Your Croydon Issue 82 - Autumn 2018 by Your Croydon

your ISSUE 82 – AUTUMN 2018

www.croydon.gov.uk

Your main source of community news

MOBO award-winners back Croydon’s music city plan See page 3

AUTUMN 2018

Culture at the heart of regeneration When first elected a little over four years ago, one of our council administration’s key manifesto pledges was to put “culture at the heart of regeneration”. With Croydon officially recognised as the UK’s music capital this summer, we are clearly making progress. As a council our £30m pound commitment to regenerating the iconic Fairfield Halls (set to reopen in 2019) sent a clear signal of our intent. However, it’s the hard work and investment of so many others that is also transforming Croydon to become London’s alternative capital of culture. From Croydon’s MOBO award-winning international music stars such as Stormzy, Nadia Rose, Krept & Konan and many others; to the amazing RISE Gallery in St. George’s Walk; all the talented young people at The BRIT School; our internationally renowned street art; the work of community venues such as Stanley Halls in South Norwood; Boxpark; the David Lean cinema; the Spread Eagle and Oval Tavern music and theatre venues; Croydon Rocks festival and much more Croydon’s cultural renaissance is happening right now. That is both good news for the arts and also good news for our local economy and jobs. With 93,000 young people living here Croydon is London’s youngest and most wonderfully diverse borough, and with a population heading towards 400,000 we are a city in all but name. Crucially, we are a place more and more people are choosing to call home and more companies are locating their workforce. The Body Shop, Superdrug, and the civil service have all relocated thousands of jobs to Croydon in the last few years; numerous new businesses have launched and places like Boxpark and the Fairfield Halls are adding hundreds of further jobs. The arts and our creative industries are clearly playing a crucial role in shaping the increasingly positive reputation Croydon has. However as leader of the council I am acutely aware we must also continue to see all our schools improving, our youth services invested in, our streets clean and more of our waste recycled. And even in tough times financially, we must ensure we rightly support the elderly and frail. If we can combine all of this alongside our very own cultural revolution, then Croydon’s future in terms of new investment and jobs should be far more secure, both in the short term and for generations to come.

Councillor Tony Newman Leader of the council @cllrtony

Highlights Croydon rap stars back music city plans............3 MOBO award-winners support plans to put music at the heart of the borough's culture and economy.

Autumn arts evolution....5 Croydon’s first spoken word festival, Living in Poetry, will take place with a host of other autumn arts events.

£1.4bn retail development moves a step closer...................6 Find out the latest on the retail and leisure development which will transform the town centre.

Don’t Mess with Croydon..............8 and 9 We’re making Croydon greener and cleaner with the new DMWC app, changes to bin collections and more.

Championing young people into work........11 We are championing young people in to work through apprenticeships and the Choose Your Future campaign.

Opening minds with reading......................18 A weekly reading group is helping people with dementia to continue to enjoy their love of the written word.

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For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Croydon rap stars back music city plan Plans for the borough to become a music city in the style of Nashville or Seattle – places where music-making and music production are at the heart of the local culture and economy – have been welcomed by Croydon rapper Nadia Rose. Since Skwod – shot in Surrey Street Market – won the MOBO award for best video in 2016, Nadia (right) has been shortlisted for the BBC’s Sound of 2017 and headlined Glastonbury’s Park Stage. Now the 25 year-old MC – cousin to Croydon chart-topper Stormzy - is supporting plans for her hometown to develop as a hub that nurtures new talent, breaking down barriers for aspiring artists and helping them access opportunities. She said: “Croydon is fast developing a reputation as a hotbed of musical talent and has produced some of the most successful grime artists in the UK. “I think it’s a fantastic idea for Croydon to become a music city, a place where emerging talent is recognised and nurtured and budding musicians are given every opportunity to succeed.” Throughout the autumn, musicians, live music-lovers and industry professionals will be working with the council and Sound Diplomacy to map the borough’s music scene, see what’s happening and look at any problems venues and musicians face. This will highlight how the council can work with musicians and those in the music industry to help Croydon evolve as a music city. Nadia revealed how her local environment impacted her developing music career: “At 13 I started writing and MC’ing, taking part in rap battles with other local kids.

It makes us proud South London rap duo and MOBO-award winners Krept and Konan said they would be ‘proud’ to see Croydon develop as a music city. Earlier this year they offered budding musicians at Harris Academy South Norwood – Konan’s former school - an array of training and development opportunities through their Positive Direction Foundation scheme. The pair grew up in Thornton Heath (Konan) and Gipsy Hill (Krept). Konan said: “Growing up in this part of London we know there is so much talent waiting to be nurtured. “As musicians we want to break down barriers and help give others the opportunities they need in getting a good start in life. It makes us proud to see Croydon develop into a music city.”

“It seemed for a while that, as a woman, I’d have to fight harder to break into the industry – but surrounded by other budding artists from the area definitely fuelled me to get to where I am today.” Earlier this year Croydon was named as the top music destination in the UK by Pringles, fending off competition from areas including Manchester, Camden and Hackney. In recent years the borough has produced a string of charttopping and award-winning musicians including Nadia, Stormzy and Krept and Konan. For more information on the plans or to get involved visit www.sounddiplomacy.com/croydon

Look out for Nadia’s new single Airplane Mode to be released soon.

AUTUMN 2018

Artists embrace Croydon’s newest creative hub Artists are embracing Croydon’s newest creative hub – more than a hundred brand new, purposebuilt, affordable studios for fine artists, designermakers and not-for-profit arts charities in a new mixed-use development on Grafton Road.

The Art House – Grafton Quarter has been developed by one of London’s largest artists’ workspace charities, The Artists’ Studio Company (ASC). Rents are 20%-30% below market value, starting at only £43 per week for a 120sqft space inclusive of everything, and no business rates are payable. Peter Flack, ASC Chief Executive, explained: “There is a lot of creative talent already in Croydon, and moving into the area. “I want this project to be totally Croydon-focused, supporting the borough’s artists and designer-makers for years to come." The Art House has been designed specifically for artists’ and designer-makers’ use with oversized doors, high ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, a large double height gallery, brush rooms, break out areas and gas heating. Artists benefit from secure cycle storage, full disability access, a shared kitchen, showers, Wi-Fi and 24/7 access. Artist Valerie Savchits explains what attracted her to the studios: “Finding a new studio in a big city is quite a problem. They are always in high demand, rents are constantly increasing, and studios I liked were way too far from where I am based. “When ASC announced they would be opening new purpose-built affordable studios in Croydon I was overwhelmed by this news. “It takes me just 15-20 minutes to get to my new studio and it is close to Valley Retail Park where I usually buy my tools and hardware. “The Art House is bringing local artists together in one place, supporting them and offering affordable workspace.” Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport said: “Croydon’s reputation as an artistic and cultural hub is growing and I encourage local artists to come and see what this fantastic development has to offer.” For more information on the studios visit www.ascstudios.co.uk

MEET THE ARTIST Valerie Savchits’s work has been exhibited in galleries and group shows nationally and internationally. She was one of 300 art students selected to exhibit her work as part of Tate Modern’s ‘Future Late’ exhibition in summer 2016 and has been featured in numerous blogs and publications including The Guardian, Manchester Evening News, The Resident and Art Maze Magazine. For more information visit www.valeriesavchits.com © Photographer Mary Savvidou

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Darren Randon, Living in Poetry © Mervyn Shoots – LIP Festival

Autumn arts evolution

The borough’s first ever poetry and spoken word festival, Living in Poetry, will be held on 27 and 28 October at Stanley Halls in South Norwood. Spoken word enthusiasts can enjoy two days of workshops, exhibitions and events, with performances from renowned poets Francesa Beard and Jeremiah ‘Sugar J’ Brown. There will also be panel discussions about making a living from writing, and mental health and art, as well as family fun and open mic showcases for all ages and abilities. Full line-up can be found at www.lipfestival.com On the same weekend, book-lovers can head down to the Croydon Clocktower for Croydon Literary Festival. The day will feature sessions with local authors John Otway and Lesley-Anne Jones, and others from further afield

such as Mike Gayle and Justin Myers. Vist www.croydonlitfest.com/whats-on-in-2018/ or via Twitter @CroydonLitFest. Meanwhile November marks the start of BRIT presents, an exciting new series of pop-up showcase performances, bringing the creativity, energy and diversity of The BRIT School’s students to the town centre. Talented pupils from the UK’s most famous free school for the performing arts will be animating public spaces throughout the town centre with 10 performances from November to June 2019.

Thousands flock to Wandle for Pride and Mela

An estimated 17,000 people gathered in Wandle Park over a single weekend when Croydon hosted a major entertainment double-bill. Around 5,000 people celebrated Croydon PrideFest on Saturday 14 July, while another 12,000 attended the ZEE International Mela the following day. Both events were supported by Croydon Council.

AUTUMN 2018

£1.4bn retail development moves a step closer Croydon’s £1.4bn retail development moved another step closer last month - when the council issued formal Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) to Whitgift landowners and other affected parties. This marks the start of the CPO process, which enables the council to pull together the remaining land for the development and secure the rights needed for construction. This will in turn allow the Croydon Partnership, the joint venture between Unibail-Rodamco Westfield and Hammerson developing the project, to take possession of the site during 2019. It is anticipated the new development, which will bring more than 300 shops, restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities, around 1,000 new homes and 7,000 jobs to Croydon’s town centre, will open in 2023. While the council is leading the CPO process, the Croydon Partnership is funding all fees and purchase costs. Both parties will be working together to ensure the town centre stays open for business in the run up to, and during construction of the new retail centre.

New Addington Leisure Centre progress The structural frame of the New Addington Leisure Centre is almost in place, as work continues to deliver a first-class facility for local people. The building will transform the western side of Central Parade and include a 25 metre, six-lane swimming pool; a learner pool; fitness suite; sports hall and multi-purpose activity studios and a community space with capacity for 300 people.

The scheme also includes eight new homes. Despite unforeseen groundwork issues, works are progressing well and the centre is on track to open in spring 2020. With this scheme well under way, and plans developing for the new community centre and special needs school at the Timebridge site, the council has been talking to residents about the next phase of regeneration. Options include a new wellbeing centre, an improved green space in front of the new leisure centre, new homes and shops. New Addington Library and Croydon Adult Learning and Training could move to a new building, possibly with a café and community space.

Discussions are continuing between the council and the NHS to include space for GP surgeries and community health.

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Urban art festival puts Croydon on the map Street art enthusiasts from around the globe headed to Croydon for London’s largest international urban art event last month.

RISEfestival saw the arrival of more than 60 exciting new murals and installations in and around the town centre, some temporary and some permanent, from some of the world’s leading urban artists. Delivered by RISE Gallery, St George’s Walk, in partnership with Croydon Council and other sponsors, the festival was a twoweek celebration of the genre, with a packed programme of workshops, exhibitions, tours and events. It was also the official launch of the Croydon Collection, the permanent collection of street art that adorns the town’s public places. RISE Gallery owner Kevin Zuchowski-Morrison said: “Croydon has gained a real reputation for this movement – artists are coming here from all over the continent. “The great thing is we are not building a collection that will be stored in a cellar. The Croydon Collection exists outside; it’s in your streets and fully accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for everyone to enjoy."

New £100k youth arts fund launched A £100k youth arts fund is being launched to support more cultural projects, programmes and events by and for young people in Croydon. Young people aged 14-24 who live, work or study in the borough can apply for up to £2,000 in groups of two and more to develop a new creative idea or project. Young people will need a designated sponsor who will vouch for their project and receive the funds on their behalf, plus another referee. Non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £7,500 for projects developed, led and delivered by young people. Applicants are encouraged to discuss their applications in advance – for more information, how to apply and who to contact, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/youthartsfund

Kinetika Bloco Croydon © Katharine Leedale

AUTUMN 2018

New Don’t Mess with Croydon app A new app designed to make it easier to report fly-tipping to the right team has been downloaded more than 1,800 times since it launched in July.

The free Don’t Mess with Croydon app can be downloaded and used to report 17 common issues. It allows people to report anything from fly-tipping to dogfouling, potholes or damage to roads and a whole host more directly to the right team to fix the issue. The app has been downloaded 1,849 times and, in the first 12 weeks, used to raise 2,321 reports. So far people have used the app to report fly-tipping 1,383 times with 221 reports of excessive litter on streets. Other categories include dog fouling, reported 42 times, and 119 reports of abandoned vehicles. Residents can still contact the council in person, online at

www.croydon.gov.uk/doitonline/report-it or on the phone on 020 8726 6000. The app can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store.

Stencil campaign tackles fly-tipping A campaign to help tackle fly-tipping is turning heads in Thornton Heath in an effort to keep streets clear. Artistic stencils have been applied to the pavement around signposts and lampposts in the area to deter would-be fly-tippers. The designs, inspired by the community’s unique character, are

coated with reflective paint so they can be seen at night. They have been installed at five sites around Thornton Heath. The project is funded by the People’s Health Trust as part of Thornton Heath

Resident and print designer Samantha Warren

Community Action Team’s Street Action Project. Gaetane Jones, project coordinator, said: “The Street Action Project has been running for over a year and all the hard work is finally bearing fruit. “The People's Health Trust is helping us to not just turn heads but also turn hearts.” The design was created by Samantha Warren, a Thornton Heath resident and print designer whose work is available in the Royal Academy of Art. She said: “This is a first for me. I have printed on many other surfaces; wallpaper, fabric, metal, plastic but not pavement before.”

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Community clean-ups going strong The Don’t Mess with Croydon – Take Pride campaign continues to go from strength to strength with 27 community clean-ups taking place between July and October across the borough. One of those clean-ups took place in Wandle Park over the August bank holiday weekend, led by the Victory Youth Group (VYG), based in Croydon. Armed with litter pickers, gloves and sacks, the team of 20 volunteers gathered 16 bags of litter in under two hours. Community outreach representative for Croydon VYG Rajiva Nurse said: “It’s really important for volunteer groups like the VYG to come to together to help clean up Croydon. "Working together makes the cleaning lighter and easier for everybody.” If you would like to join Croydon’s network of 328 clean and green street champions, or for help organising a clean-up in your community, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/environment/ dontmess/green-champions

Victory Youth Group in Wandle Park

New bin collections get under way The new bin collection service designed to boost the recycling rate in Croydon got under way last month. More than 200,000 wheelie bins were delivered to properties across the borough and nearly 75% of the properties had their collection day changed. The new wheelie bins have significantly increased the capacity residents have for recycling, with 240-litre bins for mixed recycling and paper and card and new 180-litre bins for domestic waste. The wheelie bins are more secure, meaning less waste will be blown free than under the previous collection schedule, helping to keep streets cleaner.

And for the first time ever, properties above shops can now recycle from home. Up to 70% of the borough’s waste is recyclable and the council aims to boost Croydon’s recycling rate from 38% to more than 50% over the next two years. Working with the South London Waste Partnership and Veolia, the new waste contract saves £5million a

year which can be spent on other key services. If you need to check your collection day you can do it online by searching for your address on the About Your Area section of our website. Missed bin collections can also be reported using the new Don’t Mess with Croydon app - or by phoning 020 8726 6000 or online.

AUTUMN 2018

Young Mayor’s Fund awards first grants Young people have won funding to make their community ideas become reality after pitching plans to Croydon’s Young Mayor and his panel. Young Mayor William Awomoyi, Deputy Young Mayor Shea Williams and youth cabinet members awarded funding to three exciting initiatives, developed by young residents, for other young residents. Emily Newbury, 12, and George Suter, 13, supported by New Addington Pathfinders and New Addington BID, received £309 to create ‘safe havens’ in New Addington centre for young people to go if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Backed by the Lighthouse Educational Society, Albi Aolad, 13, Meryem Demirpolat, 12, and Chikamso Ekele, 15, won £1,000 for a mentoring programme where secondary pupils support those in primary. Sponsored by Playplace, Millie-May Welch and Chione White, both 16, received £1,000 to help young people explore

Choose

your

future

£6.5m state-of-the-art youth zone takes shape Croydon’s new £6.5m state-of-the-art Youth Zone is taking shape with the steel frame now installed. Passers-by can see the outline of the Legacy Youth Zone on the Whitehorse Road site, Selhurst, where construction work started this summer. Hoardings designed by young people now highlight the amazing opportunities that will be on offer, brightening up the site while work is under way. Legacy is being developed by national charity OnSide in partnership with Croydon Council, who have contributed half the £6.5m construction costs. Open seven days a week, it will offer young people aged 8-19 (and up to 25 with a disability) access to over 20 activities every evening, including sports, arts, music, dance, drama, climbing, cooking and more, for just 50p per visit.

Young Mayor and his panel with award winners

the impact of knife crime through the arts. Projects are being delivered this autumn. For more information visit www.croydon.gov.uk/youngmayor

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR YOUR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE YET? Apply before 31 Oct for Sept 2019 entry.

Youth Arts Takeover reveals pathways to creativity Croydon Clocktower will become a buzzing hive of creative activity when it hosts the third edition of Croydon’s Youth Arts Takeover next month. From 11am-5pm on 3 November, The Croydon Youth Arts Collective will fill the building with free, fun, creative workshops, performances, talks, films and exhibitions. Last year’s event was a huge success, attracting more than 1,000 visitors. Designed by and for young people, the day is themed around creative jobs, so visitors can find out more opportunities in the creative sector and discover pathways into them. Entry to the event is free. For more information visit www. croydonyouthartscollective.co.uk

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Award-winning apprentice scheme champions young people in to work Croydon Council continues to champion young people in to employment through its awardwinning apprenticeships scheme. Another 10 apprentices started in July, working in roles ranging from project management to youth work and taking the total to 35 enrolled in the programme. Since October 2017 the council’s scheme has been successfully increasing employment opportunities for young residents, particularly among underrepresented groups with little or no work experience. Earlier this year it won first prize in the apprenticeships category at the ENEI Awards (Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion).

Thuvika Ganeshalingham

CASE STUDY

Could you be the next to get hired? Croydon Council is once again looking for enthusiastic, hardworking and driven individuals to join its award-winning internal apprenticeship programme. If that’s you, we’d welcome your application as we are committed to helping local residents achieve their career goals. No matter your age, background or level of previous experience, we have a range of opportunities and qualifications on offer to help you get the skills, experience and knowledge you need to kick-start a successful career. If you’d like to find out more, please email www.apprenticeshipswork@croydon. gov.uk or check our website www.croydon.gov.uk/jobsatcroydon/apprenticeship for further details. Alternatively, if you’re aged 14-18 and are interested in doing a work placement with us (one to two weeks), please check available opportunities on the Croydon Works website www.croydonworks.co.uk/training-and-work-experience

Young people set to Take over the town Croydon is gearing up for this year’s Takeover Challenge which will see young people take over the town’s top jobs for one day. Last year Croydon’s first ever Takeover Challenge saw more than 60 young participants became decision-makers at the town hall, Croydon police and other leading local public and private sector organisations. The event was branded a huge success by young people. In feedback 94% of respondents felt their voices were heard and that they

gained confidence from the experience; 96% felt they had the chance to make positive change in Croydon and 100% would recommend other young people participate in the Takeover Challenge. #TakeoverChallenge day 2018 is on Friday 23 November 2018. If you or your business are interested in taking part, please contact mark.gillespie@ croydon.gov.uk

“The apprenticeship has made me realise there is more out there to explore.” Thuvika Ganeshalingham, 24, of West Croydon, applied for a year-long apprenticeship in the council’s school place planning team last October. She graduated from the University of the Arts London with a journalism degree and had undertaken internships but wanted to try something different. She said: “When you apply for jobs, employers are looking for experience. “I wanted to keep my options open, gain experience and prove myself as a person and also in the corporate world.” Thuvika has been able to work with and shadow other council teams including communications, Access Croydon and the Registry Office. “The apprenticeship has opened my eyes to something completely different and made me realise that there is more out there to explore. “I think an apprenticeship is a worthwhile thing to do. You get that first-hand experience and it helps build your confidence.”

Have your say Public Consultation: Brighton Main Line Upgrade: Unblocking the Croydon bottleneck Network Rail is consulting on major proposals to upgrade the Brighton Main Line and unblock the bottleneck north of East Croydon station to provide more reliable, faster and more frequent trains. We want to hear the views of passengers, local residents and businesses as we develop our proposals. Please come along to one of our consultation events to find out more: East Croydon URC Church Addiscombe Grove, CR0 5LP

6th November 13th November

4pm – 8pm 4pm – 8pm

Croydon Neighbourhood Care Association Freemasons Road, CR0 6PD

7th November 14th November

12pm – 4pm 4pm - 8pm

The Woodside Academy Morland Road, CR0 6NF

8th November 10th November

5pm – 9pm 12pm- 4pm

St. Mary's Catholic High School Woburn Rd, CR9 2EE

15th November

5pm – 9pm

Stanley Halls 12 South Norwood Hill SE25 6AB

19th November

1:30pm – 5:30pm

Croydon & District Masonic Hall 73 Oakﬁeld Rd, CR0 2UX

12th November 21st November

4pm - 8pm 4pm - 8pm

The Brit School 60 The Crescent CR0 2HN

22nd November

1pm – 5pm

For more information please visit our website at www.networkrail.co.uk/ croydon. You can also contact us at CARS@networkrail.co.uk or call Network Rail’s National Helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

CELEBRATING THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THORNTON HEATH A new sign now welcomes visitors to Thornton Heath, along with a redesigned public space and a series of art installations celebrating the area’s unique character and identity. The works are part of a series of public realm improvements carried out by the council around the Whitehorse Road roundabout and Thornton Heath High Street. Other works in the area have included regenerating the shop fronts along the High Street. Plans are now moving forward for improvements in other parts of Thornton Heath, including resurfacing outside the railway station and forecourt. The council is continuing to look for more opportunities for more public art to be installed in the area.

Highways partnership puts residents on the road to employment It won’t just be Croydon’s roads that benefit from the council’s new seven-year partnership with FM Conway to maintain the borough’s highways. The whole community will be supported with opportunities including work placements, apprenticeships and more available for residents. Oliver Malloy, 22, of Shirley, is one Croydon resident already enjoying working with the firm. He approached the company in March 2015 as he was about to start studying for a quantitative surveying degree at Nottingham Trent University. Now, three years later, the graduate has started working full time in the term maintenance division at FM Conway. Oliver, a former John Fisher pupil, said: “I didn’t know what to do when I finished school and started looking at what I could do with my grades. “Friends had got into quantitative surveying and as I found out more I thought it could be what I wanted to do.” He applied for the Inspire Scholarship scheme, which helps undergraduates gain work experience and get sponsorship to support them at university. He attended an interview before starting his degree then did eight weeks of work experience in the summers after his first and second years. This experience, he explained, stood him in good stead when he started full time after completing his course: "Doing those weeks of work experience allows you to hit the ground running.” The Croydon/FM Conway partnership got under way this month and will last until 2025. Apprenticeships and work placements are available for Croydon residents who want to follow in Oliver’s footsteps – contact recruitment@ fmconway.co.uk FM Conway has taken on a commitment to employ applicants from priority groups and support those with disabilities.

Great shops, restaurants & events

Christmas Launch Party 15th November 4pm to 7pm

Christmas Market

22nd November - 9th December

Visit www.checkoutcroydon.com for a full programme of events

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

First Brick by Brick development nears completion The development company established by Croydon Council to deliver new homes for local people has started marketing its first flats for sale. Brick by Brick (BxB) is nearing completion on its first homes in Upper Norwood, comprising 15 two and three-storey houses and 16 new flats. Known as the Ravensdale development, at the corner of Beulah Hill and Harold Road, it will be ready for the first residents to move into early in the New Year. BxB's next 57 homes - a mix of 38 private and 19 shared ownership flats in nearby Auckland Rise - will be completed in the spring. To date, around 40 BxB sites have planning consent and main construction

has begun on many, including Cheriton House in Thornton Heath, which is providing a mix of 27 shared ownership and affordable rent homes. At least 280 of the consented homes being built by BxB will be genuinely affordable rented properties, specifically for Croydon residents who will pay no more than 65% of the average market rent. For example, a two-bedroom flat that usually costs £1,380 per month will instead be let at the Local Housing Allowance rate of £900. Once built, these homes will be owned and managed by Croydon Affordable Homes (CAH), a charity set up by Croydon Council. In addition to the affordable rented new-builds being delivered by BxB, CAH already has 181 affordable rented homes for Croydon families previously in temporary accommodation. For more information on CAH, visit the council website. To find out more about BxB developments, or to register interest in a BxB home, visit their website at www.bxbdevelopment.com

New project helps residents kick-start their retail careers Residents who worked in a boutique shop in Croydon’s Whitgift Centre as part of an employability project have ALL achieved retail qualifications and gained valuable work experience. All 12 participants in All About Me, a four-week programme for adults with disabilities and learning difficulties, gained a Level One City & Guilds qualification. All About Me was developed by the council’s award-winning Gateway service, which works with residents to reduce homelessness, helping them achieve financial stability and secure tenancies. Gateway’s employment advisers, who train and support residents to have greater confidence in the workplace and secure employment, assisted the trainees and will continue to support them to secure paid work.

Joshua Greenslade said: “I liked the project, it helped me and gave me first-hand experience of retail and a qualification.” The £1,200 raised by selling handmade products has gone back to the community projects that helped with the scheme. Any remaining money was donated to local homeless charities. The Brit School, Bensham Manor School, Neblina Art, Solo Wood Recycling, CDN, ArtHalo, East Croydon Cool, Ivy Rose London and K.C.S Upcycling all supplied goods to be sold. Strive Training provided the City & Guilds training on site.

AUTUMN 2018

Parenting courses available to Croydon residents Parenting can be tough, particularly if you are concerned about your child’s safety or behaviour – but advice and support is on hand. The council offers courses to parents with children from early years through to adolescence. Debby MacCormack, service lead for the council’s early help and partnerships, explained: “Parents come for help with specific issues – for example, puberty, or changing schools – or maybe just general advice and new ideas.” Bonnie and Barnaby Parenting courses offer skills and strategies to manage challenging behaviour, help reinforce positive behaviour, and promote your child’s development. Parents support each other, talking through issues and often developing their own support networks. Debby said: “It’s a great way to become more confident in your parenting, and to look after yourself.” Bonnie Fox, of Bynes Road, South Croydon, signed up after seeing a leaflet in Purley Oaks Children’s Centre. Bonnie, 40, said: “I just wanted some general help – I don’t think anyone knows what they are doing when they become a parent and I was happy to take any help available. “I was looking for ways to interact, discipline and structure.

“My little boy is three so I wanted advice on toddler behaviour.” “The most useful things I learnt were techniques for getting them to stop doing things you don’t want and start doing things you do.” Barnaby could play in the children’s centre crèche while Bonnie was in the classroom with other parents. She said: “Everyone was really friendly and it was nice to have a chat. I got advice about potty training which was great. “These courses offer something for everyone – it’s great for giving you confidence.” For more information, visit www.croydon.gov.uk/ healthsocial/families/parenting-booklet

“We strengthen families – that’s very rewarding." Advanced practitioner Iara Barroso is one of many social workers taking on a permanent role at Croydon Council. She explains what she loves about her job in care planning and how Croydon’s improvement journey has created an invigorated team. Iara explained: “The care planning team become involved when we are concerned about a child’s safety and wellbeing and we plan what will happen to them. We work with schools, health professionals, families and the court to ensure children are safe and able to achieve better outcomes. “We also work closely with the family, including extended families, to maximise the positives they can offer and how we can strengthen them - that’s very rewarding. That’s a side of social work that

I think is not often shown.” Iara first came to Croydon Council as a student in the looked after children team. After some time in the voluntary sector and at other councils, she came back to Croydon as an agency worker but has now decided to accept a permanent role. Iara acknowledges there are challenges in working for a large authority: “It is intense and extremely busy but there is a strong sense of direction. “We do have complex caseloads and work with large numbers of clients and professionals, so managing that can be challenging but I feel supported by strong and knowledgeable managers who are in turn supported by their managers. It is a very robust team.’ “Croydon has long way to go but it is a reinvigorated local authority. We have put

the child at the centre of everything we do and all our processes are built around that.” She added: “Social work can be stressful and intense, but it is also very rewarding. Knowing that because of your involvement and your input you are giving children and families another chance, another way. It is a privilege to help them. And there are not many professions where you can say that.”

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Lemn Sissay celebrates Croydon’s

bright STARs Croydon is celebrating the talents and successes of young people in care with a new high-profile awards ceremony next month hosted by British author and broadcaster Lemn Sissay MBE. Taking place on 24 October, the borough’s first STAR Awards will recognise the achievements of young people in care aged 8-18 and care-leavers to age 25. Lemn (right), a campaigner who has highlighted his own experiences of the care system in his work, said: “I’m delighted to be hosting Croydon’s STAR Awards. “It is important we celebrate the achievements of all our young people, but it is imperative we celebrate those of our young people in care. “Every day, these young people are demonstrating strength and resilience, overcoming hurdles in their personal lives to achieve extraordinary things. “I feel an incredible sense of pride in them and I’m looking forward to meeting many of them at the awards ceremony.” With more than 15 categories, the awards celebrate as many young people’s achievements as possible, in education, sports, volunteering and personal life. Nominations have been invited from foster carers, teachers, families and members of the community - including young people. The awards support Croydon’s Choose Your Future campaign.

Croydon care-leaver Ashleigh Searle said: “I believe the looked-after children awards are brilliant as they provide young people with a sense of achievement and something to aspire towards. There are definitely lots of achievements to recognise. “It is also a good way to bring young people together so they can share experiences, make friends that are in a similar situation to their own and expand their social network. I am very excited for the awards to be taking place.”

"Giving up is not something you should be doing – life is full of opportunities" Croydon Council is once again this autumn celebrating the achievement of young care-leavers graduating from further education. Although young people officially leave care at 18, until the age of 25 they are supported by a social worker or a personal advisor from the leaving care team, who will help with training and employment choices.

We talked to care-leaver and graduate Zohaib Khan, 25, about his journey. Zohaib graduated this year with a Level 4 Accounting Technician qualification. He said: “It hasn’t always been easy, but I have had a lot of support from my friends and my personal advisor.” Zohaib, who had already excelled in education achieving 11 GCSEs and four A-Levels, wanted to be an accountant ‘because I have always been really good

with numbers and decision-making. Also, it is a good career.' He explained how his personal advisor supported him through college: “We would have regular meetings and she helped with practical things like books but also we sat down and talked. She gave me a pat on the shoulder basically.” “I would say to anyone in care who is thinking about going on to study – keep going. Giving up is not something you should be doing – life is full of opportunities.”

AUTUMN 2018

Opening minds with reading A popular weekly reading group is helping people living with dementia continue to enjoy their love of the written word. Each week at Croydon Council’s Marsh Willow Day Centre on Selhurst Road, people with mild to moderate dementia gather to listen to, discuss and debate a poem or a short story shared with them by a professional reader. Helena King, who manages the day centre, said: “We offer numerous activities to stimulate and optimise the mental health and physical wellbeing of those who attend the Dementia Centre. “This year, we have been working with The Reader charity, which trains volunteers to communicate with people who have specific needs.

“It has been a successful collaboration and it is delightful to see how much people enjoy and look forward to these sessions.” Dementia is a progressive condition that can lead to memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or communication. Croydon has the third highest population of over 65s in London, with approximately 3,250 living with dementia. The condition mainly affects those in this older age group; however the onset of dementia can begin much earlier. Croydon’s Dementia Action Alliance, a partnership including the council,

local health partners, businesses, arts organisations, the fire brigade and police, has been awarded the highest accolade from the Alzheimer's Society, of Working Towards Dementia Friendly-Status. The aim is to help residents with dementia to enjoy life with the support of the wider community. For example, shops and transport services can make changes to their layout and décor to be accessible to people with dementia and ensure employees have a better understanding of those with dementia. The Alliance is also encouraging other residents to become Dementia Friends and learn more about the small ways they can help people living with dementia. If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friend, contact rachel.carse@ croydon.gov.uk or the Marsh Willow Centre on 020 8667 8470, who can offer training sessions to individuals or groups www.croydon.gov.uk/dementia

Outdoor gyms give residents a breath of fresh air Free outdoor active spaces are giving residents across the borough a breath of fresh air, helping them to enjoy the great outdoors while improving their health and wellbeing. These exciting additions to some of Croydon’s parks and open spaces are open all year round and cater for all levels of fitness. The equipment is easy-to-use, with clear instructions on them for anyone unfamiliar with exercising in this way. Kieran Peart from South Croydon is enjoying using the equipment at Purley Way playing fields in Waddon. He said: “They are great facilities and I love how they bring people together.” Other outdoor active spaces are in Grangewood Park in Thornton Heath, King George’s Field in Selhurst and Goldcrest Way in New Addington. There are also similar facilities in Lloyd Park, Duppas Hill, Coulsdon Memorial Ground, and Thornton Heath and Sanderstead recreation grounds. The council is investing up to £370,000 on five active spaces and some areas have benefited from the grants councillors receive to spend on local priorities. Mental health charity, the Matt Palmer Trust, is also contributing £100,000 to the active spaces.

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Competition celebrates Croydon’s Windrush history Black History Month (October) sees the launch of an exciting new competition for Croydon’s pupils to celebrate the Windrush generation that came to Britain and helped shape social, cultural and political life. Our Croydon Windrush History is open to students at schools and colleges across the borough and aims to inform and inspire young people about the legacy of the Windrush pioneers. Students of all ages are invited to enter their art, drama, poetry, stories, music, video accounts/interviews plays and other contributions from family members or friends, on the history of Windrush. Support can be provided to schools on drama entries. The competition is led by the council’s Black and Minority Ethnic Champion (BAME), councillor Patsy Cummings. Councillor Cummings said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people of all ages and from all backgrounds to celebrate an important part of Croydon’s heritage. As well as appreciating the sacrifice and contribution made by parents, grandparents, relatives, friends and neighbours, young people

Mayor of Croydon councillor Bernadette Khan with councillor Patsy Cummings

can be a part of handing on this rich and fascinating legacy to future generations. I hope as many young people as possible take part and can’t wait to see the entries.” The winning entries will be collated and preserved as a record of this part of Croydon’s history and will also form part of Croydon’s Windrush Day celebrations in June 2019. The competition is open for entries throughout October. Further details on categories, prizes, the collecting and judging of entries and deadlines have been sent to schools. For more information contact councillor Patsy Cummings patsy.cummings@croydon.gov.uk

Sports centres revamped A four-month makeover is under way at Thornton Heath Leisure Centre as part of the latest package of investment into council-owned leisure and sports centres across the borough. At Thornton Heath, changing areas in both the health and fitness area and sports hall will be refurbished, with new showers, flooring, redecoration and brighter lighting. The gym area will get a makeover, with new equipment and a fresher, more attractive environment for working out. And spin enthusiasts will be delighted to see a new dedicated studio installed, and the old bikes replaced with the latest Technogym cycles. Spin instructor Marie Bartlett said: “The Technogym bikes will be state-ofthe-art and a major improvement to those currently used.

“Combined with a purpose-built studio, the sauna and steam and gym refurbishment, members will be delighted with their local leisure centre facilities.” Improvements will take place at other council-owned leisure and sports centres throughout the rest of the year. At Waddon, South Norwood and Purley, new gym equipment will be installed, along with redecoration and re-flooring work. South Norwood will also benefit from new top-of-the-range bikes. At Monks Hill Sports Centre there will be pitch replacement work on the five and 11-a-side pitches, and also more powerful floodlighting. Posters will inform centre-users of any closures or service disruption, and signpost them to alternative facilities. Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport, said: “We know how highly residents

value our leisure centres and I’m pleased to announce this latest investment which will significantly improve the facilities. “Health and wellbeing are a big part of our ambition for Croydon to be a great place to live.” These are the latest improvements being delivered as part of the council’s 20-year contract with GLL, the not-forprofit social enterprise which operates the borough’s leisure centres under the ‘Better’ brand.

AUTUMN 2018

Work and health programme delivering jobs for residents A Thornton Heath chef is excelling in his career since starting a job at Boxpark with the help of Croydon Council. George Morgan, 20, started work at Wine and Deli at the end of July after being referred to the Work and Health Programme by Jobcentre Plus. He had been out of regular employment for more than a year. The programme, also known as Better Working Futures, is part funded by the European Social Fund and managed by Croydon Council on behalf of residents in Croydon, Sutton, Merton, Kingston and Richmond. Worth up to £14million over five years, the programme helps residents who have health problems or disabilities, have been out of work for more than two years or who face other kinds of barriers to employment. Participants are provided with one-to-one advice and support from a case worker, along with guidance towards training and other services that can assist them to address the sometimes complex barriers facing them getting into, returning to, and staying in work.

Helped by his case worker at Reed in Partnership, who deliver the programme, George, who has Level Two BTECs in Professional Cookery and Professional Bakery, headed to Boxpark to hand out CVs. Simon Jackowski, manager of Wine and Deli, said: “I’m not a formal interview person. George came in and I asked what he had done before and he showed me his work. I was busy but I couldn’t stop him talking.” George said: “It’s busy and I get quite nervous sometimes but here’s nice. The biggest thing is getting through the day I get through it and I feel much better for it. They’ve had a good understanding, they’re really good managers.” He added: “I like the atmosphere, the music, the feeling of it. It’s like a community.” Simon said: “He’s got a passion for it. He’s always asking questions to better himself. He’s one of the hardest working staff I’ve worked with.” To find out more about the programme visit www.bwfsouthlondon.co.uk

Protecting green spaces from illegal encampments Green spaces and community facilities are being protected from illegal encampments and fly-tipping thanks to a new injunction. A three-month injunction secured in July prohibits anyone from occupying land or disposing of waste on 200 of the borough’s parks, open spaces, council-owned land and 11 highways. Since being introduced the new powers have helped the council move on FIVE illegal encampments in less than 24 hours. On one occasion a group of around 50 caravans were moved on from Purley Way playing fields. Croydon Council secured a three-month temporary injunction on Wednesday 18 July banning anyone from occupying land or disposing of waste on more than 200 named sites. The council used evidence of large-scale fly-tipping and the cost of clearing it, damage to gates and barriers and a high

number of incursions to secure the interim injunction order. This means the council no longer has to attend court to obtain removal orders, which can take days to obtain, and High Court enforcement officers can be called to future sites to assist with moving people on. Failure to comply can result in imprisonment, fines or seizure of assets. More information about the injunction and the documents before the court are available at www.croydon. gov.uk/environment/ehs/illegal-encampment/report-anillegal-encampment Preparatory work is ongoing to try and extend the injunction for a year.

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

DROP IN KNIFE CRIME IS ‘JUST THE BEGINNING’ As we enter autumn and the final months of the year are nearly upon us, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the year so far. It has no doubt been a busy year for the police service, with a noticeable surge in serious violence across the country and particularly London. Croydon has historically had a reputation for this kind of crime, which is why over the last few years we have been working relentlessly with partner agencies and community groups to drive it out. It makes me very pleased to see a drop in violent offences across the borough, including a 20% drop in knife offences against under 25s. However, this is just the beginning. It is not enough to just be doing better, we must continue to work harder and look for more solutions. Stop and search is a controversial tool, however I believe when used

transparently and with the community’s consent, it provides a necessary deterrent to young people carrying a knife. Every knife recovered and taken off the streets, is potentially another life saved and another family spared the heartache of losing a loved one. Over the next few months my teams will be conducting targeted patrols in our hotspot areas and we would like to offer you the opportunity to join us and experience these patrols first hand. If you are interested please contact your local neighbourhood team for more information. With the seasons changing and the nights drawing in, this is often a time of concern for Londoners. To address this we will be running our annual Autumn Nights operation which will see officers deployed to hotspot areas to deter crime and reassure residents.

In the run up to Christmas we will be launching the Op Bumblebee campaign, which reminds people to be extra vigilant of burglars during the holiday period. We will be providing you with tips on how you can better protect your homes through our Twitter, newsletters and Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Finally, I would like to thank you all for the support you have provided this year. Serious violence is not just a police issue, it affects the whole community and we could not have achieved the reductions in crime levels without your continued support. Thank you. Please remain alert, but not alarmed. Warm regards,

Jeff Boothe

Chief Supt Jeff Boothe South BCU Commander for Croydon, Sutton and Bromley

Working together to tackle knife crime Croydon has seen a 13% decrease in knife crime in the 12 months up until June 2018 compared with the previous year. This is in contrast to a 14% increase across the capital. The Safer Croydon Partnership (SCP) is hopeful this reflects the hard work communities and agencies are investing collaboratively as part of the Choose Your Future campaign. Choose Your Future works to unite Croydon against serious youth violence, and encourage young people to make positive choices. During the summer 200 young people aged 11-24 attended Croydon Youth Summit to share their views on knife crime. Metropolitan Police’s Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt praised Croydon for its partnership work in tackling youth violence, which he holds up Met-wide as ‘good practice’. Throughout the holidays young people also enjoyed a wide range of free activities, events and support services

and in September, the SCP ran a four-day programme to help young people get back to school safely. It was supported by the council’s youth engagement team; the police, Victim Support; Croydon BME Forum, Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) and Centrale and Whitgift Shopping Centres. Turning Point, substance misuse service; Safer London, who work to safeguard young people from gangs, exploitation and crime; Croydon street and school pastors; CDI (Croydon Drop In) support and counselling service and Croydon’s sexual health team also supported the event. Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities, said: "We know that the transition from primary to secondary school can be a challenging time for many young people. The additional staff will help schools intervene earlier to support young people against the risks of getting caught up in knife crime." The new youth workers will work closely with existing youth service providers to help develop the pupils’ self-confidence, keep them safe and harness their potential.

And from September the council has funded two youth engagement workers to support vulnerable nine to 14-year-olds in schools, helping them to keep themselves safe through the transition between primary and secondary education. For more on the Choose Your Future campaign, please see www.choose-yourfuture.com

Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities

AUTUMN 2018

Council meeting dates Full council meetings start at 6.30pm and are held in the council chamber of Croydon Town Hall, Katharine Street, Croydon CR0 1NX. Meeting: Monday 3 December Deadline: Monday 26 November Meeting: Monday 28 January Deadline: Monday 21 January Questions (maximum number of words: 50) for consideration at a full council meeting, can be emailed to democratic. services@croydon.gov.uk; alternatively, write to Questions for the council, Democratic services, 7C Bernard Weatherill House, 8 Mint Walk, Croydon CR0 1EA. Unless otherwise stated, cabinet meetings start at 6.30pm, in the council chamber of the Town Hall. Meeting: 19 November, 10 December For information on meetings, minutes and agendas, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings For information on cabinet and shadow cabinet members, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/cabinet Unless otherwise stated, scrutiny meetings start at 6.30pm, in the council chamber of the Town Hall. Meeting: 30 October Scrutiny and overview committee For information on scrutiny, go to www.croydon.gov.uk/scrutiny or email democratic.services@croydon.gov.uk Meetings of the Safer Neighbourhood Board are held in the venues indicated. For further information, look www.croydononline.org/ safer-neighbourhood-board The next public meetings: Meeting: Wednesday 5 December at 6.30pm Venue: Town Hall, council chamber Details of all Croydon Council meetings can be found at www.croydon.gov.uk/meetings

Guided Walks There are a host of fantastic natural spaces across the borough offering residents the chance to experience the joys of the great outdoors right on their doorstep. You can enjoy an awe-inspiring autumn adventure or wander a winter wonderland whenever you want but there are a series of guided activities and walks coming up over the coming months.

NOVEMBER Saturday 3 Autumn leaves - Selsdon Wood Join the Friends of Selsdon Wood for a gentle stroll and marvel at the colours of leaves and fruits on bushes and trees. Meet at 1pm by the wooden bear in the Selsdon Wood car park off Old Farleigh Road. For more information please visit www.friendsofselsdonwood.co.uk

Sunday 18 A Nature Trail with the warden – Happy Valley and Farthing Downs Walk the scenic Happy Valley section of the Happy Valley and Farthing Downs Nature Trail. This (usually) self-guided trail has re-launched as a high-tech smartphone based trail, but you can leave your phone at home – the warden will be your guide. The walk will take one and a half to two hours. Meet at 2pm in the Farthing Downs car park, Ditches lane Coulsdon. You can catch the 404 or 60 bus or walk one mile from Coulsdon South train station.

Useful contacts For police, fire brigade, ambulance, call: 999 or 112, Text phone 1800

Croydon Council general enquiries 020 8726 6000 Croydon NHS Walk-in Centre 020 3040 0800 Non-emergency urgent care - 111 Croydon University Hospital 020 8401 3000

Get in touch To get in touch with the Your Croydon editorial team, email: yourcroydon@croydon.gov.uk If anybody you know isn't receiving the online Your Croydon weekly, tell them that they can ensure delivery by subscribing at www.croydon.gov.uk/subscribe

Central Library and Museum of Croydon Katharine Street, Croydon CR9 1ET Open: Monday to Saturday (see website for daily hours) Library – www.croydon.gov.uk/ Museum – www. central-library museumofcroydon.com Telephone: 020 8726 6900 Telephone: 020 8253 1022 Email: libraries@croydon.gov.uk Email: museum@croydon.gov.uk

For full details, visit: www.croydon.gov.uk/ leisure/parksandopenspaces/walks Sunday 25 Helping the sheep Sanderstead Common Help rid the grazing paddocks of Ash re-growth so sheep can munch the grass with ease. If you fancy cutting some ash and having a bonfire meet the warden at Dunmail Drive at 10am. All equipment and tools provided, as well as tea, coffee and biscuits. For more details call the warden on 07771 715812.

DECEMBER Sunday 2 Pond Maintenance Sanderstead Common Help the countryside warden improve the pond at the Dobbin by clearing vegetation in and around it, clearing the valuable water

source for local wildlife. If you would like to help meet at Tithepit Shaw Lane layby at 10am. All equipment and tools provided as well as tea, coffee and biscuits. For more details call the warden on 07771 715812

Sunday 16 Bark, Buds & Bushes – Farthing Downs Forget the Christmas shopping for a while, wrap up warm and discover the myths and folklore behind our native trees and shrubs. Learn how to identify them from their bark, buds and twigs. Meet at the Farthing Downs car park at 2pm. You can catch the 404 or 60 bus or walk one mile from Coulsdon South train station.

For up-to-the-minute council news visit news.croydon.gov.uk

Your A to Z of council services The council provides a comprehensive range of services designed to offer help and advice to residents. Below is only a small selection of those services – for the full list, visit www.croydon.gov.uk and follow the “A-Z” link in the purple field near the top of the home page. Adult education

Fly-tipping

Mediation service – housing

Trading standards

Information on the courses available to older students.

How to report it, your responsibilities as a landowner, and how the council prosecutes fly-tippers.

A mediation service for housing and housing association tenants, and others.

Dealing with doorstep crime and rogue traders, and offering advice to residents and businesses.

Blocked drains

Neighbourhood wardens Offering help and support to local communities.

Information on how to deal with drain problems.

Occupational therapy

Bulky waste collection

Enabling people with disabilities to carry out essential activities, with the aim of maintaining or improving independence.

What it is and how to book.

Careline Providing a home safety and personal security system, helping people to live independently within their own homes.

Planning applications Fly-tipping

Advice on all aspects of the planning process.

Disabled parking Providing parking bays throughout Croydon for vehicles used by the holders of blue badges.

Trading Standards

Visitor parking permits

Fostering Everything you need to know about fostering in Croydon.

Gambling Disabled parking

Dropped kerb and crossovers Council consent is required to lower the kerb in front of your property and provide vehicle access to a hard-standing parking area.

The different types of licences – and how to apply for them.

Planning

Keeping Croydon running in the event of serious incidents.

Welfare benefit advice

Recycling What to recycle, how to recycle and where to recycle.

Home safety advice

Know what you’re entitled to and claim it.

Youth projects All you need to know about Croydon’s youth provision.

See if you are eligible for a free home safety check.

Instrumental tuition Service for children and young people.

Licences

Emergency planning

How to apply, how much they cost and where they can be used.

Information on licences for nursing agencies, explosives, scaffolding and much more.

Lottery registration Running a lottery to raise funds for a charity or an organisation such as a sports club, church or school, requires registration.

Recycling

Safer Croydon Working to make the borough safer for all who live, work and visit here.

www.cro ydon. gov.uk/atoz

Youth Project

Capel Manor College Your route to a brighter future

Discover our unique hands-on courses in Crystal Palace Park at an upcoming College Advice Session or Open Day.

www.capel.ac.uk

Leading the field in agriculture, animal management, arboriculture, balloon artistry, environmental conservation, dog grooming, floristry, garden design, horticulture, landscaping, saddlery, shoemaking and wildlife courses.