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Your guide to summer Inside: Free and low-cost things to do Culture, sport, health, learning and more Community action and support
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Welcome to summer! To help you have the best summer possible, we’ve put together a handy guide to what’s on near you, and how you can get involved – turn to pages 6 to 11.
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4-5
Local community action
Support with money, mental health and more
We’re also bringing you news from Camden’s communities, and local advice and support on the things that matter to you. @WeMakeCamden @CamdenCouncil @LBCamden #WeMakeCamden camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444
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Published by Camden Council Distribution from 15 July All content correct at time of print Cover photograph by Karishma Puri You can request a copy of this publication in large print, audio format or in another language by phoning 020 974 5717. Printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources. The paper and production for this publication is carbon balanced. The distribution company plant two trees for every job they complete, over 80,000 trees per annum.
6-11 We Make Camden summer guide
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Update on COVID-19 and childhood vaccinations
12 Interview with Salina, founder of Read and Play
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
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Local community action
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So many people in Camden’s communities are making a real difference. We spoke to Debbie and Shiri about their work and how you can get involved.
Tackling the climate crisis
Joining a community action group like Think & Do is a great way to take action and meet like-minded people.
We’re in a climate and ecological emergency and it’s important we all play a part. I love being part of a community group like Think & Do where we all join together, have fun, and address the issues of the climate and ecological crisis.” Debbie, Activator, Think & Do Camden
Watch Debbie’s full interview on our channel at YouTube.com/CamdenCouncil and check out our ‘Climate Change’ playlist for inspiration from other climate
Helping with access to food Food co-ops are a way to regularly access low-cost food – you can join one or start one on your own street or estate. Shiri is an organiser at Cooperation Town, a network of food co-ops across Camden.
For more information on accessing food and advice on a range of issues, turn to pages 4 to 5.
Cooperation Town members pool together to buy food in bulk and are also able to access surplus food from supermarkets. Each household pays between £3 and £10 a week into their food co-op (the amount is decided together by all members) and we tend to get about five times what we pay for in value. By organising with our neighbours, we are able to save as much as 40% on our weekly food costs. If you want to join or start a food co-op, we can help – from tips about what to say to your neighbours, flyers to promote the idea, resources such as a co-op shopping list and help with getting the food to your group. Get in touch online at cooperation.town or visit us at our space in Gospel Oak.” Shiri, Organiser, Cooperation Town Camden 3
Cost of living crisis: We’re here for you Whatever you’re going through, we can help. Find out how below. If you live in a council tax band A to D property in Camden and you’ve not received your £150 Energy Rebate payment, apply by 1 August. If you’re experiencing financial hardship you can also apply for a one-off payment via our Discretionary Payment Scheme by 1 October. Information about both payments at: camden.gov.uk/energyrebate 020 7974 4444 (option 9) If you’re on a low income, you may be entitled to Council Tax Support, which could mean you won’t have to pay any council tax. camden.gov.uk/council-tax-support If you’re struggling with debt, get in touch with us. camden.gov.uk/finances 020 7974 4444 (option 9) The Government has announced three one-off payments, that will be made automatically to eligible people: • £650 Cost of Living Payment for those on means-tested benefits (split over two payments in summer and autumn) • £300 Pensioner Cost of Living Payment • £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment costoflivingsupport.campaign.gov.uk
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If your child gets free school meals, or you receive Council Tax Support or Housing Benefit, you’ll get supermarket vouchers for each child to help with costs over the summer holidays. camden.gov.uk/costofliving If you’re a lone parent looking for a new job or on a training course, you could get a grant worth up to £1,500 to cover childcare costs. camden.gov.uk/childcaregrant 020 7974 1666 If you’re a pensioner and receive Council Tax Support, you’ll soon receive a payment from us. If you’re a pensioner, don’t receive Council Tax Support but are experiencing financial hardship, you can apply to our Discretionary Payment Scheme. camden.gov.uk/costofliving If you want advice on reducing your energy bills, contact the Green Camden Helpline. 0800 801 738 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
We’ll shortly be launching a £2 million Cost of Living Crisis Fund to support residents in need.
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For the latest updates, information and support on everything listed on these pages and more, go to camden.gov.uk/costofliving
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We know this is a really difficult time as many of us are facing rising living costs. If you are struggling to afford the essentials, or need support of any kind, please don’t suffer in silence – help is available. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/costofliving, call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9), call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835 or find contact details for Camden Advice Network at camden.gov.uk/camdenadvicenetwork
Accessing food findfood.camden.gov.uk communityresponse@camden. gov.uk 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Mental health Speak with your GP icope.nhs.uk 020 3317 6670
Domestic abuse If you’re experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse in any form,* contact Camden Safety Net. camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 2526 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) In an emergency, call 999 *Domestic abuse doesn’t have to be physical, it can include verbal, psychological, emotional, financial or sexual abuse. Job search CVs Job tions applica Interviews
Employment support Through Good Work Camden, we are committed to providing employment support across the borough, to everyone who needs it. goodwork.camden.gov.uk jobhub@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 1666 If you’re aged 13 to 19, or up to age 25 with a learning difficulty or disability, contact Camden Connexions. connexions@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 7252
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The Mayor’s charity: Hopscotch Women’s Centre
Each year the Mayor of Camden raises money for a local charity. This year it’s Hopscotch, which provides services for women and girls, including for domestic abuse, employment and welfare benefits, with a particular focus on supporting women from Black, Asian and other ethnic communities. hopscotchuk.org Our specialist, personcentred approach to providing women with empowerment around poverty, abuse and unemployment is needed now more than ever.” Benaifer Bhandari, Hopscotch Chief Executive Follow @mayorofcamden for fundraising events and opportunities.
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There’s so much to do in Camden this summer! Check out our handy guide for free and low-cost activities for everyone to enjoy. Reconnect with others, get involved and make this summer one to remember. Share your experiences with us on social media using #WeMakeCamdenSummer Check out wemakecamden.org.uk/summer for more events, activities and stories. All listings correct at time of going to print. Please check latest details before attending.
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Community festivals and culture There’s plenty to enjoy with friends and family this summer.
Pop Up Proms
Fitzrovia Fête 2022
Camden Together
Every Sunday in August, 10am to 5pm In the spirit of the Jubilee year, there will be four free live weekly concerts at Waterlow Park, providing a flavour of musical genres from across the Commonwealth.
Saturday 13 August, 11am to 5pm The Fitzrovia Fête is coming back for its second year! Expect free theatrical shows, local food stalls, street games, live music and traditional fête fun.
August to October A free annual season of arts and culture events taking place across our high streets and open spaces. Highlights include performances by some of Camden’s most talented young people.
The Futsal Stars Foundation Community Fun Day Saturday 6 August, 10am to 3pm A free, fun-packed day out for the family, sponsored by Camden Giving and complete with a bouncy castle and football, plus a healthy food and drinks stand. C astlehaven Community Centre, NW1 8RU 020 7916 2222
Whitfield Street, W1T 4EZ and Scala Street, W1T 2HW York Rise Street Party Sunday 11 September, from 12pm Come and enjoy a free annual neighbourhood get together with stalls, music, food and drink, theatre and art. Open to everyone. York Rise Road, NW5 1SR and Dartmouth Park Road, NW5 1SU
lovecamden.org Queer Britain New exhibition ‘We Are Queer Britain’ opens Wednesday 20 July The UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum, a place as exciting as the people, stories and ideas it explores and celebrates. It’s an essential place for all, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. It’s free to visit and there’s four gallery spaces and a gift shop. Granary Square, 2 N1C 4BH
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Learning and activities for There’s plenty to keep young people, from tots to teens, entertained this summer. From storytelling to documentary making, finger painting to photography, cooking to sculpture, you’ll find activities and courses to have fun and make new friends. Camden Summer University Monday 25 July to Friday 26 August Monday 25 July to Friday 2 September A programme full of free and low-cost activities for children and young people, from 0 to 19 years old. Whether you are looking for swimming lessons, creative writing courses or museum exhibitions, Summer In Camden will help you find it.
Aged 13 to 19 and live or study in Camden? Choose from more than 70 free courses in creative arts; music and drama; photography, film-making and media; sport and outdoor adventure; fashion and beauty; cooking and baking; and work, study and life skills. mdn.co.uk c 020 7974 6543
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As a volunteer for Camden Summer University I get to contribute my ideas on the courses available, making sure we have on offer what young people really want to get involved in. This year for the first time we have zoology and bubble tea making!” Hdayet, Camden Summer University volunteer
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Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme Monday 25 July to Wednesday 31 August The Camden Holiday Activities and Food Programme, funded by the Department for Education, provides free activities and a healthy meal in a safe environment. The scheme is for children aged 5 to 16 who are eligible for free school meals. There are several HAF hubs across Camden. Activities are for four hours a day, four days a week, over four weeks. haf.youngcamdenfoundation. org.uk
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Holiday play schemes Monday 25 July to Wednesday 31 August Play centres across the borough provide childcare for children aged from 4 to 12 years old. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, days trips, gardening and much more. All centres welcome children with additional needs and are happy to speak with parents or professionals to help arrange the right provision. C osts vary, visit the website for more information. camden.gov.uk/play
Storytelling sessions If you have a child under age 10, come along to free storytelling sessions in Somers Town run by Salina, a local teacher, parent and founder of Read and Play. ead and Play sessions for R children aged 4 to 10. Every Wednesday, 4pm to 5pm at Story Garden, Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF. Stay and Play sessions for children under 4. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10am to 12pm at Living Centre, 2 Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF. Storytelling and Craft sessions for children aged 4 to 10. Every Wednesday, 4pm to 5pm at Story Garden, Ossulston Street, NW1 1DF. We’re always open to sharing stories with new faces, so please come along!” Salina says. Read more from Salina on page 12.
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HVH Arts Monday 25 July to Saturday 27 August, 11am to 3pm HVH Arts is a registered charity offering young people the chance to develop a passion for art, often inspiring children who have fallen behind or who might be going through a tough time. Anyone aged 5 to 18 is welcome to take part in a range of free courses – from music performance and sculpture to photography. vharts.org/courses h 07792 951104 Camden 9
Sports and Leisure Enjoy a wide range of sporting activities, improve your wellbeing with yoga or make the most of Camden’s beautiful green spaces. Camden parks and green spaces We’re lucky to have over 76 parks and more than 300 green spaces in Camden with sports courts, playgrounds, cafes and nature reserves. xplore your local green E spaces at camden.gov.uk/ parks-in-camden Or get involved at camdengreenspaces. commonplace.is Activities and events for carers Various days across July to September From art groups, yoga and walking, to a canal boat trip, there’s lots of free activities available for people who have caring responsibilities. arious locations across V Camden info@camdencarers.org.uk 020 7428 8950
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Friday Night Project First Friday of every month, 7.45pm to 10pm The Friday Night Project is an opportunity for 12 to 17-year-olds to take part in a variety of free activities, including football, basketball, badminton, boxing and much more. Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF c amden.gov.uk/ holidayactivities 020 7974 3927 Multi-sports camps Monday 25 July to Friday 26 August, 9am to 3.30pm Multi-sports camps for 8 to 12-year-olds offer a range of fun and exciting sport and physical activities, from trampolining and gymnastics to football and basketball.
Talacre Community Sports Centre, Dalby Street, NW5 3AF c amden.gov.uk/ holidayactivities 020 7974 5892 Irish set dancing class Every Thursday, 7.30pm to 10pm Learn traditional Irish set dances. This is a great way to get fit, have fun and make new friends. Open to everyone. £5 London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square, NW1 9XB l ondonirishcentre.org/ events/irish-set-dancingclass 020 7916 2222
85 per week £ £40 Concession Summer 2022
Lots of Camden residents have been busy setting up amazing and exciting opportunities for their communities. Read Daniel and Rosangela’s stories – and why not share yours with us?
I was granted some funding by Camden Giving for my project called WhatShopHere, a system designed to enable members of the community to have a say on what type of shops move into vacant units in their neighbourhood. The high street needs a boost more than ever, and
this system can help agents and landlords rent out their vacant units. I built the website, designed the posters and flyers, and now people are getting excited about its potential. Have a browse at whatshophere.com and spread the word!”
Daniel
I’m the creator of the You Mocha And Style project, and I’m excited to give Camden communities the opportunity to help them rebuild their confidence and self-esteem, inspiring them to bring out their hidden talents and dreams, and to help reduce stress levels using a holistic approach.
Rosangela
I’m thankful to We Make Camden and Camden Giving for the opportunity to create my workshops.” Drop by one of Rosangela’s free workshops. No need to book. Friday 2 and Saturday 24 September, 2pm to 5pm Old Diorama Arts Centre, NW1 3FE
Inspired to make a difference? Tag us in any events and activities you’re organising! WeMakeCamden CamdenCouncil LBCamden #WeMakeCamdenSummer
COVID-19 is still here Get vaccinated to protect yourself and others There are 3 ways to get your free vaccine: Find your nearest walk-in clinic or vaccine bus stop at camden.gov.uk/getting-the-vaccine Book online at nhs.uk/coronavirus Call 119 for free
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Are your children up to date with their vaccinations? If you have children, please make sure that they’re up to date with their vaccinations – including those against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and polio. Vaccinations are safe, effective and prevent serious illness. If you have any questions, or need to check your child’s vaccination status, speak to your GP or health visitor. nhs.uk/vaccinations Camden 11
Q&A with Salina, founder of Read and Play Hi Salina! Tell us a bit about yourself. I live in Somers Town. I’m a teacher, parent and founder of Read and Play. What is Read and Play and why did you start it? When children develop a passion for reading and learning phonics (a method for teaching people how to read and write), it helps them to develop literacy skills that will help them at school and beyond. I couldn’t find any local classes that celebrate the love for stories or phonics, so I used my skills as a teacher to start my own. Have the classes been popular? Yes! Initially, I ran the sessions over Zoom and the children loved them. As schools reopened (after lockdown), I read my own children stories at Story Garden in King’s Cross and started offering sessions to other children, where I encourage them to act out parts of the story to learn how to empathise with the characters. Someone at the Council then helped me apply for funding to grow the idea into an organisation called Kindle Corner and build a team via their We Make Camden Kit. How can people get involved or find out more? Turn to page 9 to find out how to join the sessions. We’re always looking for volunteers too, so get in touch if you want to get involved! kindlecornerteam@gmail.com @kindlecornerkids Read Salina’s full story at wemakecamden.org.uk/2022/04/07
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Apply for our We Make Camden Kit If Salina has inspired you to start something of your own in your local community, apply for up to £1,500 funding and support to help get your idea off the ground. Our We Make Camden Kit is run in collaboration with Camden Giving. camdengiving.org.uk/we-makecamden-kit
The paper and production for this publication is carbon balanced. The distribution company plant two trees for every job they complete, over 80,000 trees per annum.
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