Did you know that by recycling just one banana peel, you can generate enough power to fully charge a phone? Or that the food in a full kitchen caddy can be used to power a TV for two hours when it’s recycled properly?
Around 70% of the UK’s wasted food comes from our homes so, if we all recycled our food waste properly, we could collectively make a huge difference.
What can I recycle?
The real question is, what can’t you put in your caddy?! You can recycle a huge range of foods, including:
Fruit and vegetables, both raw and cooked
How do I do it?
All dairy products, like eggs and cheese
Recycling your food waste is easy! Put a compostable liner into your brown bin, fill it with food waste, tie it up, and leave it out for collection. The place you’ll need to leave it for collection will depend on the type of property you live in - head to islington.gov.uk/FoodWaste call 020 7527 2000 to find out more.
All your leftovers – but see if you can use them in another dish before recycling them!
Meat and fish, both raw and cooked
Tea bags and coffee grounds
All your glorious food peelings
Rice, pasta and beans
Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz Leader of the council
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Recycle me!
Please recycle this magazine once you’ve finished with it.
The best way to make our brilliant borough an even better place is to work together. And throughout your autumn IslingtonLife magazine, you can see the difference this makes to us all.
Starting with our bold cover story – we’re asking for your help so we can work side-by-side to reduce food waste. And we’re making it easier to recycle food waste across Islington, wherever you live and whether you live in a flat or a house.
We’re asking you to join the many thousands of residents across Islington who already recycle their food waste –everything from pasta to peelings, fish to fruit. We also look at how you can make the most of your leftovers with Italian chef Manrico (page 17).
Another amazing piece of teamwork is in Islington’s parks and green spaces. Our borough has lots of places where you can sit and relax, meet friends and much more – we all have our favourites near where we live, work or spend time.
This year 18 of our parks won Green Flag Awards, for their excellent quality – from big well-known spaces like Highbury Fields to hidden havens like Gillespie Park.
Many of these spaces are cared for by local people and community groups, as well as parks staff. You can read more on page 15; as we move into autumn our parks are still great
for walks, exercise and relaxing. Another positive impact of working together comes from Islington’s Climate Panel (pages 16–17) – where people of all ages and backgrounds have come together to look at the climate emergency and suggest ways of taking action, from greening streets to improving local ecosystems. We look forward to further work in the autumn.
We see every day the huge benefits of our volunteers and community groups. And at the heart of this are our community centres; creating connections and helping to improve people’s wellbeing (pages 22–23).
In this edition we also look at how we are choosing contracts with businesses that go the extra mile by adding value to our borough. Whether that’s through things like local jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering, or outreach activities into schools and colleges, we want Islington to be a place where local businesses add value to our residents’ lives. You can read more on page 8.
Finally, as the cooler months creep in it is vital for our residents to have warm, dry homes. That’s why our housing teams have been working hard to make sure residents are equipped for the colder months, with energyefficient upgrades and advice and support to tackle damp and mould (pages 12–13).
By standing together, in so many different ways, we can make a real difference to everyone living in Islington.
To receive news and updates directly to your inbox visit islington.gov.uk/StayUpdated
Getting into the festive spirit
Kicking off on Saturday 16 November at Nag’s Head, Islington’s high streets will sparkle with free festive events from Islington Council and local communities.
Enjoy live music and family-friendly activities. For full details, visit the IslingtonLife website. islingtonlife.london/things-to-do
Looking for something to do with your children during the half-term in October? Islington Libraries have scheduled plenty of Black History Month related activities for all the family to enjoy.
If you like writing and reading, check out the many free workshops and author events for adults in the autumn. From tracing your ancestors to getting your novel published.
findyour.islington.gov.uk
Want the latest community news and updates delivered straight to your phone?
It’s never been easier, just follow Islington Council’s WhatsApp channel! Follow by scanning the QR code on your phone, and don’t forget to turn on notifications so that you never miss an update.
Safe space for footy
Islington Council, Arsenal and adidas have teamed up to refurbish the Mayville Estate football pitch. This is part of their No More Red commitment and it will help to make the estate a safer space for young people to play the beautiful game and fulfil their potential.
Islington.gov.uk/news
Physical activity finder
Want a quick and easy way to find physical activity that suits you? Then check out the new Islington Activity Finder, which makes it much easier to find and book sports and activities near you.
With a wide range of activities on offer, from tennis to boxfit, pilates to line dancing, there really is something for everyone!
Why not have a browse and see what you can find?
islington.activityfinder.net
New crime-busting partnership
Archway and Nag’s Head just got a little bit safer. The Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) will bring together local businesses such as hairdressers, pubs and shops to help fight against crime and anti-social behaviour. It’s by working together that we can make Islington a safer place for everyone.
islington.media/news
Students celebrate their achievements
Islington students celebrated extraordinary achievements in A Level, vocational and technical courses, as well as GCSE and Level 2 vocational qualifications last month. Secondary schools saw another strong year of provisional results reflecting the national trends, with increases in the proportion of good grades at both Key Stage 4 and 5 compared to last year.
Looking for post-exam support? Check out page 21.
Islington Youth Justice Service ‘Outstanding’
The service, which helps divert children away from harmful lifestyles and behaviours towards more positive and fulfilling futures, was ranked by inspectors as among the best in England and Wales.
islington.gov.uk/YJSReport
How adult community learning changed my life
We speak to Yu Fang Chen who tells us about how the Adult Community Learning (ACL) Market Trader course changed her life and set her up to be a trader at Chapel Market
How did you hear about the course?
I had applied for a licence to run a stall on Chapel Market and the street trading licence manager suggested I should do the ACL Market Trader course as I didn’t know a lot about market trading. It would help me get more information to get me going in the beginning. So, I rang Colin, the tutor, who told me all about
the course and how useful it would be to me. It was starting the next day, so I joined straight away!
What did you like about the course?
I liked the community on the course. The teacher, the students together, talking and sharing different opinions in a wider way. Colin introduced us to some excellent guests. I remember Stephanie (Archway market manager) saying “sell something you like”. I worried about people not accepting my product and that one sentence gave me a lot of confidence. The course also
provided my first trader day at the Cally Festival, and I got my first sale ever!
How has it changed your life?
Since completing the course, I have new things in my life, not just my kids and family. I love them, but now I have my own life as well. I really enjoy connecting with customers. I feel really proud when they come back and I love it when they say “ahh, here you are!” It has changed my life. I’ve made some money, I have more freedom, and I can treat my kids a little bit which I couldn’t always do. Life is short, so when you have an idea, just go for it!
Do you like being a market trader?
Yes! Market people take care of each other. They are very helpful. At the beginning of the day everyone says good morning with a smile as you walk past the stalls and at the end of the day “goodbye, see you tomorrow!” I am always smiling, and people respond to that. Even when the weather is awful, being there makes me smile. I am always learning new things and developing ideas for my stall. I’m improving every time!
What do you like about Chapel Market?
It’s a really nice local market. Local people are very friendly. Even if they don’t come to my stall they’ll say “hello”, like a neighbour. It’s a mix of young and old visitors; mums, children, lots of students, workers, and even tourists. The police station is around the corner, and they come down to the market which helps everyone feel safe. And there are lots of different stalls. It’s a very friendly and interesting place to come and have a look and to shop. I am very happy
that I get to be trading at the market three days a week.
What would you like to tell people thinking of doing the course?
My friend has just finished the course. I told her there are a lot of things behind running a market stall and it’s more than just getting a licence. The course will help you really understand what you need to do. You might think you are ready, but you will learn so much. You also get help to trade for a day at the Cally Festival or the Archway Christmas market. It’s a really nice experience.
Islington Adult Community Learning will be running the Introduction to Market Trading course again in the autumn term, which will also offer the chance to trade at the Archway Christmas market in November.
Full details of all Islington Adult Community Learning courses can be found at: adultlearning. islington.gov.uk or you can get in touch by WhatsApp on: 07734 777 466
Free English, maths, and digital skills lessons
Want to learn new skills for success? With learning available all over Islington in community centres, libraries, schools and children’s centres, there is something to help everyone on their journey
1
ESOL, English and Maths
Looking to improve your English or maths skills for work or to help your kids with their homework? The English, maths or ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) courses will help you to improve your skills. Classes from beginners up to Level 2.
2
Digital Skills
There’s a range of courses to help improve your digital skills, for work or to make your life easier in today’s online world! From beginners up to accredited courses at Level 2.
3 Preparing for work
Improve your chances of getting that big job! There are drop-ins to help with your CV or interview skills, or a range of sector-based courses to upskill you in fields such as childcare, admin and health and social care.
You can join an enrolment and assessment session every Monday (in termtime), 1pm, at First Steps Learning Centre, Central Library, N5 1PF. No appointment necessary, just bring some ID. Or you can find out more on the ACL website: adultlearning. islington.gov.uk
Building a better borough
Islington Council wants to make our borough a more equal place for everyone, and one way it’s doing that is through social value — going beyond just providing services and really making a difference
Making every pound count
The council spends over £650 million every year with around 6,000 different providers to keep local public services running smoothly. But it is not just about spending money to deliver services — it’s about making sure every pound counts locally.
So, when the council hires companies to do work, like repairing roads or running local leisure services, it looks for companies that can bring added benefits to the community — that is social value.
Between 2022 and 2024, across 11 contracts, over £2 million in social value was delivered through things like local jobs, apprenticeships, volunteering, and outreach activities into schools and colleges.
Working together
While the council can do a lot on its own, even more can be done by working with others. That’s why the council helped set up the Islington Anchor Institutions Network. This brings together like-minded organisations across the public, private, and community sectors to keep wealth circulating within our local economy. Together, they’ve committed to making social
value a priority in everything they do, with practical actions in place, like employing and contracting locally and paying their employees the London Living Wage.
Social value in action with GLL
Mikael Kiviniemi is community sports manager for GLL (Better) which runs the public leisure facilities in Islington. It’s a charitable social enterprise which, nationally, welcomes over 57 million visitors a year and generates over £440m in social value. Mikael explains what he does to help as many people as possible lead healthier, happier and longer lives in Islington.
He says: “My job’s about getting people moving, especially children, women, seniors, and those with disabilities. We try to make our activities as affordable as possible, or sometimes even free, so everyone has opportunities to stay active.
“One of our standout initiatives is the free holiday swimming lessons, offered in partnership
with Islington Council. With over 2,000 spaces available each year, kids aged 4-16 can learn to swim during the summer holidays, and it’s been such a hit that it’s been expanded to include Easter and some halfterm holidays too. Swimming is such an important life skill, so it’s amazing to be able to offer these lessons to kids who might not otherwise get to learn.
“For our residents over 60, GLL offers ‘Get Together’ sessions three times a week, with sports like short mat bowls and table tennis. Seniors can also enjoy free swimming with a low-cost membership that includes access to off-peak sessions and free tennis court hire.
“Listening to the community is key to us, so we’ve introduced more women-only activities based on feedback, including football, swimming and fitness classes.
“Plus, like Islington Council, we’re committed to hiring locally and at certain times we offer free training opportunities in the borough – for example to become a lifeguard or swimming teacher.
“We also work with organisations like Metro Blind Sport and Elfrida Society to deliver disability sports sessions from our facilities. And for younger residents, Finsbury Leisure Centre hosts free multisports camps during school holidays, thanks to its partnership with Access to Sports.
“On top of that, the GLL Sport Foundation is supporting 37 Islington athletes with financial aid and gym memberships to help them reach their goals.”
Jobs and money
Homegrown talent: Genevieve Devine
Genevieve Devine is a fashion designer and jewellery maker based in FC Designer Workspace, one of Islington Council’s affordable workspaces in Finsbury Park, where she creates pieces that have been worn by global celebrities like Dua Lipa
I’ve worked for a few independent businesses in the fashion industry, and I was really struck by the amount of waste, so when it came to setting up my own label, I wanted to take a more ecofriendly and sustainable approach.
My ethos is all about ‘slow-fashion’ – a response to fast fashion which is so damaging to the planet.
Most of my pieces are typically made from recycled, eco-friendly materials or found objects, which are then hand crafted into garments with a focus on craftsmanship and attention to detail. So, for example one of my favourite pieces uses an old leather satchel which I cut into separate pieces to make up a bodice.
Working here at FC Designer Workspace is brilliant. There’s a supportive, community feel as I’m surrounded by other designers and fashion students, so it’s a great place to work. I used to work out of my flat, but having this studio space has allowed me to take on assistants or interns and really grow my business.
I’ve been lucky enough to have some of my pieces featured in Vogue magazine and Dua Lipa wore one of my designs in Vanity Fair, when she was on the cover. Coming up, I’ve got a London Fashion Week show and two collaborations with other brands about to drop, which I can’t talk about, but I’m very excited!
To learn about what GLL offer, including free sessions, visit: better.org.uk/what-we-offer
To find out more about the council’s affordable workspaces visit: islington.gov.uk/AffordableWorkspace and for more on Genevieve’s designs, visit: genevievedevine.com
Change is possible: helping build healthy relationships
The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) workforce development team are helping families and victims of domestic abuse across Islington.
We speak to Aisling Barker who manages the team as well as Journey to Change which helps people change their behaviour and build healthy relationships
What’s Journey to Change and who is it for?
Journey to Change is for anyone in Islington who recognises they need to make a change in their
behaviour in a relationship. The team helps guide people who may have harmed or frightened their loved ones to have safer, healthier relationships and achieve their goals.
We were recently accredited by Respect, who are the national body setting standards for perpetrator work.
How do you help people to change their behaviour?
We offer non-judgemental, one-to-one support to anyone in Islington age 17 or over.
We give both emotional and practical support, collaborating with other services such as housing and probation, to help with employment, mental health and substance misuse.
Our weekly sessions focus on self-improvement and cover everything from accountability and equality to sexual violence and positive parenting.
How has Journey to Change made a difference to people’s lives?
Most people who went through
Journey to Change said they felt their behaviour is now more respectful in their relationships and they stop and think before they act.
Survivors and families say they feel safer and freer to make their own decisions. Fifty percent agreed that since their partner used the service, they were more respectful when communicating with them. Seventy-five percent said they felt their partner was better at acknowledging their abusive behaviour.
What else is Islington Council doing to stop domestic abuse?
Since 2022, Islington Council has supported over 4,000 survivors and families experiencing domestic abuse. It runs the Sunflower Project, which supports children and young people affected by domestic abuse in schools, while also working with survivors and promoting gender equality.
The council holds daily safeguarding meetings so it can quickly respond to any new reports.
The VAWG workforce development team offers free training on topics such as bystander training, addressing abusive behaviours, supporting teenagers and safety planning. We also provide training for the police, and have invested in services for Black, Asian and minority ethnic women through the Samira domestic abuse project.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who wants help to change their abusive behaviour, can find support on the Violence Against Women and Girls page on the council’s website, go to: islington.gov.uk/VAWG
6 top tips to... keep your child safe around fireworks
1. Attend an organised display
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional show. Bonfires and fireworks are only allowed in a private garden or as part of an organised display. It is a criminal offence to use fireworks in public spaces such as parks, communal areas of housing estates or on streets.
2. Buy safely
Having a private display? Make sure you buy them from licensed retailers and that they have a CE safety mark.
3. Supervise children
Always keep a close eye on children and never let them handle fireworks.
4. Stay sober
Keep a clear mind and steady hand by avoiding alcohol if you’re setting fireworks off.
5. Safety first
Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of emergencies.
6. Know the law
It is against the law to let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am. There are a few exceptions which are Bonfire Night when the cut-off is midnight and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut-off is 1am.
For more safety tips, visit: london-fire.gov.uk/safety/ fireworks
Please report firework misuse to the police. In an emergency, call 999, in a non-urgent situation, call 101 or report online at: met.police.uk/report
If you’re being disturbed by noise from fireworks, other than organised events, you can report it online: islington.gov.uk/reportASB
Warmer homes and lower bills
As the days grow shorter and temperatures begin to drop, Islington Council is hard at work making sure residents across the borough are equipped to face the colder months. We catch up with Finsbury Park resident Jackie who joined the nearly 300 residents who have had much-needed energy efficiency upgrades to their homes
Thanks to the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) council homes in Islington are receiving upgrades which reduce carbon footprints and make homes warmer, more comfortable and more affordable to live in.
“When I first heard about the upgrades, I was so glad,” Jackie says. “I knew it would be disruptive, but you can’t do something like this without a bit of disruption, and it’s so worth it.”
The work on Jackie’s home included the installation of new internal wall insulation and energy-efficient, double-glazed
windows in timber frames to look exactly like the original period features.
These changes might seem small, but Jackie says: “They’ve made my whole house feel better, it’s definitely warmer — I’m loving it! It feels so much cleaner now, and I’ve hardly been using my radiators. And the best part? It didn’t cost me a thing!”
Despite the initial disruption, the benefits of the upgrades have been clear. “It’s too soon to say for sure about the bills, but I’m confident they’ll go down,” Jackie explains. “And my home feels so much more comfortable now. My friends are so jealous — do you know how much this would cost if you owned your home?”
When asked if she has any advice for others who might be getting similar upgrades, Jackie doesn’t hesitate. “Definitely do it! It’s a dusty and dirty process, but it’s so worth it. Try and make space and be ready for the inconvenience, but remember, the end result is what matters.”
Jackie’s experience shows the positive impact the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero-funded renovations are having. These upgrades not only help residents stay warm but also contribute to a greener and healthier community. So, if you’re eligible, take Jackie’s advice — “definitely do it!”
The council’s SHINE service offers free expert advice on heating homes more efficiently and keeping energy bills down – including ‘Energy Doctor’ home visits. Some eligibility criteria apply.
You can contact the team on 0800 953 1221 or at: SHINE@islington.gov.uk to find out more. For more energy saving tips and advice visit: shine-london.org.uk
Tackling damp: Diogo’s work creating healthier homes
Diogo De Freitas is a diagnostic surveyor in the council’s damp and mould team. He tells us what his job involves and why he thinks of his team as “property doctors”
If someone reports damp and mould in one of the council’s homes, it’s my job to investigate it, find the root cause and come up with a plan for fixing it.
There are lots of different things that can cause damp and mould – from a leaking pipe, or
Top tips to tackle condensation
Air it out
Let fresh air in and damp air out through windows, doors and vents.
Open a window for 10 minutes every day or leave them open a tiny bit overnight, and make sure to use any extractor fans in your home.
water getting in from outside, to everyday condensation. It’s not always easy to find the root cause and often I’ll work through a process of elimination with residents.
Once I’ve diagnosed the problem, I’ll come up with a plan for treating it. This could involve fixing a leak, fitting extra insulation or ventilation, upgrading windows or washing walls down with a mould killer.
I also give residents practical advice on managing condensation, which is normal in every home but can lead to damp and mould. Little things like opening a window or using an extractor fan can make a big difference. And I signpost people to support they might find useful, like our SHINE service that gives advice on keeping your home warm affordably.
Technology can also help. We can install humidity monitors that spot small issues before they turn into something bigger, like if an extractor fan breaks down. This happened in one home and because we could
see the moisture levels going up, we could contact the resident straight away to get it fixed, without them having to do anything. And this winter we’ll be piloting video visits, so people can show me the problem on a video call without having to wait in for a visit, which should speed things up and save residents’ time.
The most rewarding part of my job is getting to the bottom of a complicated case. Mental health is really important to me personally and people tell me about the difference it makes to them when we find a solution that works. It’s so important to have a warm, dry home where you feel safe.
That’s why I think we’re a bit like “property doctors”. We’ll work with you until we find the right treatment because we know how much it matters.
If you’re a council tenant with damp, mould or condensation, please let the council know at: islington.gov.uk/repairs or call on 0800 694 3344.
Put a lid on it
Put lids on pots and pans when cooking and turn down the heat once the water has boiled, to keep steam to a minimum.
Wipe it down
Wipe down windows or other wet surfaces and wring the cloth out down the sink.
Level the heat
As much as possible, keep your home at a steady
temperature – it’s better than short bursts of high heat.
Leave a gap
Leave space between furniture and the wall so fresh air can circulate, and try to avoid putting big pieces of furniture against external walls.
To learn more about tackling condensation visit: islington. gov.uk/DampAndMould
How light, modern council homes were built from old garages
Islington Council has transformed some old garages into modern council homes on the Andover Estate. We catch up with one of the new residents, Diary Amen, who tells us about the impact this has had on his family
“We were very excited to move in,” says Diary, who recently received the keys to a brandnew, three-bedroom home on Corker Walk. “My family lived for nine years in another, smaller property on Andover Estate. Our new home is only 100 metres away, but it is much lighter and more spacious. My kids each have their own bedroom. They can keep going to their school and seeing their friends. We love it.”
The Corker Walk scheme is a unique development. The council converted outdated garages and old one-bedroom houses on the groundfloor of a 1970s block
into four family homes and two wheelchair accessible homes for social rent. The project used the existing infrastructure of the block, making the build more sustainable by cutting down on new building materials, and using existing space.
All the new residents are from the Andover Estate, in line with the council’s local lettings policy, which gives local
residents in greatest housing need priority for new homes. Priority was given to those looking to downsize, living in overcrowded properties, or who have needs that were not being met in their old homes.
The new homes have space for up to 22 residents and each has either two or three bedrooms. All the developments are tailored to accommodate families, with an open plan kitchen and living area and a spacious outside patio. Two of the flats are wheelchair accessible, with an adaptable kitchen and bathroom.
The project not only created new homes, but added improvements to benefit the entire estate.
These improvements included planting new trees, shrubs and flowers, installing new lighting, providing affordable workspace and creating and updating four new play spaces.
The existing block has also had a bit of a revamp with a new lift, stairway and walkway.
This completion brings the council another step closer to making sure everyone in Islington has a safe, decent and genuinely affordable place to call home.
For more about how the council is tackling the housing crisis and providing new homes for residents, visit: islington.gov.uk/ NewBuild
Award-winning parks: the power of working together
Islington now has 18 Green Flag Awards. We speak to Clare Carolan who volunteers at Duncan Terrace Gardens to find out what the award means to the community
I’ve been involved with Duncan Terrace Gardens for 17 years now. It’s amazing how the garden has developed and grown. There’s a fantastic community here who give their time and energy to keep the space looking so nice. That’s why we called it the “pillars of community” project. It’s a real joint effort between the council staff, local people, businesses, schools, universities and nurseries.
The space is always changing, through the seasons of course, but also the way nature evolves. We’ve grown to respect the different areas of the garden, planting things according to what will work best in the space. It’s about leaving nature to do its thing, and in turn nature helps us; by providing a space that is
good for our wellbeing, where people can come to have their minds uplifted, as well as help to tackle the climate crisis.
People come here to relax, to breathe, to remember loved ones. Some members of our community are dealing with difficult circumstances, and it’s important for them to feel welcome and to feel the benefits of the natural environment.
We tell them they’re the guardians of the garden. So much trust and commitment has been built within the space. We have a tiny area to grow herbs and tomatoes for local people to take and were gifted some fruit trees by a local resident; we’re excited for the fruit to grow and people can come and help themselves in a few years.
Community is at the centre of this space – including our community of pollinators. We’ve got birds, bees and butterflies to provide food and habitat for, and
in return they provide the colour in the garden by pollinating the flowers, making their own contribution to our wellbeing. We’ve also got bird boxes and insect hotels to encourage nature to flourish.
The Green Flag Award is internationally recognised, so for our little park to achieve it is immensely satisfying. It’s great to see what working together can help us achieve. The community has really taken ownership; between us we’ve put a lot of love in and it’s amazing to see that recognised.
Find an award-winning park or green space near you: islington.gov.uk/parks
Try a Green Flag park near you
A huge range of open spaces have been recognised for their excellence; we’ve picked just three we love to spotlight
Whittington Park: Nestled in the north, it’s perfect to get you moving with an AstroTurf football pitch, exercise equipment and water sprays for the kids.
Arundel Square: Just near Highbury Corner, this beautiful space has its own tree house for kids to enjoy! And with a recently refurbished playground and outdoor gym, it’s worth a visit.
King Square Gardens: In the south, this park boasts a stellar play area with a sand pit and interactive water play feature. It’s also full of nature and wildlife.
People from across Islington unite on the climate crisis
Local residents are taking centre stage in shaping Islington’s approach to becoming a greener and healthier borough
With climate change bringing hotter summers and more unpredictable weather, Islington Council brought together a ‘climate panel’ of 35 residents, chosen by lottery to reflect the borough’s diversity, to develop strategies for reducing climate risks and building resilience among communities.
Over the course of eight sessions, panel members delved into various aspects of climate science and worked collaboratively to develop proposals to make the borough more sustainable.
Joe, one of the panellists, shares his motivation for joining the initiative: “I had a letter through the door, and I felt inspired to participate because I love the borough. I fell in love with it instantly, I think there is such a nice atmosphere and community here, and I would like to be part of that.”
For Joe, the key to making Islington more resilient lies in fostering stronger community connections. “From my understanding, and from what I’ve learned from the panel, it’s all about community. It’s about being able to connect with people. And I think that, as a society, people are becoming less connected. So, by bringing people
together and building collective resilience, by understanding what each other needs and what vulnerability looks like, I think that’s the key to all this. It’s educating people and facilitating those connections.”
The sentiment is echoed by Amany: “I wanted to see how people think about climate change, hear from the community itself and understand what problems they are facing because of it.”
Amany appreciates the council’s efforts to ensure inclusivity throughout the panel process. “The information the council are giving is really helpful, and they’re trying to make things as simple as possible so everyone can get it, no matter how good you are at English, whether you come from the UK or another country. They have been really supportive in listening to everyone and providing information in the simplest way.”
She is optimistic about the panel’s impact on future policies. “When we find those solutions, I hope that the government will consider and apply them.”
Sylvie, another panel member, joined the initiative out of deep concern for the future, especially for the younger generation. “I’m very concerned about climate change — not just for my own life, but for
the kids. You see what the future holds and how slow politics is,” she explains, which is why she eagerly became part of the panel. “If there is the opportunity to give feedback, and to have an input, then yeah, here I am!”
Sylvie envisions a network of local support as key to building a more resilient Islington. “It would be nice if there was a network of support for each other. Supporting local businesses and buying locally is important.”
The Climate Panel’s proposals include ideas for greening streets, enhancing local ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices across the borough.
These community-driven suggestions aim to create a more connected, informed and resilient Islington. The council can enable these changes by using its resources to encourage community conversations and action.
As Joe aptly puts it: “The residents are what makes Islington, Islington. It’s the people who live here, and the council has a unique position to connect people in ways that are very hard to do on your own. The council can facilitate conversations, and by connecting people, they can make a real
positive difference and see a flourishing and resilient Islington.”
Over the summer, the council has been developing the panel members’ proposals into a report and will meet with them in the autumn to develop these further and take their ideas forward.
You can keep up to date with the progress of the panel via the council website: islington.gov.uk/ClimatePanel
Mastering leftovers with Manrico Magozzi
Across the UK roughly 9.5 million tonnes of food is wasted every year! That’s enough to feed around 30 million people. We catch up with Manrico Magozzi, one of the Islington Council team bringing food waste recycling to the borough, about how we can get better at using our leftovers
Tell us about your background in food.
I grew up in a farmer’s family, we used to have a vegetable garden and our own animals. I’m Italian, so of course food is really important to us – it’s all about bringing people together. As well as feeding you, it has that social element.
Is there a particular type of cooking that you like?
In Italy we are masters of a method called “cucina povera”, which is about making the most out of every ingredient, including leftovers.
I like to use leftovers in cooking, because it’s practical, and because I hate wasting food.
I come from a modest family; in the old days my parents had a mortgage to pay for, so everything had to be eaten. We learnt that leftovers weren’t waste but could be used to make delicious meals.
What are your tips for not wasting food?
Never view your food as not fit for purpose – there’s plenty you can do with it. With vegetables you can make a frittata, and you can do lots of things with stale bread. I make my own recipes and doing that gives you something new to learn. You don’t necessarily have to stick to a recipe.
What type of cuisine do you like to cook?
Living in London, I love to experiment with food that’s not necessarily Italian – I love to cook anything!
Helping new parents with breastfeeding-friendly spaces
Kate Reid tells us about support available for new parents, and Islington’s scheme to promote breastfeeding in public spaces
Hi Kate! Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.
I am Islington’s breastfeeding awareness worker. I go around all venues within Islington to sign them up to the We Welcome Breastfeeding scheme. That’s all types of venues: cafes restaurants, pubs, leisure centres, children’s centres, schools –everywhere and anywhere.
I ask them to display our sticker
or poster in their window, and make sure all their staff are aware that it is a woman’s right to breastfeed in public spaces.
How does the We Welcome Breastfeeding scheme work?
I think lots of new mothers find it really difficult to know where to feed their babies out in public. You might feel a bit anxious – it can be quite daunting going out with a new baby at all, let alone thinking about breastfeeding in public.
The scheme exists to show families that they are welcome in
local venues. They can look out for the stickers in windows across the borough.
The 2010 Equality Act gives women the legal right to breastfeed in public, so we want to promote that, and to give people the confidence they need to feed their baby when they’re out and about. We don’t want anyone to stop breastfeeding before they want to!
What does it mean for the venues that sign up?
It can just be as simple as being friendly when seeing a new mum
coming in. Give her some time to sit down and offer a glass of water. If you can offer a private space - that isn’t a bathroomfor breastfeeding that’s great, but also completely fine if you don’t have a separate room.
Make sure your staff know that feeding parents shouldn’t be asked to move or leave in the unlikely situation that you get a complaint from another customer.
It’s mostly stuff that businesses will be doing anyway, but taking part in the scheme tells new parents that they can feel comfortable in your venue – and that might bring in some extra trade, too!
What other support is available for new parents?
A good place to start is Bright Start’s baby feeding support (020 3316 8439). We have regular feeding drop-in sessions as well as one-to-one support options, antenatal workshops and access to more specialist support if needed.
English might not be your first language, so we can help parents access resources in different languages. There’s also a National Breastfeeding Helpline which is available 24 hours a day – 0300 100 0212
Support sessions can be a lifeline for new parents – whether that’s one-on-one or in a group –because they often have lots of questions and need reassurance. That’s totally normal and we have people with loads of experience who can help.
It’s also a great way to meet and share experiences with other parents. Families often get chatting and end up seeing each other outside of the support sessions.
What are some of the feeding challenges that you work on with families?
Some people are just not exposed to breastfeeding before they have a baby – sometimes that’s because it’s not seen as the norm in their family and previous generations have always used formula, or they just haven’t been around babies before. So, lots of new mums don’t know what to expect or what’s normal.
Sometimes mothers can be worried that they are not producing enough milk to feed their baby, and we can help reassure them about that with information on understanding their baby’s feeding behaviours.
The thing is that the mums and babies we see are still learning, so it’s common and normal for them to need some guidance on positioning and latching. There is support available for you however you are feeding and no matter what challenges you are facing.
To learn more about how Islington welcomes breastfeeding you can visit: islington.gov.uk/ BreastfeedingWelcome
3 ways to… increase your step count
1 Add steps to your commute
If you can’t walk all the way to work, you could try getting off the bus one stop early, parking further away or choosing the stairs over the escalators.
2 Make it a social activity
Planning a walk before meeting friends for a drink is a free and fun way to add some physical activity to your social events. You could also try a ‘walking meeting’ with a colleague at work.
3 Try a local walking route
From the Parkland Walk connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace, to the Regent’s Canal Walk through Angel and Barnsbury, there are loads of great scenic strolls right here in Islington. Check out the Footways London website for some inspiration on where to go.
Scan this QR code to find out more about breastfeeding support
To find new walking routes in London, visit: footways.london
A box of fun: bringing creativity to families in need
As children grow it’s important to help them develop creativity, cognitive skills and selfconfidence. Let’s Craft is a partnership between Hobbycraft and Crafts Council, the national charity for craft, that works to get craft boxes to families in need
Islington Council has been part of this initiative for the past two years and, by the end of the programme in December, they will have delivered 3,000 craft packs to children and families across the borough.
This includes children attending Octopus Community Centres, families engaged with the refugee and migrant No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) service, children with social workers and those working with the Virtual School.
Families have told Let’s Craft that receiving craft packs has enabled them to enjoy spending time being creative together. “We made some lovely things, and the kids use all their own ideas,”
one parent says, “they even made a card for Father’s Day for their dad.” Another parent shares: “Thank you so much for giving us a box full of fun and happiness.”
The reality is that many children don’t have access to basic materials at home.
Creativity can sometimes be seen as a low priority, but creative expression and craft can
provide children with a lifeline. It really can give families hours of happiness and it’s a simple way to relieve pressure. These craft boxes allow children to use their imaginations and creativity to make unique creations and lasting memories.
Olu Adesanu, cultural enrichment officer at Islington Council, says that Let’s Craft has “enabled us to build more links, with more people, in more places”. He adds: “Community centres are still the largest recipients of packs in Islington, but what we’ve now done is build a connection with our refugee and migrant NRPF teams, which has been really valuable.
“We’ve found families from Afghanistan and Ukraine have benefited the most since then; the officers that work with them keep asking us when the next delivery will be.”
To find out more about Let’s Craft visit: craftscouncil.org.uk/ lets-craft-packs-children
Guiding young people
Youth council elections
Young people uncertain about their future can get free support and guidance from Islington’s progress team. We chat with Post-16 progression adviser Cherrylynn Jaffier about their role and what support they offer
What does the progress team do?
We provide support to students during the college enrolment period, and beyond that for those who struggle to settle into learning or training in the autumn term.
We also carry out ongoing follow-up and tracking of where all Islington Year 11 leavers have settled for the new academic year.
Who do you support?
We work with 16 to 18-yearolds and up to age 25 for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. No referral is required, simply book an appointment.
Where can we find you?
We’re very much embedded in the community; as well as visiting secondary schools, we have drop-in sessions at LIFT Youth Hub on White Lion Street, West Library in Thornhill Square and Islington Customer Centre at 222 Upper Street.
What do you enjoy about your role?
Speaking to young people is
Don’t follow the crowd, lead it! Islington’s Youth Council
We chat to youth councillor and Deputy Young Mayor Areeb Ahmed, who explains why young people should stand for election to Islington’s Youth Council
What do youth councillors do?
We make sure that young people’s voices are heard, help to influence local policy and play an active role in designing youth services. We work with the council and other partners on
issues that affect young people. We even help decide how money is spent on services and look at how the range and quality of activities on offer for young people could be improved.
What have you gained from your experience?
It’s been a brilliant experience. I’ve learned new skills that I don’t think you could gain anywhere else and it’s a real confidence builder as well. I gained so much, from leadership experience to public speaking skills, and most importantly, friends.
Looking back, what has been your highlight?
There are so many, it’s difficult to choose just one! But I think it would be chairing a question-and-answer session
refreshing. One of the best parts of my role is reassuring them that there is still a path and a future ahead. For example, lots of young people don’t know about Access to Higher Education courses, an alternative route to university. Or they might not be aware of certain BTEC courses that could help them reach their chosen career. Being able to enlighten a young person in this way can take them from feeling hopeless to feeling empowered.
If someone has concerns and questions about their next steps in education, employment and training they can speak to the progress team. Call: 020 7527 7031 or email: progress@islington.gov.uk
at a public event hosted by Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner. It’s these experiences it’s hard to get anywhere else.
Would you recommend standing as a youth councillor?
Definitely. It has been such a transformative experience. It’s built my confidence and opened doors which will benefit my life going forward. So, if you’re a young person, I’d say fill out the application and go for it. If your experience is anything like mine, you definitely won’t regret it!
Anyone aged 13–17 who lives or goes to school in Islington, or is looked after by the council, can apply. Email youthcouncil@ islington.gov.uk or visit: islington.gov.uk/YouthCouncil
Keeping community spirit alive at Whittington Park Centre
Community centres are a vital resource that connect people to their community, giving them a stronger sense of place and improving their wellbeing. We speak to Jo Corrall, the new centre manager of Whittington Park Community Centre, and retiring manager Ann Mason to look at the past and future of the centre
Nestled in the western corner of Whittington Park, the Whittington Park Community Association, or WPCA, was established by local people in 1972, but has been around in some form since the 1800s.
It is a great place for people of all ages and backgrounds to meet and learn from each other. Centres like this help to bring communities together and build community spirit.
After 12 years of leading the centre with dedication and passion, Ann Mason has now
retired, paving the way for Jo to take the helm.
“Community centres are a social glue, providing an accessible space for people to gather,” Ann says.
“I have so many lovely memories of the centre, from beautiful summer festivals in the park to Christmas lunches. I have fond memories of children from Yerbury Primary School listening to stories of World War Two from some of the older members of our over-55s club. It truly is a space for everyone; from toddlers to people well into their 90s, whatever your age or background you are welcome here.
“I’ve been looking over photos from my time at the centre and it’s great to see how much we achieved, even during times when the building wasn’t in the best shape. I wish all the best for the team and hope they keep
up the amazing work. It was an enjoyable place to work because everyone loves what they’re doing.”
Jo took up the position after her role at Islington’s Ecology Centre in Gillespie Park. “I’ve been working in the community for the last six years,” Jo says. “I wanted to do something bigger and something that wasn’t solely focused on nature. I’m hoping my connections, skills and experience will help me to bring more people into the centre.”
With support and fundraising from the community over several years, renovations have seen one part of the centre, Hocking Hall, become a fully accessible, flexible and multi-purpose space. This means it can now be used by local people for a range of sports, as well as social and community events. “The renovations that have been done are fantastic,” Jo says. “I’m excited to see how the beautiful
new space can serve the community.”
Run by local people, for local people, all WPCA staff live in the area and some grew up at the centre, attending the youth club or nursery in their childhood.
“There is no typical day running a community centre; every day there are new issues and challenges, but new ideas and solutions as well. I meet with different people to discuss how they may want to use the centre; I look for potential funding and try to plan for the future.
“I regularly have lunch with the over-55s club. This gives me the chance to find out how their week’s going and learn what they enjoy about the centre.
“They’ve told me they want more gentle exercise classes
and how much they love the poetry club. Feedback like this is really important. It helps us to understand our community and helps us provide the activities and support they want and need.”
The centre includes an Early Years Hub with a community nursery, a childminders’ drop-in, stay and play sessions, a youth club for 13–19 year olds, a social club for people over 55 and a men’s social club.
There are also spaces that people hire for a variety of events, from community meetings and yoga classes to children’s birthday parties, christenings and even wakes.
“It’s an absolute joy to work with the team here,” Jo says. “They all work so hard because they truly care about the community
you thinking of selling
• Quick purchase and no estate agents’ fees
• More secure than selling on the open market
• Help to end homelessness in Islington
Find out more at: BuyBacks@islington.gov.uk or visit islington.gov.uk/BuyBacks
and want the centre to fulfil its potential.
“The community have been really welcoming. They are often popping in to meet me, asking me about my plans for the future of the centre and telling me about their favourite activities. It really helps me to feel like I fit in and that I am part of the community, it’s a great feeling.”
Whittington Park Community Centre is one of many centres across Islington offering activities, support, and safe spaces for local communities to come together.
If you want to get involved and join one of the many clubs or activities, you can find your local community centre at: islington.gov.uk/ CommunityCentres
Please check our eligibility criteria before getting in touch:
• Two or more bedrooms
• Can exchange and complete quickly
• Nobody living in the property on completion
• The council is the freeholder or will be on completion
• Service charges and any notified major works paid by seller before completion
• Properties must also meet our affordability limits.
Top tips for reducing your food waste
Recycling is the best way to deal with your food waste – it helps create a greener, healthier Islington, and is more hygienic than using your black bin.
As well as recycling properly, you can also play your part by reducing the amount of food that you waste. Around 70% of the UK’s wasted food comes from our homes, and the average family of four can save up to £60 a month by following these simple tips:
Fill that freezer:
If it’s in the freezer, it can’t go off! The quality of your food may reduce over time, so come up with a plan for how you’ll use your frozen food.
Check it out before you checkout: Make sure you take note of what’s in your cupboard and fridge before you do the weekly shop, to avoid buying too much of one food. Also, pay attention to use-by dates!
Channel your inner chef: Have leftovers? There’s loads of brilliant tips, tricks, and recipes on eatlikealondoner.com to stop your food from ending up in the bin.
Chill out, man: By keeping your fridge below five degrees, you can help make your food last for longer.
Help those that need it most: The fact that food banks are needed here in Islington and across the country is a tragedy. By donating your unused food to your local food bank, you can stop people in our borough from going hungry – just make sure you contact the relevant food bank in advance to check what they can and can’t accept.
