Your local magazine from Islington Council • Summer 2018
Events for kids this summer
Meet your local street sweeper
Step out and enjoy parks this summer
Championing women’s rights
IslingtonLife
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Contents
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Welcome Message from the Council Leader
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News Islington wins fight for genuinely affordable homes
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Heatwave Islington’s summer activities programmes are back
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Young people What our young leaders will be doing this summer
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Libraries Islington’s ‘Year of Reading’
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Cycling Support available to help people cycle more
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Your council Majority of councillors are women
Refill Islington Do your bit to reduce plastic pollution
Local life Progress on Cally Clock Tower and the Dog Olympix
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Working Help for parents to get back into work
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Crime and safety How the council is working to tackle youth crime
Walking Fun as well as fitness, says one local walking group
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Parks and green spaces Don’t miss this summer’s amazing events
Health Small changes to help cut down on alcohol
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Arsenal in the Community The latest news from Arsenal
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Your Home News and information for Islington Council’s tenants and leaseholders
Highlights 05
First Women and Girls Champion elected
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Meet the new Mayor
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Your neighbourhood street sweeper
Summer 2018
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Welcome Welcome to the summer edition of IslingtonLife – your handy guide to the latest news about how Islington Council is making a difference for local people.
Cllr Richard Watts Leader of the Council
View this and previous issues online at issuu.com/islingtonlifemag Be the first to hear about the latest news. Visit islingtonlife.london Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonLife and @IslingtonBC for council news
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Inside this edition you will find details of the great range of summer activities available for everyone – from events in our beautiful parks, to the incredible ‘Summerversity’ that offers young people a whole host of interesting and, dare I say, ‘cool’ things to fill the summer months with. As this is the first IslingtonLife magazine since May’s local elections, I want to thank everyone who took part in the elections and had their say about the future of the council and our borough. I am honoured to be continuing as the Leader of the Council, and I am determined to work with local people to make Islington a fairer place for all. We’ve achieved a lot in recent years – from building the largest number of new council homes in the borough for 30 years, to supporting over 4,000 local people into work. We’ve also delivered innovative projects that make a difference for local people, such as the not for-profit councilrun Angelic Energy, that provides residents with a fairer deal on their bills. However, I am well aware that there is still a lot more to do.
of work and do not have the same chances in life as others. With the support of local people, I intend to implement our bold plans that will help tackle these issues and will help make Islington a fairer place for all. We’ve already made a good start on tackling the issues our borough faces. On page 4 you can read about how we are standing up for local people against developers to ensure the new genuinely affordable homes we need are built. On pages 8 and 9 there’s information about our brilliant services that are supporting people to find work and to progress in their careers. On pages 10 and 11 you can find out more about how we are working with the police to prevent and to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. However, with yet more cuts to our budgets from the Government to cope with, meeting the challenges we face will not be straightforward, but I am confident that we will. I am also determined to ensure that the voices of local people continue to be heard in the Town Hall and that the council remains in touch with them. Working with my fellow councillors, all of whom are first and foremost local community champions, I know we will remain an open and transparent council that makes a difference and is on the side of local people.
Islington is a wonderful place, but we know that too many people struggle to have decent housing, are out
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IslingtonLife
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News
Islington wins fight for genuinely affordable homes A long-running battle between a developer and Islington Council over the future of a former Territorial Army barracks has resulted in an important victory for the council. The council is determined to
use its planning powers to insist that developers create genuinely affordable homes as part of any development scheme. Often, developers claim they can’t afford to make half of the properties ‘affordable’, as the council insists. In this case, Parkhurst Rd Ltd bought the site in Holloway in 2013 and tried to get planning permission for a residential development with little
Blue Badge fraud crackdown Blue Badges can be a lifeline for anyone who needs one, ensuring they are able to park close to their home or shops. But they are also the target of fraudsters, who face prosecution, which is what happened recently when Islington Council began a crackdown on Blue Badge abuse. The council brought four criminal prosecutions against Blue Badge fraudsters – including one driver
caught parking a short distance from the Emirates Stadium on an Arsenal match day. Magistrates handed down fines of more than £2,200 to four drivers found to have been using stolen Blue Badges to park on Islington’s streets – with court costs adding a further £1,800 to their bill. For more information or to report suspected Blue Badge fraud call 020 7527 2000 or email parkingfraud@islington.gov.uk
or no affordable housing. The council refused permission twice. After two lengthy public enquiries – both of which were won by Islington Council – the developer then mounted a legal challenge against the Planning Inspector’s decision at the High Court. In a landmark ruling with wide reaching implications for London’s planning landscape, the judge dismissed the legal challenge.
Universal Credit comes to Islington Since 20 June 2018, most new benefits claimants of working age in Islington, and some people who are on benefits now but whose circumstances change will be moved to Universal Credit, a new government benefit. Universal Credit is paid monthly in one payment and claims must be made and maintained online. Claimants are responsible for paying their rent, council tax and other bills each month. Find out more about preparing for Universal Credit and the local support available at www.islington.gov.uk/ universalcredit
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News
Stronger together have failed,” said council leader Cllr Richard Watts. Members of Mr Ali’s family were joined by council and community leaders, local MPs, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, as well as members of the emergency services. Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to Imam Mahmoud whose actions made sure violence did not spill over on to the streets that night.
Islington’s community came together to remember everyone affected by the Finsbury Park terror attack one year ago. A minute’s silence was held on the steps of Islington Town Hall to remember Makram Ali, a fatherof-six, who was killed and the other people who were injured in the attack. We also celebrated the
strength and solidarity shown by the people of Islington when hate tried to divide us. “We really are stronger together; the terrorists and the hate mongers
“He helped to ensure that we came together as a community because that is the only response there can ever be to the racism that seeks to divide us,” Mr Corbyn said. “The way this community has responded and come together has inspired us all.”
Championing women’s rights Islington has appointed its first ever Women’s and Girls Champion. Cllr Kadeema Woodbyrne will highlight what more can be done to protect women’s rights, as well as championing services to support women and to end violence against them. This is the first role of its kind in London.
“Women and girls continue to face harassment, discrimination, and violence in their everyday lives,” she says. “This is just not good enough, and I am committed to working with the council to find solutions to the challenges women and girls face.”
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IslingtonLife
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Your council
A changing council Council elections in May returned 47 Labour councillors and one Green – the same result as in the previous election in 2014. But one thing that’s very different in the council chamber is the number of women. For the first time in its history, Islington Council has more female councillors than male. Junction ward now has three female councillors – the first ward in Islington to ever have an all-female team of community champions, helping bring the total of female councillors across the borough to 56 per cent. At the same time, more than 20 per cent of councillors are now from black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds; representative of Islington’s diverse community.
Visitor vouchers are changing No queues, no waiting, no paperwork Save time and hassle - apply for RingGo visitor e-vouchers online. Once your application is approved, simply book an e-voucher whenever you need to pay for visitor parking.
Why wait? Go to www.myRingGo.co.uk/islington now
Councillor Richard Watts continues his role as Leader of the Council, a role he has carried out since October 2013, and the other members of the Executive also remain unchanged. The Executive members each have a portfolio of responsibilities, to find out more about these – and to see a list of all councillors, including the three who represent the ward you live in, visit www.islington.gov.uk/aboutthe-council
GET VISITOR VOUCHERS FAST – SWITCH TO E-VOUCHERS E-vouchers are virtual vouchers linked directly to a vehicle number plate. With e-vouchers you can buy vouchers at any time for immediate use, without having to wait for them to arrive in the post. You will receive a record of your voucher by email. You can also sign up for a text reminder when your voucher is running out and easily extend from wherever you are. Signing up for e-vouchers is quick and easy – simply register at www.myringgo.com/Islington. Once you are fully registered you can choose to buy through the RingGo app, website, or by calling 0203 046 0005. For more information please visit www.islington.gov.uk/parking.
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Your council
Welcoming a new Mayor Islington’s new Mayor Cllr Dave Poyser says he is looking forward to bringing people together across the borough during his year in office. The former journalist, who worked on the Hackney Gazette reporting on Islington and Hackney Councils, and then in television, has lived in Islington for almost 40 years. He says: “I’ve loved Islington and its creative atmosphere since I first drifted into the borough back in
1979. It has a huge social and ethnic mix and I want to do all I can as Mayor to continue its tradition of acting as a single community.” Cllr Poyser has chosen to raise funds for CARIS Islington, a community service offering cold weather night shelters and support for homeless people, and Freightliners Farm. He says: “I’m delighted to have been appointed by my fellow councillors. The outgoing Mayor, Cllr Una O’Halloran, has been exceptional, and if I am half as good as her as mayor, I will be very proud.”
Thanks to Cllr Una O’Halloran for her year as Mayor. Here are just a few of her many highlights...
1 3 1 Enjoying last year’s Go Islington festival with her husband and consort Ray.
2 Congratulating the winners of Best Container Garden at Islington In Bloom 2017.
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3 The Mayor and Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz at London Super Comic Convention.
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IslingtonLife
Working
Thinking about getting back into employment? The thought of going back to work after being at home full-time with your child can be daunting, especially if you have never worked, or it’s been a while since your last job. Islington Family Information Service (FIS) can help parents with the first step by finding free childcare for two, three and four year olds. A parent can access 15 hours of free early education for their two year-old if they are on certain types of benefits, such as income support, job seekers allowance and universal credit. This gives them the time they need to explore employment options, access training and prepare themselves for the world of work. By the time a child is three, if both parents are in work they are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare a week. They can also use tax credits, universal credit or tax-free childcare to help with the cost of any additional hours of childcare they may need. There is a fantastic range of childcare and early education settings in Islington – all of the council-run nurseries have been rated as either
good or outstanding. These early education settings do more than ensure children are happy and safe whilst their parents are at work; they encourage all aspects of a child’s development. Local research has found that children who used free education at the age of two have better results at the end of their first year of primary school than those who did not. Islington FIS works closely with other council services to make sure that parents get the right type of advice and support. If help is needed with finding a job then they will direct you to iWork. But, if education and training is the issue it would be Adult and Community Learning. Bright
Start family support services can also help with any other issues that might be making it difficult to work.
How to contact
Call: 020 7527 5959 Email: fis@islington.gov.uk Drop in: Thursday mornings, 9am to 12.30pm, Customer Centre, 222 Upper Street, N1 1XR www.islington.gov.uk/fis @islingtonfis
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Working
Helping tackle in-work poverty Most people agree that you are better off in work and Islington Council, through its employment support services, has helped more than 4,000 residents into work since 2014. But for some people, despite working, their wages are not enough to stay on top of rent, bills and other living costs, such as feeding a family. In fact, the number of working families struggling financially across the UK has almost doubled in the last 10 years. The main reasons for this ‘in-work poverty’ are high housing and childcare costs and low wage growth.
pay all staff the London Living Wage (currently £10.20 per hour) and it actively encourages local employers to do the same. The council’s iWork employment support service, in partnership with other local employment services, offers personalised support if want to increase your income. Find out more by calling 020 7527 2706 or email iWork@islington.gov.uk.
If you find yourself in this position, there is support available in Islington to help you reduce your living costs and increase your income.
Get help with childcare
Support to find a better paid job
The best way to increase income for many people is to work more hours or find a better paid job. Islington Council was the first local authority in the country to
Childcare costs can often make working more hours seem impossible for families, but there is support available to make it more affordable. All 3 and 4 year-olds, and some 2 year-olds can get free early education or childcare for up to 30 hours per week depending on your circumstances. Contact the Family Information Service on 020 7527 5959 or email
fis@islington.gov.uk for advice for your family.
Receive the help you need
There is also support available in Islington to help you increase your income. If you receive benefits, you can contact the council’s Income Maximisation Team (IMAX) on 0800 731 8081 or email Claimit@islington.gov.uk who will ensure you are receiving all the money you are eligible for.
Get an energy review
Energy costs are a large proportion of household bills and it helps to get the best deal. As an Islington resident, you can contact the council’s Energy Advice Team for free by phone on 0800 953 1221 or email energy.advice@islington. gov.uk to find out what you can do to reduce your energy use and costs. islingtonlife.london
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IslingtonLife
Community safety
Tackling crime in Islington Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in Islington is one of the council’s top priorities. Violent incidents happening on the borough’s streets make residents feel unsafe, and the council is working hard to tackle these. It is also significantly investing in local services to help tackle crime and make Islington a safer place. June marked the one-year anniversary of the launch of the council’s youth crime plan called ‘Working Together for a Safer Islington.’ When the plan was launched, the council pledged, among other things, to work with young people on the edge of gang involvement to deter them from falling into a life of crime, as well as increasing the positive opportunities and activities available to young people, and developing ‘safe zones’ across the borough.
Targeted anti-gang action The Integrated Gangs Team (IGT) was set up in 2016, to ensure that young people involved – or at risk of becoming involved – in gangs are identified and worked with intensively to divert them away from crime. The team is made up of police and the council’s youth services, as well as probation officers, Job Centre Plus, the NHS and voluntary
Serious knife crime among under 25s in Islington reduced by in 2017/18 compared to 2016/17, bucking the trend in London which saw a increase
13.3%
1.7%
organisations all working together in the same place and with the same young people – an approach that has had positive impact in other parts of the country. The team is proving to be successful in Islington so far – serious knife crime among under 25s in Islington reduced by 13.3 per cent in 2017/18 compared to 2016/17, bucking the trend in London which saw a 1.7 per cent increase. The number of gun crime offences also decreased by 24.4 per cent in Islington compared to a smaller 3.7 per cent decrease across London. Over the last year, the team has worked with 133 young people. Most are offenders or at risk of offending, although some are victims. Each has a case worker they meet regularly, with the aim of getting them into education, training or employment, while they are also offered support with mental health or drugs treatment. So far, 25 of these young people have successfully left a gang and started a new life.
Since January this year, the IGT has increased its offer and now also works with younger children the cusp of gang affiliation and siblings of those identified in gangs, offering alternative activities to anti-social behaviour.
Mobile snatch theft Levels of moped-enabled snatch theft are high in Islington – it remains one of the most affected boroughs in London. This is why the council and the police are dedicating a significant amount of time and resource tackling the problem. The incidents of snatch theft in Islington has reduced by approximately 60 per cent since January 2018 and the launch of the Met’s Operation Gondola, which involves an increased number of patrols, including specialist officers highly trained in moped pursuit tactics. The council’s Community Safety teams also carry out inspections of locations, where snatch theft occurs, to identify any improvements that
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Community safety
The incidents of snatch thefts in Islington has reduced by approximately
60% since the start of the police’s Operation Gondola in January 2018 can be made – for example installing additional CCTV. In St Peter’s ward the council is currently piloting temporary water barriers on pavements at junctions, which a lot of criminals on mopeds are using as cut-throughs (often riding dangerously) to evade police. The barriers will reduce access to mopeds while still allowing pedestrians and cyclists to pass. The success of these barriers will be monitored over the course of a 12week pilot.
Working with schools and youth hubs The council also works closely with schools, and has given them a toolkit of advice and support they can put into action if they are concerned about pupils carrying knives. Every Islington school also has a dedicated Safer Schools Police Officer.
The council funds a range of activities for young people across youth hubs, clubs and community venues. Last year, the council opened Soapbox – a brand new centre featuring a radio studio and music studio alongside other cutting-edge facilities that have already hosted 3D printing workshops and music production sessions with the London Symphony Orchestra. There are opportunities on offer all year round and in the school summer holidays, the Summer Weekends programme will see two main youth hubs, Lift and Platform, extend their opening hours to Saturday evenings, 6-9pm. Search www.izzy-info.com for more information.
£
The council is investing
£500,000
a year over four years in mentoring schemes to reduce the number of young people becoming involved in crime The council is investing £500,000 a year over four years in mentoring schemes to reduce the number of young people becoming involved in crime. Within the last year, this has funded outreach workers from St Giles’ Trust to support over 60 young people – many of these young people reduced their
offending and several were helped to leave gangs. The council has also paid for a mentoring scheme for 5-11 year-olds provided by Chance UK and for 11-17 year-olds provided by Safer London to provide positive role models.
Safe Havens The council also runs a ‘Safe Haven’ scheme, where local services and businesses provide help and shelter to anyone who is in danger or feels threatened on the streets. Safe Havens can be easily recognised by stickers in their windows. If someone in danger goes into a Safe Haven and asks for help, staff are trained to lock out an attacker or pursuer, allowing the victim to then call a friend or family member or the police in safety. There are currently 67 Safe Havens in the borough, and the scheme will expand even further in 2018. Despite all the hard work and improvements the council is making, there is still more to do – and there are ways you can help. Please always report any criminal incidents to the police. In an emergency always call 999, for non-emergences call 101. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also report anti-social behaviour to the council’s ASB line – 020 7527 7272. You can also find out what’s happening in your area by checking the Nextdoor app or visiting www.met.police.uk/ your-area
islingtonlife.london
Loads of FREE activities are on offer, so sign up today! Search at www.islington.gov.uk/heatwave Pick up a brochure from your school, local youth hubs and clubs, libraries or leisure centres
Follow us on
#Summerversity
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There’s loads on this summer
Heatwave, Islington’s summer activities programme for children and young people, is back with hundreds of free or low cost activities happening in the borough throughout July and August.
Fun for under 11s Tiny tots and their grown-ups can go to Bright Start 0-5 sessions taking place in children’s centres and community venues across the borough. Islington’s 12 adventure playgrounds are amazing fun as well as being safe, welcoming and free! There is no need to book, although children do need to register. For sporty types, Islington has seven leisure centres and nine pitches offering loads of different activities like gymnastics, badminton, and tennis. Islington libraries have loads of fun
sessions coming up, as well as its annual Summer Reading Challenge.
Teens Once again, young people aged 13+ living in Islington can sign up for Summerversity courses free of charge. The programme is packed with activities and opportunities that cover everything from radio, theatre and music video production to animation, graffiti art and Carnival cooking. Places are given on a first-come, first-served basis and suitable for complete beginners.
young people aged 16+ is back by popular demand, with courses and workshops available to help young people enjoy their summer holiday, learn new skills, get careers advice and gain new experiences to add to their CV.
Full listings at
www.islington.gov.uk/ heatwave
Young adults The Launchpad programme for
Keep up-to-date throughout the summer
@IslingtonLife islingtonlife.london
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IslingtonLife
Young people
“Make new memories this summer” Islington’s young councillors are looking forward to a fun summer and are encouraging young people across the borough to make the most of the activities on offer. Once again, hundreds of free or lowcost activities are taking place during July and August for children and young people living in Islington. Young Mayor Honey Baker says: “Take advantage of all the free
opportunities Islington has to offer like Summerversity and Launchpad courses and take up a sport to relax and have fun!” After the pressures of exams, summer is a good time for young people to unwind, says Isabella Wolday, Member for Youth Parliament for Islington. “My advice is to stay safe and let loose! Summer is our time away from school to enjoy the sunshine and be stress free, so make sure you stay busy with your friends and try to enjoy every single day!”
Abubakar Finiin, Deputy Young Mayor will be relaxing after a stressful exam period. “I would advise other young people to make the most of the good weather,” he says. “You should try and do something new and make memories with friends. Check out the Summerversity courses because there is something for everyone” Find out more about what’s on offer for young people at www.izzy-info.com and follow the Youth Council on twitter @IslingtonYC
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Refill Islington
Top up your water bottle on the go
Do your bit to reduce plastic pollution by supporting Islington’s new Refill scheme. Islington Council is teaming up with Refill London to launch the scheme in Islington and increase the number of water Refill stations across the borough. Anyone wanting to fill up their water bottle can either check the Refill app
to see which businesses are part of the scheme, or just look out for the Refill sticker in the windows of shops, cafes and restaurants.
There are currently more than 40 stations in Islington, but organisers would like to increase this to hundreds across the borough.
Every business that signs ups helps to reduce the use of disposable plastic bottles by providing free refills of tap water to thirsty passers-by.
The official campaign launches soon, so look out for more information of how to get involved as a volunteer, or to sign up as a local business, and do your bit to reduce plastic pollution.
In the UK alone, it is estimated that 800 plastic bottles per minute end up in landfill, or as litter.
Email london@refill.org.uk or visit www.refill.org.uk
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Walking
Walk your way to health this summer
IzzWalks get box-fit
Summer is the perfect time of year to spend a little more time outside and to be more active. It’s also a great time to explore Islington’s green spaces and parks and kick-start the habit of walking. There are three regular walking groups in Islington – Highbury Walkers, IzzWalks and Islington U3A – that are free to join and offer
sociable and supportive walks. Lawrence, who leads IzzWalks says: “Our local walking group is very inclusive – everyone is welcome. It’s not only about fitness, we also enjoy a good chat while walking and we have a laugh. “Lots of residents have started walking each week with our group over the past year and a half, and have said that they wouldn’t have done this on their own.”
The group meets each Thursday at 11am outside Highbury Grange Medical Centre, and walks around Clissold Park. It is open to any adult living in Islington. Lawrence says: “It’s great to get outdoors each week – rain or shine we meet up each week, and it’s become something that members of our group really look forward to. There are many benefits from walking. You only have one body, and it’s your responsibility to look after it. Walking is a fun way to boost your physical activity, and you can also join local groups like ours to help you increase your walking.”
Just 10 minutes a day of brisk walking can make a huge difference to your health, both in the short and long term – it gets the heart pumping faster, can make you feel better, more energetic and improve your mood. Over time, brisk walking can help to lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. There are loads of free phone apps that can help you get into walking. The ‘Active 10’ app helps you complete 10 minutes of brisk walking daily and to gradually build this up to multiple ‘Active 10s’. Visit One You Islington to download the app today, and to find out more about local walking routes and groups.
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Parks and green spaces
Summertime? It must be Park Life! Love Park s London N a
Week/// 13 – 20 J uly //
tional Par
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21 – 29 J
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With all the great activities planned for Islington’s fabulous parks and green spaces during the festive fortnight, there really is no excuse to stay indoors. So, go on and make the most of summer.
part of the London Mayor’s plan to help make the city a National Park City in 2019.
Whether you want to get active, enjoy nature, picnic with friends or just sit back and enjoy the moment, you’ll find plenty to do in the borough’s lovely parks, green spaces and playgrounds.
Calling all volunteers! Help improve the much loved Foxham Gardens and learn new skills and make friends at the same time. Takes place on 18 July, 10am-2pm
With most people in Islington living no more than a walk away, everyone can get out and enjoy their favourite park this summer. A range of activities and events are being put on to celebrate Love Parks Week and the first-ever London National Park City Week, which is
Here are a few highlights of what is planned during the two weeks. Under 5s and their parents and carers can enjoy songs, stories, a nature trial and treasure hunt at King Square Gardens, 13 July, 9.30-11am
Join the Picnic on the Green at Newington Green on 19 July from 3.30pm and be part of the launch of London National Park City Week
Take a rare opportunity to visit the beautiful Barnsbury Wood, London’s smallest nature reserve on 21 July, 2-4pm
Fancy creating art out of grasses and leaves? Then Art in the Park will be your thing. Takes place in Whittington Park on 25 July, 1-3pm And of course, Go Islington is back for its sixth year at Highbury Fields on 28 July. Try your hand (or your feet) at over 20 different sports and enjoy dance, music and lots more. For details of all the activities and events, visit www.islingtonlife. london/parks The council’s dedicated team of park staff work hard to keep parks and green spaces looking fantastic, but people also need to treat the spaces with respect and do their bit. There are lots of things you can do to keep Islington’s parks looking great and enjoyable for all like putting litter in the bin, turning down music and keeping dogs under control.
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Your Home
Your Home News for council tenants and leaseholders
Building new homes
An artist’s impression of the Andover Estate from Seven Sisters Road
Two Islington housing development projects that will provide much needed genuinely affordable housing for the borough have been shortlisted for the Housing Design Awards. The Andover Estate project, designed by London architects Studio Partington, will provide 64
New family homes on the Andover Estate
much-needed new homes, of which 34 will be available for social rent. The project also includes improvements to the existing estate, like better refuse and recycling facilities for all tenants, landscaping work, and new affordable workshop space. The Triangle estate project will provide 54 new homes, including 27 new council homes for up to 88 local residents. Designed by the council’s own team of architects, the project also includes commercial space and improvements to landscaping and communal areas.
Launched in 1948, the Housing Design Awards champion skill and sustainable innovation. They are the only awards promoted by all five of the housing industries’ professional institutions.
New homes
A new housing development at 52 Tollington Way, on the site of the former Mary Seacole nursery, is due to launch soon. This fantastic building has 15 properties, eight of which are for social rent. Homes will be allocated under Islington’s Local Lettings policy, which gives priority to people from the local area.
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News for council tenants and leaseholders
Creating a stronger community Local people on four Islington housing estates are helping to bring neighbours together and create stronger bonds in the community. Residents on Bemerton, New River Green, Andover and Priory Green estates are volunteering their time as part of the Good Neighbours Scheme. The scheme is a partnership supported by Islington Council, Cripplegate, Islington CCG and Peabody HA and is delivered by the charity Help on Your Doorstep. The Good Neighbours Scheme aims to involve local people as volunteers or participants in activities that tackle isolation and loneliness and encourage better health and
wellbeing. This includes things like exercise classes, coffee mornings, gardening groups, kids sporting sessions, arts and craft groups, film nights, mindful meditation groups, day trips, fun days and much more Volunteers are supported by coordinators from the charity Help on Your Doorstep, which is behind the scheme, but take the lead on deciding what local activities are and how they should be delivered. The scheme is already making a difference to residents living in and around the estates, helping them to
create new and lasting friendships and creating a sense of community. Find out more, contact Help On Your Doorstep on 020 7490 2789.
Dance on your doorstep Did you know there are lots of free, fantastic opportunities for residents on Islington’s housing estates to engage with the arts? Providing a better quality of life for people and helping to tackle
loneliness and mental health issues, the varied programme brings dance, theatre and puppetry to residents across the borough. Like the free ‘singing for health’, held every Monday afternoon at the Lorraine estate community centre. If you would like to know more about what’s on offer please email HCDT@islington.gov.uk and ask to join the mailing list.
Finsbury Park Community Hub recently ran two catering and hospitality training programmes to help local people seek employment in the catering industry. Two residents were placed at the Park Theatre and have since secured employment, which is a great achievement.
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Your Home
Get handyperson help Did you know Islington runs a handyperson’s scheme that provides help with small repairs around the home? These might be things that the council’s repair service or a landlord would not normally cover. The service is for older residents, people living with a disability, and carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance or Direct Payments. You do not need to live in a council home to be eligible. However, the service does not cover repairs that are the responsibility of a landlord. Jobs include things like fixing loose sockets, replacing light fittings, fixing curtain rails or assembling flat pack furniture, as well as plumbing in washing machines or repairing leaks in pipework. The service is charged at two rates, either £10 per hour for households on a low income receiving a means tested benefit, or £25 per hour for households not on a low income. Find out more by calling 0800 694 3344, or 020 7527 5400 from a mobile, or email Repairs. handyperson@islington.gov.uk
If you are confident to tackle simple DIY tasks, but need a little guidance, sign up to these free courses run by Islington Council. Electrics, Friday 21 September, from 9.30am-12.30pm Tiling, Friday 21 September, from 1pm-3.30pm Carpentry, Friday 28 September,
from 9.30am-12.30pm Plumbing, Friday 2 September, from 1-3.30pm Sessions are held at the Repairs Training Facility, Unit 9, Bush Industrial Estate, Station Rd, N19 5UN. To book a place, email HCDT@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 2903.
Free summer sports This summer there are many opportunities to get active on Islington estates. The Access to Sports Project, in partnership with Islington Council, are running a variety of sports activities, events and coaching and sports leadership training. You can find out more by calling
020 7686 8812 or visit www.accesstosports.org.uk/islington
sessions at Elthorne Park call Jack on 020 7704 4153.
Meanwhile, Arsenal in the Community is continuing its free football sessions for young people. For sessions at Andover, Westbourne, King Square and Harvist Estates and Rosemary Gardens, call Anthony on 07894 808249. For
On Fridays, open access pan-disability football sessions for disabled young people are held at The Arsenal Hub, N7 7BA, from 5.30pm-6.30pm. Call Luke on 020 7704 4662 for details.
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Based in the heart of Islington, Islington Print has many years of experience delivering excellent print services to clients large and small.
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IslingtonLife
Libraries
Year of Reading Islington has declared 2018 its Year of Reading – a celebration of reading with a huge range of activities, festivities and events planned. You can get involved this summer with the Summer Reading Challenge for children and adults and then pick up a controversial book during Banned Books Week in September. The year so far has seen the Word Festival in June, a month-long celebration with the launch of Islington’s first Word Garden in Kings Square Gardens. Designed by the older people at St Luke’s Centre, working with All Change artists, it is inspired by their memories of the park and the local area. The Reading Well booklist, supporting common mental health conditions, also launched in June, providing a wealth of resources. The Year of Reading particularly focuses on the impact reading and writing can have on mental health and wellbeing, and encouraging a healthy
Share your reading experiences with hashtag
#YearOf Reading
Children, local residents and the Mayor of Islington enjoy the launch of Islington’s new Word Garden
work life balance. The programme is for residents and visitors of all ages and encourages the benefits of reading for pleasure. Islington has 10 libraries across the borough, offering a wide range of reading materials to encourage regular reading for pleasure as well as book groups, book swaps and reading promotions.
Library member?
Whether you live, work or study in the borough, or are just visiting, anyone can join Islington libraries. Call in to a library or fill in a simple
courses
From Wednesday 1 August 2018, adult and community learning courses will move from 3 Corners Learning Centre to Finsbury Library at 245 St John Street, EC1V 4NR.
moving
The new venue is less than five minutes’ walk from 3 Corners. The
Adult Learning
online form and we’ll issue you with your library card straight away!
Did you know reading is a popular activity with 50 per cent of people saying they read at least once a week or more? You can find out more at www.islingtonreads.co.uk or on Twitter @Islingtonlibs
new venue offers additional study options for adult learners in the borough. It also has additional study space. Find out more at www. adultlearning.islington.gov.uk
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Cycling
Pedal power Cycling is a great way to stay fit and get around town, plus it saves money on travel costs. The council is trying to make cycling as easy as possible for people with a range of support programmes and activities. Find out more at www.islington.gov.uk/cycling
Free TLC for your bike There are two monthly Dr Bike sessions held in the borough, and you’re very welcome to turn up to either without booking. Outside the Town Hall, Upper Street: 4pm-7pm on the first Wednesday of every month Navigator Square, Archway: 4pm-7pm on the third Tuesday of every month
A safe place
Need somewhere safe to park your bike? To date, 20 bike hangars have been installed around Islington and there is funding for a further 200 over the next two years. Each hangar can securely accommodate six bikes and the new ones will be sited where there is most demand. Make an application! The cost is £104 per year, plus a £25 key deposit. You can also request Sheffield stands and lamppost hoops and make suggestions for cycle parking solutions on council estates.
Get the skills
If you need a confidence boost to commute by bike, or want to help your children learn to cycle safely, book onto a cycle skills session for adults or a Bikeability course for children. These are free if you live, work or study in Islington, and courses are for all ages and abilities.
Mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. By the end, your bike will feel like new.
Discover your va-va Froome
If sport is more your thing, Islington Cycling Club offers nine weekly rides, training rides and several club and open events. It’s a friendly club with more than 600 members and offers road cycling, CX, track and sessions for 8-15 year-olds. Find out more at www.islington.cc
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IslingtonLife
Local life
A clean sweep Residents now have their own dedicated neighbourhood street sweeper who visits their street up to five times a week. The council is committed to making Islington a cleaner place to live and brought in new changes to street cleaning routes in June. Neighbourhood sweepers now follow the same routes as the recycling and refuse collection rounds, to clear up anything that may have been missed or spilled within hours of collection. Every sweeper has a mobile phone to report fly-tips and other issues straight away. They also have separate rubbish and recycling bins on their barrows to increase recycling rates. Main roads will still be deep-cleaned every single day, but the redesign means fewer vehicles will need to be used overall, cutting down on carbon emissions and air pollution. Meanwhile, the vehicle fleet is getting even greener, with a new street sweeping vehicle and three brand new refuse and recycling trucks that run on compressed natural gas soon to be introduced to the fleet. There are three graffiti removal teams and two extra pavement pressure washers, to help keep the main roads even cleaner. This is in addition to the six existing mechanical pavement sweepers and three road channel mechanical sweepers.
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Local life
Volunteering at Cally Park With the new Cally Clock Tower Centre due to open this summer and works to the clock tower completed by autumn, there are now a number of opportunities to get involved. A series of exciting events, tours and learning activities for families, adults and school groups have been planned, to celebrate the reopening of this historic gem and bring its fascinating history to life. There are roles in gardening, events, public engagement, learning and education. No previous experience is required and all necessary training will be provided. So, if you are interested in local history, nature
Volunteers can do gardening or help out in the centre
and parks, or you just want an opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills find out more.
Get in touch, email katherine. diamond@islington.gov.uk or call 07712 547 536.
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Local life
The Dog Olympix
Upperdeckers
Back for its third year in Whittington Park, this dog agility competition is for ‘everyday people and their everyday dogs.’
Try kayaking, narrowboating or bellboating on Regents Canal with Upperdeckers. These watersports sessions for people aged 50+ are run by Islington Boat Club every Tuesday during term-time only, from 11am1pm. You need to take a full change of clothes (appropriate for the weather) including soft-soled shoes and a towel, and the club provides everything else, including free tea, coffee and juice. Call Islington Boat Club on 020 7253 0778 to find out more.
Traffic update
Mia and Rocky
Dogs and owners can compete in games like catch the ball, agility and relay races to win medals and goodie bags, plus there will be Best in Show, Best Rescue Dog and Cutest Pup prizes up for grabs. To enter, register on any Sunday in Whittington Park. To compete in the games, you must have attended practice sessions, which take place
on Sundays at 11am in the park. The semi-finals will take place on Sunday 2 September and the finals on Saturday 8 September. All money raised will go towards buying a water fountain for the park. Visit www.archwaydogs/ dogolympix for more information or email info@archwaydogs
Works at Highbury Corner and in Canonbury Road may lead to traffic congestion in and around Highbury Corner. Follow @tfltrafficnews and @tflbusalerts for the latest travel alerts. Find out more at: tfl.gov.uk/ highbury-corner
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Local life
Helping young people build confidence
For Islington resident Jonathan Buffong martial arts is more than just a hobby, it is a calling. He is the founder of Mixed Martial Arts for Reform and Progression (MMARAP) a local sports group that trains young people through karate, boxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to make positive life choices. “I work with young people because I think it is vital that they can pursue opportunities in their lives,” says Jonathan. “The group really aims to act as a platform for young people to excel in both their personal and social lives. The benefits of mixed martial arts can spread into young people’s education and employment opportunities too.” Jonathan currently runs weekly sessions for young people aged 16-25 in Islington. These are free of charge and held every Thursday at Ringcross Community Centre.
Attendees learn skills from various martial arts, but it’s more than just the physical skills that Jonathan hopes the young people will gain. “I want to be clear, I’m not training young people to become combatants,” he said. “I’m teaching certain elements of martial arts to promote a positive and focused approach to life.” This summer Jonathan is hoping to run more guided sessions for blind and visually impaired people.
“I’ve been doing MMA for over 10 years, and started to notice that there weren’t many people with physical or learning disabilities involved in the sport,” he says. “Having spoken to people at events I found that there was an interest from disabled people to get involved.” If you want to find out more visit www.mmarap.co.uk, follow @mmarap on Twitter or @mmarap_official on Instagram.
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IslingtonLife
Health
Talking your way to better health Living with a long-term health condition, like diabetes or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can take its toll on a person’s wellbeing. Understandably, managing their condition every day can leave them feeling stressed, overwhelmed or low.
Working with a specially trained team of psychological wellbeing practitioners and cognitive behaviour therapists, patients are guided through self-help sessions and taught to set goals and learn new skills to manage their health condition.
Islington’s new iCOPE service for long-term conditions is here to help. This free and confidential service is available to people living in Islington aged 18 or over with diabetes (types 1 and 2) and COPD, who are also experiencing low mood or anxiety.
To find out more or refer yourself to the service, visit www.icope.nhs.uk or call 0303 123 1000. Or you can ask your GP or another health professional to refer you.
At the heart of the for Community focussed Community focussed for community for over 150 years more than 150 more thanprovides 150 years years The Islington Gazette readers with the latest sports and entertainment Visitin usnews, at: www.islingtongazette.co.uk Visit us at: www.islingtongazette.co.uk www.islingtongazette.co.uk
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Health
Glass Half Full: a positive way to rethink your drink Summer is here and along with the sunshine many people will enjoy a glass of something alcoholic to relax or have fun. Without realising it, the amount you drink can quickly add up, but there are many simple ways to keep track and take back control. Choosing low or reduced strength drinks is one simple way to consume fewer units of alcohol. ‘Low-alcohol’ drinks refer to those which have an ‘alcoholic strength by volume’ (ABV) of between 0.5 and 1.2 per cent, whereas ‘reduced alcohol’ means a drink has an alcohol content lower than the average strength of a particular type of drink. Being low alcohol doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste. The increase in demand for lighter, healthier drinks means there’s a good selection of options for high quality, lower strength wine and beer.
Islington’s new drug and alcohol service
Another option is to swap your next drink for a non-alcoholic alternative. Even cutting back small amounts can give you more energy to play with your kids or grandchildren; help you lose weight; give you confidence to go out and try new things, or having
a clear head to get that project done at work.
If you feel that you have an issue with your alcohol or drug use, contact Better Lives and get direct and confidential access to information, advice, assessment and a comprehensive range of
treatments. The service offers a free and confidential support service for individuals aged 18 and over and their families in Islington affected by drug and alcohol problems. Call 020 3317 6650
If would like some ideas and support to cut down on alcohol visit www.OneYouIslington.org
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Arsenal in the Community
Real Madrid Legends v Arsenal Legends Arsenal Legends travelled to the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday 3 June for the first leg of this charity match. The game finished 2-1 to Real Madrid. The ‘Corazón Classic’ match, as it is known, is hosted by the Real Madrid Foundation under the theme of ‘Football for Childhood.’ This is an annual game – in its ninth year – for Real Madrid Legends who raise money for good causes. The two teams will come to north
London for the return fixture at Emirates Stadium in aid of The Arsenal Foundation on Saturday,
September 8, kick-off at 2pm. Tickets available via arsenal.com
Unforgettable days with Willow One of the guests, 18-year-old William, suffers with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and is currently studying sports science at university. He spent some time with Per Mertesacker and Jack Wilshere, where he discussed his passion for football and coaching.
Arsenal welcomed five young supporters to the club’s training ground for an unforgettable day out. Organised by The Arsenal Foundation’s partner, Willow Foundation, the charity creates special days for seriously ill young adults aged 16 to 40.
The five guests accompanied by parents, carers and friends, were welcomed to Arsenal’s Hertfordshire training facility for an exclusive behind the scenes tour. They met players and Arsène Wenger, watched the team train and ate lunch in the players’ restaurant.
The Arsenal Foundation has a long-standing relationship with Willow, who became an official partner in 2013. Since then, The Arsenal Foundation has donated more than £300,000 to Willow, including a recent donation of £180,000 to fund special days for young people with conditions such as motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy and Huntington’s disease.
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Arsenal in the Community
A Night to Inspire raises over £400,000
The Arsenal Foundation’s flagship annual fundraiser, A Night To Inspire, raised an incredible total of £442,734 at Emirates Stadium in June.
En route to the event, Arsenal players Danny Welbeck, Alexandre Lacazette, Granit Xhaka, Henrikh
Mkhitaryan and Petr Cech called in to see the refurbished pitch at St John’s CofE Highbury Vale that was funded by The Arsenal Foundation through money raised at its Arsenal Legends vs Milan Glorie game in 2016. Pupils were delighted by the surprise visit. The players came together to donate £90,000 for a special auction lot raising funds for a pioneering new coaching programme with Save the Children in the Zaatari Refugee Camp in Jordan, and Indonesia. The project will see thousands of children move beyond their experience of displacement, violence and
trauma through specialised football and resilience coaching on pitches we have built in Indonesia and Jordan. Mesut Ozil also played his part by donating a further £30,000 to bag an exclusive Rolex ‘Invincibles’ watch made in collaboration with Thierry Henry. Funds raised will help The Arsenal Foundation continue its support for its partners and a wide range of local initiatives – from helping to refurbish football pitches in north London to backing sports, arts and community projects close to Emirates Stadium.
islingtonlife.london
6th ANNUAL
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