish you a very warm welcome to the Camden Winter Magazine 2024/25. Can it really be that time of the year already?
We want you to have a happy and safe winter. It’s really important to get out and about and meet people if you can – find out how you can connect with your community (page 6) and take a look at the free or lowcost activities available in our what’s on section (page 10 and 11)
You can also find advice on how to keep well (page 8), how to keep your home in good shape (page 9) and the extra money and support you might be eligible for (pages 4 and 5), to help you through the cold months.
story: from homelessness to award-winning artist
Distribution from December 2024
All content correct at time of print
Cover photograph by Vanessa Berberian
to organisations and businesses. If you are interested in finding out more about us, please contact ros.daniel@camden.gov.uk
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In a year that has seen an increase in religious hate crime and violent demonstrations across the country, we’re proud to stand together in Camden, united against hate. That’s when we’re at our strongest.
We work alongside our partners and communities to tackle hate, keep Camden safe and support Camden residents. Find out how to report a hate crime – including to trusted community partners – and get support at camden.gov.uk/hatecrime or by calling us on 020 7974 4444. In an emergency, always call 999.
Spotlight on: Stop Hate
Stop Hate are one of our trusted community partners who we work with to tackle hate crime. They support anyone who has experienced a hate crime and have a helpline that’s open 24 hours a day, every day of the year at 0800 138 1625
Struggling to afford the essentials?
We’re here for you
Visit camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving or call us 020 7974 4444
Look at our EasyRead wiki camden.gov.uk/ER Register for our free Money Advice Camden service camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService MoneyAdvice@camden.gov.uk
Call us on 020 7974 4444
Find your nearest ‘warm welcome’ space camden.gov.uk/WarmWelcome
Moving to Universal Credit – look out for a letter
If you receive Housing Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), the government will soon write to you and tell you to move to Universal Credit.
You’ll then have 3 months to apply (don’t apply before you receive the letter), and you must meet this deadline – otherwise your benefits will stop.
There are 3 ways to apply for Universal Credit:
1. Call the government’s Universal Credit helpline 0800 169 0328
2. Call the Citizens Advice helpline 0800 144 8444
3. Fill in a form at www.gov.uk/UC
Once you’ve applied, your monthly Universal Credit payment will be paid into your bank account. If it includes money for housing costs, you’ll need to pay rent directly to your landlord.
- If you’re a Camden Council tenant, call us on 020 7974 6104
- All residents – including council and housing association tenants and private renters - can call 0800 169 0328 or 0800 144 8444
- If you’re disabled or have a long-term health condition, call Camden Disability Action on 020 3833 1125
- Apply for an Alternative Payment Arrangement by calling any of the numbers in this section.
To read this information in EasyRead, visit camden.gov.uk/UCmove
To read this information in British Sign Language (BSL), visit camden.gov.uk/UCBSL
If you’re 66 or over, check if you’re entitled to Pension Credit
It tops up your weekly income to £218 (if single) or £332 (for couples), and it’ll help you access other benefits – the Winter Fuel Payment and discounted NHS services. Visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 9912 347.
Tips to increase your income
1. Check you’re being paid National Minimum Wage www.gov.uk/am-i-getting-minimum-wage
2. Low income? Apply for reduced council tax camden.gov.uk/CTS
3. Live alone? Apply for a 25% discount on council tax camden.gov.uk/CTsingle
4. For advice to save energy and stay warm, council tenants can call our Home Energy Advice team on 0207 974 6207. Anyone can call WISH Plus 020 7974 3012
5. Have a child in school? Check if they’re eligible for free school meals camden.gov.uk/FSM
6. Have a low income? You could get 50% off your water bill with Thames Water 0800 009 3652
7. Do you receive benefits? You could get a reduced-price ‘social tariff’ on your broadband or mobile phone ofcom.org.uk/cheap-broadband
Camden Disability Action (CDA)
Camden Disability Action (CDA) is a d/Deaf and disabled-led organisation for Camden residents aged 16 or over who are disabled or have a long-term health condition. We spoke to Constance Attlee, Advice Manager, to find out more about the support they offer: We provide information, training and activities that will help you live the life you want to lead. This includes judgement-free, accessible advice on all sorts of issues – including housing, transport, mental health, and benefits. And recently, we’ve been helping people move to Universal Credit. Whatever the issue, if you want some advice or support, get in touch and we’ll do our best to help.”
Call CDA’s Disability Action advice line on 020 3833 1125, text 07543 572793 or email advice@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk
Meet new people in your community in 2025
Feeling connected to the people around us can help us to feel better and happier, and even reduces our risk of health problems. If you want to meet new people, it can be hard to know where to start. Your local community centre is a great place to connect with others and try new activities.
Ruth, Gloria and Debbie met at Abbey Community Centre in Kilburn and have been friends for two years.
Debbie said: “We’ve been close ever since meeting. We come here three times a week – it encourages you to get out more.”
Ruth enjoys the range of activities available: “I do seated exercises, Zumba, yoga and cookery.”
Gloria has been trying new things, including arts and crafts using recycled materials: “I thought it was too fiddly, but now I love it!”
Abbey Community Centre’s coffee morning for over 50s is on Fridays from 10.30am to 12pm. See Abbey’s full activities programme at abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk/ programme-guide or phone 020 7624 8378
Gloria and Debbie
More ways to connect with your community
• Find your nearest community centre at directory.vac.org.uk
• Learn new skills at an adult community learning class – visit camden.gov.uk/adult-community-learning or phone 020 7974 2148
• Check out local community events – see pages 10-11 or visit lovecamden.org
• Volunteer – find local organisations and roles at volunteercentrecamden.org.uk or phone 020 7424 9990
• Join a befriending scheme – call Age UK Camden’s Telefriends telephone befriending scheme on 020 7443 9241 or visit camden.gov.uk/connect for more schemes
• Young people can explore ways to get involved in their community at camdenrise.co.uk
Find more ways to connect with people in Camden at camden.gov.uk/connect
Ruth,
In the
Meet the residents on a mission
The We Make Camden Missions are the long-term goals for the future of our borough. Two residents tell us about their work to help people eat well and support Camden’s estates and neighbourhoods to thrive.
Focus on estates and neighbourhoods
One of our missions is around ensuring that Camden’s estates and surrounding neighbourhoods are healthy, sustainable and creative. MilliRose received support from the We Make Camden Kit to expand her creative project:
CrossWord Lyric is a music and poetry platform that I started a year ago, with the intention of breaking barriers with ‘perfectionism’ in the arts.
“We do this through monthly open mics and writing workshops. Creativity and having your voice heard is not always accessible for people.
“Being a part of spaces with people from all walks of life has been so inspiring.”
Focus on food
Another mission is for everyone in Camden to be able to eat well every day with nutritious, affordable and sustainable food. Luthfa received support from the We Make Camden Kit to help run Meet and Grain, a community kitchen at Maiden Lane Estate:
Meet and Grain’s purpose is to combat food insecurity, foster community connection and promote social wellbeing among those who may feel isolated or in need.
“Community members wanted to create a welcoming space where people could gather, enjoy nutritious meals and build relationships in a nice cosy place.”
Visit Meet and Grain:
First Saturday of every month, 1pm to 2.30pm Maiden Lane Community Centre, 156 St Paul’s Crescent, NW1 9YA
Find out more:
MaidenLaneCommunityCentre.org 0743 7100 200
Read these stories and more at WeMakeCamden.org.uk/stories
What is the We Make Camden Kit? The Kit gives money and support to Camden residents and community groups to kick-start or grow community projects. Visit WeMakeCamden.org.uk/funding to see how the Kit could help you too. Camden 7
Milli-Rose, CrossWord Lyric
Luthfa, Meet and Grain
Keeping well this winter
As the temperature drops, what can we do to keep well and look out for the people around us?
We’re all more vulnerable to illnesses in the winter, and the damp and cold can make preexisting conditions worse. The best thing we can all do is to make sure we’ve had all of the vaccinations we’re entitled to, to protect ourselves and other people.”
Dr Delwar Hussain, Ampthill and Regents Park Practice
Free winter vaccines
Covid and flu vaccines – are you eligible?
• Covid and flu: You’re eligible for both vaccines if you’re aged 65 and over, pregnant, or over 18 and in a clinical risk group.
• Covid: Children and young people aged 6 months to 18 years in clinical risk groups are also eligible for the Covid vaccine.
• Flu: Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2024 and children from reception to year 11 are eligible for the flu vaccine.
Book your appointment as soon as you can. Ask your GP practice or pharmacy, call 119 or visit www.nhs.uk/bookcovid or www.nhs.uk/bookflu
You can find a walk-in clinic near you at camden.gov.uk/covid-19-and-flu-vaccinations
RSV: protection for babies and over 75s
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common respiratory illness – 9 in 10 children will catch RSV before the age of two – but it can be serious for babies and older adults.
• If you’re 75 or over, you will be invited for an RSV vaccine at your GP – please take up your vaccine when it’s offered.
• If you are 28 or more weeks pregnant, speak to your GP or maternity service to book your free RSV vaccine to make sure your baby is protected.
Find out more at www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
Staying safe and warm at home
It’s that time of year again when the weather gets colder and wetter, making it even more important that you feel warm and comfortable at home.
Focus on fire safety
Dean and David
Dean Penny from the council’s Fire Safety team recently met up with David George, from the London Fire Brigade. They are urging residents to take care this winter.
Portable heaters and open flames, especially candles, can cause significant dangers during winter. Fires often start when bedding or clothes are placed too close to these heat sources.” – David
Dean and David recommend keeping heaters and candles well way from anything flammable, and placing them in areas where people won’t trip over them. If you use a gas heater, it’s important to be aware of the carbon monoxide risk, so please remember to check you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home.
For more information on fire safety, please email fireadvisors@camden.gov.uk or leave a voice message with your name, contact and concern by calling 0207 974 1964
Support for council tenants
Heating
Heating your home in winter can be difficult, but our friendly Home Energy Advice team can help lower your energy bills and keep you warm at home. For advice or a free ‘well and warm’ home visit, call us on 020 7974 6207 or email EnergyEfficiencyHomeAdvice@ camden.gov.uk
Damp and mould
If you notice mould in your home, please contact us immediately. Our dedicated Damp and Mould team are here to help and will visit your home within 10 working days once reported. You can reach the team via camden.gov.uk/reportdamp, speak on webchat at camden.gov. uk/housing-repairs, text on 07360 277 909 or call on 0207 974 4444.
Repairs
Winter can be a busy time for repairs, but remember if you have an emergency, such as no heating or running water, please contact us immediately on 0207 974 4444 or text 07360 277 909
What’s on this winter?
Get out in the community and stay connected with others this winter. Discover the many free or low-cost activities for everyone to enjoy in Camden.
Libraries
Visit your local library this winter to enjoy free activities for all ages. Find your nearest library, register to join, and check out what’s on offer at camden.gov.uk/library-information
Get connected at our digital workshops
Learn to confidently use the internet, laptops, mobile phones, and more at our free digital courses.
Join a ‘Digital Basics’ or ‘Digital Improvers’ course, or speak to friendly staff at drop-in sessions for any help with using your digital device.
Weekly sessions at Queens Crescent, Kentish Town, Swiss Cottage, and Holborn libraries.
Find other local services to help you get online at camden.gov.uk/find-local-digital-support
Children and young people
Winter Holiday Activities and Food
The Winter Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme will run from 23 December 2024 to 3 January 2025. It is open for children and young people aged 5 to 16 who live in Camden and are eligible for free school meals.
The programme, co-ordinated by the Young Camden Foundation, offers free, fun activities and nutritional education. A free hot meal is included as part of each day’s activities. To find out more and book your places, visit haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
Knitting group
Learn to knit or develop your skills at a friendly knitting group at your local library. All abilities are welcome, materials and refreshments are also provided.
Weekly sessions at Queens Crescent, Kentish Town, and Swiss Cottage libraries.
Knitting group
HAF programme
Keeping active this winter
Whatever your age or fitness level, there are plenty of free or low-cost activities you can get involved in to look after your wellbeing and stay active over winter.
Fitness classes for all at Abbey
Visit Camden’s markets
Camden is known for its vibrant and diverse markets. Enjoy street food from around the world and browse unique fashion and homeware items from local businesses. Some of our markets include:
• Leather Lane Market, EC1N 7TJ
A famous and historic street trading market running every Monday to Friday, 7am-4pm
• Chalton Street Market, NW1 1JH
Particularly known for its fruit and vegetable stalls, open every Wednesday to Friday, 7am-4pm
• Queen’s Crescent Market, NW5 4HH
A great place to buy freshly baked bread and sample delicious street food. Open every Thursday and Saturday, 7am-4pm.
Abbey Community Centre in Kilburn hosts a range of fitness classes open to people aged 50 and above, including gentle dance and Zumba, as well as some all-ages activities like table tennis. Activities are free or donations are welcome. Find out more at abbeycc-kilburn.org.uk
Camden walking groups
Enjoy the cold, crisp air this winter and explore your local area by joining a wellbeing walking group.
• Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park wellbeing walks
• Castlehaven Community Association social walking group
• Third Age Project Bangladeshi women’s walking group
Find out more information and join walking groups in Camden by visiting camden.gov.uk/wellbeing-walks-in-camden
For more information and to find other markets across the borough, visit camden.gov.uk/ markets
Table tennis
Leather Lane Market
“My partner checks everything I spend. I can’t use my money without his permission.”
We’re here and we can help.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or know someone who is, contact:
• Camden Safety Net on 020 7974 2526
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge) 24/7 on 0808 2000 247
Call 999 in an emergency.
If you are deaf or have a speech impediment, please text 999 or use the BSL 999 app
camden.gov.uk/domestic-abuse
“Art helped me regain my confidence” - Geraldine’s story
After experiencing homelessness and addiction, painting helped Geraldine Crimmins to rebuild her life and regain her confidence.
Now an award-winning artist, Geraldine is one of many local artists benefiting from access to affordable studios provided by Bow Arts in council properties vacated because of HS2.
She also runs Drummond Street Artists, an art workshop for people experiencing homelessness.
Q: How has art helped you?
A: Art helped me regain my confidence after losing everything and gave me a sense of purpose. Eight years ago I started mentoring artists affected by homelessness while volunteering at Crisis at Christmas, and I’ve been helping others exhibit their work and access art education ever since.
Q: What is the Drummond Street Artists?
A: We provide art materials, food and support to artists currently experiencing homelessness at the Old Diorama Centre. We’re open on weekends when it’s hard to find somewhere to get a cup of tea or be creative. Our artists’ works
Geraldine Crimmins
are featured in exhibitions, and some are sold, which is rewarding to see.
Q: How can residents get involved?
A: We’re looking for volunteers for the One Roof Festival, 13 to 24 January at the Old Diorama Centre. It’s a festival of art for people affected by homelessness. Residents who are interested can email oneroof@olddiorama.com or follow us on Instagram
@Drummond_Street_Artists
@Geraldine_Crimmins Old Diorama Arts Centre, 201 Drummond Street, NW1 3FE
Support for people experiencing rough sleeping this winter
Our community outreach team, Routes off the Streets, is helping to keep people safe this winter by making sure anyone sleeping rough has somewhere warm to stay.
They also provide access to healthcare, and support to help people to move on from homelessness and live independently.
If you see someone sleeping rough this winter, please contact Routes off the Streets on 0808 800 0005, email streetsafe@cgl.org.uk or Download the Camden StreetSafe app.
Keeping our streets clean
Cracking down on fly-tipping
We’ve increased the fines for flytipping and littering to help keep Camden clean and safe. Anyone illegally dumping rubbish faces a £1,000 fine for fly-tipping, and a £120 fine for littering.
Our community safety enforcement team is on the streets to catch offenders and issue fines.
We’re also investing an extra £1 million into street cleaning. This includes more street cleaning staff, an extra jet washer and new night-time cleansing vehicles.
How you can help
Recycle your Christmas tree
Recycling your real Christmas tree is free and easy. Please don’t leave it out in the street – this is fly-tipping and someone may fall over it.
Instead, simply remove the decorations and bring your tree to your nearest collection point. Collection points will be open across the borough during the first two weeks of January. A full list of locations can be found at camden.gov.uk/ChristmasTree
You can help to keep Camden clean. If you see litter or dumped waste, report it on the Love Clean Streets app, call 020 3567 8105 or visit camden.gov.uk/no-excuse
No to anti-social behaviour
Nights out in Camden should be fun, safe and not cause issues for neighbouring residents.
Working with the police, we’ve stepped up evening and night-time patrols to issue warnings and £120 fines to people publicly urinating on the streets.
We have applied anti-pee paint in specific areas which is designed to cause the person’s urine to splash back at them.
Visit camden.gov.uk/reporting-antisocialbehaviour to find out more.
We’re making our next Climate Action Plan. Have your say on what we should do to protect the environment. Have your say at camdenclimateaction.commonplace.is
Need a friendly face on your night out?
The Camden Safety Bus is a safe space for anyone in Camden who needs assistance, support or just someone to talk to when on a night out.
Whether you're feeling vulnerable, or you need to charge your phone, grab a water or find a route home – we’re here for you.
You can visit us at: Camden High Street, opposite Camden Town Tube Station
Every Friday and Saturday, 9.30pm to 2.30am 07946 578608
Find out more at: camden.gov.uk/camden-safety-bus
CAMDEN
NEWSLETTER
You can get Council news and information every fortnight by signing up to our e-newsletter.
Sign up today for free to get the latest news, events, support and more straight to your email inbox by scanning the QR code to the right.
Make sure you’re on the electoral register and can vote
We’re currently contacting all households, asking you to confirm that your details on the electoral register are correct and you’re therefore eligible to vote. This is called the annual canvass. You will receive an email or letter – please follow the instructions and respond as soon as possible. We’ll also be visiting households where we haven’t received a response –Council staff will always wear photo ID.
Find out more at camden.gov.uk/elections or call our elections team on 020 7974 4444
If you need to register to vote, visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
HAVE YOUR SAY
NEWS SERVICE UPDATES
Help shape the future of Kentish Town
The Regis Road Area in Kentish Town could become a vibrant hub for business, industry, and employment. We’re eager for your feedback – the consultation closes on 22 December 2024 – visit regisroadareaguidance.commonplace.is
Council services
Some of our services will operate with different opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period. Please check before you visit council offices, libraries, or leisure centres. Find out more at news.camden.gov.uk/Christmas-2024
Christmas and New Year collections
Our recycling and rubbish collection teams will be working hard over the festive period to collect your refuse and keep Camden’s streets clean. Collections will return to their normal schedule from Monday 6 January. For more information, visit camden.gov.uk/check-collection-day
25 December
27 December
1 January Thursday 2 January Thursday 26 December Saturday 28 December Thursday 2 January Friday 3 January Friday 27 December Sunday 29 December Friday 3 January Saturday 4 January
