SPRING 2025
Your spring guide
Top tips and support - Children’s Centres & Family Hubs are here for you!
Your council tax bill explained
Free and low-cost spring activities for all ages
Support and advice to help with the cost of living ...and much more!
Welcome
Welcome to the spring edition of the Camden Magazine.
In this issue you can find out all you need to know about council tax (page 10) as well as financial support and cost of living advice (page 11).
We’ve got guidance for new parents (page 12) and support for young people entering exam season (page 4)
As always, you’ll read inspiring stories from our communities (page 5) and a guide to free and low-cost activities for all ages this season in Camden (pages 8 and 9).
Sign up to the Camden e-newsletter
Loneliness and meeting new people in Camden
Read online
Every edition of the Camden Magazine is uploaded to our website camden.gov.uk/magazine
This edition has interactive links to take you to further information and is compatible with screen readers. Scan the QR code to use the electronic version of the magazine.
Published by Camden Council
Distribution from 10 March 2025
All content correct at time of print
Cover photograph by Vanessa Berberian Request a large print copy, audio format or in another language by calling 020 7974 5717.
Get the latest information, support, news, service updates, events and more, straight to your inbox. camden.gov.uk/newsletter 8-9
Expecting a baby?
Get involved and have your say Coming together for our communities We Make Camden in the spotlight Your guide to Camden’s budget Could you foster? Energy
Cracking down on anti-social behaviour
and funding How I look after myself during exam season
This publication was designed and produced by Camden Creative Services. We offer a not-for-profit service to organisations and businesses. If you are interested in finding out more about us, please contact ros.daniel@camden.gov.uk
Coming together for our communities
In Camden, we’re at our strongest when we’re united. Throughout the year our communities come together to celebrate our diversity and learn more about the different cultures, ethnicities and religions that make up our borough – as well as to recognise historical moments, and reflect on the past.
Meet Camden’s interfaith network
Our interfaith network brings residents and faith communities together to create a space for open dialogue and collaboration and to build trust, understanding and relationships across Camden. Find out more about the network’s work, sign up to receive updates and discover local events at camden.gov.uk/camden-interfaith-network
Holocaust Memorial Day
It has been an amazing few years now being involved with the network. It’s given me the opportunity to engage with and learn first-hand from other faith leaders. As an imam, whatever I learn through the network will benefit my community.”
Imam Fathi Labidi, a member of our interfaith network
Special guests, members of our community and our interfaith network came together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day in January – with this year marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as well as the 30th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide in Bosnia. We remembered and honoured the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, and the millions of people killed during Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides around the world. The moving testimonies shared were an urgent reminder to always stand up against hate and division.
Observations and Celebrations
We’d like to offer our best wishes to residents marking Lent and Easter, Ramadan and Eid, Passover, and other significant observations or celebrations in world religions in the coming weeks.
Stay up to date on socials
For news, photos and videos about Camden, follow us on our social media.
@WeMakeCamden
@CamdenCouncil
Camden Council
London Borough of Camden
@LBCamden
#WeMakeCamden
If you have a query or want to get in touch with one of our services, head to our website or give us a call.
camden.gov.uk
How I look after myself during exam season
As exam season approaches, what can you do to look after your health and wellbeing and go into your exams feeling calm and confident?
If you need more support
Sakina, a T Level student from Camden Town, shared her tips on managing stress during exam season:
Try to finish the work as best as you can, so you don’t keep stressing about it. Take breaks, go outside, and do some exercise before bed. Sleep is really important for avoiding brain fog and staying focused during exams.”
Find somewhere quiet to study
You could try a Camden library. Find your nearest one at camden.gov.uk/library-information
Look after your physical health
Eating a balanced diet, drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep will help you to focus and feel better.
Make time for fun
Take regular breaks, including to celebrate your progress and to do things that you enjoy.
Remember that exams won’t last
Make plans for after the exam period that you can look forward to.
If you’re under 25 you can speak by text to qualified counsellors for free, 365 days a year.
Find this and other ways to support your mental and physical health for free at camdenrise.co.uk/look-after-you
It’s normal to feel nervous before exams but if you’re feeling anxious, stressed or low during your exams or any other time, speak to your GP.
We Make Camden in the spotlight
The We Make Camden Missions are long-term goals for the future of the borough. And hundreds of residents, community partners and businesses are joining us to work towards achieving them. In this issue, we’re celebrating two Mission projects.
Focus on diversity
One of our Missions is to create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to be in leadership roles in our borough. The Apex Project received funding from the We Make Camden Kit for its brilliant diversity and inclusion work to support this Mission:
We work to remove obstacles to employment through tailored programmes that provide 11 to 30-year-olds with the tools they need to succeed. Some face discrimination based on race, gender, disability, or socioeconomic status. By prioritising underrepresented communities, we unlock potential and create pathways to success.”
Find out more at theapexproject.co.uk
The We Make Camden Kit funds community projects that work towards the Missions. Learn more at wemakecamden.org.uk/funding
Focus on youth
Our Youth Mission is for every young person to have access to economic opportunity to be safe and secure.
A new AI campus has opened in Somers Town, to help inspire, inform and educate Camden students in this rapidly developing field.
The London AI Campus offers students access to cutting edge education on AI and machine learning, as well as mentoring and industry expertise from Google, Google DeepMind and wider industry partners.
Thirty ‘AI Connect’ students from Camden schools have enrolled, and an after-school Opportunity Centre will offer a wider group of local students a chance to benefit from the facilities.
The London AI Campus is run by Camden Learning, in collaboration with Google and Camden Council.
Find out more at camdenlearning.org.uk/london-ai-campus or email londonaicampus@camdenlearning.org.uk
Camden
Greg, Co-founder of The Apex Project
Loneliness – let’s talk about it
It’s normal to feel lonely sometimes, and 1 in 3 Camden residents do at least some of the time. You can even feel lonely if you’re with friends and family. Talking about it can help.
If you need support with loneliness
If feeling lonely is affecting your mental health, there is support available:
• Speak with your GP
Ruby Maynard-Smith from Kentish Town said:
I would say I have felt lonely in Camden. You see a lot of people sat on their own – although some people might just like that. For younger people, I guess you could end up feeling isolated by the pressures of social media and being online.”
Ruby’s advice if you’re feeling lonely:
Sit in a community centre or somewhere nice where you can have coffee and tea, or join a club, society, an orchestra, a sport - join anything with other people.”
• Contact iCope icope.nhs.uk 020 3317 6670
• Find out more camden.gov.uk/together
Are you concerned that someone you know might be feeling lonely?
Talk with them about how they’re feeling. Listen and let them know that you are there. If it feels right, suggest making plans or help them look for ways to meet new people.
Meet new people in Camden
Making new connections can help us feel happier and healthier, and there’s lots of ways to do this in Camden. Find out about free and low-cost activities, social groups, volunteering opportunities and more at camden.gov.uk/connect
You can also check out what’s on near you on pages 8 and 9 of this magazine.
Help to meet new people
A social prescriber is someone who can support you to meet new people and help you to find activities that are right for you. They can also connect you with other support and advice you might need, for example with health and wellbeing.
Natasha Gravill is a social prescribing link worker at Age UK Camden:
I meet people of all ages – rates of loneliness are as high amongst younger people as amongst older people. I spend time with them to find out what they’re going through and interested in, build trust and make suggestions – letting them lead the way.
Anyone over 18 in Camden –not just older people – can get support from Age UK Camden’s social prescribers.
To find out more:
ageuk.org.uk/camden/ourservices/care-navigation-andsocial-prescribing
0800 193 6067
To learn more about social prescribing services in Camden, including specialist services for young people, visit camden.gov.uk/connect
“People tell me it’s been life-changing. I would encourage someone feeling lonely that there is so much out there that can help. There is something for everyone.” Camden
Spring activities in Camden
Your guide to free and low-cost activities for everyone to enjoy this season.
Community gardening
Join a reading group
Shared reading groups for adults to read stories and poems together at Camden Town Library (Mondays, 11am to 12 noon) and Kilburn Library (Wednesdays, 11am to 12.30pm)
For more activities in libraries, visit camden.gov.uk/whats-on-this-month
Celebrate Camden’s culture
Gardening in community spaces is a great way to keep active and meet new people.
Calthorpe Community Garden, Gray’s Inn Road, WC1X 8LH
Range of weekly sessions and family activities.
Sign up calthorpecommunitygarden.org.uk 020 7837 8019
Likewise Community Centre, 8 Fairhazel Gardens, NW6 3SG
Fridays from 1.30 to 3.30pm
Sign up likewise.org.uk/likewise-communitywellbeing-garden 020 7278 4437
The Hive Social Hub
A place for anyone aged 16 to 24 with a connection to Camden to drop in to socialise and take part in free activities and workshops. Open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6.30pm.
18 Harben Parade, Finchley Road, London, NW3 6JP catch-22.org.uk/find-services/the-hive
Visit Camden High Street to enjoy its new cultural programme – a year-long lineup of events celebrating the borough’s rich history, stories, and grassroots culture. Events start from May 2025. See upcoming events at lovecamden.org
Get ready for Windrush Week
Camden’s Windrush Week celebration returns for its third year, honouring the incredible legacy of the Windrush generation. Events will include our free Homecoming Celebration on Sunday 22 June featuring music, arts, crafts and Camden’s finest Caribbean food. Find out more at lovecamden.org
Holiday Activities and Food programme
Camden’s Holiday Activities and Food Easter programme runs from 7 to 21 April and is open for 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 such as football and basketball. A free hot meal is included as part of each day’s activities. Camden’s Holiday Activities and Food programme is co-ordinated by Young Camden Foundation on behalf of the Council.
Find out more and book your places haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
Play schemes
Find low-cost holiday play schemes for children aged 4 to 12, offering a range of arts, crafts, sports, games and trips, near you at camden.gov.uk/play
Watch a musical
Sport and physical activities
Find a range of fun, free and low-cost activities over the holiday at locations across the borough, including local leisure centres, Cantelowes Sports Pitch and Kilburn Grange Park.
camden.gov.uk/sports-children-young-people better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/camden
The brand-new 30-minute musical for 4 to 7 year olds, ‘Hundred Feet Tall’, follows Seedar-the-Seed and Bekko Bunny on a journey of friendship and growth.
This Old Vic production will tour London libraries over the Easter period, hosting two free performances at Swiss Cottage Library on Monday 7 April at 11am and 1.30pm. Book your free tickets at lovecamden.org/whats-on/hundred-feet-tall
Adapted by Melis Aker and Benjamin Scheuer. Original book by Benjamin Scheuer and Jemima Williams.
YOUTH CLUBS
For the latest youth programmes and other activities for children and young people, visit camdenrise.co.uk/things-to-do
Your guide to Camden’s budget 2025 to 2026
We have just set Camden Council’s budget for the coming year. As explained in our recent letter, your Camden council tax will be increasing by 4.99% to fund vital services. This includes ring-fenced adult social care funding. In addition to this, the Greater London Authority has increased their amount too.
At Camden Council, we work hard to make every pound count. Your council tax is going directly into frontline services such as libraries, youth centres, family centres, street cleaning, keeping our community safe and looking after adults and children who need extra support.
Our budget remains under huge pressure
Local government is continuing to experience a major financial challenge. Whilst the additional funding we have recently received from government is welcome, the cumulative impact of 14 years of previous governments’ funding reductions cannot be underestimated. Since 2010 we have had to deliver savings of more than £220million – and need to save a further £4.5million in the next year to balance our budget and continue protecting frontline services.
Funding your services 2025 to 2026
£2m in our Cost of Living Crisis Fund, which provided 3,308 awards of up to £500 to 2,426 households last year
Investing £4.9m in active travel to improve our neighbourhoods, reduce air pollution and support our high streets
Planning to invest £18.6m updating thousands of council homes – to reduce their energy use, save tenants money on their bills and cut carbon emissions
Investing £10m in more social housing
Investing £33.7m in rubbish and recycling collections and keeping our streets clean
£32m in our Council Tax Support Scheme – ensuring that 16,000 low-income households, including pensioners, don’t pay any council tax
Investing £11.1m in residential services for children’s social care – making more suitable accommodation available for looked after and care experienced young people
Since 2010, our Community Investment Programme has finished building more than 1,700 new homes
In an emergency financial situation?
We’re here for you
There’s a range of help and support available across Camden – including with food, money worries, debt and energy bills. If you’re struggling to afford the essentials, please get in touch.
camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving 020 7974 4444
Look at our EasyRead wiki camden.gov.uk/ER Register with Money Advice Camden to see if you’re eligible for cost of living support camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService MoneyAdvice@camden.gov.uk
Check you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to using our Better Off Calculator camden.gov.uk/BetterOff
Council Tax Support
Check if you’re eligible for Council Tax Support for a reduction in council tax. If you earn less than £110 a week, you won’t have to pay anything – but you need to apply at camden.gov.uk/CTS
Did you know we’re investing £32million in our Council Tax Support scheme this year?
Moving to Universal Credit – look out for a letter
If you receive certain benefits including 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, and you must meet this deadline – otherwise your benefits will stop. Don’t apply before you receive the letter or you could end up with less money each month. For more information:
• Visit ucmove.campaign.gov.uk
• Call the government’s Universal Credit helpline 0800 169 0328
• Call the Citizens Advice helpline 0800 144 8444
aExpecting ?
Welcoming a baby is joyful but can be challenging. Camden Children’s Centres and Family Hubs offer free support from pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Did you know?
The first 1,001 days – from conception to age two – shape a child’s brain, emotions, and growth. Early support builds strong foundations for health and learning.
Free support for your family
Our centres help families from pregnancy to 19 years (25 with special educational needs and disabilities). Parents Sukriti and Seth (pictured) have benefited since their son Shaan’s birth.
Sukriti said:
With parents overseas and a disabled mother-in-law, we needed our own village – Camden services became that for us. Doing it alone would’ve been extremely hard.”
“Meeting other parents at the centres was crucial for staying sane and really helped us in those first few months.”
Our free support includes:
• Baby feeding support
• Drop-in stay-andplays for under 5s
• Parent and carer mental health and wellbeing support
• Tips to support your child’s communication
• Parenting courses
• Help with debt and money
“Ask your midwife and health visitor about the services on offer. There is so much out there now.” Osob, mum of one
Top tips for parents… from parents!
“Join a support group like Camden Dadsa network of fathers who understand what you’re going through.” Seth, dad of one
Where to find us
1a Children’s Centre, Family Hub & Nursery: 1a Rosebery Avenue, EC1R 4SR
Agar Children’s Centre, Family Hub & Nursery: Wrotham Road, NW1 9SU
Harmood Children’s Centre, Family Hub & Nursery: 1 Forge Place, Ferdinand Street, NW1 8DQ
Kilburn Grange Children’s Centre & Family Hub: 1 Palmerston Road, NW6 2JL
Regent’s Park Children’s Centre, Family Hub & Nursery: Augustus Street, NW1 3TJ
Cracking down on anti-social behaviour
We want to make sure Camden is safe for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced new measures to investigate every report of anti-social behaviour.
What is anti-social behaviour?
This is any behaviour that makes you feel unsafe, or that you feel might make other people unsafe – like drug use or dealing, threatening behaviour, abuse, vandalism and property damage.
Help us keep Camden safe
You can help by reporting anti-social behaviour. Every report helps us build a picture of unsafe activity across the borough.
How to report
Report online at camden.gov.uk/reportingantisocial-behaviour
Or call 0207 974 4444 In an emergency, always call 999
Spotlight on: Willoughby Street
What happens when you report to us?
• Every incident reported will be assessed by an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer. We will gather evidence and interview any victims or witnesses.
• Our specialist teams will work alongside the police to develop an action plan to address the issue. This could involve patrolling the area and engaging with perpetrators.
• Sometimes perpetrators of anti-social behaviour may be vulnerable and need some support, too. If this is the case, we’ll make sure we connect them with that support – for example, our Change Grow Live Integrated Drug and Alcohol Service in Camden.
Recently, concerned local residents on Willoughby Street made a report about ongoing drug use, drug dealing and theft. In response, our Community Safety team have patrolled the area, monitored activity and worked with residents to make sure we’re addressing their issues, while the police have worked to identify people who’ve broken the law.
Get help with the cost of retrofitting your home from the Camden Climate Fund.
Retrofitting means improving your home with upgrades like insulation, heat pumps or solar panels. This can help you enjoy a warmer and more comfortable home and reduce your carbon footprint.
We can offer you up to £15,000 towards the cost of retrofit when you contribute the same amount.
Homeowners, private landlords and tenants and council leaseholders are eligible. Find
Advice with energy bills, energy usage and keeping warm GET SUPPORT
Warmth, income, safety and health services (WISH Plus)
Help and advice for all Camden residents, including with money worries, safety, health and wellbeing camden.gov.uk/wish-plus 020 7974 3012
Camden’s Home Energy Advice Team
Support for council tenants – including ‘warm and well’ home visits 020 7974 6207 energyefficiencyhomeadvice@camden.gov.uk
What our residents are saying about our Home Energy Advice Service
Thank you for your help sorting out my electric meter, I’m so grateful!”
Thanks for draughtproofing my door, it made a massive difference.”
I’m very grateful for your intervention. You got rid of £6,000 in incorrect charges, and I received £1,200, which will have a massive impact on my medical needs.”
CAMDEN
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.
Get involved
INVOLVED
Evening Street Market comes to Camden Town
In February, we welcomed hundreds of residents to our firstever Evening Street Market. Taking place on Inverness Street, the family-friendly trial event offered a vibrant hub of food, culture, and entertainment for residents and visitors.
This trial market will allow us to gather feedback from residents and businesses, helping to shape the future of evening markets in the area.
Find a market near you camden.gov.uk/markets-in-camden
Join Camden Guides for a free health walk around the south of the borough whilst learning some interesting historical facts about the area. Getting outdoors is also proven to boost your mood and improve your mental wellbeing. The walks take place from April to November. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/bloomsbury-health-walks
Become a governor
School governors are one of the largest groups of volunteers in the country. It’s a great opportunity to use your life experience and skills to positively impact a school.
Anyone over 18 can become a school governor. We want Camden governors to reflect the diversity of our community – people from every background, with a wide range of life experiences. Visit camdenlearning.org.uk/become-a-governor
Have your say
In Camden, everyone deserves a safe and warm home. We’re proposing to renew our Houses in Multiple Occupation licensing scheme to improve shared housing.
Share your views with our short survey camden.gov.uk/hmo-consultation