Your local magazine from Islington Council • Autumn 2017
Archway’s Transformation
Free adult learning courses
New council homes for a new generation
Fire safety update
IslingtonLife
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Contents 03
Welcome Message from the Council Leader
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News Clamping down on fly-tipping and snatch theft
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Bright Start Islington Support services and activities for under 5’s and families
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Shaping the future How schools are giving young people a good start
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Young people Make sure you vote in Islington’s Youth Council elections
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Young people Discover our brand new youth hub
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Working Helping residents get back into work
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Your Home News and information for Islington Council’s tenants and leaseholders
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Ambitious Academy Meet the young entrepreneur inspiring a community
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Local life Archway’s transformation and new bike hangers
Highlights 06
Bright Start Islington
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Ambitious Academy
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Health and Wellbeing How you can stay well this winter
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On energy Find out how you can save money on energy
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People’s plaque Honouring Islington’s famous stage
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What’s on Find out what’s coming up around the borough
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Arsenal in the Community The latest news from Arsenal FC
offering fairer, low cost g
29 Get a quote Angelic Energy www.angelicene
0800 169 0
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Welcome Welcome to the latest edition of IslingtonLife, the first since the schools went back after the summer break.
Cllr Richard Watts Leader of the Council
View this and previous issues online at issuu.com/islingtonlifemag Be the first to hear about the latest news. Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonLife and @IslingtonBC for council news
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Recycle me! Please recycle this magazine once you’ve finished with it.
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all the young people who received GCSE and A-Level results over the summer. I had the pleasure of visiting Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School as students opened their results – it took me back to when I did the same, albeit a very long time ago! I am incredibly proud of how hard Islington’s young people have worked to achieve their results, and wish them all the best with their next steps, be that into further education, university, apprenticeships or work. The transformation in the success of Islington’s schools in recent years is something we should all be proud of. Thanks to the hard work of students, combined with the dedication and experience of teachers, school governors and parents, working closely with the council, we have been able to help young people achieve results that will help them as they start out in life. Many young people are taking on apprenticeships after leaving school, giving them the opportunity to gain qualifications and work experience at the same time. In the last year, the council has helped over 120 young people start apprenticeships, including more than 40 at the council, and we are committed to working with local businesses to provide more.
of three local unemployed people find decent and secure work every day – that’s over 3,000 residents in total, with almost 900 of them being young people. On pages 12 and 13 you can read more about how we are helping people find work, and see what courses are available for people to gain new skills. Alongside our commitments to helping local people secure jobs and ensuring young people get the best start in life, we are making good progress on our other main focus – building more genuinely affordable homes for local people - and this year will see the largest number of new council homes built in Islington for 30 years. Featuring on the front cover is local resident Mr Icli, who has recently moved into Blenheim Court, a new build in Tollington – see page 14. We are also working hard to tackle issues like damp in council homes, as well continuing work on fire safety in homes – there’s an update on page 17. Angelic Energy has launched and I’m happy to know we are able to help bring down energy costs for residents, you can read about it on page 29. By tackling the issues that local people have told us matter most to them – building more genuinely affordable homes; helping people into work; and giving young people the best start in life – we are continuing to help make Islington a fairer place for all.
Helping local people into work is a key priority for the council. Since 2014, we have helped an average
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IslingtonLife
News
Archway Park gets a super slide The Mayor of Islington officially re-opened Archway Park following a £500,000 transformation. The park, which sits at the junction of St John’s Way and Archway Road, now has something for everyone, with better landscaping and lighting as well as brand new play and sports facilities including a new super slide.
Fly-tipping can be costly A Holloway takeaway caught dumping its commercial waste in a residential recycling centre has been fined a record £11,015. Highbury Court Magistrates’ handed down five fines of £2,000 to Caribbean takeaway, Papa Winny’s, for fly-tipping. The extra charges included £845 in costs and a £170 victim surcharge. The council’s enforcement officers spotted the first offence and spoke to an employee of Papa Winny’s, giving them a £400 fixed penalty notice that would have been reduced to £200 if paid within 10 days. The council had been in touch with the takeaway about the non-payment, but after two fixed penalty notices were left unpaid, court proceedings were started. Three more offences were then recorded. Cllr Claudia Webbe, executive member for environment and transport, said: “Islington does not tolerate flytipping, which is selfish and disrespectful. This is the biggest fine for fly-tipping the courts have ever handed down in Islington, reflecting how seriously the law and the council take these offences”. Papa Winny’s did not challenge any of the charges and didn’t attend the hearings, so they were found guilty in their absence.
HELP KEEP ISLINGTON
CLEAN
Book a bulky waste collection for a small charge at www.islington.gov.uk/bulkywaste or take it, for free, to the Reuse and Recycling Centre (www.islington.gov.uk/hrrc). For reuse collections, call 020 7527 2000. You risk a £400 fine if you put out large items without having booked a collection.
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News
Beware of snatch theft
Hundreds of mobile phones are stolen in London each month. Many of these are ‘snatch’ thefts where the culprits use mopeds or scooters – often mounting pavements to grab phones from unsuspecting hands before making a quick getaway. The council and Islington police are working together to crack down on theft and close in on the offenders by increasing patrols and using CCTV
and information from local residents. However, there are some simple precautions you can take to avoid being a victim of phone theft. Detective Superintendent Stuart Ryan says: “The most important thing is to be aware of your surroundings – most snatches happen in busy areas such as Tube stations and shopping streets. Keep alert and don’t text while walking, as this will distract you from what’s going on around you.” “Before you make a call, always try and stand away from the roadside next to a building or a wall so no one
Make sure you register All Islington households have recently been sent a household enquiry form that needs to be responded to. The purpose of the form is to confirm who is eligible to vote at your address. Please reply to the
form, either confirming that the information is correct or updating it with new information. It is a legal requirement to respond to the form and you could receive a £1,000 fine if you don’t.
can come up behind you. If you can, make the call hands-free.” Other ways that you can keep your phone safe include using the phone’s security features, such as passcodes and fingerprint recognition, and registering your phone’s IMEI on www.immobilise.com (you can find out your IMEI by dialling *#06#) to increase the chances of your phone being returned to you if it is stolen. For more information about what we’re doing to tackle snatch theft, please visit https://www.islington. gov.uk/policing-safety/crime.
Local council elections will take place in Islington in May next year, so make sure your details are up to date to be able to vote.
Angelic Energy has launched Visit page 29 to find out how you can bring down you gas and electricity costs.
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IslingtonLife
With you every step of the way Having young children is a wonderful time, but also one that brings challenges. All families need help and support at some stage as their children grow up. Bright Start Islington is the new name for Islington’s support and activities for under-fives and families. It aims to make it easy for all families in the borough to get professional advice and to have fun and safe places to play with their children and meet other local parents. Bright Start Islington offers childcare and education, including a number of free and subsidised childcare schemes. It also offers lots of activities and services, such as antenatal appointments, breastfeeding support, stay and plays, and help to find work. Almost all of these are free. You can find Bright Start Islington
services and activities in any of the 16 children’s centres, as well as health centres, libraries and community centres. Some services,
such as health visiting and family support, are also provided in your home.
Free early education Good quality childcare and early education is at the heart of Bright Start Islington’s offer.
Free and subsidised places are available at a wide range of nurseries and with childminders. Parents with 2, 3 and 4 year olds can benefit from free early education and childcare which can provide
15 or 30 hours per week free during term-time, depending on eligibility. Find out more at www.islington.gov.uk/30hours
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Nikita’s Bright Start story
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A universal service for every child Health visitors are nurses or midwives who are passionate about promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illness. Parents-to-be might first meet their health visitor in the final stages of pregnancy, but they will have regular contact in the months after their baby is born.
Jaylen Batchelor
Islington mum Nikita Batchelor has first-hand experience of the difference that the right support, at the right time, can make. As a young mother with a small baby, she knew she wanted to return to education, and she approached Packington Children’s Centre for part-time childcare. She says: “I was nervous leaving my baby, as he was still quite young. But I needed to get back into education, so this was the only way.” Her son Jaylen, who is starting school this September, joined the nursery at Packington at 10 months-old and Nikita has never looked back. She says: “When we went round to view the nursery he kept wanting to get down and play. The staff were really welcoming and Jaylen connected really well with his key person.”
Knowing that her son was being well cared for enabled Nikita to complete a professional catering course, which she completed with flying colours and went on to do an apprenticeship with Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant. “I was doing long shifts and some weekends, so I couldn’t have managed without the nursery place,” she says. After her apprenticeship, Nikita went straight into a demi-chef position and has now worked her way up into more senior catering roles. She is thriving and so is Jaylen. She says: “He’s quite forward for his age group; he does really well with his reading, counting, and generally with all of his development.”
Health visitors are specialists in children’s health matters, like breastfeeding, colic and introducing babies to solid food, and are there to offer support to parents before any problems escalate. Natasha Brennan is a health visitor in Islington, who works with families in the Finsbury Park area. She explains: “In some cases, a health visitor is much more specialised than a GP because we only work with patients aged from 0-5 years. We are able to prescribe, but we still recommend that you see your GP if your baby is sick.” Previously a paediatric nurse, Natasha became a health visitor because of her passion for public health. “My favourite part of the job is when people thank you for having a positive impact on their life and when you can really see how you have changed or improved a situation,” she says. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/ brightstart for more information about our services, venues and to find activity timetables. You can also contact the Family Information Service on fis@islington.gov.uk or 020 7527 5959, or speak to staff in any of our children’s centres.
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IslingtonLife
Shaping the future
An A* exam year for Islington students There was plenty of joy and excitement for students across the borough last month as they celebrated getting their exam results. Many A-level students achieved straight A’s and multiple distinctions and are now in further education or planning their next steps. GCSE students outshone their peers nationally in English language and English literature. More than 1 in 5 pupils gained a grade 7 or better in English literature – equivalent to grades A and A*.
Highbury Grove students
For English language, 15.9 per cent of pupils gained a grade 7 or better. Congratulations to everyone who received their results.
‘Outstanding’ in leadership Islington Council’s services for vulnerable children and families have received a ‘good’ Ofsted rating, underpinned by ‘outstanding’ leadership, management and governance, following an inspection. Ofsted noted in the summer report that children’s services in Islington benefit from senior leaders and councillors who have a passion to make things better for all children, which is making a positive difference to young people’s lives.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson students
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Shaping the future
Apply now for a school place If your child is due to start primary or secondary school next September, make sure you apply online now! If your child was born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007, you must apply for their secondary school place by 31 October 2017. Or if your child was born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014, they are due to start primary school in September 2018. The deadline for primary school applications is 15 January 2018. There is no automatic entry to primary school from nursery so you must apply for the best chance of a reception place at your preferred school. To apply for a primary or secondary school place, go to www.islington.gov.uk/admissions.
If you need any help with the online application form, contact the School Admissions team on 0207 527 5515.
Making Islington the best place to grow up The Islington Fair Futures Commission set itself a big challenge - what can be done to make Islington the best possible place for children to grow up? The Commission’s aim is to ensure that every single child in Islington has the opportunity, the tools and the support to live the safest and most prosperous life possible. As the Chair of the Commission, Jermain Jackman, says: ‘It is time to put the futures of
our children and young people at the top of our agenda.” Since the launch of the Commission in February, the Commissioners have had conversations with local people and organisations to identify the issues and challenges, and where Islington is already doing good work with children and young people. In the coming months they will be engaging young people and community leaders to develop ideas
and solutions to the challenges identified so far. If you would like to get involved or learn about the Commission’s progress, contact fairfutures@islington.gov.uk, follow us on www.twitter.com/ fairfuturesis and look at our website www.fairfutures.org
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Young people
Searching for Islington’s next young leaders Islington’s Youth Council election is in full swing, with the next group of candidates ready to stand for the chance to represent thousands of their peers across the borough.
The Youth Council election will take place on Wednesday 29 November when young people living or going to school in Islington will get the chance to vote for their favourite candidate. Current Young Mayor, Diana Gomez says: “I urge all young people in Islington to vote in the youth council election because it’s your chance to decide who will represent you for the next two years.
Young Mayor Diana Gomez
“In the last election a record 5,188 votes were cast and it would be really great to see even more young people turn out and vote this year.” The Youth Council is made up of
12 young people who live or go to school in the borough. They play an active role in designing and commissioning youth services and make sure the views of young people in Islington are heard. They also work with the council and its partners on issues and decisions that affect young people, help decide how money is spent on services, and aim to improve the range and quality of activities on offer. To find out more about the candidates and to help you decide who to vote for visit www.izzy-info.com/youthcouncil
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Young people
Soapbox: Islington’s new creative space
Islington’s newest youth centre has just opened its doors and is already promising to be among the very best in London - giving young people the chance to harness their creativity and get hands-on with cutting-edge technology. Based in Old Street, Soapbox has a range of breakout spaces and facilities - including both radio and music studios - and the centre’s range of activities allow young
people to develop their social and professional skills, getting them a step ahead within the digital and creative industries. Run by local charity Dragon Hall Trust, Soapbox provides a welcoming, fun environment and has been designed with and for young people from the ground up. If you’re aged between 13 and 24 and want to take part in 3D printing,
music production, coding, radio, cooking performing arts and more, visit www.soapboxislington.org.uk to find out how.
Soapbox opening hours Monday to Friday from 4pm to 8pm, with a range of drop-in activities at the weekend – see the website for details.
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IslingtonLife
Working in the community
Become a community carer Shared Lives is all about people sharing their lives, families, home and community with vulnerable adults who want to take a break, and need some help and support to live their lives to the full. It is a unique form of social care, provided in local homes and communities. We speak to Carol Maldon and Christina Baker about their Shared Lives experience. Carol has been a Shared Lives Carer since 2011. She explains: “Christina comes over every Monday and stays overnight. She loves arts and crafts, so we usually do something creative together and we might go to the library or shops to pick up a DVD for our movie night!” Shared Lives is currently used by people with learning disabilities in Islington. Christina has Down’s syndrome and lives with her grandmother. She explains why time spent with Carol is important to her. “It’s nice to have a break away from home sometimes. Carol is very nice and she’s a good cook. She’s my favourite carer ever. She’s my princess!”
Matching people and carers
The type of support offered through Shared Lives varies according to the individual’s and carers’ preferences. It can consist of occasional day visits
Carol and Christina
to full-time living, and anything in between. The key thing is that it happens within the carer’s home. All Shared Lives arrangements are subject to a matching process to ensure carers and people using the service are compatible. Carol explains: “You both get the chance to say what you want or don’t want from the experience. It’s all very natural, like meeting a new friend for a coffee. Christina and I hit it off straight away. She’s kind and generous and quickly felt like a new member of the family!”
Being a Shared Lives Carer
Shared Lives carers come in all shapes and sizes: families, individuals, couples. Work experience is not always necessary, as training and support is provided. Shared Lives carers are paid for their role. The amount of fees paid are carefully
assessed on a case-by-case basis taking factors such the level of care required into consideration. Carol explains how she got involved. “I cared for my severely disabled son David his whole life and later began fostering children with special needs. From there, I became a Shared Lives carer. You need to be caring, enthusiastic and sensitive to people’s needs and differences. I feel very blessed to have had so many amazing people in my life. Shared Lives is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience.” For more information about Shared Lives or becoming a Shared Lives Carer in Islington, visit www.islington.gov.uk/sharedlives. Alternatively, you can call 020 7527 2312 or email sharedlives@islington.gov.uk.
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Working
Looking to try something different this Autumn? Have you been signed-off from work by your GP? Get Back on Track is the new service designed to support your return to work.
Every year Islington Council offers a range of free adult learning courses for Islington residents or parents with children in Islington schools. If you are 19+, unemployed, or lowwaged and receiving benefits, you’re eligible to take a free course. From CV workshops to GCSE Maths; from setting up an email address to applying for a job. Whatever you’re interested in, there is something for you! These courses – some of which offer childcare services – are hosted at a large number of venues across the borough, and have helped many Islington residents to increase their
confidence, develop their skills, find work or just try something new. Our courses can also be a valuable stepping stone into employment, voluntary work, or further education. Residents looking to improve their CVs or interview skills can sign up to one of our employability programmes for lots of helpful hints and tips. Places are available now. To find out more, including a full list of courses, please visit www.adultlearning.islington.gov.uk or call 0207 527 5083. You will need to bring ID and proof of benefits with you when you enrol on a course.
Islington is a London Living Wage success The council is a keen champion of the London Living Wage and has been encouraging local businesses and suppliers to get on board, and pay employees at least £9.75 an hour. There are now have 117 (accredited) employers in our community paying
If you have been prescribed with a Fit Note and are at risk of losing your job, Get Back on Track can help you manage any work-related problems that you might be going through. Support offered includes access to health and wellbeing services, support to manage stress in the workplace and support to create a return to work plan. We can also provide access to other Islington services for practical problems like housing, debt or benefits. The service is free and completely confidential. For more information, please visit www.shaw-trust.org.uk/ getbackontrack. To register, please call 0800 389 0177 or email getbackontrack@nhs.net
the London Living Wage. That’s more than any other council area in London. Islington will be celebrating London Living Wage Week from 5–11 November, when the new hourly Living Wage rates will be announced. To find out more about the London Living Wage see: www.livingwage. org.uk islingtonlife.london
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Your Home
Your Home News for council tenants and leaseholders
New council homes for a new generation Blenheim Court used to be 12 garages but it’s now modern, new homes for four families. Local resident Ugur Icli moved into his new flat in Blenheim Court in August. He was offered the one bedroom flat after being on the council’s New Generation scheme. Ugur has lived on the estate all his life and his mum and sister live just around the corner. Before he moved into his flat, the 25 year-old was living with his mum. “It’s so nice to know my family are nearby and I get to see my niece as she grows up,” he says. Mr Icli, who works full-time in sales, says it’s difficult for young people like himself to make a life for themselves in the area they grew up in, due to high rents and house prices: “It’s very tough in London for people my age. Young people need to be given a chance and the opportunity to live independently.”
While he feels that buying his own home is out of reach, the security and affordability of a council home is the next best thing. “To have this flat in the borough I grew up in is amazing,” he says. “The flat is very modern, I like the open plan kitchen and living area and the neutral colours. I feel safe and secure in the area as I grew up here and the neighbours and I all get on well.”
One of Mr Icli’s new neighbours said: “Our new house is stunning and exactly what my family need. After waiting for a while I’m happy that my children now have a spacious house to grow up in. It’s also a much safer home for my family as my youngest child has special needs. “It’s brand new too, which is great. We’re looking forward to settling in and making it our home.”
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News for council tenants and leaseholders
Four new Holloway homes on the way
Islington councillors, staff and the construction team break ground in Holloway
Construction work has started on four new terraced council houses on Manger Road in Holloway, which will create new social housing on a former car park site. Each home – an addition to the Shearling Way Estate - will have four bedrooms spanning over three storeys, a garden, and a roof with solar panels. A pedestrian route around the site will be resurfaced with new trees planted and extra lamp posts and planters installed. Islington Council’s executive member for housing and development, Cllr Diarmaid Ward, said: “Like the rest of
London, Islington faces a desperate shortage of genuinely affordable housing and we’re committed to building more council homes.
47 homes are for social rent and 25 of them have been designed for residents over 55 and people with mobility issues.
“These homes are an example of how we are utilising under-used spaces in Islington to create good quality social housing. Once complete, the homes will go to families in genuine need of housing.”
Council homes launching soon
As part of the regeneration of the estate, improvements to the landscape have also been made. Residents have a food growing area and secure community garden. Islington Council will be supporting the gardening club for a year, providing training, planting and more.
Forty Seven new council homes have been completed on King Square Estate and will soon be offered to local residents in housing need. All
Visit www.islington.gov.uk/onsite for more information on the King Square regeneration scheme.
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Your Home
Maintaining properties in Islington
Before roof replacement Arthur and Hertslet N7
Despite being one of London’s smallest boroughs, Islington is one of its biggest social landlords, managing around 35,000 council properties. Maintaining and updating these properties is a big job. Every 7-10 years all council homes are surveyed for planned repairs that need attention. These are things like replacing roofs or windows to an entire estate, and renewing kitchens and bathrooms that are no longer up to standard. There are about 20 major projects a year spread around the borough, like the recently completed Arthur and Hertslet block in N7, which is made
up of six homes for older people and families. Resident Gordon Murray said: “It was pretty intensive work. We had the builders in our house for about three months to replace the kitchen and bathroom. There was scaffolding up for four months while they replaced the roof. It was a long time, but it was not a bad experience for us, and we are very, very pleased with the outcome.”
External refurbishment
In addition, extensive repairs were carried out to the brickwork, gutters were replaced and new UPVC windows were fitted to stop water and cold air leaking through. Mr Murray said: “Prior to the double glazing being put in, when Arsenal scored a goal we would know because we could hear the crowd cheering. Now we have to follow the match another way because we can’t hear a thing.”
After roof replacement
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News for council tenants and leaseholders
Fire safety update
First Fire Risk Assessments available online In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, the council pledged to publish FRAs for all its social housing so that residents can access information easily. An FRA is a detailed examination of the communal areas of a building. It is intended to identify any potential fire hazards (such as accumulated rubbish), evaluate the fire safety measures already in place (such as fire doors) and to determine if additional controls are to be put in place to prevent, control and mitigate the effects of a potential fire.
Fire safety continues to be a priority for Islington Council and we are following advice from the London Fire Brigade and the government to keep our tenants and residents safe. Here is a reminder of how you can help: Keep communal areas, like landings, stairs, corridors and walkways clean and clear. Buggies, bicycles or any household goods are not allowed to be kept in communal areas. Please move your things quickly if you are asked to by the Area Housing Officer. Don’t store combustible things (i.e. anything that could burn) in store cupboards. Don’t fit metal security doors, they make it more difficult for the fire
brigade to get into your property if there is an emergency.
Keep rubbish/recycling chutes clear: Make sure your bag is small enough to go down the chute – carrier bag size is ideal. Do not leave any bags around the chutes, if they won’t fit take them down to the larger bins on the estate.
Don’t have barbecues: You cannot have barbecues on balconies or communal areas. Find more information about fire safety at www.islington.gov.uk/ firesafety
The first FRAs - for council buildings with 10 storeys or more are available to download from the website. FRAs for buildings of between 6 and 9 storeys will be published before the end of 2017. For more information or to download the FRA for your building, please visit www.islington.gov.uk/firesafety
Switch to a brighter future
Angelic Energy offers excellent Pay As You Go deals for low cost gas and electricity. Visit page 29 to find out how you can bring down you gas and electricity costs.
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IslingtonLife
Ambitious Academy
There’s plenty of Ambition on the Elthorne Estate When young entrepreneur Shawdon Smith returned home to the Elthorne Estate after university, he was concerned to see that few of the estate’s young people had positive role models amongst older residents. Determined to make a difference, he founded the Ambitious Academy, an innovative community based programme dedicated to helping the young people of Elthorne Estate develop and improve their lives. “I was from a single parent household. I didn’t have a father figure. My mum always used to say to me ‘I want you to do something that makes me hold my head up high and be proud of you as a person.’ That stuck in the back of my mind, no matter what I was doing I could always hear my mum saying that to me,” he said. With an aim to instil positive peer pressure, Shawdon and his team provide training, mentoring, day trips, guidance and support, to help the young people develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem. They believe that educating young people outside of the classroom and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone can be inspirational. Guest speakers from various backgrounds are invited to share their success stories and provide young peope with an opportunity to network with professionals.
Shawdon Smith
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Ambitious Academy
“The estate has been known for being very deprived, especially when I was growing up. Now is a time that we can really make a difference.” “My main focus is ensuring that all the young people have a goal, that we – the Ambitious team – know what they want to do in the future and can help them take the steps to get there,” he says. Having strong connections in the area Shawdon has been able to create more opportunities for Elthorne’s young people to participate in sports, social and development programmes.
It also led to the Academy finding a permanent home in St John’s Community Centre, where the team has been operating weekly IT homework clubs and advice sessions. Islington Council has helped Shawdon and his academy to develop. Housing Community and Development Manager Jacqueline Robinson explains: “Shawdon was first introduced to us through our partnership work with Arsenal in the Community. As a team we were struck by his enthusiasm and ambition, not only for himself but also for his community.
along who overwhelms you with his community spirit, it is a pleasure to support them to ensure that they are helped and encouraged to be successful and reach their goals,” says Jacqueline. Visit the www.ambitious-academy. com to find out more about what Ambitious Academy does and for volunteering and community partnership opportunities.
“We have a great wealth of young talent across our estates and when someone like Shawdon comes
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Local life
Your local library has more to offer than you might think! Did you know there are over 90,000 visits to Islington’s libraries every month? There’s a huge range of things you can do at your local library that you wouldn’t have thought possible; from play and learning for children to managing your health; from accessing Wi-Fi and games, to finding a job, a hobby or starting your own business.
Reading Last year over 13,000 babies and young children attended ‘baby bounce’ and under 5s sessions. These are great for discovering just how fun reading can be! They are also a brilliant way to develop your child’s reading before they go to school. Reading is one of the most positive things you can do in your spare time. It can improve your job prospects, as well as reducing stress and improving your health and wellbeing, helping with conditions like dementia and depression. With over 181,000 books available at our libraries there’s a lot to choose from. If you’re in one of Islington’s adventure playgrounds, leisure centres or youth hubs look out for ‘bookswap’ points where you can swap your books with others for free. You could also join a reading group or a creative writing workshop – pop in and ask today.
Learning Every library has a homework club where students develop the skills and confidence to get their homework done. At Islington’s two learning centres there are a range of courses on offer if you live in the borough and are aged 19+. You can improve your maths skills, study for a computer qualification, learn how to write the perfect CV or improve your English.
Digital Did you know Islington’s libraries have over 7,000 online newspapers? The online offer is extensive, offering free access to eBooks, eAudio, newspapers and magazine as well as encyclopaedias and dictionaries. Resources for the Life in the UK
citizenship test and how to set up a business are also available to access online. Libraries also run coding clubs for children aged 8-14, where they can learn about programming languages Scratch, Ruby, Python and Groovy. If you want to get online, there are 130 computers which are free to use, as well as Wi-Fi if you want to use your own device. One-to-one sessions for beginners and gadget drop-in and tablet taster sessions are also available. You can access the wealth of books and other resources through the online catalogue and reserve items with our free ‘click and collect’ service. Why not join your local library today and enjoy everything your local library service has to offer.
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Local life
Our blooming winners
Best Front Garden went to Michael Gorman
After all the digging, planting and pruning that’s taken place over the last six months, the winners of this year’s Islington In Bloom have been announced. In what has been a record year, with more entries than ever before, the competition was tight and the standard as high as ever. Caledonian Park Friends Garden was named Champion of Champions as well as winning Best Community Park. King Henry’s Walk Garden won the Pattenden Award, while Best Ward went to Highbury East. The competition’s most popular category, Best Front Garden, was awarded to Mark Gorman, and Best Street was taken by Crayford Street resident Dee Candlin. Best
King Henry’s Walk Garden wins the Pattenden Award
Community Garden was won by Freightliners City Farm and Best Blooming Pub or Business was The Shakespeare’s Head pub.
“It’s a pleasure to present the Islington In Bloom awards after all the hard work that’s gone into these gardens and green spaces.
The children’s poster competition was won by Daniella Del Valle Silva, a pupil at Highbury Quadrant Primary School.
Congratulations to everyone who entered and thank you for taking part and helping to make our borough a more beautiful place.”
The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Una O’Halloran, presented the awards at the Islington Assembley Hall.
For a full list of winners go to Islingtonlife.london/winners
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Local life
Bringing the Clock Tower back to life Work to restore the 19th century Clock Tower in Caledonian Park is underway. The project – funded with the support of the National Lottery and Islington Council – will mean that the Clock Tower will be open to the public regularly for the first time in its 200-year history. Guided tours are being held offering breath-taking views across London. Next to the Clock Tower will be a new centre, a public space with
facilities for the local community, including displays on local history and heritage, a café and accessible toilets. Construction is about to start and is due to finish next summer. The park will remain open to visitors during the building works.
Keep up to date
To keep up to date with the progress of the project visit islington.gov/ caledonianpark and to sign up to receive project newsletters or email greenspace@islington.gov.uk with ‘Clock Tower’ in the subject line.
Give your views on new leisure centre Finsbury Leisure Centre has been in need of a refurbishment for a couple of years and this has created a great opportunity to redevelop the site. The council is proposing to build a new civic centre on the current site, called the Finsbury Centre, which will feature a new leisure centre and outdoor football pitches, will host the City Road Medical Centre and Bunhill Energy Centre and will also include a new nursery and much needed council and private homes. Following initial consultations at the end of 2016 and in 2017, the
council now has new emerging designs that they’d like the local community to comment on. There will also be a statutory consultation in early 2018.
To find out more about the proposals, please visit www.thefinsburycentre. co.uk
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Local life
Archway is transforming Local residents came out to celebrate the completion of Archway’s new public space at the recent Archway Your Way extravaganza. The town centre was filled with music, arts and activities for all the family at the event on 16 September. The new public space was created with a £12.6 million investment to remove the gyratory and is now much more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. As yet the space doesn’t have a name, but Islington residents can help by voting for their favourite from a choice of four: Navigator Square; Orchid Square, Peoples Place and Tollhouse Square. You can vote online at Islingtonlife.london, or in person at the Town Hall. Archway’s transformation extends beyond the creation of the new square. Archway Park next to the
square has received a £500,000 makeover with new play equipment
and better landscaping to make it safer for children and young people.
Archway’s new public space needs a name! The choices are: Navigator Square Peoples Place Orchid Square Tollhouse Square Vote for your favorite at Islingtonlife.london
Every day in Islington is a creative day Islington is the creative capital of London – with an amazing heritage, world class activities and home to creative people of all ages. Every day in Islington is a creative day! Islington is bidding to be the 2019 London Borough of Culture and we want to support residents to lead cultural activities that make a difference to people’s lives. Taking part in creative activity can be a brilliant way to develop skills, bring communities together and even help earn a living. There are lots of amazing people in Islington who are already making a difference to their own lives - and others - creatively. We want to support ideas that make
Islington a place where everyone can develop their talents. If you have an idea of how you would like to use your creative talents to share your skills and make a difference to your community we would love to hear from you! We’re open minded about the types of activities we’ll support – it could be anything from making and creating, playing music, acting or cooking to writing, dancing or computer gaming. Or maybe you’d like to
organise a cultural event? We want to take this opportunity to support activity that unleashes Islington’s creative potential and makes the borough a fairer place to live in, work and grow up. You can find out more and how to submit an idea at www.islington.gov.uk/create
CREATE A DIFFERENCE
!
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Local life
New bike hangars
Islington’s new cycle route One of Islington’s busiest cycling routes, Quietway 2, which goes from Bloomsbury to Walthamstow, running through south of Angel between Goswell Road and St John Street into the West End, has now been completed and signposted. Five thousand cyclists pass through it every day and the improvements on the route should provide a safer journey for those on two wheels. The signage, traffic signals and road markings now direct cyclists along the road at intersections, such as Owen Street, making it safer for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Councillor Webbe visits one of the new on-street parking hangars
A pilot scheme offering secure on-street bicycle parking to residents has been such a success that the council is set to roll it out across the borough. Two bike hangars were installed in Crayford Road and Hanley Road and have proved so popular they now have waiting lists of more than 600 residents. The council has secured external funding for 18 more hangars, meaning a total of 120 bicycles can be kept secure and protected from the weather in lockable on-street units. This is in addition to more
than 600 spaces on public bike stands around the borough, and the numerous spaces and shelters on the borough’s council estates. The council is developing an online application and payment system for residents, whilst this is being done, residents can email publicrealm@ islington.gov.uk to register their interest.
The council continues to work with the Mayor of London on creating a new generation of cycle routes and has recently been granted funding to develop and design ‘Quietway 10’, a new cycle route from Farringdon to Palmers Green, aiming to be completed by 2019. There will be a full public consultation once plans are developed.
Cycling training Whether you’re new to cycling, or a commuter looking to increase your confidence and skills, there are free cycle skills session for you. Learn how to ride as a family, and get your bike checked for free at the monthly Dr Bike at the Town Hall. Visit https:// islington.coordinate.cloud/ to find out more and to book.
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Local life
What goes around comes around!
For more information about recycling go to: www.islington.gov.uk/recycling
In the wondrous world of recycling everyday items can be turned into lots of different things. Plastic bottles can be turned into football shirts, cans can be turned into bikes, you never know how your
recycling could be returned to you! During Recycling Week, the council visited lots of residents to encourage people to recycle more. For residents who didn’t recycle at all, they were reminded that it is compulsory in Islington and challenged them to recycle just one thing to get them going.
Recycling saves money as well as resources.
Did you know that if you have large items like a sofa or a fridge, you can book a bulky waste collection for a small charge at www.islington.gov. uk/bulkywaste
may be able to be reused through Bright Sparks, Islington’s reuse and repair shop.
If you’d like to test your recycling knowledge try the quiz on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/RecyclingIslington www.islington.gov.uk/recycling
Help keep Islington clean
If your items can be reused, please call 020 7527 2000 because they
You can also get rid of lots of different things to the Reuse and Recycling Centre www.islington. gov.uk/hrrc
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Health and wellbeing
Breathe easier A new stop smoking service offers tailored methods to help you quit
Breathe, a new stop smoking service, offers confidential advice to people who live, work or study in Islington. Breathe advisors know that different types of support work for different people and they can provide a range of tailored methods to help you quit. When you need support, contact
2 to 12 weeks your circulation improves. 3 to 9 months coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10 per cent.
local advisors via text, phone or email. For more intensive support, you can also have weekly sessions with your advisor in person.
5 years risks of heart attacks fall to about half compared with a person who is still smoking.
Visit the Breathe website for health advice and more information on support offered by the new service.
10 years risk of lung cancers fall to half of that of a smoker. Risk of a heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.
With the annual Stoptober campaign underway, it’s the perfect time to think about giving up the habit. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the health of your family.
Preparing Islington residents for winter
Find out more at breathestopsmoking.org, or to contact the service phone 0203 633 2609 (support helpline) or text QUIT to 66777
There are things you can do to keep your family well this winter. The flu jab is free if you’re aged 65 or over, or if you have a long-term health condition. If you have young children, grandchildren or are the main carer of an older or disabled person you may also be eligible. At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, you can also get help from your pharmacist before it gets more serious. Don’t put off getting the flu vaccination, if you’re eligible get it now. It’s free because you need it. Speak to your GP or pharmacist to book yours now.
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Health and wellbeing
Your mental health Learn New skills can give you a sense of achievement, and new confidence. Find out more about adult learning opportunities at adultlearning.islington.gov.uk
Give Why not do something nice for a friend, or a stranger? Find local volunteering opportunities at vai.org.uk
Did you take part in World Mental Health? Whether you did or didn’t, here are some steps you can take to improve your wellbeing.
Connect Sometimes when life is busy we can forget to connect with others. Talking to friends, family or neighbours can help. Or why not join a local group?
Be active Go for a walk, take the stairs or have a kick-about in the park; any exercise is good for your physical and mental health. Visit oneyouislington. org for local exercise programmes.
Take notice Take an interest in things going on around you and try to focus on the present. Why not take a walk in one of Islington’s parks, or stroll along the canal?
Health advice for Teenagers Levels of teenage pregnancy have fallen dramatically across Islington over the past 15 years. News of this success has spread and Islington’s public health team hosted a visit at Elizabeth Garrett
Anderson secondary school with the Ugandan Minister of Health, who wanted to learn about the borough’s approach. Alongside Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) in primary and
Everyone feels a bit anxious or low now and then, but sometimes it can affect your general wellbeing and everyday life. Mental health problems are common, but they’re also usually treatable. Talking can really help and there are services on your doorstep, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Talk to your GP or visit iCope’s (Camden and Islington NHS Psychological Therapies Service) mental health website at icope.nhs. uk, or call 020 3317 7252
secondary schools, Islington provides community-based sexual health advice, testing and contraception at the PULSE clinic on Holloway Road. Lift Youth Hub and City and Islington College have outreach clinics and the C-CARD scheme ensures condoms are widely available in youth settings.
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Funding people power The council wants to involve the whole community in reducing Islington’s energy consumption and carbon emissions, and to help make this happen it’s launched the Islington Community Energy Fund and the Energising Small Business fund. The Islington Community Energy Fund Open to community groups in the borough. The council is looking for innovative proposals to develop local community energy projects, such as solar panels on a community building, or helping people understand energy usage in a neighbourhood. If you’d like to find out more and apply for funding please visit www.islington. gov.uk/communityenergy
Energising Small Business
less than £10million. To see the full terms and conditions and to make an application for funding, visit http://www.islington.gov.uk/ energisingsmallbusiness. The funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reducing carbon emissions
This is a new energy efficiency grant scheme created for small businesses and organisations in Islington. Grants of up to £1,500 are being offered for works that will improve the energy efficiency of an organisation, such as heating or lighting upgrades, insulation or more energy-efficient equipment.
These schemes are helping Islington Council to reach its target to reduce the carbon emissions of the borough by 40 per cent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels. The latest government figures show it’s ahead of target, having reduced emissions by 31 per cent in the first 10 years.
Open to any business or organisation located in Islington with fewer than 50 staff and a turnover of
The council’s work to help residents reduce emissions through the boiler replacement scheme, installing insulation and offering
free energy saving advice, as well as building the Bunhill Heat and Power network, have contributed to a 31 per cent reduction in domestic emissions.
When population growth is taken into account – Islington’s population rose by over 44,000 between 2005 and 2015 – per capita emissions have dropped by 44 per cent since 2005.
The council has also supported businesses and other organisations to reduce their energy consumption through ISEP (Islington Sustainable Energy Partnership) and schemes like Green Light North London and the Archway Low Carbon Zone, and the overall reduction in emissions in the commercial and industrial sector is 34 per cent.
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Switching to a brighter future
Angelic Energy, launched this week, to bring low cost gas and electricity to Londoners. Owned by Islington Council, Angelic Energy is not-for-profit and has pricing and terms that are easy to understand, with no jargon or hidden charges. Angelic Energy has been launched because the council wants to help residents cope with the rising cost of living and knows what a struggle it can be to pay energy bills.
Angelic Energy will help residents get a fairer deal by offering them an alternative to the big energy providers. It doesn’t pay dividends to shareholders or bonuses to directors, it’s just interested in getting the best deals for its customers! If you think this is an offer that you’d like to switch to please visit
www.angelicenergy.co.uk and find out more. They make switching as easy as possible and will walk you through the process.
Switching is easy! Get a quote today! www.angelicenergy.co.uk 0800 169 0220
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Islington People’s Plaque
Honouring Islington’s famous stage Finsbury Park Empire, St Thomas’s Road prior to opening in 1910. Islington Local History Centre
The 2000-seat theatre opened in 1910 and played host to many stage and screen ‘greats’ including Marie Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy, Max Miller and Tony Hancock. It was designed by celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham for Moss Empires Ltd at a cost of £45,000, but was demolished in
The Empire was one of three winners of the 2016 Islington People’s Plaque’s awards, voted for by local residents. Its plaque was unveiled on October 10 and is located on the front of the block in St Thomas’s Road. The theatre is also known for featuring many firsts: like Britain’s first all-women’s variety show in 1914, with Marie Lloyd topping the bill; the first public performance of the magic trick ‘sawing a person in half’ which was performed by British magician P.T. Selbit in January 1921; and the UK’s first all-American
variety show in which singer Sophie Tucker made her UK debut in 1922.
L
1965 and Vaudeville Court, a council block of flats, was built in its place.
orough of Isli nB ng o d to n o
Finsbury Park Empire Theatre
n
Finsbury Park Empire – which was once one of London’s most famous music halls and variety theatre’s has just received its Islington People’s Plaque.
1910-1960 The Finsbury Park Empire theatre was home to music hall and variety entertainment. It was designed by celebrated theatre architect Frank Matcham for Moss Empires Ltd. The 2000-seat theatre opened in 1910 and played host to many stage and screen ‘greats’ including Marie Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy, Max Miller and Tony Hancock. The Empire was demolished in 1965 and Vaudeville Court erected in its place.
Isl ue ing laq ton P eople’s P
Find out more about Islington’s Heritage and People’s Plaques at islingtonlife.london/discoverislington/plaques/
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What’s On
Me & My Bee
All-Star Cast An evening of special guest talks celebrating black excellence in education, music, fashion, business and sport. The 2-hour event takes place in the University’s Henry Thomas Room, TG 30, Holloway N7 8DB. London Metropolitan University has a host of events in celebration of Black History Month, visit the things to do section on the IslingtonLife website. www.islingtonlife.london
Spooky Smithfield Celebrate Halloween on this guided walk and learn about the ghosts, body snatchers and slaughter on streets and alleys of Smithfield on Tuesday 31 October, at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £10. Book at eventbrite.co.uk Theatre company ThisEgg invite you to see their new comedy show taking place this half term at the Pleasance Theatre. Showing from Tuesday 24 October Saturday 28 October, Me & My Bee
will be raising awareness about the role bees play in the world. All ages welcome. Tickets and more information can be found out www.pleasance.co.uk
New Unity’s Day of Fun A day of arts and crafts, food stalls and live music. New Unity is a nonreligious church in Islington. They’re holding a day of fun activities for the local community, to celebrate shared
values of friendship and equality. Saturday 18 November 2017, 2-9pm. There’s no entry fee and all ages are welcome! www.new-unity.org/unity350
A Festival of Sex, Love and Death Celebrating the powerful forces that make us human, this 10-day multi-arts event at Islington’s Pleasance Theatre from 26 October to 4 November showcases opera, dance, new writing, cabaret and physical theatre. Find out more at www.pleasance.co.uk
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What’s On
Coming up at Islington Assembly Hall… FG London Jazz Festival presents: Miles Mosley Upright bassist, composer and producer and founding member of the West Coast Get Down collective, Miles Mosley has been called the ‘Jimi Hendrix of the upright bass’ by the LA Times, and was recently named one of Vanity Fair’s Rising Stars. When: 12 November 2017 Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet HSDY is back! 70s & 80s soul, funk and disco – for people who remember the tunes first time round and still want to party and everyone
else who loves a good boogie. Hit the dance floor with vinyl DJs, dance line-ups, best outfit comp and free retro sweets and ice pops. When: 2 December 2017 James Holden and the Animal Spirits Be transported to a magical world of instinct and intuition with this bold new set of synth-led folktrance standards, brought to you by electronics guru James Holden and his newly-expanded band of fellow travellers. When: 6 December 2017
James Holden
Check out the full Assembly Hall line up at www.islingtonassembly hall.com and keep up-to-date on Twitter @Islington_AH
At the heart of the for Community focussed Community focussed for community for over 150 years more than 150 more thanprovides 150 years years The Islington Gazette readers with the latest sports and entertainment Visitin usnews, at: www.islingtongazette.co.uk Visit us at: www.islingtongazette.co.uk www.islingtongazette.co.uk
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With you every step of the way
Pregnant or have a child under five? We offer a great range of activities and support for children and families, in friendly, safe and welcoming venues, including children’s centres, across Islington. www.islington.gov.uk/ brightstart
Working in partnership
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Arsenal in the Community
Arsenal and Centrepoint join forces to launch new football programme Centrepoint. The programme – which is the latest project in a long running relationship between Arsenal and Centrepoint - will use the Arsenal name to engage young people living in temporary accommodation, offering them emotional support and access to employment pathways.
Arsenal midfield duo Francis Coquelin and Ainsley MaitlandNiles recently visited the Gunners’
community ‘Hub’ to celelbrate the launch of a new football programme with youth homeless charity
Arsenal stars make music at the Arsenal Hub Pie – who give local youngsters with learning disabilities the chance to get involved with music, with the help of The Arsenal Foundation.
Jack Wilshere, Calum Chambers and Mohamed Elneny attended a special music workshop with charity Funky
Speaking at the event, Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere said: “It was amazing to see how music can make such a difference to these young people. We got involved and had fun, but it was brilliant to see how the kids interacted so well.”
Arsenal raised £500,000 to build a state-of-the-art health and wellbeing centre for homeless young people in London, following a charity partnership in 2010/11.
The Arsenal Foundation supports cycling charity The Arsenal Foundation has renewed its support for Islington based cycling charity Pedal Power. The new grant will fund cycling sessions on the podium area around Emirates Stadium for another year. Pedal Power offers free adapted sessions for people with learning and physical disabilities.
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Arsenal in the Community
Per Mertesacker drops
Things to do:
in on mental health
socials
sessions and
programme Walking Football At The Arsenal Hub Arsenal in the Community is running a Walking Football programme at the Arsenal Hub on Benwell Road. Sessions are held every Sunday morning between 9.45-11.00am. To find out more about the free football sessions and book a place, email afccommunitybookings @arsenal.co.uk
Per Mertesacker has paid a visit to Arsenal in the Community’s mental health football programme near Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal captain, who worked in a mental health hospital as a young man, was there to show his support for a scheme which offers individuals tackling mental health issues with a safe and supportive place to come and play football.
Home fixtures Visit Arsenal.com/fixtures for the latest information on Arsenal home matches.
Saturday Socials Arsenal in the Community host Saturday Socials at Emirates Stadium for senior citizens from in and around Islington. For details email ssingh@arsenal.co.uk
islingtonlife.london
Apply now for Islington secondary schools if your child was born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007 Everything you want from a school, right on your doorstep: inspiring teaching excellent facilities
strong results great opportunities
Apply by 31 October 2017 for the best chance of a place at your preferred school. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/admissions
www.islington.gov.uk/admissions