Camden Spring 2023

Your guide to spring

Spring has officially sprung in Camden and the Easter school holidays are here –make sure to check out our guide to local free and low-cost activities for all ages on pages 10 and 11.

In this issue you can find out about support available with the cost of living crisis on page 6, as well as great stories and initiatives from our communities throughout.

Save the planet and save money

Did you know that being sustainable can also be kind to your wallet? Help the environment by travelling sustainably and reducing the number of items you throw away – all while saving money.

Rent a bike and learn to cycle in Camden

Shadi Farahzadi borrowed a bike with Camden’s Try-a-Bike scheme and took part in our free cycle skills sessions:

I was eager to improve my cycling skills and make sure I was ready to commit to buying a bike of my own. I use the bike to commute to university, to run errands, and to get to the squash court. The cycle skills sessions gave me the flexibility to practice what I learned at my own pace with a bike that was more comfortable than rental bikes. Plus, it was completely free!” camden.gov.uk/cycling

Fix your electric items

Based in Queen’s Crescent, the Fixing Factory is a community project tackling waste from electronic items. Come along to get your appliances fixed, learn valuable repair skills, and take part in repair workshops – which all help tackle climate change as electronics generate roughly 3.7% of global greenhouse emissions. fixingfactory.org/visit/ camden

Borrow from the Library of Things

If you’re looking to do some work around the house, you can save money and reduce waste by borrowing useful household, DIY and gardening items from the Library of Things at Kentish Town Library. You can even book items online. libraryofthings.co.uk/kentishtown

A new Library of Things will be opening soon at Kilburn Library (NW6 5UH) – sign up for the latest news and discounts at libraryofthings.co.uk and start borrowing from early April!

COMING SOON

Your guide to Camden’s budget

We have just set the Council’s budget for the coming year. We will continue to invest in the areas that are important to you, and continue to provide support with the cost of living crisis. This includes:

• extending the Mayor of London’s funding for universal primary free school meals to make it a permanent offer for Camden primary school children

• investing £1.3 million in a family support fund focused on secondary school hunger, help with school uniforms, and free healthy school breakfasts to prevent children from lowincome families from starting the school day hungry

• investing another £2 million in our Cost of Living Crisis Fund to help residents who cannot afford essentials like food or energy bills

• continuing to invest in early support, including youth services and children’s centres, and help for elderly residents

Funding your services

This is how much money we are investing in each of your services this coming year.

Health and wellbeing

Property and support services

• buying back council homes lost to Right to Buy to provide genuinely affordable homes for homeless families and larger homes for residents living in overcrowded conditions

• investing more than £29 million in our Council Tax Support Scheme, which reduces Council Tax bills, putting money back into the pockets of residents on low incomes – 16,000 residents won’t pay anything at all. Check if you’re eligible and apply at camden.gov.uk/CTS

• continuing to invest in our local voluntary sector, which provides free advice and vital support on a range of issues – including food poverty, debt and loneliness

• taking action to tackle the climate emergency and improve air quality in Camden

Government benefit payments and services

Other costs £79.3m

This is used to help improve roads and paths, to grow our network of cycle paths, and more. Some is also given to organisations like TfL to part-fund public services.

How we are funded

This financial year, we have £911.9 million to spend. 63% of this money comes from government funding and retained business rates. The rest comes from the Council Tax you pay (14%), and rents, fees and other income (23%). £377.1m of this money has to be spent according to government rules We can control how we spend the rest of the money, which totals £534.8m.

Total income 2023/24: £911.9 million

Government funding £433.7m (48%)

Retained business rates and revenue support grant £136.4m (15%)

Residents’ Council Tax £132.7m (14%)

Rents, fees and other income £209.1m (23%)

Council Tax contributes just over £1 out of every £7 of our income.

Government funding and retained business rates makes up 63% of our income, and a lot of this money has to be spent on specific activities.

The impact of budget cuts from central government

63% of our income comes directly from government funding and retained business rates. When this funding is cut, we have to make savings. Since 2010, the government has cut our funding by 55%, so we now have a £35 to £40 million gap in our budget. Because of this, cuts to other public sector budgets and changes to our welfare system, more people are turning to us for support and we have less money to help them.

The graph illustrates likefor-like government funding in 2010 compared to 2023, adjusted for inflation.

The government expects us to meet part of the gap in our budget as mentioned above by raising the amount you pay in Council Tax. This means we had to make the difficult decision to increase Council Tax by 4.99% so you will pay £1.39 to £4.16 extra per week, depending on your Council Tax band. Much of the extra Council Tax funding will be invested in vital social care services.

We know that it’s a really difficult time so if you are worried about paying your Council Tax, please get in touch with us at camden.gov.uk/CTS or call 020 7974 4444 (option 2). If you are struggling to afford the essentials, help is available. Turn to page 6 to find out more.

This year’s Council Tax

Struggling with the cost of living crisis? We’re here for you

camden.gov.uk/costofliving 020 7974 4444 (option 9)

Scan this QR code to read our advice and support booklet

Cost of Living Crisis Fund

If you’re struggling to afford the essentials, you may be eligible for up to two £500 payments through our Cost of Living Crisis Fund. To apply:

Contact one of the organisations in the Camden Advice Network at camden.gov.uk/CAN

Call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)

Call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835

If you’re a council tenant, you can also contact your neighbourhood housing officer

If you’re a private renter, you can contact the Camden Federation of Private Tenants on 020 7383 0151

Save over £500 a year with free school meals and breakfast clubs

Next academic year, school meals will be free for every primary school child following funding from the Mayor of London. You may be able to access help sooner though. If you have a school-aged child, check if they’re eligible for free school meals and apply today to save over £500 a year camden.gov.uk/free-school-meals

If your child receives free school meals, ask your child’s school if they have a breakfast club.

Support with food

If you’re struggling to afford food, find support at camden.gov.uk/access-food or call 020 7974 4444 (option 9)

Help and support for private renters

Robert Taylor works for the Camden Federation of Private Tenants, which provides help and support to private renters in Camden:

From rapidly increasing rents to not being able to afford the essentials, it’s a really tough time for private renters, but organisations like ours can help you understand your rights and navigate your way through whatever situation you’re in. If you’re struggling – particularly if you can’t pay your rent or you’re being threatened with eviction – do not ignore the situation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can get help.”

Get in touch if you’re renting privately:

Thank Camdenyou,

Thank you for looking out for each other over the winter months. From volunteering and checking in on neighbours to donating to charity, it’s all made a big difference.

Thank you so much for your donations. They have funded food and activities for children and young people across Camden over these winter months, including those living in temporary accommodation and facing challenging circumstances.”

Daisy Srblin, CEO of the Young Camden Foundation

Community cooking classes

Find out how to volunteer or, if you’re able to, donate to charity or local foodbanks camden.gov.uk/ donate-volunteerhelp-others

Our community partner, the South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership (SHAK), is helping residents from the Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate to get confident in the kitchen and make nutritious, low-cost meals.

Families come to the sessions to learn healthy, budgetfriendly recipes together. Our youngest chef is just three years old! Some households may not have big kitchens, which makes cooking as a family hard. Our workshops offer them a space to work together easily and to socialise with other families.”

Anita, Health and Wellbeing Tutor at SHAK

SHAK is one of many community organisations and groups supporting Camden residents through the cost of living crisis. Find out more about community action in the borough at wemakecamden.org.uk/stories

Photo: Young Camden Foundation

We want Camden to be a safe place for everyone

Camden Safety Hub

We have opened a new safety hub for anyone who might need a bit of support when out at night.

Support for people experiencing domestic abuse

We have friendly trained staff and volunteers – ready to help anyone in need. The hub is for everyone, but we know that too many women sadly don’t feel safe out and about – so the hub was specifically opened as part of our wider work on women’s safety.

“If you’re out in Camden and feeling a bit uncomfortable or vulnerable, you’ve experienced harassment, or you just need some general help, please come by – we can support you. This support could be anything from reporting an incident, to helping you to get home safely, having a chat or providing a hot drink. You can also access the hub to charge your phone, grab water or find a route home. Staff are trained to signpost anyone who might be in need of help or assistance from the police or medical professionals.”

Shaheda Rahman, Community Safety Manager

The hub is open on Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm to midnight and is located in Camden Town near the lock at 1 Dockray Place, NW1 8QH (the space has been kindly donated by LabTech)

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone. If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse of any form, please know you are not alone, and we are here to support you. We have dedicated officers at Camden Safety Net, who can provide confidential support and advice.

020 7974 2526 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm*)

camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence

*Outside of these hours and on bank holidays, call the 24hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247

In an emergency, always ring 999

Free training and support at Rhyl Community Hub GET INVOLVED

Rhyl Community Primary School has opened its doors for children, families and residents to take part in free activities, workshops and support services at its new Community Hub. The hub is at Rhyl’s Grafton Road and Rhyl Street sites in NW5 and offers breakfast clubs, stay-and-play for under-fives, mother and daughter fitness classes, English courses, adult and family learning, plus wellbeing sessions and coffee mornings for parents and carers.

Garment making in Somers Town

I love running the sessions! I’m passionate about garment making and its potential to improve people’s lives. My biggest highlight is when participants tell me that they’re not designers and then realise that they can create unique designs that express their individuality.

“Through making garments together, participants support each other, feel more confident and empowered to be creative.”

Inspired?

making

Free and low-cost activities

Have fun, get moving, socialise or enjoy cultural events in Camden this spring! Take your pick from some exciting free and low-cost activities and events happening across the borough:

Sport and physical activities for young people

There’s a variety of fun activities taking place throughout the Easter holiday and all year round for under 18s – including swimming, multi-sports, gymnastics, football coaching, Girls Get Moving Mondays, Active Wednesdays and much more. Have a look at our handy guide below or visit camden.gov.uk/children-young-people to find out more.

Girls’ football sessions

Weetabix Wildcats is a fun way for girls aged 5 to 11 to get involved with football. Run by FA-qualified coaches, these non-competitive sessions are open to girls who want to give the sport a try for the first time. They take place on Wednesdays during term time, from 4 to 5.30pm at Talacre Community Sports Centre (NW5 3AF). The first session is free and it’s £3.25 per session after that.

Sports at Talacre Community Sports Centre

Young people aged 3 to 17 can get active after school and at the weekend with a range of activities at Talacre Community Sports Centre, including football, trampolining, basketball, table tennis, volleyball and more.

Kentish Town City Farm

Kentish Town City Farm (1 Cressfield Close, NW5 4BN), is open every day from 9am to 5pm with free entry. Spring highlights include frogspawn; cherry blossom and bulbs in bloom; a four-day Holiday Hub for children aged 8 to 16; an Egg Hunt; and a giant game of Pass the Pigs! For more information visit: ktcityfarm.org.uk or call 020 7916 5421

Children and young people can find a wide offer of youth and play activities, as well as support, opportunities and ways to get involved in their community, at camdenrise.co.uk

Easter Holiday Activities and Food programme

The Camden Holiday Activities and Food Programme offers children and young people aged 5 to 16 – who live in Camden and are eligible for free school meals – access to free activities as well as a healthy, hot meal. Visit haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk for more information.

Little Amal’s spring gathering

Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee child who carries a message of hope for displaced people everywhere, especially children who have been separated from their families. She’s coming to Camden on Sunday 2 April and everyone is welcome.

Find out more at lovecamden.org/ little-amal-in-camden

Camden’s Windrush Pioneers

22 June 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the arrival of HMS Windrush in 1948. Throughout June, you can take part in events and activities to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Camden’s Windrush Pioneers. Find out more at lovecamden.org

Age UK Camden coffee mornings for older adults

Our leisure centres are working with Age UK Camden to host monthly coffee mornings for older adults. These are free drop-in social events where you can meet new people and find out about activities. The next coffee mornings are from 11am to 12 noon on Tuesday 18 April at Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre (NW3 3NF) and Tuesday 16 May at Pancras Square Leisure (N1C 4AG).

Find out more about Age UK

Camden’s services and support at ageuk.org.uk/camden or call 020 7239 0400

From physical and digital books and access to hundreds of online newspapers and magazines, to Rhyme Time, Knitting Club and essential support with finding work and financial advice – there’s so much on offer at our libraries.

For more information on what’s happening at your local library, visit camden.gov.uk/libraries-local-studies

Photo: Vanessa Berberian

Photo: The Walk Productions, Mark Waugh

Keeping healthy this spring

Need a health check?

Drop by Camden’s Mobile Health Bus

Accessing health services

We know our health services are in high demand – please remember that there are a range of local services here for you. Here are some ways you can get health information and advice:

• a pharmacy – pharmacists can give treatment advice for a number of minor illnesses and can tell you if you need to see a doctor. Find a pharmacy near you nhs.uk/ service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy

• your GP – arrange to speak to a GP over the phone or via an online appointment

• NHS 111 – Call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do

• In an emergency, always ring 999

Mental health support

If you’re struggling with your mental health, you are not alone. Support is available to you.

Speak to your GP

Get in touch with iCope by calling 020 3317 6670 or go to icope.nhs.uk

Get access to general health information, advice and free health checks on our Mobile Health Bus. It runs weekly, 11am to 3pm, visiting various locations, no booking required. camden.gov.uk/camden-mobile-health

Our bus brings health checks, information and advice to you in your neighbourhood. With early screening, we can help identify any health risks or lifestyle factors, so you can start to take steps to manage or prevent conditions like diabetes or heart disease right now.” Dr Frances Baawuah, Brondesbury Medical Centre

Young people aged 11 to 18 can access support from a qualified counsellor via text-based conversations at kooth.com or camdenrise.co.uk/emotional-wellbeing

Experiencing a mental health crisis?

Call the 24-hour crisis line on 020 3317 6333

You can also visit Camden Crisis Sanctuary, a walk-in service open 7 days a week, 5 to 11pm. Find out more:

www.hestia.org/camden-crisis-sanctuary 07825 165464

Find more support at camden.gov.uk/mental-health

love your camden high streets

Our Camden high streets bring our communities together and are home to unique and creative local businesses and projects. Get to know two of these a little better below.

Fair-Well

Fair-Well is a mobile low-waste and plastic-free shop that travels the streets of Kentish Town. With support from Crowdfund Camden, the old milk float has been re-fitted to include all the essentials, such as cereal, rice, fruit, grains, and even dog food.

We started three years ago and initially we wanted to create a new business model to help people go towards zero waste. We found that people are really keen to reduce waste, even our first clients are still our clients today.”

Claire, founder of Fair-Well

People’s Museum Somers Town

The People’s Museum in Somers Town tells a story about the rich history of the area through lost and found objects. It includes publications, collections of posters, old family photo books and relics from closed local pubs amongst other interesting things.

We’re trying to honour the history of the working-class movements that happened here. Social housing heritage is Camden’s heritage.”

Diana, founder of the People’s Museum

To hear from more local business owners, go to wemakecamden.org.uk/ tag/high-streets. You can also visit myvirtualneighbourhood.com to find more independent local businesses and projects near you.

Refugees in Camden

A place for everyone

We’re proud of our diversity – it’s what makes Camden special. Our borough has a long history of welcoming and providing safety to those who have been forced to flee their home countries, and we’re currently home to more than 1,700 refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people. Over the last decade our communities have come together to welcome and support those in need of our help:

• We’re continuing to support more than 40 Afghan families who arrived in Camden in 2021 as they work local jobs, study or access training, and go to school.

• Over 200 Camden host families have provided homes to around 500 Ukrainian refugees through the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme.

• In 2016, we welcomed 22 Syrian families, who we are now helping as they apply for UK citizenship.

• Also in 2016, we welcomed 10 young people from camps in Calais into our care.

• Every year we support unaccompanied asylumseeking children that come into our care.

We are a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’

Camden has recently pledged to be a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’. This recognises Camden as a place where everyone is welcome and can access local services and spaces. It also means we recognise and embrace the contribution refugees make to our society and how they enrich Camden and the UK. Find out more about what this means at cityofsanctuary.org

Jawad is an apprentice at the council, who arrived to the UK in 2021 after escaping conflict in Afghanistan. He decided to apply for his current role following a visit at his hotel from Good Work Camden staff.

Any Camden resident can register for free with Good Work Camden for support finding a job and training opportunities.

They also have specific support services for any refugees based in Camden. Find out more: camden.gov.uk/employment-support jobhub@camden.gov.uk

020 7974 1666

SUPPORT

I didn’t have any qualifications from the UK, or previous work experience in the country, and wanted to gain skills and learn in a practical way. My dream job is to work with and to support other refugees.” Jawad, apprentice at Camden Council DID KNOW?YOU

To find out how you can help to support refugees in Camden, go to camden.gov.uk/asylumseekers-and-refugees

Our Town Hall is reopening

Camden Town Hall will soon reopen following a much-needed refurbishment and we’re looking forward to welcoming you back!

We’ve done all we can to ensure the building is as accessible and sustainable as possible while protecting its history. We will also get our investment back and create more income by renting out space. We’ve invested in a large community room for residents, voluntary and community groups and schools to hire at low or no cost throughout the year. Find out more by emailing events@camden.gov.uk

A sustainable Town Hall

The Town Hall is now one of the most sustainable historic buildings in Camden. With heating and cooling powered 100% by renewable resources and improved insulation, it uses 60% less energy than it used to, which reduces running costs significantly. Singleuse plastic is banned and biodiversity features on the roof will support local bird and bat populations.

Congratulations to Marie-Claire and William who recently tied the knot at the Town Hall

Weddings and civil ceremonies

With three newly-refurbished ceremony suites, fantastic views of St Pancras and the carefully-restored iconic marble staircase, the Town Hall is perfect for your big day. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/tie-the-knot email tietheknot@camden.gov.uk or come down to the Ceremony Open Day at the Town Hall on 26 April, 12 noon to 7pm.

Improving your access to local decision making

Council meetings will be more accessible than ever thanks to new improved webcasting technology and electronic voting for councillors. We’ve also worked with local disability groups to ensure that the building is accessible to everyone, with modern hearing induction loops, wheelchair spaces and new accessible toilets. Keen to come along or to tune into a meeting? For details visit camden.gov.uk/democracy

Many of our services will be moving back to the Town Hall. Find out what these are and read the latest updates at camden.gov.uk/townhall

Photos: Sam Lane Photography

INTERVIEW

Supporting local families

Our local communities have already raised £12,000 through our cost of living appeal for Camden Giving.

Camden Giving is an independent charity raising money to pay for the things people really need at a time of rising costs, like access to food, activities for young people, homeless shelters and much more. These projects are chosen and led by Camden residents.

One of the projects that the fundraising is supporting is run by Malihe Sadeghipour. She told us:

Here in Camden I cook for homeless people and people in need. I’ve been an asylum seeker, a refugee and homeless – so I understand what people are going through.

“I applied for a Camden Giving grant through the website in November and was pleased to get positive news –before, I was funding this out of my own pocket. The grant means that I can cook 40 meals a week for people who otherwise wouldn’t have a hot meal.

“Making people happy is a fantastic feeling. When people eat my food, I feel really positive knowing that I’m supporting my community.”

There are lots of other ways to support your neighbours, including by donating your time –find ideas at camden.gov.uk/donatevolunteer-help-others

We know this is a really challenging time as we continue to face a cost of living crisis. Please have a look at page 6 to find out how we can support you.