Battling 'bronliness' - Brocals in Hackney Today, Feb 2019

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hackneytoday Issue 444 11 February 2019 Photo: Adam Holt

Circulated to 108,000 homes and businesses by Hackney Council

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Battling ‘bronliness’ A GROUNDBREAKING new project, called Hackney Brocals, aims to stem the alarming rise in loneliness among men.

Founded in September, the group runs a buddy system through which ‘older bros’ are visited in their homes each week by a

‘befriending bro’. It also organises free monthly minibus and coach trips, both within Hackney and outside London, of which

the trip to Hackney City Farm is the third. Volunteer and bro Ryk Morgan says: “Men should be able to talk about themselves, and

admit to sometimes being lonely, without feeling like a failure. Older men still find it difficult to talk about their emotions.” See pages 6-7.

WE CAN BE HEROES ESIDENTS are being encouraged to nominate their unsung heroes in the fourth ‘I Love Hackney’ Mayor’s Civic Awards. The awards aim to recognise, celebrate and thank some of the incredible people who live in the borough. Residents who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the community; somebody who has overcome an extraordinary difficulty; or a fabulous volunteer, carer or community leader are all eligible to be nominated. Last year’s winners were Barbara Layne, a local befriender;

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Ngozi Headley-Fulani, founder of domestic violence shelter Sistah Space; and Salmah Kansara, a charity worker. After receiving her award last year, Salmah said: “So many people in Hackney are doing wonderful work, which people don’t even know about, so it’s great that we can celebrate and shine a light on those services at these awards.” The Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, said: “Hackney is full of active citizens, campaigners and volunteers, who are all essential parts of making it the welcoming and fantastic place it is today.

“I’m pleased to announce we are opening the civic awards for the fourth year running, so we can carry on celebrating the unsung heroes of Hackney. “Last year’s winners and nominees were incredibly inspiring, and I would encourage all residents to put forward a nomination so we can give proper recognition to those in Hackney

who really deserve it.” Nominees can be of any age, but under-18s will need a parent’s or guardian’s permission. All nominations will be considered by a panel of judges. Nominations close on 2 April. The winners will be announced at the Council’s AGM on 22 May, where they will receive trophies and certificates.

MORE INFO Submit your nominations by filling in the online form at: www.hackney.gov. uk/civic-awards; or pick up an application form at Hackney Town Hall, and libraries across the borough, and post it to: Tara Hudson, Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, E8 1EA; or email: tara.hudson@hackney.gov.uk

Cleaner energy

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Tickets to see Milton Jones! THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT, THE FUTURE’S BLUE IN HACKNEY A group of trade apprentices and ‘improvers’ got together with senior Council officers and politicians to discuss the benefits of working for the authority – P2

PREPARE TO MEET COST OF REPAIRS Tenants who wilfully cause damage to their Council homes will be charged for the repair costs in a major tightening up of rules – P3

COMMUNITY HALL UNDERGOING REFURBISHMENT A community hall in Hoxton, which is above a row of shops, is set to become more accessible for those with impaired mobility thanks to a new lift and improved facilities – P7

ISSUE 17 11 February 2019 Working for better homes

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Bros Bob Holt and Bulend Murad having a chat at Hackney City Farm as part of one of the outings that new project, Hackney Brocals, put on to help combat loneliness in men

We built this town HACKNEY Council’s social house-building programme of today follows in the proud tradition of a pledge made 100 years ago by the then-Prime Minister, and which was enshrined in law by a Shoreditch MP. Turn to pages 3-4

Social housing developments in Hackney past and present

Fast internet plans for our estates

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N INNOVATIVE vision to provide consistent internet connection – is vital to residents living in Council homes many aspects of life in the borough and will and estates with fast, affordable help support the Council’s aim to internet is taking shape, after bring the internet to those who have a draft plan-of-action was agreed felt left behind or who have not been by Hackney Council’s Cabinet. able to access it at all. Digital connectivity – high-speed, Internet suppliers are currently being

sought to harness the borough’s assets – such as buildings in estates and street furniture – to roll-out their networks. The Council will also aim to open up its 80-kilometre network of cables and infrastructure, used for its CCTV system, with these potential partners to help

www.hackney.gov.uk/housing

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encourage expansion of coverage. As part of any deal, the Council would ask suppliers to provide public benefits. This could include free Wi-Fi in Hackney’s town centres and public buildings for residents and visitors, and for the benefit of businesses, such as market traders. Page 2


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