Your local magazine from Islington Council • Summer 2020
Make a splash! Activities to get the most out of summer safely
Parents’ pull-out summer guide
Have your say on people -friendly streets
Covid-19: Do your bit to keep us all safe
IslingtonLife
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Contents
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10
Welcome Message from the Council Leader
Crisis fund needs your help
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12-13
News Islington launches people-friendly streets consultation
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Jobs and money Improve your future with adult and community learning opportunities
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Do your bit What to do to keep us all safe as the lockdown eases
Islington Giving
Pull-out guide Head to the centre of the magazine for your 8-page Parents’ Essential Summer Guide, with all the info you need for your children, from birth right up to 24 years
NHS The NHS is still here for you - and how to look after your mental health
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Recycling How to get your plastic recycling right
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Housing Building new council homes for local people
Front page picture: Young members of Islington Boat Club show responsible social distancing while out on the water in Regent’s Canal, near Angel. For information on the club’s summer sessions, see the pull-out Parents’ Essential Summer Guide.
Highlights Pull-out
Parents’ Essential Summer Guide
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Black Lives Matter - our actions so far
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We Are Islington takes 10,000th call
Summer 2020
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Welcome Welcome to the summer issue of Islington Life, which is packed with helpful advice and pointers to help us all get through this challenging time.
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 You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram. Search for IslingtonLife
Other formats If you would like IslingtonLife in large print, audiotape or another format, please call 020 7527 3416 Recycle me! Please recycle this magazine once you’ve finished with it.
As Leader of Islington Council, I have never doubted the borough’s capacity to pull together in times of crisis and stand united in the face of adversity. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we have seen such qualities time and time again. I would like to thank each and every person in our community who has made sacrifices in order to protect themselves and others. It’s impossible to fully express my gratitude to community groups and individuals for their selfless work to help others, to the NHS workers who have been saving lives, the carers looking after our most vulnerable residents, and to the many council staff and other key workers who have worked tirelessly to keep services running. This has been the most challenging period that many of us have ever faced. Unfortunately, the reality is that coronavirus is not going to go away overnight. It’s really important that we all do our bit and keep following the rules and guidance to protect ourselves and each other.
That is why we are in the process of creating people-friendly streets all over the borough – to make it easier to socially distance as the lockdown gradually eases and high streets open up once more, and to make it easier and safer to walk, cycle, use buggies or wheelchairs. This will also help ensure that our borough remains green, healthy and friendly for years to come. We are always here to help – which is why we set up the We Are Islington helpline to support our residents, why we have reduced council tax bills for more than 18,000 homes, and why we have been supporting local businesses by quickly distributing Government grants. I hope that you enjoy this edition of IslingtonLife, which features plenty of helpful information and advice on staying safe, happy and healthy, including an essential 8-page pullout for parents of children of all ages. The most important thing to remember is that coronavirus is still here, and we all need to do our bit and keep following the rules to protect yourself and others. Thank you for playing your part.
The council has always taken a safety-first approach in responding to this terrible virus.
To receive news and updates directly to your inbox visit www.islington.gov.uk/stayupdated
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IslingtonLife
News
Evin’s journey to safety What is If you are suffering domestic abuse, reach out – support is there. This is the story of how Evin was helped to start a new life, free from fear and violence, with Solace Women’s Aid.
NHS Test and Trace? NHS Test and Trace is set up to prevent further spread of coronavirus by: allowing people with coronavirus symptoms to get tested for those who test positive, tracing their recent close contacts so that they can also self-isolate
Evin fled to Islington from another part of the country to escape her abusive husband and her family. But she started to suffer horrific physical abuse from her new partner, and desperately wanted to leave. Evin was referred to Solace Women’s Aid in Islington, which offers a range of services to women and children experiencing or escaping domestic violence, including emergency refuge accommodation, telephone and face-to-face advice, and advocacy. Solace supported her to find a new home and, with the help of her Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, she has now moved to another borough where she is safe. Islington’s Resident Support Scheme
Fund provided financial support to help her to move home. Evin told Solace: “I can’t thank you enough for all your support. This wouldn’t have happened without you.” If you are experiencing domestic violence and abuse, please contact Solace which provides free and confidential support for women and men in Islington affected by abuse. Call 020 3795 5070 or email advocacy@solacewomensaid.org. Lines are open Monday-Friday, 9am5pm. If you are a perpetrator of domestic violence and abuse, or worried about your behaviour towards your partner, call Domestic Violence Intervention Project for help on 07501 722 611 or 07484 920 033.
If you develop coronavirus symptoms, self-isolate for 7 days and organise a test by going to nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirustest or calling 119. Self-isolating means not leaving your home at all. If you live with others who have symptoms, you’ll need to selfisolate for 14 days from the day the first person started having symptoms. You may be able to stop earlier than 14 days if everyone in your household with symptoms gets a negative test result. If you have had close recent contact with someone who has coronavirus, you must self-isolate if the NHS Test and Trace service advises you to do so. Visit nhs.uk/coronavirus for advice on symptoms, testing and selfisolation. If you’re worried about your health or coronavirus symptoms call NHS 111.
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News
Have your say on planned improvements Help us make our streets work harder as we live more ‘local’ lives. The council is inviting residents to have their say on how it can make streets across the borough friendlier for everyone – particularly children, young people and the vulnerable.
allow for social distancing now and in future. People-friendly streets will also help us towards our goal of a net zero carbon borough by 2030 – a healthier, greener borough for all.
Your comments will contribute towards the council’s plans to make it easier and safer to walk, cycle and use buggies and wheelchairs, and
Making our streets more people-friendly Islington’s first neighbourhood of people-friendly streets has been created in St Peter’s ward including Colebrooke Row, Danbury Street, Wharf Road and Prebend Street. This is to allow more space to walk safely, cycle as part of everyday life, use buggies or wheelchairs and cross roads. Further neighbourhoods are set to be introduced in the Canonbury, Highbury, Clerkenwell, Nags Head
and St Mary’s areas by the autumn. A number of inexpensive measures will be installed to stop vehicles rat-running through local streets while keeping access for emergency vehicles, trades vehicles, and local people who need to drive. Islington Council and Transport for London are also working together to support social distancing on Islington’s streets. Pavement widening schemes have been introduced on the borough’s main roads at Highbury Barn, Angel, Green Lanes and on Stroud Green Road, and have also been installed outside schools as they re-opened.
More than 3,000 comments have been made already. For more information and to leave your comment, visit islingtonpeoplefriendlystreets. commonplace.is
“This is your chance to change your world”
David Harrison, co-ordinator and vice-chair of Islington Living Streets, campaigns for active travel in Islington. We spoke to him about how we’ve been using our streets differently over the last few months: “At first, the air was clean. You could hear the birds sing. Families with young children were cycling down the streets. Social distancing was a real problem on some shopping streets, but in general it was a joy to be out. “The consultation is the greatest opportunity I can ever remember for Islington residents to express their views, to outline the many problems on our streets and to suggest improvements. I urge people to be ambitious. This is our chance to change our world and to really tell the council what the problems are.” islingtonlife.london
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IslingtonLife
Jobs and money
Sign up for a new skill this autumn
Money matters – pension credit Our Income Maximisation Team can check that you are claiming the benefits you are entitled to. Recently we have been helping Islington pensioners on a low income to claim Pension Credit. Pension Credit can help with things like free NHS dental treatment, and if you are 75 or over they will also help with the TV Licence fee (though this might change from 1 August 2020). The amount you get depends on how much income you receive and your savings.
If you want to develop new skills and build your confidence for work, further education or life, our Adult Community Learning (ACL) courses could be for you. Our courses are free and open to any Islington resident aged 19 or over and either unemployed or on a low wage. We’ve made a few changes recently in line with social distancing guidelines, as digital skills tutor Sonja Rose explains: “Since lockdown I’ve been working at home. Adapting to remote learning has been easier than I thought… though even as a digital skills teacher, it took a couple of weeks to get used to new technology, to adapt my teaching materials and assist learners.
“Our video classes and one-to-one tutorials enable you to learn as if you were in a classroom. You don’t have to use your video camera or speak if you don’t want to. You can send your work in by mobile phone, email or our online system ‘Moodle’, depending on the course. Most learners who can access online classes really enjoy them – and want us to keep doing them. One of my co-tutors even hands out virtual chocolates!” We have just launched an exciting new web development course! To find out more about this and all our other courses, email acl@islington.gov.uk or contact us via WhatsApp on 07734 777466, or see adultlearning.islington.gov.uk
To claim Pension Credit, call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (textphone: 0800 169 0133). We helped one 66-year-old resident who needed help with a claim for Attendance Allowance to successfully apply for Pension Credit and Severe Disability Premium. As a result they are now £127 better off every week, and also received a backdated payment of nearly £1,500. We also helped another 69-yearold resident with MS claim for Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit, increasing their income by £174 a week, with £1,750 backdated. For help, contact the iMax Team at claimit@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 4990 (select option 4 and leave your contact details).
New Universal Credit website launches
The Department for Work and Pensions has launched a new website at understanding universalcredit.gov.uk/ employment-and-benefits-
support with updates on Universal Credit and Covid-19. It includes information about employment and benefits support, advice on housing, furlough, sick pay and self-
employment, alongside advice and FAQs for employers, those already claiming and those making a new claim.
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Jobs and money
Shop safe, shop local
Just the job!
To shop locally is to shop safely! Through our ‘people-friendly streets’ programme, the council has been working to make it as easy as possible for you to walk and cycle to your local shops and to socially distance when you are out and about. Please help our local businesses to keep you and their staff safe by following these simple rules: 2m
Keep 2m apart where possible Wear a face covering when inside shops and give other customers as much space as possible Please follow the one in, one out system Don’t touch items that you don’t intend to buy Use contactless payment where possible Don’t visit if you have symptoms – please stay at home
Make the most of the choice on your doorstep
Times have been extremely tough for our local businesses and now that many of them are re-opening, they need your custom more than ever to help them keep going. To make it easier for you to check out the great value and choice right on your doorstep, head over to our online directory at islingtonlife. london where you can search for the small, independent businesses closest to you. Many shops are now offering online orders and deliveries, too. All listed businesses have been approved by the council as operating safely.
Are you interested in getting into work? Our iWork job coaches are on hand to advise you on local opportunities and any training or support you may need to get you job-ready. We can support you over the telephone, by Skype or email. Contact us on 020 7527 2706 or
email iWork@islington.gov.uk And if you would like to kick-start a rewarding career in the care sector, do get in touch. The Covid-19 crisis has led to an increased demand for carers, co-ordinators, activities co-ordinators, and we are recruiting to a range of vacancies: part-time, full-time, weekend and evening shift work is available.
In work but worried? The pandemic has created instability for many people in work. Our partner the Shaw Trust offers specialist advice on coronavirusrelated work issues via Get Back On Track, such as:
furlough redundancy changes to terms and conditions working from home health and wellbeing sickness absence, and much more
“I found the service very useful and comforting at a time when I was experiencing a significant amount of distress. My adviser was friendly and this allowed me to feel relaxed and calm.” Marguerita, Islington Contact Get Back On Track by calling 0800 389 0177, emailing getbackontrack@nhs.net or seeing getbackontrack.london
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Community
Black Lives Matter
Islington has a long and proud history of standing united against racial injustice, both here and across the world. minority ethnic communities in the borough, and is open to suggestions about how best to celebrate the diversity of the community.
The council has supported the fight for equality over the years and is determined to continue working to make Islington a fairer place for all, where children are provided the best possible start in life and racial discrimination, in all its forms, is tackled at every step. Earlier this month the council passed a motion underlining its horror at the brutal murder of George Floyd by US police in Minneapolis, standing in complete solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, and reaffirming its commitment to fight against all forms of racism and injustice. The council is determined to listen to the concerns of Islington’s black and minority ethnic communities, to learn from them, and act on them. As part of this, it has called on Government to make black history a mandatory part of the national curriculum, and adopt recommendations by Public Health England to help protect black, Asian and minority ethnic communities nationally from the disproportionate effect of coronavirus. It also urged central Government to take urgent and meaningful action to address structural racism and injustices, as recommended in many Government reviews. A recent audit of the history and origins of all statues, artworks and heritage plaques in Islington, following Black Lives Matter protests (pictured above) and the removal of statues including Edward Colston’s in Bristol, suggests none celebrate the slave trade or slavers. The council has also long recognised, supported and championed the contribution of black, Asian and
One example is the Islington Heritage Plaque that marks the former headquarters of the ANC in Penton Street, reflecting Islington’s central role in London’s anti-apartheid movement. The council is currently redeveloping the site into a memory and learning centre with The Liliesleaf Trust. And a new plaque honours the life and work of celebrated late author Andrea Levy, who chronicled the British Caribbean Windrush experience and lived on the Blackstock Estate in Highbury. But while it rightly celebrates diversity, the council’s overriding duty will always be to root out and challenge inequality, racism and injustice, wherever it is found.
STAY SAFE AT WORK JOIN A UNION TEXT JOIN TO
78555
www.islington.gov.uk/worksafely
2020
Summer success Helpful tips for a great time with the kids – whatever their age! p2-3
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Vital information for all parents for children of all ages
Learning activities and resources to get creative for 5-12 year olds
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p7-8
Sessions and activities, childcare info and more for 0-5 year olds
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Find out more about Heatwave activities and the Summer Reading Challenge for 0-16 year olds
Next steps for teenagers and under-25s
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IslingtonLife
All ages
Free food and fun with Lunch Bunch six-week holiday period to families whose children are eligible under the national free school meals programme.
Welcome!
As a mother myself, I know the summer break can be a great chance for family fun but it can also be difficult and stressful at times. This year the Covid-19 pandemic has changed everything and touched all our lives in some way, bringing a new set of challenges. For us, safety will always be our top priority, and we’ve been working hard to ensure your children can make the most of this summer’s many opportunities, while remaining safe. Our well-loved Heatwave, Summerversity and Launchpad programmes are back – with a few changes – and we’ll keep a close eye on evolving official guidance. I hope you’ll find this guide useful, and remember to check online regularly for the latest updates if you can.
Cllr Kaya Comer-Schwartz Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families
Vaccinations and healthcare for children – don’t delay Immunisations for young children and baby checks after birth are essential for your child’s health and are still being delivered by your GP. Please contact your GP to book an appointment.
Good news – Lunch Bunch is back again this summer, offering a range of free activities for children and young people of all ages with a free, healthy and nutritious lunch provided. The activities will be held at various locations around the borough and are open to all. We are working hard to ensure Lunch Bunch activities are safe and meet all current Government guidelines, so for the latest information on sessions and venues, visit islington.gov.uk/lunchbunch or call Islington’s Family Information Service on 020 7527 5959. The Government has also introduced a Summer Food scheme which will provide food vouchers over the
Food vouchers worth £90 per child have been ordered by schools and are available as physical gift cards and as eGift cards. Vouchers can be spent at a local supermarket – parents and carers can select the supermarket from a range of options. For up-to-date information on free school meals and the Summer Food scheme, see islington.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals There is also more information and guidance on those pages if you think you have recently become eligible for benefits-related free school meals and the Summer Food scheme. If your family is struggling, remember you can call the We Are Islington helpline on 020 7527 8222 or email weareislington@islington.gov.uk
Getting a school place If your child is due to join a primary or secondary school in September 2021, it will soon be time to apply for a place. If your child was born between 1 September 2016 and 31 August 2017, you will soon need to apply for a primary school reception class place for them. And if they were born between 1 September 2009 and 31 August 2010, the same applies for securing a secondary school place. The application process opens on 1 September 2020 and if you live in Islington, you will need to apply using our online application form, which
will be available alongside copies of our new primary and secondary school admissions brochures. The two brochures are your go-to guide that explains what to do, when and how. All these documents will be available on our website at islington. gov.uk/admissions Although there is a lot to think about before you decide which schools to apply for, there is no need to panic. Our School Admissions team is on hand to guide you through the process. Give them a call on 020 7527 5515 if you need help, especially if this is the first time you are applying for a school place.
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All ages
Support your child’s learning this summer As we start the school holidays, some of you may be wondering how to keep your children busy and support their learning through the summer.
designed to support families with English as an additional language. Teams working on our 11 by 11, Work of Work and Music Education programmes have provided ideas and activities for families over the summer, including online music making, arts and crafts and inspiring career activities. Teams have also handpicked their ‘website of the week’ featuring the best resources to support learning. There are also links to the Summer Reading Challenge, which is a great way to share and talk about books. Don’t miss our Summer Reading Challenge activities on page 5!
Islington Council has developed a home learning website full of resources and activities for pupils of all ages. There is also a weekly e-newsletter to support the website and additional resources for children with special educational needs (SEND). Summer learning is also
Schools are providing a range of learning activities for pupils to access at home. Some are also planning activities during the summer holidays. Contact Family Information Service for further details at fis@islington.gov.uk or call 020 7527 5959. Find out more at islingtoncs.org/ home-learning
Keeping children safe Since lockdown began, most children have spent more time at home and aren’t being seen as often, nor by as many people, as before. Some children will be spending more time online as a result – putting them at greater risk of online grooming
and abuse. There is also a greater risk of neglect and/or domestic, physical, emotional and sexual abuse in the home, and fewer chances for neighbours, grandparents, teachers or others to spot these signs. We all have a responsibility to keep
Supporting children and young people’s mental health At this time, many young people, their parents and carers are seeking advice and support. In Islington, our Social, Emotional, Mental Health (SEMH) Services are available to support any young person who may be struggling with their emotional wellbeing or mental health. Our friendly team can offer advice both virtually and in person, and can help children and young people access appropriate support from a range of services. You can request a service at islington.gov.uk/children-andfamilies/worried-about-a-child or, if you need further advice or a more urgent response, call the Children’s Services Contact Team on 020 7527 7400. With Kooth, you can access free, safe, anonymous, online wellbeing support, or talk to a counsellor, 365 days a year from the comfort of your own home. So, why not check out Kooth. com today?
children safe. If you are worried about a child you can call 020 7527 7400 at any time, or visit islington.gov.uk/children-andfamilies/worried-about-a-child Remember, always call 999 in an emergency. islingtonlife.london
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IslingtonLife
0-5yrs
A Bright Start to your summer! development. SENsory Adventures supports 2 and 3-year-olds with social and communication needs.
Health and wellbeing sessions Family Kitchen ‘Cook along’ with your child to learn new skills and exciting recipes, and get tips for making healthy meals and better choices for you and your family
We have lots of exciting opportunities for you to meet other families online this summer as part of our Bright Start programme for young children. Our experienced staff can offer plenty of outdoor play ideas to explore with your children. Wellbeing workshops and other activities will be added to the programme over the coming weeks, and we hope to run some faceto-face sessions in our parks, if Government restrictions allow them. Here is a flavour of the activities already arranged – for full listings, times, locations and booking information, see islington.gov.uk/
brightstartonline or call Islington’s Family Information Service on 020 7527 5959.
Online sessions
Song and Movement (Under 1s, 0-5s) Fun, interactive activities that offer tips on supporting your child’s learning and development, inside and out. Extra Boost and SENsory Adventures (SEND) Small group sessions using interactive activities to engage children with additional needs and support their learning and
Introducing Solid Foods Workshops for parents of babies aged 4-6 months, offering information and tips on starting your baby on solid food, and answers to any questions you may have. Antenatal and postnatal yoga and Zumba Helping mothers prepare for the birth, and improving their physical wellbeing after birth and beyond. Family Support Surgeries Speak to a family engagement worker on a dedicated phone line Monday to Friday, 9am to 12noon: Bright Start East 020 7527 8376 Bright Start South 020 7527 8512 Bright Start West 020 7527 8531
Islington Family Information Service Islington’s Family Information Service, FIS, helps parents and carers find fun, low-cost and free activities for children in the holidays and after school. You can also contact the FIS for help with finding and choosing suitable childcare and free early learning places with nurseries and childminders.
The friendly team of advisors provides information and advice on the full range of support services, including services for children with disabilities and special educational needs, available for families with children and young people from birth right up to 25 years old.
Need help?
Please call the FIS telephone helpline, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, on 020 7527 5959. Alternatively, email fis@islington. gov.uk or use the Family Directory at islington.gov.uk/fis
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0-16yrs
Keep your children active, healthy and engaged with our top tips Whether you’re looking for affordable childcare this summer, need your children to burn off some energy outdoors, or want to help your teenager find a new passion or learn a skill, we can help! For children aged 5-12, holiday playschemes across Islington offer fun with friends, safe play and stimulating indoor and outdoor activities. Staff will help children to thrive in challenging times – perfect preparation for the return to school in September. The council has ensured that all playschemes will properly protect
children and staff, and they will be happy to explain their measures to you. For example, children will play in smaller groups, and enhanced hygiene routines will be standard. Children should attend just one playscheme this summer, wherever possible. Our Family Information Service (contact details at the bottom of p4) can also help you find holiday childcare for children of all ages.
Extra safety measures are in place at Islington’s 12 adventure playgrounds, which are welcoming, social, fun and free for children aged 6 and
is on – with a difference
over. Indoor and outdoor sports and leisure activities will be laid on for all ages this summer, too. Some sessions will be online and others socially distanced, for safety – find the latest Heatwave listings at islington.gov.uk/heatwave For teenagers, our free annual Launchpad and Summerversity programmes are full of opportunities to make their summer break count, while staying safe – from kayaking to carpentry, go-karting to cookery, life skills to sport. See p7 for more, and keep checking izzy-info.com and summerversity.co.uk for the latest.
Get your pens and pencils at the ready and colour in these Silly Squad characters!
Some activities are taking place online and others socially distanced, to keep everybody safe. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/heatwave to find out the latest.
Illustrations: © Laura Ellen Anderson 2020
Check out Islington Libraries’ special Summer Reading Challenge e-book collection at www.islington.gov.uk/sillysquad Sign up for Silly Squad – the 2020 Summer Reading Challenge to access loads of SERIOUSLY funny games and activities! www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
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5-12yrs
Get creative and have fun this summer! Looking for new ways to keep the family entertained over the summer? You can find lots of free activities to do with your children on the Islington Home Learning website. Thanks to our partnerships with Guildhall School of Music, some of Islington’s world-class cultural venues and local employers, we’re providing a range of fun things to do over the holidays.
Make some music together
Access five free online music-making activities every week – try your hand at writing a rap or experiment with a music-making app. All carefully selected by the Music Education Islington team. See islingtoncs.org/home-learning/ music
Explore your creativity
Our 11 by 11 partnership with more than 60 cultural organisations means
you can take your pick from activities and articles from the borough’s finest theatres, museums, galleries and more. See islingtoncs.org/home-learning/ creative
Get a glimpse into the World of Work
Find a selection of ideas, videos and websites for careers-based activities to do at home. Discover the varied professions that are called on to make a film, or be inspired by people sharing their personal career journeys. See islingtoncs.org/home-learning/ wow
Over the last few months, parents and carers have been doing an incredible job of keeping up their child’s learning at home. Mum of two, Favour, has been a regular visitor to the site, which she described as “a really useful, engaging and inspiring range of enrichment resources,” adding: “I would highly recommend parents to access these!” We will continue to provide core home learning activities too, with a pick-and-mix of spelling, reading, writing, phonics and maths to keep up your child’s learning over the break. To find out more, see islingtoncs. org/home-learning
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13-24yrs
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Broaden your horizons with Summerversity A Summerversity activity programme for teenagers is definitely on this summer, offering a range of options through July and August. Some activities are taking place online and
Outdoor courses
Boat Club Taster Days 13+
Come and see what Islington Boat Club has to offer and take part in some water sports taster sessions.
Discover Kayaking 13+
others will be socially distanced, to keep everybody as safe as possible. Below are a few examples of the brilliant summer activities that
Wood That Works 13+
Learn how to use a variety of carpentry tools and techniques to create your own wooden objects to take away.
Summer Fitness with CYP 16+
Improve your fitness and make friends at the same time in a weekly summer fitness course with Copenhagen Youth Project.
Sports Leadership Level 1 13+
A five-day course for beginners helping you to develop practical skills for a fun and safe time on the water, also at Islington Boat Club.
Bicycle Maintenance 13+
Learn how to take bicycles apart, repair them, and put them back together again, including repairing punctures, replacing brake and gear cables, assembling wheels, seat tubes and more.
Tennis Camp 13+
Improve your forehand, backhand and serve while you wait for Wimbledon 2021. With a small competition by the end of the course, you will have a chance to put what you have learnt into practice.
Learn leadership skills through the medium of sport. Gain a nationally recognised qualification in sports leadership skills with Access to Sports.
Online courses Carnival online 13+
Weekly online courses celebrating all things Carnival including Afrofusion dance, yoga and meditation, discussions around the culture and meaning of Carnival, spoken word, drama and more!
Making Podcasts Online 13+ A series of online workshops on the basics of making podcasts on topics like crime, books, music and more.
we plan to offer for young people aged 13 and over, but before leaving home please be sure to visit summerversity.co.uk to find out the latest details.
Soapbox Online: Creative Gallery 13+
Join up virtually with other young people who also love all forms of art including creative writing, drawing, painting, photography, music and more.
Online Employability Skills Workshop 16+
A two-day online course to equip you with confidence and knowledge in building your professional online presence.
Making Videos For Social Media 13+
Develop a channel and make videos in this week-long online course with Film Creatives.
MNTR XL With Gain Ctrl 16+
Learn how to make money from your music and gain insider tips and tricks on the business side of the music industry
First Aid for Heroes with Mary’s Youth Club 14+
This course will teach you how to keep your cool in an emergency and take the right action at the right time.
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13-24yrs
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Results Day – and beyond! it is even more important that you or your child seeks advice if unsure of their next steps, and our experienced team can assist with careers guidance. “Colleges are likely to ask prospective students to take some assessments before they enrol on a course – the Progress Team can help with this, and much more.”
Exam results will come out as planned this year, with A-level on Thursday 13 August and GCSE on Thursday 20 August, but it will be a different experience for students receiving their grades. Some schools will be open on the day, but social distancing rules mean students may be given set times to attend to collect their results, while other schools have decided to send results via email. Check your school’s website before results day to find out their plans, in case they change. Naturally, those receiving their results will be thinking what their next steps will be. The council’s Progress Team can help young people aged 16-25 to find places at college, training courses and job opportunities.
The team will be available throughout the summer, offering information, advice and guidance over the phone, Skype and email, and in person where possible. The Progress Team’s Lorraine Blyth said: “At this time of uncertainty over exam results and youth employment,
Contact the Progress Team at progress@islington.gov.uk or on 0207 527 7031. Despite the challenges of the current situation, students are applying to schools and college courses and have firm offers in place. Career advisors at City And Islington College and its partner colleges are also available all summer to answer enquiries online, via live chat, or via text message. All students are advised to apply and enrol online where possible. See candi.ac.uk/ enrol for full details.
Five top tips for young people to get into education, employment and training this summer: Check your emails daily to ensure you are staying up to date with any applications Check school and college websites for virtual open events and updates Seek advice from the Progress Team if you have not applied for a place, need advice and guidance on applications, or if you have had a change of plans For apprenticeships and traineeships, register early on the National Apprenticeship web site at gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship Stay positive – there will be a suitable pathway for you no matter what your results
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Community
Do your bit Covid-19 is still a threat Help keep each other safe. Avoid a local lockdown. Do your bit to keep
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Lockdown has started to ease in the last few weeks, but we must all pull together and keep looking out for one another. Covid-19 is still a reality, but if we all continue to take the right action to protect ourselves and others, then every one of us will be better off. People still need help, and now is the time that we can show the best of ourselves, be considerate of others, and avoid the chances of a local lockdown in the coming weeks.
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We are working hard to keep your parks and streets clean, but park keeper Fiona and street cleaner Rory (pictured, above) have both seen a surge in littering since the lockdown began to ease, including hundreds of single-use gloves and masks. Loud parties have also been causing problems for neighbours. Please do your bit by keeping a safe distance from each other, binning your litter or taking it home, and respecting those around you by keeping the noise down. Don’t use public transport unless it is essential, and wear a facemask if you are using the bus or Tube. Get the latest advice on how to stay safe at islington.gov.uk/keepislingtonsafe
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IslingtonLife
Local Life
Islington Giving: Please support our crisis fund for local people For example, it means Help On Your Doorstep can call hundreds of vulnerable and isolated residents, checking in with them and seeing what support they need. Your donations mean The Hive Food Bank at St Mary’s Church (pictured left) can provide food for four times the number of households they usually support. It also means the council’s Resident Support Scheme can help hundreds more households in financial hardship due to coronavirus – including help with food, paying utility bills and other essentials.
The Islington Giving Crisis Fund is a lifeline for our residents at the moment. So far more than £300,000 has been generously donated. Every penny is allocated quickly by local
charity Islington Giving, and to date, 30 trusted organisations are able to help support people who are isolated, anxious and in need of financial support.
Your generosity has been fantastic, but funds are running low and our residents still need support. So if you can, please donate to the Islington Giving Crisis Fund so local groups can carry on helping our community. For more information about Islington Giving’s work and how to donate, see islingtongiving.org.uk
Acts of kindness by Islington businesses A huge thank you for the many acts of kindness shown by dozens of our local businesses throughout the health crisis so far. A few examples include:
1 Stop Wash Laundry & Dry Cleaners in Caledonian Road, who provided free laundry for local residents once a week
The Drunken Butler in Clerkenwell, who provided hot meals to their local mutual aid and LGBT groups
Shawarambar Restaurant in Exmouth Market, who provided meals for NHS hospitals
Crudough in Archway, who donated pizza to the NHS
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Local Life
Team effort supports community through the coronavirus crisis organisations and volunteers for support. It is run in partnership with local charities, community groups, and mutual aid groups and since starting on 21 March, We Are Islington has been contacted by more than 10,000 residents. It is run by a team of council staff who, having changed from their usual day-to-day work to lend a hand during the coronavirus pandemic, have been working tirelessly to help those in need.
Islington’s community efforts to help vulnerable and self-isolating residents affected by coronavirus have reached a new milestone, with the We Are Islington helpline responding to more than 10,000 calls for support. Islington Council set up the We Are Islington telephone helpline and email service, which operates seven days a week, to help residents who urgently need food, energy top-ups, medicines, a friendly chat, practical advice, or to connect with local Seven Sisters Road market trader Charlie Antonio, who donated a vanload of fruit and veg to nurses and doctors Arsenal In The Community and HIS Church, who together have delivered more than 15 tonnes of
can use the Minicom line on 020 7527 1900, and residents can also email weareislington@ islington.gov.uk for support. Anyone interested in helping with Islington’s volunteer efforts can get in touch with a local organisation by visiting the Voluntary Action Islington website at vai.org.uk and searching for “COVID19”, or emailing volunteer@vai.org.uk
We Are Islington has so far helped more than 2,000 local people in need of food, nearly 500 asking for medicine, and around 700 in need of financial support. In addition, around 150 requests for wellbeing support have been made to the helpline, which has also helped with four reports of domestic violence. The dedicated phone line, 020 7527 8222, is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm. Those with hearing or speech difficulties
emergency supplies Bird and Blend of Camden Passage, who gave key workers a free cup of tea and kept their customers connected on Zoom
One of the ways the council has helped local businesses is to offer them a trial of ‘Pedivan’ cargo bikes worth £250 – enabling them to offer environmentally-friendly local deliveries. Zoltan, pictured above, and his colleague Adam, of Pedivan, have also been helping the Islington Dyslexia Support group to shuttle surplus food from supermarkets to food banks in Archway. Email businesssupport@islington.gov.uk to apply for a Pedivan trial.
The Toy Project in Archway, who provided free toys and games to struggling families, hospitals, homeless children living in hostels, key workers’ children and vulnerable children
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It’s vital that if you need urgent or emergency healthcare, you don’t delay. For urgent advice, call 111 or your GP. If you feel you need to go to hospital, or a professional advises you to, please do. Measures are in place to keep you safe there. If you are experiencing any nonurgent symptoms that aren’t normal for you, or have any health concerns, please speak to your GP.
Please get in touch with local services if you need support; they have adapted to the current situation and are here to help. This includes support for stopping smoking, substance misuse, sexual health and mental health. More information on individual services can be found at islington.gov.uk/social-care-andhealth/health-services-in-islington/ local-health-services
Please attend any routine appointments you are invited to – for example, antenatal appointments during pregnancy, vaccinations or treatment for a condition not related to coronavirus. It’s a good idea to call in advance to check your appointment is going ahead, and in case there are any changes to the service.
Health services may look different as they have adapted to keep you safe. This might mean speaking to someone by phone instead of in person. Please be reassured that if you do need to attend hospital or a local health service in person, they will have put measures in place to keep you safe.
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Health
Taking care of your mental health Stay connected
There are lots of ways to keep in touch: pick up the phone, use WhatsApp or Zoom. The most reliable sources of coronavirus information are from the NHS and gov.uk. Try to avoid reading, or posting, speculation.
Keep active
You might not be exercising in the same way or place that you used to, but there’s still plenty of ways to get moving, and many that don’t require equipment.
Whether it’s time at home, socialising or work, life has felt very different this year for lots of us, with everyone making important changes to keep themselves, and others, safe. But these changes may also be frustrating and lonely, and not having our usual routines can make it harder to look after our mental health. That’s why it’s so important to remember to take care of ourselves as well as friends and family. These tips are a good place to start.
You could try something new, like an online yoga video, or start running with the “Couch to 5k” app.
Get support*
Good Thinking is a website for Londoners, full of tools to support mental health, including anxiety, sleep difficulties, stress and low mood. Visit good-thinking.uk If needed, you can self-refer to our local psychological therapies service, iCope, via icope.nhs.uk or on 0303 123 1000. You will be offered an initial 30-minute telephone appointment within two days. Visit the website for resources, advice and information about protecting your mental health.
Switch off
Why not try some free Headspace mindfulness meditations from headspace.com It’s easy to spend time scrolling through the news or social media. To relax and wind-down, avoid using your phone or tablet close to bedtime.
*For resources in other languages, visit rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/translations islingtonlife.london
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Recycling
Know your plastics As a lot of us are spending more time at home at the moment, there’s never been a better opportunity to brush up on your recycling know-how. We spoke to local Recycling Champions, Caz and Georgina, for a few easy hints and tips. household plastic packaging for recycling but, to be honest, I’m trying really hard to avoid plastic in the first place. I shop locally and have a vegetable box and milk bottles delivered to my door, use bars of soap and shampoo instead of buying plastic bottles, and get refills of washing up and laundry liquid.
Caz is a keen recycler and climate change campaigner. She says: “I recycle everything I can. We’re lucky that Islington actually collects most
“There are far more plastic-free products around than I’d realised, and they’re really worth searching out. “It’s the really bad plastics – like black food trays from supermarkets and
takeaways, and bubble wrap – that can’t be recycled.” Fellow Recycling Champion Georgina added: “I save up all of my recycling on the kitchen worktop and put it outside in the recycling boxes each night. The council newsletter is useful so I know what I can and can’t recycle.” For more information on what you can recycle here in Islington, or to join the Recycling Champions, visit islington.gov.uk/recycling
CAN THESE BE RECYCLED? #knowyourplastic
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Summer 2020
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Housing
Building new council homes for local people Works have resumed at a slower pace, with lots of new measures in place and fewer staff on-site, helping keep everyone safe. In total 140 new homes will be built on the King Square Estate. Despite 10 years of central Government cuts to Islington Council’s funding, 98 of these will be new council homes, for local families.
The coronavirus outbreak has created many new challenges for Islington Council. Despite this, it remains determined to move ahead with an ambitious programme of building much-needed new council homes. Any delays mean residents will spend more time in unsuitable homes, so it is crucial to keep building housing at sites across the borough. On the King Square Estate, work was temporarily paused while contractors adapted operations in line with government safety guidance.
To help pay for the much-needed councils homes and further improvements to the estates, the remaining 42 flats will be sold. As well as the new homes, the redevelopment will provide a new community centre and rooms for the TRA, a larger and refurbished nursery, improved bin storage and cycle parking, extensive landscaping and a new entrance onto the estate. Providing more local, genuinely affordable housing is now more important than ever. In future, due to the ongoing health crisis and social distancing requirements, the council is looking at running virtual consultation events with residents, to ensure they can still be involved in discussing its house-building projects.
Planning for Choice Based Lettings to restart As the Government eases lockdown conditions, Islington Council is assessing how to safely restart bidding and allocating social housing through Choice Based Lettings. The safety of tenants and staff is paramount, so we are looking at new ways to inspect, prepare and advertise newly-vacant properties, and conduct viewings and tenancy sign-ups, while keeping everyone safe. We will ensure that we follow the latest Government and public health guidance around social distancing. As not many people have moved recently, we expect fewer properties to be advertised when Choice Based Lettings restarts. We will carry on allocating housing in line with our Allocation Scheme. Look out for further updates about Choice Based Lettings restarting in Islington.
Clean and Clear Why do we ask you to keep all communal areas of your property clean and clear? The answer is fire safety. Anything left in landings, stairs, corridors, lobbies and communal balconies is a serious fire hazard.
This includes furniture, buggies, bicycles and any household goods. They can also block potential escape routes for you or your neighbours in an emergency. Our housing staff will always give you a chance to remove items in
communal areas, but will dispose of them as a last resort. Our policies follow London Fire Brigade advice – for more information about fire safety, visit london-fire.gov.uk
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KEEP ISLINGTON SAFE
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