Coronavirus: Weekly update From Camden Council To keep you up to date with changes to council services and support available through the Council and its partners, you’ll find weekly updates here in the Camden New Journal. Visit camden.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest on all council services and information on essential support, including how to access emergency food and financial support. The webpage contains information in different languages and formats. You can also check the rolling news feed at camden.gov.uk/coronavirusnews, Twitter @CamdenCouncil or speak to someone at the Council directly on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
SIGN UP to the Council’s coronavirus e-newsletter for regular service updates, news and support at camden.gov.uk/coronavirus-updates
A-level students across Camden are receiving their grades today (Thursday 13 August). I know this has been a worrying time for many students, who may well have mixed feelings about having been unable to sit the exams they had been working hard towards. We are aware of some parents’ and students’ concerns about grading. We take these seriously, and will support our students. If students have any concerns about results, they should get in contact with their school. Students can also get in touch with a Connexions careers adviser by calling 020 7974 7252 or emailing connexions@camden.gov.uk. However, I hope that receiving grades means Camden’s students can now look forward to the next chapter, whether that is a university place, an apprenticeship, further training or employment. Thank you to all their teachers, their families and to everyone in our school communities who have supported them and guided them so well during this difficult time. We have just released our report into the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and our plan of action to address systemic racial inequalities in Camden. We owe it to our communities to make sure that this is a moment for real change, where rightful anger turns into action. From education and employment, to health and housing, we will work alongside our residents and our partners to tackle inequality, to give everyone a voice and to make lasting change. You can read more about this important work at the bottom of this page. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
We can all help keep each other safe in Camden: • Please keep 2 metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble.
It’s important to remember to take care of ourselves as well as other people – that includes our physical and mental health.
• Consider walking or cycling at least some of your journey to help make exercise a part of your day.
Keep active
Get support
• Camden leisure centres, swimming pools and parks are open with lots of measures in place to help keep you safe. There are also still plenty of ways to get moving from home. Visit wecanmove. co.uk for ideas and information about activities in Camden.
• Remember to take time to clear your head and switch off. Visit mentalhealthcamden.co.uk for advice and information about protecting your mental health. • If you’d like to speak to someone, you can contact Camden’s psychology service, iCope – visit icope.nhs.uk or call 020 3317 6670.
• Wash your hands regularly. • Remember you must wear a face covering on public transport and in indoor public spaces where safe social distancing may be difficult. The only indoor public spaces where face coverings are not currently required are in restaurants with table service, bars, and pubs.
KEEP CAMDEN SAFE
COVID SYMPTOMS? GET TESTED NOW. nhs/coronavirus
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camden.gov.uk/coronavirus 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Elfrida Rathbone Camden, based in Kentish Town, has supported young people and families across the borough for over 30 years. The centre has been helping families facing greater risks from the impacts of COVID-19, including disabled parents and parents of disabled children, families from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and families encountering language barriers. Support includes regular checking in with families by phone, and socially distanced meetings and home visits. The centre is working with Citizens Advice Camden to help families affected by financial and housing issues.
The centre has also recruited parent and other volunteers in Kentish Town to support the community response to COVID-19, including distributing food bank parcels, and collecting prescriptions for and delivering educational resources to shielding families. Find out more about Elfrida Rathbone Camden family support services by emailing paul@elfridacamden.org.uk or phoning 020 7424 1601. If you are interested in volunteering, email jill@elfridacamden.org.uk or phone 07939 877 745.
Camden libraries On Monday 17 August, Camden Council will launch a ‘Request and Read’ service at Swiss Cottage, Holborn and Highgate libraries. Simply order your books online or over the phone, then pick them up from a counter in the library. On return all books will then be quarantined for 72 hours before becoming available for reissue.
Summer activities Thank you to all the local people and organisations supporting activities for Camden’s children and young people this year.
Camden library book returns will be accepted at any of our open libraries:
Staying well
Keep Camden safe
Elfrida Rathbone Camden
• West Hampstead, Pancras Square, Queen’s Crescent (from now) • Swiss Cottage, Holborn (from 17 August) • Highgate (from 18 August). Pancras Square, West Hampstead and Queen’s Crescent libraries are currently open for computer access only.
Activities are being held virtually or socially distanced and meeting Government guidelines, and many have been proving popular. There’s still plenty to enjoy, so visit camdenrise.co.uk/things-to-do to find out more.
Please remember that it is now mandatory to wear a face covering when visiting a library. Find out more and order books at camden.gov.uk/libraries
Building Equal Foundations Camden Council has published a report to address the unequal impacts of COVID-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic residents and ensure that communities are protected from the immediate and long-term impacts of the pandemic. The ‘Building Equal Foundations’ report includes a plan of action to tackle racial inequalities in Camden including: • Going further to improve outcomes of long-term health conditions in Black, Asian and other ethnic communities • Appointing a new Director of Equalities at Camden Council to oversee work around racial equality in the borough • Developing tutoring and virtual work experience targeted at young people from minority ethnic backgrounds
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• Plans to improve housing and support tenants in overcrowded homes • Increasing employment support and access to good jobs • Working in partnership with Black, Asian and other ethnic grassroots organisations. The report builds on early findings published last month that showed the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minority ethnic communities. This included a higher percentage of deaths in North Central London of people born in Africa or Asia compared to those born in the UK or Europe, minority ethnic workers more likely to work in shut down sectors, and concerns about unconscious bias in predicted A-level and GCSE grades. Read the report at camden. gov.uk/buildingequalfoundations
New outdoor spaces to eat and drink Camden Council is creating new spaces for eating and drinking outside this summer. Following on from the successful Streatery in Belsize Village, the Council is creating new dining spaces in South End Green, Charlotte Street, Goodge Street and Drummond Street. Space will be made by widening pavements, or closing or changing roads. Cafes and restaurants can then add socially distanced tables and chairs to the pavement and/ or road, helping to boost the local economy while keeping customers safe. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/making-travelsafer-in-camden, email safetravel@camden.gov. uk or phone 020 7974 4444.
camden.gov.uk/coronavirus 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Contact your local councillor While councillors are not holding face-to-face surgeries until further notice, they are still here to help. To get in touch, visit camden.gov.uk/councillors or call 020 7974 2792. You can watch council meetings live or as recordings at camden.gov.uk/councilmeetings. This week’s meetings include Licensing Panel B tonight (13 August) at 7pm. Find details of upcoming council meetings at camden.gov.uk/democracy
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PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS