Cost of living support 2023 has been another challenging year, particularly as we continue to feel the impacts of the cost of living crisis. If you’re worried about money, debt, mental health or anything else, please reach out for help - we’re here for you. You can find out about the support available across Camden on the inside covers of this paper. In this edition we’ve also included some free and low-cost local events and activities for people of all ages on the back page and information about our ‘warm welcome’ spaces which remain open to provide a warm and safe place to relax and meet up with others. As ever, so many of you are continuing to provide vital help and support across Camden. Thank you for everything you’re doing - it always makes me really proud to see our communities come together to look out for each other. I wish you all the best for 2024. Councillor Pat Callaghan, Acting Leader of Camden Council
We’re here for you Support from Camden Council This festive season is going to feel very different for many. Camden Council is here to support you this winter. On the inside covers and back page of this paper, you will find support from the council and local organisations. If you, or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Get in touch
Help with energy bills and staying warm If you’re a Camden Council tenant: contact Camden’s Home Energy Advice Team and ask about a ‘warm and well’ home visit, or contact them for advice:
If you’re struggling to afford the essentials – including food and energy bills – or if you have debt, help is available. Find advice at camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving Contact a Camden Advice Network organisation. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/CAN
Scan the QR code to view our latest Cost of Living Crisis Booklet.
EnergyEfficiencyHomeAdvice@camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444 (option 9) If you’re a private renter, leaseholder or council tenant: contact Energy Advice London for advice on saving energy and water, or for help accessing financial support: e 0808 196 8260 nergyadvice.london
ind and visit your nearest ‘warm welcome’ space at F camden.gov.uk/WarmWelcome
Support with food in Camden
Call the council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
If you’re in urgent need of support with food:
S ign up to receive the latest updates on support available with the cost of living crisis and more, straight to your inbox at camden.gov.uk/newsletter
findfood.camden.gov.uk camden.gov.uk/access-food 020 7974 4444 (option 9) If you are pregnant or have a child under 2, get help to buy food and milk via the NHS Healthy Start Scheme: healthystart.nhs.uk 0300 330 7010 Whatever your situation, consider joining or starting a food co-op to regularly access low-cost food: cooperation.town
Gospel Oak
Job Hub
Community Advice Centre
CA M DEN
Supermarket GROCERIES • FRESH FRUIT & VEG • FRESH MEAT
Gospel Oak
camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Gospel Oak
Free school meals At the moment, children registered for free school meals receive additional support, including free breakfast clubs and food vouchers in the holidays. If your child is in primary school, they’ll already be receiving free school meals but they must be signed up to the scheme to receive this extra support. If your child is in secondary school, check if they’re eligible and sign them up today: camden.gov.uk/free-school-meals 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
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Help with benefits, money worries and debt Sign up for the council’s free Money Advice Service for tailored advice and support with money and debt: camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService
y Mone e Advic e Servic
Check you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to, and get budgeting tips, using the council’s Better Off Calculator: camden.gov.uk/BetterOff If you have a low income, check if you’re eligible for Council Tax Support for a reduction in council tax. If you are not working or earn less than £95.60 a week, you won’t have to pay anything – but you need to apply. Find out more: camden.gov.uk/CTS Check if you’re eligible for a payment from the council’s Cost of Living Crisis Fund and/or the government-funded Household Support Fund. Anyone who is eligible can apply – including private renters. Find out more: camden.gov.uk/COLCFund camden.gov.uk/HSF
Cost Of Living Crisis Fund
If you’re struggling with debt, get help today: National Debtline: 0808 808 4000 nationaldebtline.org Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/ help-with-debt If you’re struggling with council tax arrears, call the council on 020 7974 6414
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 I f you owe a loan shark money, or if you’re being threatened, get confidential help stoploansharks.co.uk
Free and low-cost winter activities
Visit a ‘warm welcome’ space near you ‘Warm welcome’ spaces are open in libraries, children’s centres and other community buildings across Camden where you can:
in with free and low-cost activities – like story time • Join sessions, swimming, cooking and pottery • Relax with a hot drink or a hot meal • Meet new people or enjoy some peace and quiet • Find out how to access support, if you need it
Find your nearest ‘warm welcome’ space and what’s on offer at camden.gov.uk/WarmWelcome or scan the QR code below.
Get in the festive mood, learn something new or meet people with a range of free and low-cost activities across Camden.
Reporting hate crime In Camden our diversity is one of our key strengths – and we know we are at our strongest when we stand together, united against hate. We’re deeply concerned about the increase in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic hate crimes. Please know we are here for you and there is support available. There are different ways you can safely and confidentially report a hate crime, including through the council, police or an organisation you trust. This includes: MAMA, a support service monitoring • Tell Islamophobia. You can get in touch with them by
Keeping well this winter
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calling 0800 456 1226 or visit tellmamauk.org Community Security Trust, who protect Jewish people from anti-Semitism: 0800 032 3263 cst.org.uk/report-incident
the full list of partners we work with and who • See provide support at camden.gov.uk/hate-crime
Who to contact if you’re not feeling well
Visit your local pharmacy for advice on a • Pharmacies: range of minor illnesses – and they can tell you if you
Are you worried about someone sleeping rough in Camden?
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Rough sleepers are some of the most vulnerable people in our borough, and at this time of year the risks are even higher because of cold temperatures. Camden Routes off The Streets (RTS) works to ensure that everyone rough sleeping in the borough receives an offer of accommodation and help to rebuild their lives.
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need to visit your GP. Opening hours may be different over Christmas – call 111 or visit nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy to check. Your GP: Book a phone, online or in-person appointment. NHS 111: If you think you need medical help right now, call 111 for free or visit 111.nhs.uk for advice on what to do next. In an emergency, always call
999
Covid and flu vaccinations If you are aged 65 or over, a carer, pregnant or are frontline health and care staff, you are eligible for the Covid and flu vaccinations, which you can have for free on our vaccine bus. Find dates and locations: camden.gov.uk/covid-19-and-flu-vaccinations
If you’re feeling down, anxious or worried Speak to your GP
Visit icope.nhs.uk
Call iCope on 020 3317 6670 ind a range of mental health support for adults and F young people at 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
CAMDEN
WINTER 2023/24
During freezing conditions, Camden operates a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP), which provides additional temporary beds for people who are rough sleeping. If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, please contact our outreach teams who can offer support: 020 7846 3535
streetsafe@cgl.org.uk
camdenrts.co.uk D ownload the StreetSafe Reporting app from the Apple Store (Camden Safer Streets) or Google Play (Camden StreetSafe)
Help and support with domestic abuse If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of, domestic abuse in any form, contact Camden Safety Net: 020 7974 2526
camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence
camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk In an emergency, call
999
You can see a selection below or you can check out more activities and events in the latest edition of the Camden Magazine, which was recently delivered to every household in Camden. It’s also available to read online at camden.gov.uk/the-camden-magazine
Winter activities for young people Young people can stay active, join youth clubs, get involved in their local community and much more this winter. Check out the Camden Rise website for more information: camdenrise.co.uk
Light Up Kilburn Light Up Kilburn will transform the dark winter evenings with a trail of illuminated artworks over the first three weekends of February 2024. Check it out on Kilburn High Road and Kilburn Grange Park or find out more at lovecamden.org/whats-on/light-up-kilburn
Your guide to winter Making Camden safe and strong together Support with the cost of living crisis Free and low-cost winter activities Wellbeing and mental health support Winter service updates …and more!
INSIDE: CAMDEN CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY SEASON
Belsize Winter Wonder Street Take a walk on Haverstock Hill to admire the festive street decorations created by local residents and businesses. The lights will be up until 8 January 2024.
Camden 1
Learn something new this winter with Age UK Camden Age UK Camden has a wide range of activities for over 55s including digital and IT classes, book clubs and coffee mornings, as well as information and advice. Call 020 7239 0400, email info@ageukcamden.org.uk or visit ageuk.org.uk/camden to find out more.
Helping others this winter Camden’s voluntary and community sector is playing a critical role in supporting residents through the cost of living crisis. Here’s how you can support them if you’re able to: 1. Find a local volunteering opportunity via Volunteer Centre Camden:
volunteercentrecamden.org.uk
020 7424 9990
2. Donate to The Young Camden Foundation or Camden Giving: Young Camden Foundation supports Camdenbased charities that offer vital services and support to children and young people. Donations will fund winter projects and those with a focus on improving and supporting young peoples’ mental health and other needs. Donate at justgiving.com/campaign/YCFWinterAppeal2023 Camden Giving funds local organisations that provide much-needed support to Camden residents. Last year’s donations helped to fund projects at organisations that predominantly support disabled residents and those from Black, Asian and other ethnic communities. Donate at camdengiving.org.uk/supportcamdengiving 3. Donate food and other essential items to your local foodbank or community organisation that supports people with food. Find your nearest organisation: findfood.camden.gov.uk trusselltrust.org/donate-food 4. Donate nappies, toiletries, clothes books and more to local charity Little Village:
Winter services updates Council services Some of our services will operate with different opening hours over the Christmas and New Year period. Please check the Camden Council website before you visit the council, libraries and sports and leisure centres: news.camden.gov.uk/Christmas-2023
Recycle your Christmas tree It’s free and easy to take your real Christmas tree to a collection point to be recycled in the first two weeks of January – find your nearest at camden.gov.uk/ChristmasTree or by calling 020 3567 8105
littlevillagehq.org/donate-stuff
Recycling and rubbish over Christmas and New Year We’ll be collecting your recycling and rubbish on different days over the festive period. Collections return to their normal schedule from Monday 8 January. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/RecyclingAndRubbish Normal collection day Monday 25 December Tuesday 26 December Wednesday 27 December Thursday 28 December Friday 29 December
Christmas collection day (two days later) Wednesday 27 December Thursday 28 December Friday 29 December Saturday 30 December Sunday 31 December
Normal collection day Monday 1 January Tuesday 2 January Wednesday 3 January Thursday 4 January Friday 5 January
New Year collection day (one day later) Tuesday 2 January Wednesday 3 January Thursday 4 January Friday 5 January Saturday 6 January