Keeping safe and well this winter
Digital edition
camden.gov.uk | Winter 2021
Inside: Help and support COVID-19 information Tips for a sustainable festive season Shop local Health services Free events and activities
Stay safe and well this winter
Includes: News from Camden’s communities
Updated on 1 December 2021 following recent changes to Government guidance
Season's greetings to everyone in Camden As we come to the end of 2021, we want to start by saying a massive thank you. While it’s been an incredibly difficult year, we have continued to look out for and take actions to protect each other. Together, our community has saved lives. From the many individuals and local organisations who have rallied round to care for those who are struggling, to making those new to the borough feel welcome, we’re proud that the Camden community spirit continues to shine. If you’d like to get more involved in your community, there are lots of opportunities. From local projects (page 3) to free events, including activities for children with a free meal included (find out more on page 10). While many of us plan to come together with family and loved ones this festive season, please remember that Londoners are still catching and dying from COVID-19 every day. Please get your COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t yet. The vaccine, along with boosters, are safe and effective and the best way to protect yourself and others from getting seriously ill from the virus. Join over 147,200 people in Camden who have had two doses, and the over 38,675 who have had their booster. Please also keep taking regular rapid tests to help make sure you’re not spreading COVID-19 without knowing – you can still pass on the virus without symptoms. Continuing to follow public health advice, including wearing a face covering in indoor and busy outdoor public spaces, and opening windows when inside, will help to save lives – including those most at risk from the virus. Finally, we know winter in particular can be tough for many. If you are struggling, turn to pages 11 and 12 to find out how to access support. Please don’t suffer in silence – we are here for you. Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council Kirsten Watters, Director of Public Health, Camden Council
Contents News from Camden’s communities Focus on COVID-19 and winter health Shop local this Christmas Tips for a more sustainable festive season Free events in Camden over the winter months Get help and support this winter
3 4-6 7 8-9 10 11-12
We are here for you this winter
Page 5: Health services and children's health
If you’re struggling with money worries, your housing situation, domestic violence or abuse, mental health or you’re worried about your ability to afford food, pay bills or stay warm this winter, please do not suffer in silence. We can provide support or signpost you to help on a range of issues. For more information, turn to pages 11 and 12.
Page 7: Shop local this Christmas
Published by Camden Council. Printed on paper that is 50% recycled and 50% from sustainable sources. Please recycle this booklet. @CamdenCouncil
facebook.com/LBCamden
@WeMakeCamden camden.gov.uk 020 7974 4444
2
Page 4: COVID-19 vaccine information
The information and advice in this booklet was correct at the time of going to print. All content is also hosted online at camden. gov.uk/winter-booklet and will be kept updated. Please continue to check camden.gov.uk/ coronavirus for the latest on COVID-19.
This booklet 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
News from Camden’s communities In Camden we’re so proud to see local people, organisations and businesses working together to support each other, to make positive change and to tackle some of the big issues we’re facing. During the pandemic this has been particularly inspiring, as we’ve seen many examples of people looking out for each other and the importance of community. Thank you to every single person who has made a difference over the past 18 months. Read more community stories at wemakecamden.org.uk
Rashid Iqbal, Chief Executive, The Winch “For many young people, home hasn’t been a safe place at this time. [We’ve provided] a safe place for young people to go to. It’s also been [about] helping children make sense of the pandemic and what that means for them and their families, as often children struggle to make sense of this all.”
John Boyle, Chief Executive, SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Partnership) “We’ve worked to reach out and maintain connections when we couldn’t bring people together, including linking people up with each other in their community. More recently, we have been part of the recovery effort by organising vaccine pop-up sessions and a community conversation online.”
Malaika Bain-Peachey, Community Gardener, Global Generation’s Story Garden "We had to zero in on our collective strengths, concentrating on supporting people with activities to do from home, growing produce and opening the garden when it was possible. We teamed up with the Camden Mobile Food Bank, part of Urban Community Projects, [and] stepped up our growing spaces and production to grow vegetables as quickly as possible to donate to the food bank."
How to get involved If you have a great idea to help your neighbourhood, let us know if you need a helping hand to get it off the ground. You can get in touch with us at wemakecamden.org. uk/get-in-touch or call Camden Giving on 07554 877 092. If your idea will help residents access food, increase diversity in leadership roles, support the climate emergency or provide opportunities for young people, you can also apply for up to £1,500 of funding via the We Make Camden Kit. Find out more and apply at camdengiving. org.uk/we-makecamden-kit
Whether you’re volunteering, running a local business, shopping on our high streets or enjoying one of our parks, when you’re sharing photos or videos of Camden on Instagram, tag them using #WeMakeCamden 3
Focus on COVID-19 and winter health
Get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible Getting both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and a booster is still the number one way to protect yourself and those around you from coronavirus. The vaccine has saved thousands of lives so far and stopped many people from developing serious longterm symptoms. Don’t take the risk. It is not too late to get your first dose. If you have been double vaccinated, boosters are being made available to all ages. Please do get your booster as soon as it is made available to you, as this will make sure your immunity is at its highest over winter. Check your eligibility before booking at nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119. Find a local walk-in clinic or vaccine bus stop at camden.gov.uk/ getting-the-vaccine
Camden's community vaccine bus Our COVID-19 vaccine bus has been on the road since April, supporting our residents by bringing vaccines to their neighbourhood, and in some cases right to their door.
Get your free flu vaccine now, if eligible
By late November 2021:
over 5,190
residents have been vaccinated on the bus and the bus has made over
140 stops at 30 locations
“COVID-19 has disrupted all of our lives, so let’s prevent it from spreading by getting the vaccine.” Zein Hussain, Physician Associate, Central Camden Primary Care Network
4
Flu can lead to serious illness Flu can make you seriously unwell, and having flu and COVID-19 together means you are much more likely to be hospitalised. Protect yourself and your loved ones and get the flu vaccine this winter. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine around the same time won’t do you any harm. You’re eligible for a free flu vaccine if you are over 50, work in health or social care, are pregnant or have underlying health conditions. Book an appointment at nhs.uk/flujab To find out about flu vaccines for children, see page 5
Focus on COVID-19 and winter health
Accessing health services over the winter months Using the right service for your health needs can help you get the care you need, faster. If you’re not sure where to go but think you need medical help right now, visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for free from mobiles and landlines. Only call 999 in a medical emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. You can also speak to your community pharmacist for advice on minor illnesses. GP practices continue to offer face-to-face, video and telephone appointments. All appointments are assessed to make sure people with the greatest need are seen first, and to keep you safe. While rates of coronavirus are high across London, please know that all healthcare settings are being run in a COVID-safe way. This means extra measures are in place to keep you safe, so please make sure you attend planned appointments. Please socially distance and wear a face covering in all healthcare settings and while staff are busy helping others, please continue to be kind and patient.
Keep your children and those around them safe over the winter months • It is important as ever that your child is up to date with their immunisations. If you have any questions, speak to your health visitor or GP, or check their red book. • If your child is clinically vulnerable and aged 2+, please get them vaccinated against flu at your GP surgery. For more information, call the local NHS on 020 3317 5076. • Please regularly check your secondary schoolaged children are COVID-free by helping The pandemic has been them take regular rapid COVID-19 difficult for children and young tests. This will help prevent them people. If you are worried about your passing the virus on to others, child’s mental health, find out more including older or more at risk about mental health services in Camden family members. Find out more at on page 11, including Kooth, which camden.gov.uk/rapidtest offers free online counselling. 5
People are still catching and dying from COVID-19 every day. Due to the new Omicron variant of COVID-19, it's more important than ever to do everything you can to protect yourself and your loved ones: Get your COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible and get your booster as soon as you are eligible More information on page 4 or visit nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine
Take regular rapid tests to check you’re COVID-free Whether you’re going to work, doing some shopping, or catching up with friends and relatives, it’s still possible to catch and spread COVID-19 without symptoms, even after your vaccine. Take regular rapid tests to prevent you from passing the virus on to others this winter – particularly before spending time in crowded or enclosed spaces
Where to get your rapid tests Pick up free rapid home test kits from many local pharmacies, order kits online for delivery or visit a test site to take a test in person. To find your closest test site, visit camden.gov.uk/rapidtest
Wear a face covering, unless you’re exempt You must wear a face covering over your nose and mouth while on public transport, and in shops. We strongly recommend you wear one in other indoor and busy outdoor public spaces too
Regularly open windows when socialising indoors We know it’s cold but keeping windows and doors open, or opening them regularly – 10 minutes every hour – while socialising indoors increases airflow, helping to dilute infectious particles and reducing your risk of catching the virus
6
Wash hands regularly and use hand sanitiser when you go out
shop local this Christmas Our small businesses, markets and high streets are part of what makes Camden the unique and exciting place it is to be over the holidays. To support the businesses and venues we know and love through winter, we encourage you to shop local. Follow these tips to start shopping local now.
Do your research
Discounts count
Look through a local business guide, find and follow local sellers on social media, or take a walk or cycle to your local market or high street to see what’s available.
Take advantage of special holiday discounts and offers from local retailers by signing up to loyalty programmes, such as Fitzrovia’s LoyalFree app at enjoyfitzrovia.co.uk/ loyalfree or the Garden Card at Hatton Garden at hatton-garden.london/visit/the-garden-card
Support local businesses Whether you’re shopping for Christmas presents or doing a food shop, there’s plenty of great options at small businesses or independent shops in your local area. For local present ideas, visit myvirtualneighbourhood.com/camden-gifts or to find out more about local businesses near you, visit camden.gov.uk/shoplocal
Help to make your business more sustainable If you're a local business owner, sign up to our Climate Pledge to help us meet net zero carbon emissions in 2030. 76% of members signed up to it are reducing their carbon footprint this year. Find out more at camdencca.org/camden-climate-pledge-form
Supporting our high streets
• So far we have distributed over £100m in government grants to support local businesses and venues to reopen, including markets.
Choose sustainable travel options Whether you’re visiting your local high street or market, or heading to the other side of the borough, please try to walk, cycle or take public transport to help improve Camden’s air quality. To make it safer and easier to do this, we’ve tripled the length of the segregated cycle network in Camden, added 150 cycle hangars and upgraded bus lanes to run 24/7, helping to improve bus journey times. We've also introduced 15 new Healthy School Streets.
Unless exempt, you must wear a face covering in shops and on public transport. See page 6 for more information.
• We launched our Camden Future • We have also High Streets programme, including supported new a Spacehive Crowdfund, providing public spaces an additional £360,000 to support for outside grassroots organisations that are helping eating and to make Camden’s high streets and town drinking with 18 centres more accessible, sustainable and streateries open the heart of our communities. across Camden.
If you’ve got a project for your local high street that you want to crowdfund, find out more and apply for the spring round at spacehive.com/movement/camden
7
Tips for a more sustaina We often create more waste than usual at this time of year, but fortunately much of it can be reused and recycled. Here are some helpful hints and information for this winter.
Your guide to recycling
Yes please Please put in your mixed recycling bin or bag:
✔ Cardboard – broken down ✔ Paper – including cards and crackers ✔ Clean foils – including mince pie cases ✔ Rinsed food tins and drinks cans ✔ Sweet and biscuit tins ✔ Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays ✔ Empty food and drink cartons (Tetrapaks) ✔ Glass bottles and jars
No thanks
Please put in your rubbish bin or bag:
✗ Metallic or glitter wrapping paper and cards ✗ Bubble wrap, sellotape, clingfilm and cellophane ✗ Tinsel, ribbon and bows ✗ Tree decorations ✗ Sweet wrappers and crisp packets ✗ Used tissues and napkins ✗ Cracker gifts
• Check recycling A-Z at camden.gov.uk/whatgoesinbins • Order free extra recycling bags for the festive period – visit camden.gov.uk/orderbins or call 020 3567 8105 • To find out how to recycle electricals, batteries, clothing, shoes or polystyrene, visit camden.gov.uk/whatelsecanirecycle • You can also take items to Regis Road Reuse and Recycling Centre – booking required, to find out more visit camden.gov.uk/regisroad or call 020 3620 4026 • Instead of buying new tools or gadgets to use at Christmas, borrow from The Library of Things at Kentish Town Library. Find out more at libraryofthings.co.uk/kentishtown
Did you know... You can report dumped rubbish, dog mess, graffiti or other street cleaning issues with the Love Clean Streets app to help keep Camden clean. Download from your app store or visit camden.gov.uk/lovecleanstreets 8
lly Illega ubbish g in r dump esult in a n ca r on-the£400 fine spot
able festive season Christmas and New Year collections There will be no changes to recycling and rubbish collection days over the Christmas and New Year period. If you’re self-isolating, please remember to double bag personal waste (for instance, tissues and face coverings) and keep aside for at least 72 hours before putting out.
Reduce festive food waste • Make a list: Save money and time by only buying what you need. • Keep it cool: Food lasts up to 3 days longer if your fridge is below 5 degrees. You can freeze more than you think, including milk and eggs. • Love leftovers: From turkey tagine to mixed vegetable curry, check out recipes for leftovers at lovefoodhatewaste.com • Share with your community: Use the OLIO app to share food you don’t need, or donate to a food bank (see back page). • Recycle unavoidable food waste: Many homes can use our food waste recycling service. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/foodwaste
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 call 020 3567 8105.
Play your part to reduce carbon emissions There are some simple things we can all do to help us achieve our goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions in Camden by 2030: • Instead of driving, use public transport, walk or cycle. If you don’t have your own bike, you could hire a bike from one of 150 new dockless bike hire locations we’ve installed around Camden. Locations at li.me/locations/uk • Ensure your home is better insulated, make it more energy efficient and apply for a grant through our Climate Fund to cover some of these costs at camden.gov.uk/camdenclimate-fund • If you need a helping hand to make your home warmer and reduce energy bills, register for a free ‘well and warm’ home visit. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/staywarm
Actions we’ve taken to help Camden be more sustainable: • Held the UK’s first local authority-led Citizens’ Assembly on the climate crisis • Switched our Council and school buildings to 100% renewable electricity supplies in October 2020 • Next year we are issuing a Green Bond, to help raise £1m to invest in green projects. Look out for more information coming soon 9
Free events in Camden over the winter months Painting North Camden Zone is hosting free painting workshops at Belsize Community Library for children and adults every Tuesday, 6.30 to 8pm, until 9 February 2022. To sign up or for more information, visit bit.ly/ hilgrovecreates
Activities for children and adults over 60 Castlehaven Community Association (23 Castlehaven Road, NW1 8RU) is hosting a series of events including regular day trips with the Ageactivity 60+ Walking Club and after school activities for 8 to 13 year olds. Find out more at castlehaven.org.uk
Festive fun
Events for carers
Ingestre Community Centre (Ingestre Road, NW5 1UX) is hosting a free Christmas event on 18 December, 1 to 4pm with mince pies, music and the chance to buy new and pre-loved clothes for under £5.
Camden Carers hosts regular events for carers, including day trips to museums, training sessions, yoga and walks. Find out more at camdencs.org.uk or call 020 7428 8950.
Activities with a free meal for children
Youth club activities
If you or your child receives free school meals, sign up for fun free activities taking place across Camden over the Christmas holidays, which include a free healthy meal. Find out more and book at haf.youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk
If you’re 13 to 19 (or 25 if you have a learning disability) you can get support, meet others and get involved in a variety of activities at one of our youth clubs Somers Town Youth Centre, Fresh Youth Academy @ Ingestre Road and Maitland Park Youth Project, and Netherwood Youth and Family Hub. Find out more at camdenrise.co.uk/youth-clubs-and-projects
Celebrating LGBTQI+ life forum+ runs regular social groups and events which celebrate LGBTQI+ life, including a monthly book club (the next one is 16 December, 7 to 8pm) and a monthly spoken word event (the next one is 15 December, 7 to 8.30 pm). To find out more about forum+ activities, call 0207 388 5720 or email info@forumplus.org.uk Community safety is a top concern for everyone. Our Community Presence and Engagement Teams deliver around 700 patrols across the borough every month to help tackle safety concerns in our town centres, green spaces and estates. We also work closely with the police and other partners on priorities like improving the safety of women and girls in our public spaces. Please report any behaviour you see that makes you or others feel unsafe. 10
Visit camden.gov.uk/communitysafety to report to our Community Safety service, or phone 020 7974 2915 (9am to 5pm, Mon to Fri). If you see or experience any incident that you or someone else believes to be racist, homophobic, transphobic, or due to a person’s religion, belief, gender identity or disability, it may be a hate crime – and there is support available. For information about recognising and reporting it, visit camden.gov.uk/hate-crime
Get help and support this winter We know that this winter is going to be hard for many people and we’re here to support you alongside Camden Advice Network, which is a group of local organisations that provide advice and support on a variety of issues. To find out more, visit camden.gov.uk/advice or give us a call on 020 7974 4444 (option 9). You can also call Camden Advice Network on 0808 278 7855.
Accessing mental health advice and support • Speak to your GP, visit icope.nhs.uk or phone iCope on 020 3317 6670 • Young people aged 11 to 18 can access safe and anonymous support from a qualified counsellor via a text-based conversation at kooth.com or they can visit camdenrise.co.uk/emotional-wellbeing • If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis or know someone who is, phone the 24-hour crisis line at St Pancras Hospital on 020 3317 6333. In an emergency, call 999 • For more information, visit camden.gov.uk/ mental-health
Housing support • If you’re a council tenant and worried about paying rent or service charges, or need support with a housing issue, please speak to your neighbourhood housing officer. Alternatively, call 020 7974 4444 (option 3, then option 4) for advice on rent arrears or call 020 7974 4444 (option 3, then option 6) for advice on service charge arrears • If you privately rent in Camden and have received an eviction notice or been told by your landlord that you need to leave, help is available. Visit camden.gov.uk/private-renters-help-covid or call 020 7974 4444
Employment support
Support to self-isolate
• Get support from an employment advisor or view a list of organisations that can help you find a job or better paid work at goodwork.camden.gov.uk • Young people can access careers and employment support by emailing connexions@camden.gov.uk or calling 020 7974 7252
• If you're on a low income, you may be eligible to a £500 Test and Trace Support Payment to support you to self-isolate. To find out more, visit camden.gov. uk/apply-for-test-and-trace-support-payment or call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Worried about a rough sleeper in Camden? • Call the 24/7 reporting line on 0808 800 0005, so the Routes off the Streets (RTS) team can offer them a route away from rough sleeping and help them to start rebuilding their lives. Remember to include the exact location, time and date. • You can also contact RTS via the Camden StreetSafe app (download for free from your app store) or email streetsafe@cgl.org.uk 11
Get help and support this winter Stay warm this winter
Money worries
• If you’re on a low income and receive benefits you may be eligible for a £140 discount on your electricity bill under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Find out more at camden.gov.uk/staywarm
• If you’re struggling with debt or your finances, find out how to access a range of benefits, grants and discounts at camden.gov.uk/ finances or call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
• If you’re 66 and over, you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300. To find out more, call Age UK Camden on 020 7239 0400 • If you’re struggling with your energy bills or need support to stay warm this winter, visit camden.gov. uk/staywarm or call 020 7974 4444 (option 9)
Help accessing food
Yoghurt
• If you need support making a Universal Credit claim, call Citizens Advice Camden on 0808 278 7835 • If you earn less than £483.75 per week, you may be eligible for a council tax discount. Find out more by visiting camden.gov.uk/council-tax-support or calling 020 7974 4444 (option 3 then option 2)
• In December every child in a family who receive benefits will be sent food vouchers in the post • To find a food bank or for help accessing food – including if you have to self-isolate and don’t have the means to get food delivered – visit findfood.camden.gov.uk, call us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9) or email communityresponse@camden.gov.uk
Domestic violence and abuse support
KNOW you’re not alone
There is no place for violence and abuse in Camden. If you are experiencing domestic abuse of any form, or you’re worried about someone else, please know you are not alone. There is support available – please get in touch with Camden Safety Net today. Phone 020 7974 2526 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) Email camdensafetynet@camden.gov.uk or visit camden.gov.uk/domestic-violence
In an emergency always ring 999. 12
• To find out how to join or start a local food co-op with your neighbours, where you can access excellent quality food for less money, visit cooperation.town • If you've got a school-aged child, turn to page 10 to find out about free activities that include a free healthy meal over the Christmas holidays
Free financial wellbeing workshops Citizens Advice Camden is hosting two free workshops to help Camden residents learn tips and tools to increase your financial wellbeing – including accessing benefits and discounts, budgeting and managing your money. They are taking place on 27 January and 10 February, 10.30am to 12.30pm. To find out more or to register, email financialcapabilityproject@ camdencabservice.org.uk or call 07425 015 033