On the inside covers and back page of today’s Camden New Journal, you’ll find support with money worries, food, energy bills and domestic abuse, free and low-cost activities, and opportunities to connect with other residents.
Support if you or someone you know is feeling lonely
It’s normal to feel lonely sometimes, and loneliness can affect anyone –1 in 3 Camden residents said that they feel lonely at least some of the time.
This time of the year, the festive season, colder weather and darker evenings can make feelings of loneliness and isolation worse – but there are so many opportunities to connect with others in Camden.
Find ways to meet new people, try new things near you, and get more support if you need it at camden.gov.uk/together
If loneliness is affecting your mental health, find out about mental health support on the inside cover, speak to your GP or visit icope.nhs.uk
Struggling to afford the essentials? We’re here for you
Visit camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving
Look at our EasyRead wiki camden.gov.uk/ER Register for our free Money Advice Camden service. We’ll help you access all the payments you’re eligible for – including our Cost of Living Fund camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService MoneyAdvice@camden.gov.uk
Check you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to camden.gov.uk/BetterOff
Find your nearest ‘warm welcome’ space camden.gov.uk/WarmWelcome
Call us 020 7974 4444
camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving
Support for over 50s from Age UK Camden
“We provide support and information to Camden residents aged 50 and over, or their carers, face to face, on the phone or by visiting you at home. We help make sure people are receiving all the welfare benefits and any other financial support they’re entitled to – including Pension Credit – and we provide advice with housing issues, care needs, any issues people face as they age, and digital support to get online. We help about 3,000 residents a year so if you’re after a bit of advice, get in touch.”
Paul Webley, Information and Advice Manager at Age UK Camden
Book an appointment by calling 020 7837 3777 or emailing duty@ageukcamden.org.uk. You can also drop into Age UK Camden at 68 Parkway in Camden Town on weekdays, 10am to 4pm.
Cost of living support in Camden
This time of year can be exciting, and for many of us it’s a special time to catch up with loved ones – but it can also be overwhelming. If you’re feeling lonely, worried about money and debt, or want to know how you can support others who may need a little extra help this festive season, please read the wrap around today’s paper. A range of help and support is available from the council and our partners – including via our Cost of Living Fund.
Please also take a moment to read the back page, which is about domestic abuse, and the different forms it can take. If you’re experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, please contact Camden Safety Net.
Lastly, I want to say a massive thank you to everyone across Camden who’s provided help and support to others this year. From people checking in on neighbours, to our incredible voluntary and community sector and faith organisations, and our communities coming together to stand up against hate, I’m really proud of our borough and I wish you all the best for the new year.
Councillor Richard Olszewski, Leader, Camden Council
Help with energy bills, energy debt and staying warm for you or someone you’re worried about
Camden’s Home Energy Advice Team provide support for council tenants with energy bills, energy debt, keeping your home warm and reducing energy usage. Contact them for advice or to set up a ‘warm and well’ home visit by calling 020 7974 6207 or emailing EnergyEfficiencyHomeAdvice@camden.gov.uk
WISH Plus – refer yourself or someone else for help with staying warm, money worries, safety and health services camden.gov.uk/wish-plus 020 7974 3012
Help with money worries and debt
If you need a loan, don’t be tempted to approach a loan shark or get a payday loan. Instead, consider credit unions or other ethical loan providers. credit-union.coop 020 7561 1786 info@credit-union.coop
If you owe a loan shark money, or if you’re being threatened, get confidential help stoploansharks.co.uk
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 – like discounted NHS services, and the Winter Fuel Payment.
gov.uk/pension-credit or call 0800 99 12 34
Moving to Universal Credit – look out for a letter
If you receive Housing Benefit, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or any other legacy benefits, the government will write to you between now and the end of 2025 to tell you to move to Universal Credit.
You will then have 3 months to apply, and you must meet this deadline – otherwise your benefits will stop. Don’t apply before you receive the letter, otherwise you could end up with less money each month.
For more information, visit ucmove.campaign.gov.uk
If you’re feeling down, anxious or worried
Speak to your GP
Visit icope.nhs.uk
Call iCope on 020 3317 6670
Visit camden.gov.uk/mental-health
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, phone the 24-hour crisis line on 020 3317 6333 for specialist support. In an emergency, always call 999
What’s happening in Camden this festive season
Holiday Activities and Food Programme
The Camden Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme runs from 23 December 2024 to 3 January 2025 and is open to children and young people aged 5 to 16 who live in Camden and are eligible for free school meals.
The programme offers free, fun activities and nutritional education – from learning to make healthy meals, to creative activities, including photography, drama, arts and crafts, and sports. A free hot meal is included each day. The Camden HAF Programme is co-ordinated by Young Camden Foundation on behalf of the Council, with funding from the Department for Education.
Find out more and book at haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
Celebrating the festive season
• Camden libraries have free festive events on offer –including Christmas craft activities for children and families at Kentish Town Library from 2.30 to 3.30pm on 23 and 30 December. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/whats-on-this-month
• JW3 is marking Chanukah with a range of events – including free community Chanukah light-ups from Monday to Thursday between 25 December 2024 and 1 January 2025. Drop in from 5.30pm for Chanukah arts and crafts, followed by candle lighting at 6pm and festive fun featuring storytelling, music and doughnuts. Find out more and check out other events on their website too at jw3.org.uk/chanukah-light-ups
• There are a range of services being held at Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel to celebrate Christmas, including a family carol service at 11am on 22 December, where you can sing carols with the Chapel Choir, and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services too. More details are at rosslynhillchapel.org.uk/whats-on
Connecting with your community
• Starting in February, anyone aged 50+ is welcome to come to a coffee morning hosted by Age UK Camden at Henderson Court Resource Centre (NW3 6NS). These will take place from 10am to 12pm on the first Friday of every month from February onwards, with a different guest speaker each time.
• Mosaic host a youth club for LGBT+ persons aged 12 to 18, and a young adults club for 18 to 25s – plus lots more fun and free activities from their hub in Euston. Join Mosaic for free at mosaictrust.org.uk/young-persons
• Oasis Sports Centre (WC2H 9AG) is hosting a community swim on Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s Day (1 January) from 8am to 12pm. Open to all, and hot drinks, biscuits and mince pies will be provided in the café area. View the pool’s calendar and book at better.org.uk/oasis
Christmas tree recycling
Recycling your real Christmas tree is free and easy. Simply remove the decorations and bring it to your nearest collection point.
Collection points will be open across the borough from 2 to 12 January.
A full list of locations can be found at camden.gov.uk/ChristmasTree
Collection days
Our collection teams will be working hard over the festive period to collect your recycling and rubbish to help keep Camden’s streets clean. Please note that collection days will change slightly during this period. Check your collection day at camden.gov.uk/check-collection-day
Collections will return to their normal schedule from Monday 6 January.
Council services’ opening times
Some of our services will operate with different opening hours over the holiday period. Please check before you visit council offices, libraries, or sports or leisure centres. Find out more at news.camden.gov.uk/Christmas-2024
Support for domestic abuse
Camden is a place where domestic abuse is unacceptable and not tolerated. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and can take place in different types of intimate and familial relationships.
Camden Safety Net provides confidential support and advice for anyone at risk of, or experiencing, domestic violence.
“My partner checks everything I spend. I can’t use my money without his permission.”
“Coercive and controlling behaviour is often at the heart of all domestic abuse. These behaviours act to control the survivor and make them feel dependent and powerless. This often involves isolating them from friends and family and sources of support. It can also include depriving them of the means needed for independence and escape by regulating their everyday behaviours.
“If you recognise any of these signs or are experiencing any type of domestic abuse, or know someone who is, please reach out for help.”
Camden Safety Net Team Manager
If you’re experiencing or at risk of any type of domestic abuse: Contact Camden Safety Net on 020 7974 2526 camden.gov.uk/domestic-abuse. You can also call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 24/7 on 0808 2000 247
In an emergency, always ring 999
If you can, there are lots of ways to help others this winter
2 Donate to Young Camden Foundation or Camden Giving. They both support local charities and organisations that help Camden residents. camdengiving.org.uk/ supportcamdengiving
1 Find a local volunteering opportunity. Whatever your availability and interests, there are short and long-term volunteering opportunities for everyone – from helping children learn to read, to befriending services. volunteercentrecamden. org.uk
020 7424 9990
3 Donate food and other essentials to your local food bank or community organisation. Find an organisation near you at findfood.camden.gov.uk
4
Donate great quality, pre-loved clothes, shoes, nappies, toiletries, toys, books and more to local charity Little Village who distribute donations to local families with babies and young children up to 6 years old. Donate at your nearest donation point, by post, or organise a collection. Find out more at littlevillagehq.org/ donate-stuff
