IslingtonLife spring 2023

Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz Leader of the council

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Welcome to the spring IslingtonLife. We know it’s still a really difficult time for so many people in our borough, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. I’m proud that our borough always comes together at a difficult time, and your council is on your side throughout this crisis.

As part of our support for local people, we’re opening three new Access Islington Hubs, where you can get help with work, money, food, housing, wellbeing and much more. These hubs bring together council services and voluntary and community groups, all working together to support you. See pages 8-9 for more, and to find your nearest hub.

As the days finally get a bit lighter, it’s a great time to get out and about and enjoy some of the fantastic things in Islington that are free or low-cost. Access to Sports offers basketball, rollerskating and lots more for young people, including free sports camps during the holidays. There are also weekly sessions for children and adults with learning disabilities – including tennis, football and cycling. Find out more on pages 16-17.

There’s so much more you can get involved with this spring –like Islington in Bloom, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, so we want it to be bigger and better than ever. With tree pits, estate community gardens and window boxes, there is something for everyone to help make our borough greener and brighter.

Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your wellbeing. You can try the new Footways walking route round the Cally, or visit an old Islington favourite with a nature walk at the Ecology Centre in Gillespie Park. There are lots of parks and green spaces across our borough, with activities and opportunities for all: find out how to get involved on p16.

Finally, if you are struggling to make ends meet, please don’t feel you are on your own - see p22 for how to access help and support. We know the cost of living crisis sadly hasn’t gone away, and we’ll be here for as long as it takes.

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

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Other formats

Facelift for iconic shopping Passage

Warning over faulty blenders

Boxo Blend blenders, sold online by a business registered in Islington, have been found to be a fire risk. If you have one at home, dispose of it urgently and safely in one of the borough’s six recycling banks for small electrical items.

islington.media/news

A food strategy for Islington

In March, the Islington Food Partnership (IFP) launched a new food strategy for Islington, which sets out how residents, businesses and community organisations can work together with the council to ensure everyone in Islington has access to healthy, affordable food. Read the full strategy on the IFP website.

islingtonfoodpartnership. org.uk

Abuse support

One of Islington’s most-loved streets, Camden Passage, is set to get a facelift. This picturesque, bustling area is home to an array of independent shops and cafes.

Now, having listened to feedback from visitors, traders, and local people, the council is making the Passage a cleaner, greener, healthier, and more welcoming area. Additional planting, trees and cycle stands will make the Passage more biodiverse, environmentally friendly, and welcoming.

The changes will also see improvements to make it easier to walk, cycle, wheel, and use buggies and wheelchairs on the Passage and surrounding area.

islington.media/news

People affected by abuse while placed by Islington Council in the council’s children’s homes between 1966 and 1995 can apply for a support payment of £10,000. Payments are made through a process that aims to be as straightforward as possible, and to minimise the need to re-live trauma or the risk of further harm.

The Islington Support Payment Scheme is part of the council’s wider support for survivors, including trauma support and support to access care records, work and learning, housing and welfare advice, and community, health and wellbeing activities.

islingtonsupportpayment. co.uk

Dr Bike

Get your bike checked and repaired, if needed, by a mechanic for free at one of the council’s regular Dr Bike events, taking place the first Tuesday of every month across the borough. Learn how to keep your bike safe and get it marked, too, to deter thieves and make it more likely you’ll get your bike back if it is stolen.

islington.gov.uk/ SafetyEvents

News and events

Lunch Bunch

Spring is just around the corner and so are the Easter holidays. From design and drama to music and cooking sessions, there are plenty of free events happening in Islington to keep children and young people occupied when school’s out.

To find out what’s on, including activities that come with a free lunch for children who are eligible, visit the Islington Council website. islington.gov.uk/Easter

Easter fun

Make the most of the appearance of warmer weather and head to one of Islington’s parks this Easter. Become a time detective with a guided history walk in Cally Park, join a fitness session with Healthy Generations, or try your luck at the Easter treasure hunt in Gillespie Park. Or, head to p16 for more inspiration on getting involved in your local park, yearround.

directory.islington.gov.uk/ IslingtonParks

Repair Week

Give your pre-loved items a new lease of life! This Repair Week, 20–26 March, learn new skills with an upcycling, sewing or computer workshop, or get an item repaired.

islingtonlife.london/ RepairWeek

Blooming marvellous

This year is the 20th anniversary of Islington in Bloom: the annual gardening competition that sees residents sprucing up areas of green space across the borough. We caught up with two of the winners from last year’s competition and a judge to find out more

“To be able to come to St Luke’s, learn about plants, growing food, ecology and sustainability; to enjoy the pleasure of growing things, is really special,” says Samantha Lewis, community gardener at St Luke’s Community Centre, which won first prize in the community garden category in 2022.

Gardening creates a space for people of all backgrounds to come together, make new friends, learn new skills and build strong communities, Samantha continues. “We have really diverse groups working on the gardens at St Luke’s, from older people to school kids, many of whom wouldn’t

otherwise have any outside space to grow anything. Being recognised by annual awards is a lovely way to celebrate the communal spirit of the work we do with the community.”

Dorothy Boswell is a member of Islington Gardeners, which helps judge the competition. She got involved because of her passion for tree pits. “I started judging partly because I was a bit nosy and wanted to see what other people were doing!” she laughs. “It’s been brilliant to see all of the creative approaches people take. Tree pits are great, as anyone can adopt one – you don’t need a garden to make our area greener.”

When it comes to the competition, she confides, it’s not just about looks. “People

often think that messy, unkempt gardens won’t make the grade, but often it’s what we’re looking for!” says Dorothy. “We don’t want to see perfect straight lines and manicured lawns, as they won’t have the same benefits for wildlife,” she explains. “Piles of wood, insect hotels, a bit of water in a dish for the birds are all things that we love. A memorable garden we saw a couple of years ago had incredible plants growing out of a welly!”

As one of London’s most densely populated boroughs, green space in Islington is valuable, says Dorothy. “Things like tree pits, front gardens and flowerpots create a green corridor through the city, connecting sections of nature and providing nutrition and shelter for birds and other pollinators.”

Franie Smith is development officer at Octopus Community Gardens, which enters its own garden in Islington in Bloom each year, but also supports other resident-led community groups to enter. “We give them advice and information on a wide variety of issues, including planting and maintenance, how to create the best compost, or how to effectively manage a community gardening group,” Franie explains.

Three steps to growing your own mini masterpiece:

1 Find a container –you can use almost anything! An old plant pot, tin can, even an old shoe. As long as water

Islington In Bloom gives Octopus and the community groups they work with something to aim for, motivating them to “think big and get creative”, says Franie. “It gives people a sense of pride and achievement. We know that gardening and connecting to nature is good for our physical and mental wellbeing – and it has such a positive impact on the environment and biodiversity – but it’s also about how we all value the

can drain away slowly, it should work. Put some holes in the bottom of it, or place it somewhere it won’t get too much rain water.

2 Fill it with compost or, if you don’t have any, use soil from a garden. If you don’t have one, ask a friend

neighbourhood and the spaces around us,” she continues. “In Bloom contributes to that sense of community pride.”

Don’t feel ready to enter yourself? You can still get involved by nominating someone else – “a front garden or planter that makes you smile when you pass it, or a group on an estate growing amazing vegetables,” suggests Dorothy. “Some may not know about in Bloom –help spread the word!”

or neighbour if they can spare some. If you enter Islington in Bloom, you’ll get a voucher for a free bag of compost.

3 Choose a plant. Look online for plants for small containers, check supermarkets for cheap bedding plants or seeds, or speak to

We’re determined to make this year’s In Bloom competition bigger and better than ever! Whether you have a fabulous fruit and veg plot or a wildflower window box, everyone’s welcome to get involved – no experience necessary. There’s a category for children, too: a poster design competition, run through Islington schools, with fabulous prizes to be won. Find out more: islington.gov. uk/InBloom

anyone you know who is into gardening. Most gardeners are happy to give away cuttings from plants or spare seeds.

If it doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry. Every gardener has failures every now and then – just keep going. Happy growing!

All together now

To make it easier for people to get the help they need, when they need it, Islington Council is opening three Access Islington Hubs: friendly, welcoming spaces where you can get a wide range of advice and support services – from the council, but also from local voluntary and community organisations. We spoke to Sarah Ali, one of the hub’s wellbeing coaches, and Jeanette Daly Mathias, CEO of Citizens Advice – one of the partner organisations based at the 222 Upper Street hub – to learn more about them

Sarah Ali, wellbeing coach

My job is to work with adults who are facing different challenges in their lives, who might need a bit of extra support to get back on track. I support them to set their

own goals, after listening to what they want to achieve. That could be anything from picking up an old hobby, through to making new social connections or getting back into work. People often underestimate what they can do, so it’s part of my role to get them to think about the skills they have and to build their confidence to put those skills into practice.

There are lots of different reasons people might benefit from wellbeing coaching. It could be that they’re feeling socially isolated or suffering a decline in wellbeing for different reasons. For example, I’ve worked with a carer who, after a long time putting someone else first, wanted to find ways to look after themselves a bit more, while still providing care. I put them in

touch with organisations that work with people going through similar things, which can be a big help for unpaid carers.

I like to start working with people as early as possible, so they can take steps to address issues before they reach a crisis point. It’s about empowering people to take steps towards making some positive changes in their lives.

The best part of being a wellbeing coach is working with people to achieve their goals and seeing the improvement in their wellbeing that comes with that. It’s really rewarding to see people re-discover parts of themselves they may have lost touch with, or develop new skills. Helping people be the best version of themselves is just brilliant.

Jeanette Daly Mathias, CEO of Citizens Advice Islington

Citizens Advice is a local and national service that provides family and civil advice, starting with triage via our freephone advice line. We can help with things like accessing Universal Credit and welfare benefits, as well as housing and employment, ensuring people get all they are entitled to. We are grateful to be a Cloudesley referral partner, which means we can provide people with grants – which are unfortunately much needed in this current crisis. We also provide debt advice with the help of the council, and are hoping to get a debt kiosk in each of the Access Islington Hubs.

Through the hubs, we hope to provide greater access to advice and will offer debt assessments, which are the first step to helping you get the debt advice you need. At the moment, we have limited capacity to deal with increasing demand: we must ensure that vulnerable residents can gain access to support locally, which is

What’s on offer at the Access Islington Hubs?

Access Islington advisors can give advice to help you with your budget, finance and debt matters.

If you are struggling to access food, advisors can help put you in touch with organisations and food banks, provide food bank vouchers, and help you to get longer-term support through our community partner organisations.

why our presence in the hubs will be so valuable. With the cost of living rising, it’s vital that we reach those who may have

travelling costs, which will be really beneficial for so many Islington residents. Often people have multiple issues: the aim of the hubs is that these can be dealt with on the same day – they won’t necessarily all be resolved all at once, but advice is a process and having the ability to come back as many times as you need to the same place, and see the same faces, and get continued support is ideal.

previously given up seeking advice, particularly people with disabilities. We already work with many of the partners in the Access Islington Hubs – it’s good to see the income maximisation team, (IMAX), RSS and the energy teams there, among others.

Having a range of services that are accessible to all, under one roof, will save people time and

Your wellbeing can be affected by lots of things, including physical and mental health, social relationships, or work-life balance. The hubs can connect you to the right support through a range of local services.

The hubs can provide you with the support you need to get help and assistance with your housing queries, including rent and council tax payments, and connect you to any other services you might need, such as Housing Needs, Housing Repairs and the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

We have been in Islington for nearly 12 years and it’s an honour to work with our partners in the voluntary sector – and all the other charity providers – who work tirelessly in the community to help people get the benefits they are entitled to.

Access Islington Hubs will be opening at Finsbury Library and 222 Upper Street in early April. A hub for north Islington will open later this year. To find out more, email heretohelp@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 8222

Get information and advice about childcare, activities and services for parents and carers, children and young people.

At our Access Islington Hubs, we can help you find information and connect to the right support if you’re affected by crime or antisocial behaviour.

Whether you’re looking for your first job or a new job, the hubs can help you to get the right one for you.

Will you walk the (Cally) walk?

major growth in the area that also saw the creation of new canals, railways, cattle markets, heavy industry hubs and housing. The road has maintained its high energy atmosphere, with a flow of tourists, residents, and workers going about daily life.

Take a deep dive into the history and culture of The Cally with Footways’ new virtual walking route

Walking is a terrific way to stay healthy and boost mental health –which is why the council has teamed up with Footways to design virtual walking routes around Caledonian Road, mapping out places of natural beauty and intrigue that may be of interest to you the next time you dust off the walking boots.

The routes, best viewed on a phone while walking, have information on everything from places of historical and architectural interest, to local businesses, natural spaces, cultural spots, and vibrant shopping venues.

If you’ve built up an appetite by the end of your walk, the map also pinpoints a variety of vibrant restaurants and cafes, offering a huge range of delicious dishes from around the world.

Keeping it local

The Cally walking route includes businesses that have been in the area for decades and form a vital part of the local economy. Check out some of the goods and services on offer on the Cally Walk:

Sunflour Bakery: a family business offering delicious baked goods and catering services.

Caledonian Pharmacy: independent pharmacy that’s been part of the community for 36 years.

Caledonian Road, also known as ‘the Cally’, was built in 1826 as a toll road to link the New Road (now the A501) to Holloway Road and provide a link to the West End from north London. It was built during a spurt of

Key to the Cally’s colourful character is the range of transport hubs surrounding it, including tube, rail, and bus routes. So, if the thighs are a bit wobbly after a mile and a half walk down the Cally, you can always hop on a bus to get home.

Need a bit more encouragement to get your walking game on? Here’s a few highlights, among many, on the virtual map route:

Edward Square and the Tolpuddle Martyrs

Formerly part of Copenhagen Fields, Edward Square – found just off Regent’s Canal towpath – opened

The Trident Pottery: fine ceramics including dishes, plates and teapots.

Islington Glass: glass and mirror specialists for both trade and private customers.

Housmans bookshop: open since 1958, the shop is famous for its progressive politics.

Zac Tailoring: professional and friendly tailoring service at a reasonable price.

as a public garden in 1888. It features a huge mural, celebrating the 1834 march to support the Tolpuddle Martyrs, who were sentenced to transportation to Australia for forming a trade union.

Edith Garrud plaque

Edith Garrud, the martial artist, suffragette and playwright, lived at 60 Thornhill Square. She was one of the western world’s first female jujutsu teachers and practised ‘suffrajitsu’, the application of martial arts for self-defence used by suffragettes.

Supawan Thai Food Decorations spill over from the florist next door into this charming, cafestyle Thai restaurant where chef Wichet from Phuket serves up authentic flavours in beautiful surroundings.

Chapel Market

This old school London market has been going since the 1860s. The second-ever branch of Sainsbury’s opened here in 1882. Favourites include English-Italian caff Casa Fabrizi, where locals crowd for huge plates of pasta.

You can find the Footways map online at: footways.london/ caledonian-road

Islington Council is investing £1 million into Chapel Market improvements. To find out what’s happening and have your say, visit: islington.gov.uk/ ChapelMarketProject

Get free childcare help

Don’t let childcare costs prevent you from getting into work or training.

Islington’s childcare bursary is there to help parents who are starting work, a work placement, or short-term training to pay for childcare. It does not need to be paid back. The scheme is part of the council’s ongoing efforts to help people into training and rewarding employment.

To find out more and apply, call 020 7527 5959 or visit: islington.gov.uk/ ChildcareBursary

Switch to e-billing for your council tax to win £3,000

If you pay council tax, you could win £3,000 if you switch to receive your bill by email rather than getting a paper copy through your letterbox.

Going paperless is not only better for the environment, managing your council tax online keeps the council’s print and postage costs down, so we can spend our limited funds in more effective ways to help residents.

It takes 15 minutes to register, and you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win £3,000.

To register, visit: islington.gov.uk/SwitchToEbilling

We are the champions

Meet parent champions Coreana Youngman and Ashleigh Jackson, who are helping to change lives across Islington through peer-to-peer support. They talk to IslingtonLife about why they signed up for the job, how it’s making a difference in their communities, and the challenges of being a parent or carer in 2023

What inspired you to become a parent champion?

Coreana: Sadly, my son lost a close friend to knife crime. Seeing the devastation caused by the tragic ordeal of losing their friend stirred up a need and passion to do more in my community. I wanted to be a part of the solution to support our young people to feel safe, and to thrive, succeed and live their best lives.

Ashleigh: I’ve always had a knack for helping people. I am passionate about guiding children, young people and parents on their journey.

What sorts of projects have you been involved in and how have they made a difference?

Coreana: I have co-hosted a programme on keeping young people safe and a webinar about supporting young people with neurodiverse conditions. I believe all the projects we as parent champions participate in make a difference: not only are we learning from the training, but we are having our voices heard by senior leaders by sitting on various panels and providing awareness to other parents and carers. Together, we are bridging the gap between the community and the police.

Ashleigh: I’m a part of the Superzone Project, which are coffee mornings held at local primary schools, where we talk about safety and education, domestic violence, exploitation and other matters parents are worried about. We share information with parents and signpost them to organisations that can help.

I’ve also been involved in Social Switch Training about children’s online safety and the tell-tale signs they are being groomed, for example – as well as the apps you can use to keep them safe, and how to talk to them about issues around online safety.

What are the biggest challenges for parents and carers?

Coreana: The biggest challenge for parents and carers is the

fear of our children not feeling or being safe on the streets – the fear of being stopped by police and it not ending well, gang violence, or being a victim of knife crime.

Ashleigh: Online safety, the influence of music on young people and the effects of being a single parent. Mental health issues in young people also feel like they’re at an all-time high. It’s a scary time to be a parent, especially with the cost of living crisis. All I can do is give my children the best advice possible.

What advice would you give to other parents and carers?

Coreana: You’re not alone: there are always others that are going through or have gone through a similar situation. That’s why we need to come together as a community; the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is so true. That’s what I enjoy most about my role – being a part of a unique

Community safety

‘familyhood’ with fellow parent champions. I’ve gained so much from hearing about their life experiences.

Ashleigh: This is your journey. Research the unknown and also never give up on wanting to know more about your children’s education and life outside of your home. Learn your children’s mindsets, have those awkward conversations. Prevention is always better than cure.

The Parent Champions scheme is funded by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit as part of the Islington and Camden Parental Support Project, which helps put parents and carers in touch with experts who can advise them on topics such as social media training, speech and language help, and support with claiming benefits. To find out more about the scheme or to attend an event, visit: islington.gov.uk/ SupportingParents

Top tips: cycling safely

1 Remember your lock: lock your bike with two high-quality locks in a secure, welllit location.

2 Get your bike serviced: the council runs regular Dr Bike sessions where you can get your bike checked for free.

3 Get your bike marked and registered at a bikemarking event: this can act as a deterrent to thieves and makes it more likely you’ll get it back if it’s stolen.

4 Use cycle lanes: cycling on the pavement can be dangerous, especially to people with impaired sight or disabilities.

For more information and upcoming dates for Dr Bike and bike marking and registering events, visit islington.gov.uk/ SafetyEvents

Cleaner, greener, healthier

Make do and mend

The FC Designer Collective on Fonthill Road, run by Fashion Enter, is a space for designers and start-ups to sell their wares and make use of sewing and production machines. They host regular events for people to come and learn how to sew, repair and make their own clothes. Now, Fashion Enter is joining the council and other local organisations in a week dedicated to getting people making and mending: Repair Week. We caught up with CEO Jenny Holloway to learn more

The everyday items we buy all have an impact on the planet. It takes 2,500–2,700 litres of water (three years’ worth of drinking water!) to produce just one t-shirt – which is why repairing and upcycling our clothes is such a great way to not only save money, but minimise our environmental footprint.

Sound good, but not sure where to start?

Come along to a Repair Week event, happening 20–26 March. Hear from businesses that are focussed on repairing and upcycling, leading the charge in the move away from today’s single-use culture.

“We offer support for Islington residents and businesses to create fashion in a responsible,

circular system,” says Jenny Holloway, CEO of Fashion Enter – one of several local businesses that will be putting on events as part of the week. “This could be tools and resources, workshops and training, or access to specialist equipment and skilled practitioners, much of it for free,” she continues. “Fashion is the world’s second dirtiest polluter, not to mention the human rights abuses. We’re determined to do things differently.”

If you’ve ever found yourself buying a piece of clothing only to wear it a few times and get bored, learning some easy ways to upcycle could help transform your wardrobe – and save you money.

“Young people are realising that buying fashion today doesn’t have to be like this. They are more discerning about their purchases, buying good quality items that last and upcycling rather than buying new – making do. It’s empowering!”

Our clothes are surprisingly resilient, says Jenny – they can be refashioned, adapted, and mended time after time. “Each garment we buy should be worn at least 30 times. This doesn’t happen with fast fashion. Sometimes items are discarded after being worn once –or sometimes not at all!”

As part of Repair Week, Fashion Enter is running a workshop on repairing and re-fashioning clothes, to encourage people to learn new skills and get creative. “Come along and learn how easy it can be to

save money, save energy

repurpose an old pair of jeans into shorts, a skirt or a bag, for example,” says Jenny. “Or, we can help you fix the zip on a beloved dress, maybe add fabrics, create a longer hemline, or follow the pattern to create a similar piece. The possibilities are endless, and we can support you to explore your ideas.”

Repairing clothes isn’t the only thing you can do during Repair Week: experts will be on hand to help repair or upcycle laptops and electrical gadgets, furniture and wooden household items, as well as bikes. So come along, and join the re-use revolution.

To find out more about Repair Week, visit the IslingtonLife website: islingtonlife.london/ RepairWeek

Make sure you share pics of your handiwork! Follow us @IslingtonLife and use #IslingtonRepairWeek

Best parks for... getting involved

No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided. Just make sure you’re dressed for the weather!

Join a local Friends of Parks group

We’re lucky in Islington to have some amazing parks and nature reserves. While it’s great to have a stroll, walk the dog or take kids to the playground, there are also opportunities to get more involved and really make a difference. Volunteering your time is a brilliant way to gain skills, meet new people, improve your wellbeing and contribute to the upkeep of some of our lovely green spaces. Here are some

ways you can get involved, to get you started

Volunteer with our community rangers

The council’s community rangers run regular sessions in Caledonian Park, Whittington Park and Rosemary Gardens. Jobs include planting, pruning, weeding and making bug hotels!

Friends of Parks groups are local residents who are interested in improving a specific park, such as Fortune Street, Gillespie Park and Caledonian Park. The Friends meet regularly and work on organising events and activities, gardening or litter picking days, as well as working with the council on how to manage the park and work on improvement projects. If you find that there isn’t a Friends of group for your local park, why not set one up? The council can assist you in doing this. Whittington Park Community Association is also always aftervolunteers.

Join an organised activity or event

Don’t want to get involved in this way? There’s a huge range of free activities and events for you to get involved in across Islington – from regular guided walks and fitness classes, to knit and natter social groups. Come along and join in!

Nature watch: spring is a wonderful time to get out and about to see which flowers you can spot. Parks and housing estates are a good place to see crocuses and daffodils, and be sure to check the street trees, too – cherry blossom and magnolia are beautiful and in full bloom at this time of year!

To find out more about volunteering, Friends groups and activities in Islington parks, visit the council website: islington.gov.uk/parks

In conversation with... Aidan Diniz

We speak to community sports co-ordinator Aidan Diniz at Access to Sports to find out how they’re helping young people in Islington to get active

Tell us about Access to Sports. What do you offer in Islington?

We provide a wide range of sports – from athletics and archery to roller skating and tennis – on housing estates, in community spaces, leisure centres, parks and youth clubs across Islington. We mainly run programmes for young people, but we also work with adults and people with disabilities of all ages. Alongside this, we offer training for local people to gain qualifications as sports coaches and leaders. All our activities are free or low cost and open to all. We provide

the necessary equipment at sessions and provide safety and introductory guidelines, as well as teach all the techniques and skills needed.

What sorts of activities do you provide?

Every holiday we run various free sports and healthy-eating camps. Programmes are split by age and delivered across Islington. They’re great for young people – they have a lot of fun, make new friends, and can try a new sport or improve their abilities. For instance, they might learn how to roller skate, improve their basketball technique, or develop archery skills.

We’re always looking to develop new activities to encourage

everyone to get active. At the moment our roller skating sessions are really popular. Archery sessions, which we run at Lift Youth Hub and other locations, are also in demand and draw in new young people to sport and physical activity – often those who don’t enjoy traditional sports.

We run a weekly session for children and adults with learning disabilities, too. People get to try out different activities and find something they enjoy, whatever their level. We offer fitness activities, tennis, football and cycling. They’re delivered in school groups, with experienced coaches, using adapted sports equipment as required.

What are the benefits of the sessions?

Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your wellbeing. It can help you manage your weight and lower the risk of health conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It’s great for mental health, too – being active makes you feel better about yourself and reduces stress. You also learn new skills, make friends – and most of all, it’s fun! The sessions also help build teamwork skills, confidence and communication.

We also run educational sessions on healthy eating, to help young people understand what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle. We provide lunches for those who are eligible for free school meals during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays, too.

4 ways to stay active day to day

1 Make it fun: you are more likely to stick with a sport or activity if you enjoy it. Try and be active with a friend, family member or neighbour if you can – it can help to motivate each other. Why not arrange to meet a friend at ParkRun one Saturday morning and walk or jog the five kilometre route around Highbury Fields together?

parkrun.org.uk/ HighburyFields

2 Keep it realistic: set yourself goals that are manageable. Maybe it’s a daily walk or getting off the bus two stops early. Or, it could be meeting friends for a game of tennis or a jog in the park. You can find out more about guided walks and marked walking and running routes on the IslingtonLife website.

What would you say to someone who wants to get more active, but doesn’t know where to start?

Remember everyone has to start somewhere, so whatever your level, just give it a go. There’s no pressure, just find something you enjoy and try to stick with it. Getting out and about is key –maybe it’s a walk in the morning or joining a local sports group or activity.

There are loads of activities on offer in Islington – there’s something for everyone!

To book an activity, call 020 7686 8812, email info@ accesstosports.org.uk or visit the Access to Sports website: accesstosports.org.uk/ bookings

islingtonlife.london/thingsto-do

3 Be consistent: if you are starting out, try just doing a little bit of activity, but regularly, whether it’s a daily walk or a weekly game of football. But don’t be too hard on yourself if you do miss a day or two.

4 Make small changes: that could mean getting up 15 minutes earlier to do some stretches, or simple things like taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking or cycling short distances rather than driving, or getting off one stop early on your commute. All these things add up! If you work in an office, arrange for your next meeting to be a walking one to get those steps in.

Home improvements: fire safety

Latest developments

Each issue, we shine a light on the new homes being built in the borough. This time, new homes on the oldest estate: Wedmore

Wedmore, near Archway, was the first Islington council estate, constructed in 1904 between the higher land of Highgate and Highbury, in the ‘hollow way’, or Upper Holloway! The original homes had no kitchen or baths. Part of the estate was damaged in WW2. When the homes were re-built, they were made into fewer, larger homes with kitchens, bathrooms and gas appliances to replace coal fires. Now, 19 additional spacious council homes – a mix of flats

Find out how the council is improving fire safety on estates – and how you can help keep you and your neighbours safe

What the council is doing

We regularly inspect communal areas, doors and alarm systems on estates. Every estate property’s front door will be checked annually from now on, to make sure it’s fire safe. There is also a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) for each block to ensure that fire safety measures are in good working order and escape routes are obvious and free of obstruction.

In addition, the council recently upgraded smoke and heat alarm systems in 7,500 of the council’s street properties, fitted 450 new fire doors at St Luke’s Estate, and is upgrading equipment and systems at Hathersage Court.

What you can do

Make sure you, other members of your household and your neighbours know what to do if there’s a fire – check your communal area to find the correct advice.

Keep communal areas clear and check that your smoke and fire alarms work. There has been an increase in house fires caused by candles, as well as scooter and e-bike batteries catching fire while charging – don’t leave them unattended and unplug the charger when you’re finished.

If you are concerned about fire safety in your home, request a home fire safety visit: london-fire.gov.uk/safety/the-home

and houses – are ready for residents to move into. There is lift access to all flats and a wheelchair-accessible home. Improvements have also been made across the estate, with a cycle park, new planters and lighting, and a refurbished play area.

Home building has come a long way – but the council’s commitment to providing safe, secure and genuinely affordable homes remains the same.

For more information about developments, visit: islington. gov.uk/HousingDevelopment

Decent homes

Creating communities: gardening on estates

Islington Council’s estates community gardening team was set up in January 2021 to help improve greenspaces on estates across the borough –speaking with residents to understand what they’d like their shared spaces to look like and working with them to bring that vision to life. We spoke to head gardener Mark Rowe, and some of the residents who’ve been involved, to learn more

“Having lovely parks is great, but if you have an issue with a park, you don’t have to go there – communal gardens are on your doorstep, so it’s no surprise people are very interested in improvements,” says Mark Rowe, head of the estates community gardening team, which was set up last year to improve horticulture on estates, “for the benefit of wildlife and humans”.

The team began working on estates in Barnsbury, but have since expanded across other areas of the borough. One group that’s been particularly active is the residents on the Montague Estate. “Some other residents and I have been involved in

making the back garden a really nice place to spend time in,” says John. “We have prepared the beds for planting more flowers and shrubs, to finish the back garden. Just before Christmas, myself and Alex, a member of the council’s gardening team, installed metal fencing and gates to the front garden to make the garden more secure,” he continues.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Alex and we’re all really grateful for his help.” While there’s still work

to be done, “I think this summer our building will look the best it’s ever been,” adds Jill, another resident. “I hope that passersby will enjoy seeing the results of our gardening efforts.”

Resident Rose Heatley, meanwhile, has been busy helping replant a large rose bed over on St Luke’s Estate. “I enjoyed working with other residents to get rid of all the old bushes and preparing the soil for new plants,” she says. “The new bed will look cared-for, which will be an incentive for us to keep watering! We’ve chosen the roses carefully, so hopefully they’ll look great when they come into bloom.”

The gardening team has also worked with local

families on estates, to get children out in nature and involved in gardening. Last year, children of Legions Close took part in a half-term activity making bug hotels from recycled wood pallets. They learnt about insect habitats and went on a nature treasure hunt to collect items for their boxes.

Work has begun to prepare several other estates and the team is gearing up to start planting. “It’s a great thing to be involved in,” continues Mark – “an opportunity to upskill and get out and do something positive.”

To find out more, email: Homesand Communities@ Islington.gov.uk

Children and young people

Spotlight on... The Ecology Centre

crafts. We also have our annual intergenerational event, which we run with Age UK, Bright Start and Bright Futures. Older and younger people come together to do singalongs, activities and crafts. At Christmas, we sang carols round a fire basket in the snow, it was just wonderful!

Why is it such a valuable space?

In Islington, there isn’t much green space. The parks are lovely, but they’re big flat grassy areas. We’re a nature reserve, so we have lots of different habitats: a meadow, woodland and a pond. It gives kids a chance to really experience nature in a way that they wouldn’t otherwise. It’s such a calm, quiet space, where you can come and feel enclosed in nature in a way you just don’t anywhere else. It’s all the more important at the moment, with the cost of living crisis: we’re a free space you can come and enjoy spending time in.

What are the benefits for children?

Conservation officer Jo Corrall on how Islington’s smallest nature reserve is helping children connect with nature

What does your role involve?

My role is split between managing people who want to hire the Ecology Centre and day-to-day upkeep. It’s based in Gillespie Park and the bit I really love is encouraging communities who aren’t currently using the park to make the most of this great space. For example, we’ve been working with Muslim women’s network Jannaty on some Islam and nature walks, and really

trying to connect with the Muslim community.

What do you offer families?

The Garden Classroom runs school lessons here every week. They go out into the park and do things like orienteering, or learn about plant life cycles and pond life – whatever fits with the school’s curriculum. It’s much more exciting for children to go and see a frog, for example, than learn about it in a classroom!

During school holidays we put on free activities, such as pond dipping, meadow sweeping or

Some of it is just about exploring and looking at things they haven’t necessarily seen before. Learning how food is grown and how things survive is also really important, especially for city kids – it’s good for them to understand our connection with nature and how it relates to things like climate change. You’re more likely to want to protect something you connect with. Being in nature also has such a positive effect on mental health. It’s naturally calming. It’s so important.

To find out more about the Ecology Centre and what’s on, call on 020 7527 4374 or visit: islington.gov.uk/Parks

Children and young people

Family matters: childminding

Shooting stars

In each issue, we spotlight a young person in Islington who has excelled themselves or is making a positive contribution to their community. This time: Ameera Abdi, Islington’s new Young Mayor

“I feel ecstatic about being elected as the new Young Mayor for Islington! This is going to be an amazing experience. I want to make my peers on the Youth Council proud. I’m looking forward to going to events and representing them.

Childminders Danielle Franklin and Sarah Kenna on how Forest School – where trained practitioners support children to explore, discover and learn through hands-on experiences – opened a world of opportunities for the children they look after

We’ve got nearly 30 years of childcare experience between us, and every day is still different. We live nearby, so we often comind children. We like to ask the children what they’d like to do. It’s usually something outside, whatever the weather!

We were increasingly convinced of the importance of giving children time in nature when we found out about Forest School. We do lots of work with Bright Start and the council and they agreed to fund our training. We jumped at the chance.

It started during Covid, when we had to change the way we do things. Many families don’t have a garden, so time outside was top priority. We started using local spaces, like King Henry’s Walk.

At Forest School, children are given experiences they can’t get elsewhere. They get their hands dirty, use mud and grass to make artwork and connect with nature.

We’ve made friends with the squirrels in Highbury Fields – the children call them and they come and play hide and seek! Parents comment on how enthusiastic their children are about it and how all that fresh air makes bedtimes much easier.

Forest School is free for underfives and runs Mon–Sat, 10am–12noon. For childcare support, contact the FIS on 020 7527 5959 or visit islington.gov.uk/fis

“I feel like this is a great opportunity and at 14 years of age, this is an achievement and experience I do not want to waste.”

Ameera will represent Islington’s Youth Council at regional young mayor meetings as well as civic events and award ceremonies. She will work alongside newlyelected deputy mayor Areeb Ahmed (also pictured) and Ayokunnu Fawole, Islington’s new London Youth Assembly member. The 14-strong youth council will be the voice of young people in Islington for the next two years.

Cost of living

Help with the cost of living

With the cost of energy, rent, food and bills all rising, many of us are feeling worried about our finances and might find ourselves in a position we have never experienced before. But there are services and advice that can help, some of which depend on your circumstances

Help with… food

The Islington Food Partnership lists locations and times of local food hubs and services, plus details of events, emergency support, free cooking courses and food-growing initiatives. Visit the website for more information: islingtonfoodpartnership.org.uk

If you’re in crisis, you can call Trussell Trust’s free helpline on 0808 208 2138 or find a food bank on their website: trusselltrust.org

If you have a food voucher, contact Highbury Roundhouse on Ronalds Road, N5 1XB, to book a slot to collect food. Call on 020 7359 5916 or email admin@ highbury-roundhouse.org,uk.

See the Islington Foodbank website to find out more: islington.foodbank.org.uk

The council may be able to provide food vouchers and can check you’re receiving all the benefits you’re entitled to. Call the We Are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222, email heretohelp@ islington.gov.uk or visit the council’s dedicated cost of living webpage: islington.gov.uk/

CostOfLiving

All primary school children are entitled to free school meals in Islington, and some secondary school pupils are, too – see the council website for information

and to apply: islington.gov.uk/ FreeSchoolMeals

Help with… making ends meet

The council has announced a new £1million Hardship Fund. The fund will provide financial support to low-income households not eligible for benefits or other financial support, who are struggling already and very soon won’t be able to make ends meet.

or council tenant, speak to your housing officer to make an application. If you rent from a private landlord, please call 020 7527 6371. To find out more, visit: islington.gov.uk/residentsupport-scheme

... for anything else

To find

out

more and apply for support, call the We Are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222, email heretohelp@islington. gov.uk or visit: islington.gov.uk/ CostOfLiving

Help with… a crisis

If you are facing extreme hardship and need urgent help, the council’s Resident Support Scheme may be able to assist. If you are a housing association

Head to the council’s cost of living page for more info on the types of support available, including help to find work, help with childcare, and how to cut down on your energy bills. You can also sign up there to have regular emails full of the latest updates, advice and support sent straight to your inbox. Visit: islington.gov.uk/ CostOfLiving

... and finally

If you can afford to, please consider donating items to your local food bank to support people in need.

The gift that keeps on giving

Lisa Robinson, director of Islington Giving, on how they’re supporting young people who are struggling with poor mental health – and how you can, too

We strive to enable young people to thrive, not just survive. Unfortunately, Covid and now the cost-of-living crisis have made that difficult. These two big events have massively impacted on young people’s mental health and their ability to cope. Financial anxiety causes stress for every family member – perhaps most of all young

people, who may find it difficult to process and feel unable to do anything about it.

We’ve always partnered with local mental health organisations that are working really hard to support children and young people: for example, Body and Soul has a programme called You Are Not Alone, centring on providing space for young people to connect with others and understand themselves a little better. Islington Giving also works with Islington Mind, Stuart Low Trust, and the Brandon Centre,

which offers children and young people as much time and support as they need, rather than time-limited care, among many others.

There has been a huge increase in mental health problems among five to 16-year-olds. In response, we’ve launched an appeal. We’ve already raised more than £120,000 as part of our cost of living appeal, which is amazing – a huge thank you to everyone who so generously donated. It’s going to be such a help for local people. This appeal is very much

about increasing access to mental health support for young people across the borough, through those organisations that are best placed to do so. We know it’s a hard time for lots of people, but we ask if you can, to please consider donating. You could help make a lasting difference.

Donate online at islingtongiving. org.uk or call 020 7288 6941 for more information. If you are a young person in need of support, visit: islingtongiving.org.

uk/mental-healthsupport

Start a new course with Adult Community Learning

Enrol on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 April 2023, 9.30am-4pm

The Community Centre, 76 Parkhurst Road, N7 0FF

We offer a range of free courses in the following areas:

• Digital skills

• English/maths

• ESOL

• Creative, practical and wellbeing

• Family learning

• Preparing for work

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, we have courses ready and waiting to help you.

You must be 19 or over, unemployed or earning less than £23,302 to be eligible for our free courses. Please bring proof of ID, residency and wage slip if in work.

No booking needed but for more information call, text or Whatsapp 07734 777 466 or visit our website at adultlearning.islington.gov.uk