Islington Life autumn 2021

Your local magazine from Islington Council • Autumn 2021

Islington together for a greener future Seven-page greener future special inside

Help with jobs, training, mentoring and more

Celebrating Black History Month

IslingtonLife

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Contents

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Welcome A message from the Leader of the Council

Community safety Islington: a Borough of Sanctuary.

Jane from Uganda tells her story

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News Market Trader of the Year returns and creating safer, greener streets

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Jobs and money A new affordable workspace marks a more sustainable future for fashion

Islington together Recycling champion Chris Radway shares his top tips

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Decent homes Building a greener future with eco council homes

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Health Getting active outdoors and looking after your mental wellbeing

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Children and young people School Streets, exam success and secondary school application help

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Local life Celebrating Black History Month and Windrush nurses

Highlights 06

A brighter, greener future We meet two Kickstarters who’ve found their way into green work

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Islington together for a greener future Our seven-page climate change special

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Growing places Islington Life pays a visit to two community green spaces

Autumn 2021

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Welcome

Welcome to the autumn issue of Islington Life – a special edition jampacked with information on how we can build a greener future together.

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz Leader of the Council View this and previous issues online at issuu.com/islingtonlifemag Be the first to hear about the latest news.

Visit islingtonlife.london Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonLife and @IslingtonBC for council news You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. Search for IslingtonLife Got feedback or want to advertise?

Email Islingtonlife@islington.gov.uk

Other formats Want IslingtonLife in large print, audiotape or another format? Please call 020 7527 8473 Recycle me!

Please recycle this magazine once you’ve finished with it.

Over the past few months, more than ever before, we have seen the very real impact of the climate emergency. We’ve seen forest fires in Greece and alarmingly high temperatures in North America. But we’ve also seen the impact right here in Islington, with unpredictable and ever-changing weather throughout the summer, and many of our friends and neighbours badly affected by flooding due to heavy rainfall in London in the middle of July.

We all need to work together to make sure we create a better future for our children and grandchildren, and this edition of your magazine is dedicated to showing you how you can help, what we are doing to achieve it and how we can all benefit from a greener Islington. As well as the seven-page special feature starting on page 9, look out for the green leaf symbol (like this one, left) on other pages for even more articles about living for a greener future.

Making Islington greener is about making our borough a more equal place for all. It means supporting local people into decent jobs and training opportunities, so in turn they can build and strengthen more sustainable local businesses.

You can read more about this on pages 6 and 7. It also means creating better services to make it

easier for you and your neighbours to recycle, as well as to enable us to turn food waste into cheaper, cleaner energy for local people. And it means planting more trees, making our parks and streets cleaner and greener and improving air quality, making our borough a healthier place to live.

You can read more about that on page 13.

We can all do our bit. Our young people have the most to benefit from a cleaner, greener borough and the council’s ambitious School Streets scheme has delivered a much healthier school gate to schools across Islington. You can see more on page 21 about how we are helping local people walk or cycle more, including during the school run, providing a cheaper, healthier form of transport. And we are taking the lead and cutting our own emissions – details about how we are electrifying the council fleet, including being the first in London to use electric refuse collection vehicles, is on page 11.

Islington Council is determined to create a greener future for our borough. But we can’t do it alone.

So, get involved, tell us what you think and join us from 18 to 29 October for our festival, Islington Together: let’s talk about a greener future – to create a greener Islington, together.

To receive news and updates directly to your inbox visit islington.gov.uk/stayupdated

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News

Islington Market Trader of the Year Award returns for 2021 Voting is easy: Scan the QR code, or email the team at lovemarkets@ islington.gov.uk with the following information: • Name of trader • Market they trade at • Your name, email and/or phone number • Why you think they deserve to win

David Jackson, winner of the 2019 Market Trader of the Year Award

Shopping at markets is a great way to support local businesses, reduce food waste by buying the exact quantity you need and reduce plastic packaging. That's why we're celebrating the best of Islington’s market traders. You can nominate your favourite licensed trader from

across the borough’s markets for two categories: food and non-food stalls.

Winners will receive £200 off their stall rent. If you nominate the winner, you too will be entered into a prize draw, for the chance to win £50 to spend at the stall of your choice.

Help map Islington’s LGBTQ+ history

Earlier this year, Islington’s Pride launched a LGBTQ+ heritage trail, containing more than 150 points of information, images and oral history. There are also 50 scannable physical plaques along the route which honour people both living and dead, marking places we know today and some we only remember, as well as many organisations that have called

Islington their home. Keep an eye out for pink rectangles (pictured left).

Now’s also the time to contribute your knowledge of local LGBTQ+ history. Head over to islingtonspride.com to find out more – and if you know of other people or places deserving of inclusion in the trail, Islington’s Heritage Team would be happy to hear from you. Email local.history@ islington.gov.uk

Alternatively, voting postcards will be available at each market, which you can use to send in your vote.

Winners will be announced at the Christmas Lights ceremony in November.

Visit islington.gov.uk/mtoty2021 for more details, including competition rules.

Tackling violent crime, together The council is drafting a strategy to tackle violent crime in the borough.

Islington Together: let’s talk about a safer future, which began on 27 September, is an opportunity to give feedback on the strategy, so that it reflects your views, knowledge and experiences.

Head to islington.gov.uk/ violencereduction to find out more, including attending the public event at the Islington Assembly Hall.

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News

Let’s play

Afghan refugees: how you can help Islington has a long and proud history of offering sanctuary to those in need. The council has pledged to work alongside the government to ensure vulnerable people displaced by conflict are protected, and will support up to 15 Afghan households by the end of 2021.

Many of you will be concerned about the situation and might be thinking of how you can help with the effort to support refugees, including those arriving from Afghanistan.

Many children have spent more time indoors during Covid-19 and had less opportunity to play outdoors with others. Now restrictions have been lifted, it’s time for children to get outside and get active, safely.

Under the Play Streets scheme, Islington Council can support you to block off your street to traffic (except for residents) for up to three hours a week, during daylight hours. There is no charge and the council will provide signs and equipment.

Play Streets give children the freedom to have fun and play safely on their doorstep. By removing the danger of traffic, it not only reduces air pollution and enables children to play outside, but adults can also get to know one another in a safe space.

Applications are now open! Anyone living in Islington can apply. Visit islington.gov.uk/roads/play-street to find out more and make your street a Play Street.

If you can offer accommodation, host a family in your home, make a donation to a charity or are able to volunteer for an organisation supporting refugees in London, it would be very welcome. More foster carers are also needed. For more information on how to help, see islington.gov.uk/refugeehelp Residents are already working hard to make Islington a place of safety for refugees and migrants, and Islington Council has signed up to become a recognised ‘Borough of Sanctuary’.

You can read more about this on p8.

New bins make recycling more accessible

Islington Council is testing 12 new recycling bins across the borough, which aim to make recycling easier for everyone.

The bins have a lower opening at the front, which rubbish can be posted through. This allows people in wheelchairs to reach the opening and helps people who may have struggled to lift the lid of recycling bins. The new bins are for paper, cardboard, cans and bottles.

Islington is the first London council to trial these new recycling bins. They were

created following feedback from older and disabled people, which showed that some felt they couldn’t recycle as they weren’t able to access the bins. Making day-to-day life accessible helps to make Islington a more equal borough.

The council will be asking people for feedback on the bins to help decide if they should be rolled out to all estates.

Visit islington.gov.uk/mixedrecycling to find out more about what can and cannot be recycled.

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Jobs and money

A brighter, greener future

Islington Council is helping young people find their way into work, via the Kickstart scheme.

Thanks to the programme, Mohamedamin Jimale and Agnel Agbo are now working within the net zero carbon team.

They tell their stories of success

Mohamedamin I studied at City and Islington College for two years and after that, I wanted to

Looking to learn a new skill?

get into work and start building up my experience. When I left college, I was on Universal Credit and looking for work. My support worker told me about the Kickstart scheme.

I have always wanted to work for the council, so when I heard about the opportunity I was really excited.

My title is now workstream analyst, working in comms and engagement.

My job is to engage with residents and help them to improve their carbon footprint.

I’ve lived in Islington my entire life and the best thing about it is knowing I’m giving back to my community. Every day, I believe I am making a difference.

Agnel I’m a programme support assistant, helping to keep track of all the commitments Islington has made around net zero carbon. I’m also working with other boroughs on what we can do as a collective.

This role stuck out to me because I studied politics and the environment, so it’s been really interesting to see how it works at a micro level. The best part about the scheme is the level of trust I’ve been given. My manager Timi has been great and really pushed my growth as an individual.

Enrol now for our FREE courses!

Whether you need new skills to get back to work, want to brush up on your basic skills or need help to find a job, Adult Community Learning have courses ready and waiting to help you.

For information on courses, visit adultlearning.islington.gov.uk or call, text or WhatsApp 07734 777 466

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Jobs and money

Sewing group tackles fashion waste in new affordable workspace in the garment-making industry, the women will upcycle unwanted, surplus and damaged clothing, curtains and bedding to create new clothes, cushions and bags for sale, keeping textiles out of landfill.

Jannaty will also make 2,000 reusable canvas shopping bags for Islington’s food banks, cutting down on plastic waste.

In a brand-new and unique affordable workspace, a community sewing group is reusing and upcycling unwanted clothes – a sign of a more sustainable future for the fashion industry As part of its work to invest in local jobs and businesses, Islington Council has converted unused garage space on the Andover Estate, Finsbury Park, into the FC Designer

Workspace, giving local people with an interest in fashion a chance to develop their skills, build their own businesses and learn from established designers.

One designer-maker, Majida Sayam, pictured, runs the Jannaty sewing group, which will train 10 local women to use the factorygrade sewing and garment-making machines there.

As well as learning valuable skills that will open up job opportunities

Majida said: “This space is a dream for me, and the machines are everything we need. Re-using textiles saves money, is good for the environment and stops thousands of plastic bags from being bought.”

The new FC Designer Workspace, which has been set up in partnership with the Mayor of London and Fashion-Enter, offers workshop, exhibition and training space for local designers, an in-house photography studio, as well as mentoring and masterclasses from industry experts.

To learn more about the support and opportunities available, visit fcdesignerworkspace.co.uk

Donate your laptop to make a difference Whether for work, school, or online shopping, the pandemic has made it important to have a computer and access to the internet.

Islington Council is working with Mer-IT, a company tackling digital inequality, to refurbish donated laptops and distribute them where they are needed.

Mer-IT recently refurbished 20 laptops donated by facilities management company VINCI Facilities and redistributed them to local families. “It’s hard enough to juggle everything without being on a low income,” says Josephine O’Connor from VINCI Facilities.

“These gifts make life chances greater for these families.”

All donated equipment is professionally wiped of data. Reusing unwanted laptops is a great way to create a circular economy, minimising the waste that goes to landfill – all while supporting local residents in need.

Find out more at mer-it.org

islingtonlife.london

IslingtonLife

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Community safety

Islington: A Borough of Sanctuary

Islington is committed to becoming a recognised Borough of Sanctuary – a place that’s supportive and welcoming to all. Already it is home to people of many different backgrounds, some of whom have taken difficult journeys to get here – people like Jane, who escaped a violent past to build a life in Islington. She tells her story

I grew up in Kampala, Uganda.

When I was 13 years old, my lovely father was kidnapped and later shot dead. It was heartbreaking, a very disturbing experience at that young age. When I was still grieving, almost three years later, my mother sadly passed away. She was stabbed on her way home from a local market.

After that, life became very hard.

Even getting the basic support was almost impossible. I suffered from depression and stress for quite a

Making Islington safer for everyone

long time. In my city, there was a big organisation called Christian Get Together. I told them my problems and I asked them to allow me to work there as a volunteer. I stayed there for nearly two years.

Through that organisation, I managed to travel to the UK and to where I am now.

The first few months here were difficult. It was a new country and new people. The weather was different and the food was different from the type I was used to. In Uganda, most schools teach in English, but when I was still new in this country I had an inability to understand some of the English words and the accents put me off.

But I was keen to learn and improve my communications skills and make friends.

Though I wasn’t entitled to any financial help from the government in the beginning, I was able to get free English classes from the local charities. Then, later, I progressed

If you live, work, study or socialise in Islington, you are invited to share your thoughts on safety. Every home in the borough has been sent a leaflet containing a map of their local area. You can provide feedback about places that need work to make them safer by marking them on the map and returning the leaflet in the freepost envelope – or filling in the survey online. The council and its partners will use the feedback to identify locations of concern so that measures can be taken to

to the local college and was able to gain a Level 2 certificate. Not only that, but my accent has improved greatly. Now I can talk to people in confidence, and I have developed very good relationships.

My advice to people in the same situation as me is, please stay focused and positive. Life might be hard at the beginning but if you think positive everything will be alright.

Second, most charities in the UK are there for people like me and you.

Please go to them, they are always ready to help. Finally, be humble, kind and appreciative.

I have no regrets coming and living in this wonderful nation. Everything was not OK in the beginning, but now I live in joy.

Want to learn more about the experience of those seeking sanctuary? Visit islington.gov. uk/boroughofsanctuary to hear stories from Syrian refugees resettled in Islington. improve safety. Go to islington. gov.uk/saferspaces to take part in the consultation and for more information on the Safer Spaces project.

You can also do your bit to create a safer Islington by using one of the eight knife bins located around the borough into which you, or a family member or friend, can safely and anonymously dispose of weapons.

Visit islington.gov.uk/knifebins to find out more.

Let’s talk about

a greener future Islington Together

Islington together for a greener future Welcome to a seven-page special about how we can all do our bit, working together to tackle the climate emergency and make Islington cleaner, greener and more equal.

Climate change is affecting all our lives and the places we live, right now.

Human activity is responsible for the majority of carbon emissions – the main cause of climate change – so we owe it to each other and future generations to put things right.

This October, as the world focuses its attention on the COP26 global climate change conference, the whole of Islington will be sharing ideas and injecting momentum into tackling the climate emergency in a two-week festival – Islington Together: Let’s Talk About A Greener Future. See page 14 for more.

The council’s target – to make a meaningful, measurable difference by 2030 – is ambitious, inspiring, and can only be achieved if everyone plays their part. The good news is that even the smallest changes to your lifestyle can make a big difference. Find out how on the following pages, and look out for the green leaf icons scattered through the magazine for more. islingtonlife.london

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a greener future Islington Together

Getting around on foot Choosing to take more journeys on foot is one of many ways to help reduce emissions and improve air quality. Islington is blessed with some of London’s most beautiful streets. But do you know the safest, most attractive and enjoyable routes round the borough? A new walking map, North East London Footways, created with the help of residents and walking leaders, provides the answers. Covering the whole of Islington and Hackney, it links key destinations with the most interesting, quiet, picturesque streets.

Head to footways.london to find out more.

Going green with cleaner energy Thinking about switching to a cleaner energy provider? The Big Clean Switch website can help you find a fully green energy deal – meaning you’ll only be using energy from renewable sources, cutting down significantly on your carbon footprint.

The site compares deals from different providers, helping you to find the best, lowcost option. Visit bigcleanswitch.org to make the switch.

Switching to electric For those who need to use a motor vehicle, electric vehicles provide a more environmentally-friendly way to travel around. To help you make the shift, 279 on-street charging points have been installed across the borough. There are also plenty of other charging points in off-street locations, like supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels and office buildings.

To find a charging point near you, visit zap-map.com/ live and search ‘Islington’.

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a greener future Islington Together

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

Electrifying the council fleet The first fully electric cage tippers have been introduced to the borough. The seven-and-a-half-tonne vehicles produce no exhaust emissions, saving 2,300 litres of diesel per year. This prevents eight tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere.

In addition to the eCollect electric refuse collection trucks – London’s first – the cage tippers form part of the council’s work to electrify its waste and recycling fleet, one of many steps towards achieving a greener borough.

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

BUNHILL 2 ENERGY CENTRE

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

BUNHILL 2 ENERGY CENTRE

BUNHILL 2 ENERGY CENTRE

Capturing and using waste heat The Bunhill Heat and Power Network uses heat from a disused Underground station to provide lower-cost, greener heating and hot water to more than 1,000 homes, a school and two leisure centres in Islington.

The system recycles waste heat that was previously being lost, while helping to address fuel poverty by reducing energy bills for local people. The network is a blueprint for future neighbourhood heating schemes, in London and around the world.

GreenSCIES is another pioneering project in Islington, recycling heat by moving it from places where it isn’t needed to buildings where it is needed, using underground heat pumps. This eliminates the carbon emissions generated in producing ‘new’ heat for the buildings. It also lowers energy bills and reduces air pollution. islingtonlife.london

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a greener future

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

Islington Together

Green updates to homes Make your home more environmentally friendly by replacing heating and hot water systems with low carbon alternatives. Solar panels are a good example of this: the efficiency of the panels is increasing and the cost is decreasing, and there are now batteries to store unused energy that allow you to use it when you need it.

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

BUNHILL 2 ENERGY CENTRE Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

Trialling cargo bikes for businesses Manage a business in Islington and want to reduce your carbon emissions? Islington Council is offering local businesses a free one-month cargo bike trial. The bikes can be used for eco-friendly deliveries, helping to make our borough cleaner and greener.

BUNHILL 2 ENERGY CENTRE

If you are interested in taking part in the trial, email info@peddlemywheels.com or head to peddlemywheels.com for more information.

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

Together we can make Islington net zero carbon by 2030

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a greener future Islington Together

Dr Bike Dr Bike is a great health check service for your bicycle, ensuring it is safe to ride. The public pop-up events are free and there is no need to book.

Friendly, trained mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more – and any minor adjustments needed will be done on the spot. Advice will also be given on any bigger problems requiring the services of a bike repair shop.

Greening the borough Green spaces are not only good for our mental and physical health, but trees can absorb pollution, making the air cleaner.

Islington Council has committed to increasing the amount of greenery in the borough from 25 to 30 percent by 2050.

Get involved and do your bit to help by volunteering at parks across Islington. You can help with pruning, weeding and even building bug hotels. Go to islington.gov. uk/sports-parks-and-trees to find out more about the opportunities available.

Dr Bike sessions take place all over the borough, and are part of the council’s range of cycling courses. For full details of cycling courses and the next Dr Bike sessions, visit islington.coordinate.cloud/courses and for general cycling information see islington.gov.uk/ roads/cycling

If you have your own outside space, you can do your bit by filling it with a variety of plants, including native species, to attract a wide range of wildlife.

Reusing and recycling Recycling your old clothes or buying from local charity shops is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.

It’s now even easier to recycle your clothes and shoes, through one of Islington’s 36 new textile recycling banks, provided by the council in partnership with charity Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development (TRAID). TRAID sells high quality donations in its charity shops.

Can’t make it to the recycling bank? TRAID offers a free collection service. Book an appointment by visiting their website traid.org.uk and filling out the online form.

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a greener future Islington Together

All together now Chris’ top tips: Take your own bags with you when you go shopping, rather than buying plastic carrier bags each time Use refillable containers where possible: look out for shops that sell products via refill stations, or sign up for things like milk deliveries which deliver milk and juice in glass bottles and collect the empties Check the label: look out for the green recycling symbol for materials that can easily be recycled and choose products in packaging made with recycled materials

Local recycling champion Chris Radway shares his tips on how we can all do our bit to make Islington cleaner and greener Everyone can do something to help reduce their carbon footprint and live greener – including recycling more.

The council has recruited 70 residents as ‘recycling champions’ to help spread the word.

This means reducing the amount of waste produced in the first place, including packaging and food; reusing or refilling packaging as often as possible; and recyling what we can't reuse or refill.

One such recycling champion is Chris Radway. “There’s a lot we as residents can do,” he says. “Minimising waste and recycling can contribute hugely.”

His advice is to remember the three ‘Rs’ of waste: reduce, reuse, recycle – “in that order”.

“We’re not recycling nearly enough – everybody needs to do what they can to reduce the amount that’s put in the residual waste bin,” he continues.

“Sometimes a little thought is needed, but it's very satisfying knowing you’re doing your bit.”

‘Soft plastics’ such as bread bags can now be recycled at many supermarkets.

Next time you shop just ask where the soft plastics recycling point is Buy food produced in Britain where you can, to cut down on food miles – that is, the amount of fuel used to get it from grower or producer to shop Use and eat produce in the order you bought it Try to be exact when it comes to cooking quantities. Eat leftovers the next day or freeze them

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a greener future Islington Together

Islington Together: Let’s Talk About a Greener Future 18-29 October 2021

Are you ready to fight the climate emergency? This October, get involved in Islington Together: Let’s Talk About a Greener Future, an exciting programme of events and activities designed to help us all do our bit.

Whether you’re an absolute beginner when it comes to the environment or you count yourself as an eco-warrior, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this two-week festival.

A wide range of events will be taking place, including workshops on how you can better recycle your household waste and install

solar panels, as well as guidance sessions on travelling to work more sustainably, to name but a few.

Islington Council’s climate festival is just the first major step in a longterm plan aimed at taking action on climate change to the next level, moving the borough towards net zero carbon by 2030 and securing a greener and healthier future for all.

This is no small challenge. The council can directly influence just nine percent of carbon emissions in the borough; everyone must work together to tackle the remaining 91 percent. In doing so, we will

contribute to the national and global response to the climate change emergency that will be discussed at COP26, a major United Nations Conference, in Glasgow this November.

This festival aims to provide a wealth of advice to inform and inspire you. If you want to know more about switching to an eco-friendly energy tariff, reducing food waste or even making greener financial investments, join us 18-29 October.

We hope to see you there. Find out more at islingtonlife.london/thingsto-do/togethergreener/

Islington tops Healthy Streets Scorecard rankings

Islington’s streets were recently recognised with a top ranking from a coalition of transport and environment campaigners. Healthy

Streets Scorecard found Islington to be the best performing borough for healthy streets action in London.

within these neighbourhoods in their first six months, creating more pleasant streets.

Since July 2020, seven peoplefriendly streets neighbourhood trials have been introduced across the borough to reduce traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle, cross roads, and use buggies and wheelchairs.

Feedback from local people, who know their streets better than anyone, is at the heart of the programme. Public consultations are being launched in each of the seven neighbourhoods, to help decide if they should remain permanently.

Reports from four of the schemes – St Peter’s, Canonbury East, Clerkenwell Green and Amwell – reveal how they have led to a reduction in traffic

Visit islington.gov.uk/ peoplefriendlystreets for more information. islingtonlife.london

IslingtonLife

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Decent homes

Growing places

Islington Life pays a visit to two of Islington’s growing spaces – a garden in Highbury Quadrant estate and a plant nursery in Tuffnell Park – to find out how these patches of green are benefitting their local communities Every Saturday morning, you’ll find a group of residents planting, weeding and harvesting in their communal garden, hidden behind Highbury Quadrant estate (pictured above). Just two years ago, this oasis was unloved, filled with overgrown brambles. Franie Smith from Octopus – a community group that runs growing programmes across Islington in partnership with the council – has helped residents transform the space thanks to a grant from the Mayor of London's Greener City Fund. The group has had to overcome many unexpected obstacles thrown up by Covid-19 but now, the first harvest is ready to pick.

Local residents Sandra and Anthony Ayers have recently joined the gardening group and are pleased to see the area being used as something the community can get involved in.

Costas Kontos and Hyun Jeong Kim, meanwhile, attend the group with their two daughters. They like the community feel and the opportunity

to meet neighbours. “The space has been turned into something great, for everyone to enjoy,” smiles Costas.

The family take home some of the vegetables grown on the garden – a perk of being a volunteer. Everything grown is shared.

A recycling and composting area is currently being constructed using pallets and donated wood. The soil here is poor quality, so the compost and mulch will help the plants and trees thrive. A loquat tree and bird cherry trees were already here,

and the group has now planted a community orchard with apple, pear, plum, apricot and elderberry trees.

These help to attract more wildlife to the area, providing food and shelter for native insects and birds.

Over at Tufnell Park (pictured below) off Holloway Road, the community nursery has been growing plants for gardens across the borough, including Highbury Quadrant.

Caroline Humphries, plant cultivator at Octopus, runs the nursery and learning hub. Her job is to coordinate growing and distribution of plants around the borough, as well as run workshops. Young people from Beacon High School's special educational needs department, the Wing, have been learning from Caroline and have taken plants from the nursery back to their school garden. The students even sold some of them at their end of term fair, to raise money for the school.

Despite a difficult year, the garden and nursery have brought communities together to grow, eat and celebrate food –

and these are just two examples of projects Islington residents can get involved in.

Visit octopuscommunities.org.uk to find out more and try your hand at growing.

Summer 2021

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Decent homes

Building a greener future

How Islington’s new council homes are raising the bar when it comes to being sustainable Islington Council is committed to tackling the climate emergency.

This includes building new energyefficient homes, to benefit residents now and in the future.

From design through to fit-out, each aspect of building a new home is carefully considered so that it is as environmentally-friendly as possible.

Changes such as installing efficient heating and hot water systems and incorporating renewable energy aren’t just good for the environment, they also help residents reduce energy bills and make their homes more comfortable.

The development recently completed at the King Square estate in the south of the borough is an example of how the council is building much needed new homes, while considering the environment.

The area was previously dominated by car parking and is located in an area with poor air quality. New residents will not receive parking permits, except in exceptional cases such as Blue Badge holders, but can still travel easily thanks to excellent public transport links. In addition, more than 200 cycle parking spaces have been installed to encourage residents to use bikes, which are a more environmentally-friendly mode of transport.

The new homes have green roofs – that is, they are covered with plants

and vegetation, helping to reduce air pollution among other benefits – and solar panels. They have been designed to a very high energy efficiency standard, including improved home insulation.

This means they need less heating and cooling than traditional homes to maintain a comfortable temperature, which is increasingly important as our summers get hotter.

Heating and hot water for the estate are generated by Bunhill, which is the first scheme in the world to take waste heat from an Underground train network and use it to provide lower cost, greener heat to homes – better for the environment and better for residents.

To find out more, visit: Islington.gov. uk/housing islingtonlife.london

IslingtonLife

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Health

Covid-19 vaccines:

protection from this virus. Covid is here to stay, unfortunately, so we’ve got to protect ourselves.”

you still have a shot!

The process is easy, explains public health consultant Miriam Bullock.

“You don’t have to wait for a text or letter, have an NHS number or be registered with a GP to make an appointment, and 80 percent of people aged 16 and over in the UK have now been vaccinated.

If you haven’t managed to get your first or second jab just yet, if you’re eligible for the booster, or if you have children now eligible for the vaccine, there’s lots of choice and advice in Islington The vaccine reduces the risk of getting seriously ill or dying from Covid, helping us to return to normal life and all of the things that we enjoy.

Ryan Walker had his first Covid-19 ct1_Islington ad 05/09/2018 13:02 Page 1 vaccination at a #GunnerGetJabbed event at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.

oject1_Islington ad 05/09/2018 13:02 Page 1

“The whole process was very quick, with a lot of information provided throughout,” he says. “I didn’t notice any obvious side effects afterwards.”

Having had Covid already, the illness left Ryan “feeling terrible for a few days, and I still suffer from long Covid.” He adds: “I want maximum

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“There are plenty of places in Islington to get your jab and you can make an appointment or just drop in. The vaccination staff are always happy to talk it through with you and to answer any questions you might have.”

Find a walk-in clinic near you at islington.gov.uk/ covid-vaccinations

Go smoke-free this Stopt ber

News News

Take part in Stoptober this October and join all the people who have already quit smoking this year.

Letters Letters

You don’t have to go it alone: Breathe stop smoking service offers free tailored advice to smokers who live, work or study in Islington, including telephone support and nicotine replacement therapies.

Theatre Theatre

Visit breathestopsmoking.org or call 020 3633 2609.

Films Films

Tracy says: “Thank you for all your help to give up smoking, which I have now done after smoking for 44 years! Knowing there was someone on the end of the phone really helped.”

Food Food Sport Sport

Out Out every every Friday Friday islingtontribune.co.uk islingtontribune.co.uk Tel:020 0207419 7419 9000 9000 Tel:

For extra motivation, you can sign up to email support from QuitNow, smokefree.nhs.uk, visit Stoptober Facebook online communities, or download the Stoptober and Quit with Bella apps.

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Health to stay in touch with friends, family and others to help you feel more connected. If you’re still feeling anxious about socialising, take it step by step. Only do what is comfortable and safe for you.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing Many of us welcomed the chance to get ‘back to normal’ after coronavirus restrictions were lifted, but others still feel anxious or worried about the pace of change, or what the future may bring. Here’s some top tips to help you maintain good mental health and wellbeing, plus advice on where to get help if you need it.

Be active Being active reduces stress and helps you sleep better. It can boost your self-esteem and self-worth, too.

Islington has 124 parks and green spaces – try to get out for a run, or explore the activities on offer at one of the council’s leisure centres and swimming pools, run by Better (better.org.uk/leisure-centre/

Protecting yourself and others from flu The flu vaccine provides protection against flu, a virus which can be unpleasant for children and adults and lead to more serious illness in vulnerable individuals. If you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.

Having the vaccine will also stop you

Get help if you have money worries If you are worried about debt or need to talk about your finances, there is free, impartial advice available. For details of support, see islington.gov. uk/advice/money-and-debt-advice

Don’t be afraid to talk london/islington). Alternatively, try some indoor exercises or simply walk the kids to school. Start small and find something that works for you.

Enjoy nature Nature plays an important role in supporting mental wellbeing – did you know that visiting a green space or park at least once a week can reduce your risk of poor health by 43 percent? Your local parks and green spaces offer something for everyone, from restful spots and beautiful picnic opportunities to playgrounds and woodlands, to space for a casual kick-about with your friends.

It’s OK to not feel OK, but it’s important to address any anxieties and worries. There are a range of free resources and services available to help you cope and stay mentally healthy. Find support for yourself and your loved ones at islington.gov.uk/mentalhealth

Get involved

Staying at home for long periods can lead to loneliness. It’s important

The ‘Friends of Parks’ volunteer groups are the lifeblood of our parks – friendly locals who help out with everything from litter picking and gardening to running community events and more. There are more than 50 groups in Islington, and you don’t need to be a keen gardener to get involved – enthusiasm is much more important. Find out more: islington.gov.uk/loveyourpark

spreading flu to other people who may be at higher risk.

and social care over the autumn and winter.

If you are eligible, please take up the vaccine this year to reduce the risk of developing flu and the spreading of respiratory conditions during the winter period, particularly as there is expected to be low levels of immunity within our communities due to the pandemic and social distancing. Flu vaccination will also help to reduce pressure on the NHS

It can take up to 14 days for them to work, but flu vaccines are safe and effective. Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or two.

Stay connected

For more information and to see if you are eligible for a free jab, go to the dedicated flu vaccine page on the NHS website: nhs.uk/conditions/ vaccinations/flu

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IslingtonLife

Children and young people

Students celebrate exam success which helped me to cope with these mini-assessments, because I was able to study just in time for them,” says City of London Academy Highgate Hill student Sharlene Cera.

Amina Uddin, a student at Highbury Fields, added: “I’m absolutely over the moon! I’m still gobsmacked with my grades because I honestly didn’t think I would do this well. I have no words.”

Back in August, students in the borough celebrated their A Level, AS Level, BTEC and GCSE exam results – a particularly emotional occasion given the considerable trauma,

upheaval and uncertainty of the last 18 months of the coronavirus pandemic. “During lockdown I was taught lots of things, like time management and self-discipline,

Students who are worried about their results or need help with accessing courses, employment information and help with writing their CVs are encouraged to talk with the friendly advisors in the Islington Council Progress Team. Contact them on 020 7527 7031 or email progress@islington.gov.uk

Empowering at-risk young people through sport Through their communitybased boxing skills training, AYBI encourages young people to stay at school and avoid getting involved in criminal activities or aggressive behaviour.

Josh’s story

Action Youth Boxing Intervention (AYBI) Real Talk is one of many youth-focused programmes funded by Islington Giving’s Young Grant Makers

Josh* had missed a lot of school, resulting in a lack of confidence with learning, and was at risk of gang influence. He engaged with AYBI’s Real Talk programme, working with the team to identify his challenges with education and negative influences outside of school.

Josh is now on target to catch up on his schooling by the end of the

academic year and is preparing for a career in electrical engineering. *Josh is not his real name

If you can help more young people like Josh, please text ISLINGTON to 70085 to donate £5 or scan here to donate online.

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Children and young people

Return of School Streets

The new term is well under way and the school run has re-established itself as part of the morning routine.

Islington’s School Streets schemes, which operate in term time only, see roads outside schools closed to all vehicles during pick-up and dropoff times – other than vehicles with an exemption. This makes it easier and safer for parents and children to travel to and from school by healthier, more environmentallyfriendly means, such as walking and cycling. The schemes also help bring cleaner air to the school gate by reducing traffic.

So far, there are 35 School Streets in Islington, covering 36 primary schools. Some of these have been introduced as 18-month trials: the council will soon be asking children,

parents and School Streets teachers for their views.

Visit islington.gov.uk/peoplefriendly-streets to learn more.

Want to cycle to school but don’t feel confident on the road? Brush up on your cycling skills with one of the council’s free Bikeability courses. These cycle skills sessions are open to all residents, employees and students within the borough.

Training is delivered by qualified instructors and there are a range of courses on offer to suit all ages and abilities.

Bikeability training takes place in schools and public parks during the school holidays. Go to islington. gov.uk/cycle for a full list of courses on offer.

Apply now for a secondary school place Islington has a range of secondary schools to suit all children in the borough. If your child was born

between 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2011 and you need help applying for a secondary school

Off to a great start

Help your child get the best start in life with free early learning. Some two-year-olds can get 15 hours of free childcare each week during termtime, if you are unemployed or on a low wage, or if your child is adopted or has special educational needs. All three- and four-year-olds are entitled to 15 hours and, if you are working, you could get 30 hours free.

“Sending our children to nursery was the best decision we’ve ever made,” says parent Cirita. “It has helped them become more creative, inquisitive and assured. And the dedication and care they have received at Goodinge Early Years Centre has been amazing!”

Find out more at childcarechoices. gov.uk or contact Islington Family Information Service for information and support: 020 7527 5959; fis@islington.gov.uk

place, please visit islington.gov.uk/ admissions or email admissions@ islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 5515 for support and advice.

Apply by 31 October 2021 for the best chance of securing a place at your preferred school.

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IslingtonLife

Local life

Celebrating Black history and culture

October is Black History Month – a time to come together to celebrate the wide-ranging achievements of Black people and their contributions to British history, culture, language, and so much more The month will be packed with a free programme of events and activities, including a spectacular online launch party, a range of talks and seminars, as well as group activities for all ages. Do check out Islington Life on Twitter @IslingtonLife, where we’ll be posting facts and nuggets of local Black history.

This year, Black History Month will focus on intersectionality and mental health, particularly in Black men. Taking part in a Black History

Walk of Islington is a great way to both improve mental wellbeing, by getting active and outdoors, as well as learn more about Black history in the borough. The two-hour guided tour begins at Angel and finishes at Sadler’s Wells theatre, stopping off at some of Islington’s little-known landmarks and places of significance along the way.

Visit islington.gov.uk/BHM2021 to sign up and discover other events during the month to get involved in.

Here in Islington, our appreciation of Black history and culture extends far beyond one month a year, however.

The council’s series of Black History 365 events and learning opportunities take place year-round, organised by the Black History Working Group. Past events have included discussions on cultural appropriation, how non-Black people can become better allies, childcare, anti-racism in social work, and empowering Black children.

You can keep up to date with upcoming events at islington.gov. uk/BH365 or visit islington.gov.uk/ challengingInequality to learn more about how the council is challenging inequality across the borough.

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Local life

Honouring Windrush and Commonwealth NHS nurses and midwives

A statue has been unveiled outside the Whittington Health NHS Trust to commemorate the extraordinary efforts of Windrush and Commonwealth NHS nurses and midwives Former nurses, midwives and prominent serving NHS staff were among those present at a special event this September to unveil a statue of a stylised nurse and child.

Around 40,000 nurses and midwives from around the Commonwealth came to the UK between 1948 and

1973 to help the fledgling NHS, which was facing problems recruiting enough staff. The dedication and service of these nurses was exemplary, and it has been said that the NHS would have collapsed without their contributions.

To mark their dedicated service, heritage organisation Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT) raised nearly £100,000 towards the statue – including a contribution of more than £16,000 from the council – which was commissioned in collaboration with the Whittington Health NHS Trust and Islington and Haringey Councils.

Cllr Una O’Halloran, Islington Council’s Executive Member for

Community Development, said: “The contribution of this generation of nurses and midwives to this country and our health system cannot be overstated.

“There are far too few monuments to this extraordinary generation, and we are proud, as part of our ambition to tackle inequality in our borough, to have supported the creation of this statue.”

In addition to the statue, a book

by Dr Jak Beula, NJCT’s founder, titled ‘Nursing a Nation’ has been released, telling the stories and lived experiences of this generation of nurses and midwives. Copies will be provided to all Islington libraries. islingtonlife.london

Find a Reuse and Recycling Centre Near You

North London residents can book to visit any of our eight reuse and recycling centres. To book an appointment and check what materials you can recycle at each site, visit nlwa.gov.uk/PlacesToRecycle. Good quality furniture gets donated to our reuse shop, and we recycle 71.5% of the rest.

NEW

As part of a new trial, you can now recycle mattresses at some of our reuse and recycling centres!

Scan QR code to book your visit

Visit your local Recycling Centre at Hornsey Street.

*The Crisp Packet Recycling Scheme via TerraCycle®