Spring 2012 - Islington Council

Your local magazine from Islington Council
IslingtonLife
Issue 50, Spring 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Local kids enjoy their new school p.4
How will your council tax
be spent? p.16-17
Benefit changes and
advice p.18-19
Vote for People's
Plaques p.25

Contents
Cover: Reem Ghidon enjoying the new playground at Ashmount Primary School
Inside
this issue
3 Welcome
4-7 News
New primary school is first class
Young people paint a brighter future
8-11 Safer Islington
Safe Havens for young people
Estate sees action on ASB
The next
edition of
IslingtonLife
will be out in
July 2013.
12-13 Your home
Stay warm and save money
Looking to downsize?
14-15 Young Islington
New Young Mayor
Helping young people into work
16-17 Council tax 2013
Find out how your money will be spent and
the council's priorities for the year
18-19 Benefit changes
The latest on government cuts and how
we can help
FEATURE
20-21 Local life
Care for a local teenager
Get reading with Islington Reads
22-23 Healthy living
Stay independent with Islington Telecare
The sobering truth
24-25 People and places
A louder voice for older people
Vote for People's Plaques
26-27 Noticeboard
The facts on Islington
A chance to win £25,000
28-29 Arsenal in the community
30-31 What’s on
Gigs at Islington Assembly hall
Activities for young people
2

Welcome
www.islington.gov.uk
Cllr Catherine West,
Leader of the Council
Top right
Clerkenwell fire station is at risk of
closure due to proposed cuts by the
Mayor of London.
Bottom right
Catherine with students at the brand new
Ashmount Primary School.
Nothing matters more than people’s
safety. We all hope we won’t need to
call on the emergency services, but
if we do we want to know our brave
fire fighters and police officers will
be there quickly to protect our loved
ones and our community. However,
the Mayor of London is proposing
cuts to the fire service that would see
the loss of 12 London fire stations,
including Clerkenwell in Islington, and
520 jobs.
All Islington’s councillors are
united against these potentially
dangerous plans and we’ve launched
an information campaign so local
residents and businesses are fully
aware of what the Mayor’s plans
might mean for them. Find out more
on page 6.
Despite massive government
cuts, we are once again freezing
council tax and continuing to offer a
£100 discount for pensioners. With
the government cutting a third of
our budget it isn’t easy, but we will
continue to focus what money we do
have on those who need it most and
provide advice and support to those
most affected by the government’s
welfare changes.
The budget passed at our Council
Meeting on 28 February provides
funding for £300 bursaries to keep
young people in education, support to
extend the Living Wage to low paid
workers in social care, £300,000 to
save the Energy Doctor service for
residents struggling with fuel bills, and
£1m for much needed improvements to
Finsbury Park town centre and Archway
Park. Read more about our priorities on
pages 16-17.
Cllr West said:
“Last year Islington
achieved its best
ever GCSE results.
We want to make
sure all Islington’s
young people get the
best start in life and
the first class new
Ashmount School gives
children growing up in
the inner city fantastic
facilities in wonderful
surroundings.”
Other formats
If you would like
IslingtonLife in large
print, audiotape, or
another format, please
call 020 7527 3416.
3

News
Schools
are on
the up
The council’s contract with Cambridge
Education as the borough’s provider
of education services will come to an
end in April, a move that will save the
council around £500,000 per year.
Islington’s schools have seen huge
improvements over the last 12 years,
thanks to the partnership between local
schools, the council and Cambridge
Education. The council has decided the
time is right to bring the management
of education services back in-house, to
continue and develop this good work.
Islington received the borough’s best
ever GCSE results in 2012. Results in
Islington have improved significantly
faster than the national rate over the
last five years and Ofsted recently
said Islington was amongst the top ten
places in the whole country for quality
schools.
However, we are not complacent
about the future and will continue
to work hard to improve our schools
further. Working with schools, the
council will ensure that all children in
the borough get the best possible start
in life, through excellent teaching, an
exciting curriculum and better, safer
school environments and facilities.
4
Find out more at,
www.islington.gov.uk/
schools
Students at Ashmount Primary reading on their new 'gathering stairs'
New primary school
is first class
The start of the new year meant all
change for pupils and staff at Ashmount
Primary School who moved into their
brand new building in January.
The school has been relocated to
Crouch Hill Park in the north of borough
as part of a £16.5m redevelopment of
the Crouch Hill site.
The new Ashmount Primary is
the first carbon neutral school in the
country. Wood has been chosen as the
major building material both inside and
out to ensure the school blends into
its new parkland surroundings. Large
windows and high ceilings throughout
maximise the amount of natural light
in classrooms and corridors, while a
planted brown roof offers stunning
views of the London skyline.
Crouch Hill Park is a nature reserve,
home to birds, invertebrates and bats,
meaning pupils now have an excellent
outside learning environment right on
the school’s doorstep.
Pana McGee, head of Ashmount
Primary, said:
“The new school is a great
achievement and it’s a huge privilege for
the children to be in a state of the art
building in such a special space.”
4

www.islington.gov.uk
The new lecture theatre at
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School
Pupils enjoying their brand new play facilities
Schools for
the future
Two key projects in Islington’s
Building Schools for the Future
programme are almost complete
– offering fantastic new facilities
for hundreds of young people in
Islington.
Students at the all-girls Elizabeth
Garrett Anderson School are
enjoying their new performance
and lecture theatre, language labs,
sports hall, library, art and design
facilities, classrooms and a central
piazza with views down to St
Pancras. The school held an official
opening in March attended by
campaigner, Shami Chakrabarti.
Islington Arts and Media School’s
new buildings have also been
completed, offering students a
new theatre, sports hall, science
labs, ICT suites and arts and media
classrooms.
5
For more information, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/
bsf
5

News
Image courtesy of Colin O'Brien, first published on Spitalfields Life blog
Fire fighters at Clerkenwell Fire Station
Fire station closures resisted by council
Plans put forward by London Mayor,
Boris Johnson, that would see the
closure of Clerkenwell fire station are
being opposed by Islington Council.
The Mayor says the cut – which
would see the loss of 520 jobs and
18 fire engines – is necessary to save
£45m. As well as Clerkenwell, eleven
other fire stations would be closed,
including Kingsland in Hackney which
serves parts of our borough.
In January, all Islington councillors
voted against these cuts and called on
the Mayor to think again.
The council strongly objects to
the Mayor’s planned cuts on the
grounds that they are unnecessary and
potentially put lives at risk.
The Fire Authority (the LFEPA) has
also stated its opposition to the station
closures. A public consultation began on
4 March and closes on 28 May.
If you also oppose the fire station
closure plans you can:
fill in the consultation online at
www.london-fire.gov.uk/lsp5 –
you have until 28 May to do this.
write to the Mayor of London,
Greater London Authority, City
Hall, The Queen’s Walk, More
London, London SE1 2AA, or
email mayor@london.gov.uk
£100k boost for residents’ advice services
Islington Council
has awarded an
extra £100,000
for residents’
advice services
to help meet
soaring demand
from local people
as government
cuts bite and the
recession continues.
Islington Citizens Advice Bureau
(CAB) will get £65,000 of the cash
to help residents negotiate complex
welfare benefit reforms.
Islington CAB Chair, Alison Lamb, said:
“This money greatly enhances our
ability to respond to welfare benefit
queries as early as possible and increase
the number of people we can help.”
As well as helping residents challenge
unfair decisions to move people onto
lower benefits, the extra cash will help
boost capacity in dealing with complex
cases and enable Islington CAB to
recruit local volunteers to help even
more residents.
The rest of the money - around
£35,000 - will provide extra support
through important local advice agencies
to help the most vulnerable affected by
the government’s welfare reforms.
Did you know?
The number of welfare benefit
queries the Islington CAB took in
2012/13 was 7,000 rising from
4,000 in 2011/12.
6

www.islington.gov.uk
Young people paint a brighter future
K&M McLoughlin trainee Jasbeer Singh aged 16
In March, to celebrate National
Apprenticeship Week, Islington Council
and local firm K&M McLoughlin
Decorating Limited celebrated their
new Introduction to Work course.
The scheme provides local young
unemployed people with the work
experience and skills needed to gain
apprenticeships in the painting and
decorating industry.
Over a period of five weeks
the trainees, aged 16-24, receive
mentoring from skilled tradespeople and
are taught basic techniques in painting
and decorating. By the end of the
course, each student will be able to go
on to a construction site work-aware
and ready for further training.
All students are also given the
opportunity to gain their Construction
Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card,
which means they will be able to work
on UK construction sites.
The training facilities in Brewery
Road have been provided by the
council and the course is designed by
K&M McLoughlin. Meanwhile, City
and Islington College are handling the
academic elements of the programme.
Just over 60 per cent of the 16
local young residents who have already
completed an Introduction to Work
course have gone on to secure trade
apprenticeships.
7
For information on how to
apply, call 020 7974 1381
or email wahidul.islam@
camden.gov.uk
Improving adventure play
From April, Islington’s
six voluntary sector
adventure playgrounds
will be run by Islington
Play Association (IPA).
For over 40 years IPA
have been championing
the importance of
children’s play in Islington.
Now they will be working
with the council to
maintain the high quality
play facilities at Crumbles Castle, Hayward, Lumpy Hill, Martin Luther King,
Timbuktu and Toffee Park adventure playgrounds.
Some exciting changes will be introduced across the six playgrounds,
including free all-day play this Easter, longer opening hours and improved
outdoor play areas. Children who normally pay to stay for lunch will also
now be able to bring a packed lunch and remain at the playground all day at
no cost to parents.
7
For more information, visit www.islington.gov.uk/playgrounds
or contact Christine Lehmann on 020 7527 5645 or at
adventureplaygrounds@islington.gov.uk
New website
to change
volunteering
A new online service, ‘Here To’, is set to
revolutionise volunteering in Islington.
The new website, funded by the council,
encourages people to give their time to
their neighbourhood and community easily
and in ways that match their own interests
and free time.
Cllr Barbara Sidnell, executive member
for communities, said:
“The aim is to make volunteering more
appealing. The Here To website links
people with exciting and fun activities.
“We particularly hope to reach
those who aren’t already engaged in
volunteering, perhaps because they think
it’s too much of a commitment. This site
allows you to pick precisely what you can
do, at a time that best suits you.”
To find out more, visit
www.islington.hereto.org
7

Safer Islington
Sexual exploitation
– know the signs
It’s not easy to face the idea that your child could
be vulnerable to sexual exploitation. Parents have
a vital role in keeping children safe by paying
attention to their activities and behaviour.
A young person often doesn’t recognise that
they’re being exploited. This is because they tend
to be ‘groomed’ by an adult who befriends them
and makes them feel special by buying them gifts
and giving them attention. They are manipulated
and/or forced into taking part in a sexual act or
having a sexual act performed on them. This is
sexual exploitation.
Some signs to look for include:
going missing for periods of time
regularly returning home late
regularly missing school
having unexplained gifts or new possessions
having older boyfriends or girlfriends
drug and/or alcohol misuse
inappropriate sexualised behaviour.
The council’s Children’s Social Care Referral
and Advice team can help you if you are
concerned that your child, or someone you
know, is at risk of sexual exploitation.
Cllr Janet Burgess (left) and Lorraine Dinnegan (centre) with pupils from
Mount Carmel school at the launch of Islington’s Safe Havens
Safe Havens for
young people
For advice and support, call 020 7527
7400, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. If
your child is at immediate risk ring the
police on 999.
Many of Islington’s businesses and
organisations are now offering a
safe place for local young people
to go when they are feeling
threatened. Known as ‘Safe Havens’
these places of rescue are for
young people to go to when they
are in difficult situations and trained
staff are on hand to help.
Following the tragic murder of
her son, Martin, in 2007, Lorraine
Dinnegan, who leads the CitySafe
Campaign in Islington said:
“Since I have been involved
with Safe Havens many local
shopkeepers, parents and schools
have shown their support for the
campaign. They want to help make
our young people feel safe and to
be able to build better relationships
with the community.”
Islington Town Hall and the
council building at Newington
Barrow Way are Safe Havens and
work is already underway for other
council buildings to become part of
the scheme.
To find out more and
for the full list of Safe
Havens in Islington, visit
www.islington.gov.
uk/citysafehavens
Need a babysitter or home tutor?
Islington Children’s Safeguarding Board has some useful guidance to
help parents and carers keep children safe.
Find downloadable leaflets about choosing a babysitter
or home tutor and leaving children home alone, at
www.islington.gov.uk/safeguardingchildren
8

www.islington.gov.uk
Domestic violence.
There is no excuse.
The council is working closely with the NHS and local police
to tackle the issue of domestic violence in Islington.
NHS research suggests that excessive alcohol and drug
use are linked to domestic violence, with sports, particularly
football, playing a role due to the drinking culture. Whatever
the reason, domestic violence is a criminal offence and there
is no excuse for it.
If you are concerned about your behaviour, or the
behaviour of someone you know, you can get confidential
help from the following organisations:
Respect - 0808 802 4040
Islington Community Alcohol Service - 020 7833 9899
Domestic Violence Helpline - 0808 2000 247
If you are a victim of domestic violence you can
call 0808 2000 247 in complete confidence.
In an emergency always call 999.
Stronger rules
on alcohol excess
New, tougher rules will help to protect residents from antisocial
behaviour and nuisance linked to alcohol.
Responding to local concerns, the council has strengthened
its licensing policy. In some areas of Islington where there are
already many off-licences, bars and similar businesses, there
are now stricter rules on new licensing applications. These
“cumulative impact areas” include Clerkenwell and Bunhill,
King’s Cross and Caledonian Road, Upper Street and Angel,
and Holloway Road and Finsbury Park.
Other changes include shorter opening hours for new
licensed businesses.
Cllr Paul Convery, executive member for community
safety, said:
“In recent years the balance between the benefits from
Islington’s night-time economy and the impact on local people
has begun to shift.
“Our strengthened licensing policy will tackle that shift
and improve life for our residents, while keeping Islington’s
reputation as a great place for a night out.”
Gambling crackdown
Action could be taken to tackle the problem of illegal
gaming machines in Islington, the council has warned.
Operators of illegal machines risk having the equipment
confiscated, and may also face prosecution, according to
the council’s new Gambling Policy.
Illegal machines are sometimes discovered in local
businesses, including some takeaways and minicab offices.
The council has also said it will seek to limit opportunities
for gambling in areas of the borough where vulnerable
residents could be put at risk.
9

Safer Islington
20 is plenty
on our roads
Staff are installing the final
signs for Islington’s 20mph
speed limit, which is set
to be finished next month
(April).
Islington will be the first
place in the country to have
20mph speed restrictions
on all main roads and side
streets.
The limit is being
introduced to improve
safety and boost quality
of life for residents. Road
accidents have reduced
drastically in Islington over
the last decade, with the
number of people killed
or seriously injured falling
from 221 in 2001 down
to 100 in 2011. Accidents
on residential streets are
also coming down thanks in
part to the borough-wide
20mph scheme
Cllr James Murray,
executive member for
transport, said:
“We want to make
Islington’s roads safer
for everyone.”
Fire prevention
at home
Have you considered what you
could do to prevent a fire occurring
in your home?
Rhys Powell, London Fire Brigade’s Borough Commander
for Islington, provides suggestions to help you minimise
the risk of fire in your home.
“This may all seem very obvious, but many people just
don’t consider some of these things and end up having
the awful experience of a fire in the home or worse -
don’t let this happen to you!
“Some simple things for you to consider are outlined
below:
What do I have in my home that could burn? Do I
need it or can I limit the quantity I keep?
Is there anything in my home that could be a potential
ignition source and can I remove it or make it safe?
What can I do to keep items that will burn and any
potential ignition sources well apart?
“You can also ask your local firefighters to visit your
home. They will give you advice on how to prevent fires,
stay safe in your home and if required, they will supply
and fit smoke alarms. All of this is free of charge."
To book a free home fire safety visit,
call 0800 028 44 28 or email
smokealarms@london-fire.gov.uk
Please quote the reference ISL 04
Beware of scams
Recent scams to hit Islington residents include an
employment offer scam; phone calls offering extra
money on private pensions, and loan offers asking for
an upfront fee to be paid via Western Union or other
untraceable methods.
The police are also looking into a London-wide scam
which has been reported in Islington, where someone
claiming to be from the council’s Trading Standards team
tries to scam residents who have recently had building
work done.
If you have been scammed, or are
concerned, contact the Trading Standards
team on 020 7527 3198 or at
trading.standards@islington.gov.uk
10

www.islington.gov.uk
Police
briefing
Islington’s borough
commander, Gerry
Campbell, talks to
IslingtonLife about
ensuring the safety of local
residents.
The police, council, Hyde Housing and Park Guard are tackling ASB
Estate sees action on ASB
Action has been taken to tackle antisocial
behaviour (ASB) on Islington’s
Ringcross Estate.
Large groups of young people, who
mostly live outside the area, were
gathering on the estate and causing
problems including criminal damage,
verbal abuse of local people and police,
and smoking cannabis.
Police, local social landlord Hyde
Northside and Islington Council met with
residents to get more information and
took action including:
using CCTV to identify troublemakers
providing extra patrols from the
police and Park Guard service
interviewing residents who were
involved in anti-social behaviour
warning them to stop, or risk tenancy
action
writing to the parents of nonresidents
involved
increased out-of-hours cover
from Hyde to respond to resident
complaints
changes to gates on the estate to
make them more secure
extra work to get more young people
involved with the local youth club.
Reports from police and residents
show a big improvement in the
situation. Police, Hyde and the council
are continuing to monitor the estate
and are ready to take further action as
needed.
If you are having problems with
anti-social behaviour anywhere in
Islington, don’t suffer in silence - please
report it so the council, police, social
landlords and others can help.
Reporting ASB
Call 020 7527 7272 or
report it online at www.
islington.gov.uk/reportasb
We will respond to your request
within 24 hours. Our officers can
make visits, 4pm-2am Sunday to
Thursday, and 5pm-4am, Friday and
Saturday
Social housing tenants
During office hours, council tenants
and leaseholders should report to
their Area Housing Office ASB team
and Housing Association tenants
should report to their landlord.
Out of hours, please call the ASB
line on 020 7527 7272.
“I am committed to working with
you to identify and address your
priorities.
“The new local Policing Model
will soon be implemented and
will see the introduction of new
neighbourhood policing and
emergency response teams. It
will mean a more efficient way of
working for all of us and aims to
reduce crime, increase public access
and improve customer satisfaction.
“Currently, our top priority is
to reduce theft and robberies,
especially of smartphones. Burglary
is down 27.4 per cent year on year,
and we will continue to build on this.
We have also seen reductions in
robberies and motor vehicle crime.
“Violence in public spaces with
particular attention to the night
time economy is also a priority for
us and we continue to liaise with the
council and other partners to create
a safe evening environment for all.
“Domestic violence remains one
of our top priorities and we are
committed to working with you to
help support victims.
“I want to pay tribute to the
dedication of our police officers
and staff members who have made
this this year a good one so far. I’d
like to recognise the bravery of our
police officers who face varying
levels of danger as they go about
their duties. Thank you for your
support and please continue to
work with us to help make Islington
safer.
“It’s our goal to be a police
service that delivers and
contributes to the community.
We are determined to ensure that
the spending reductions don’t
compromise our service.”
Follow us on
Twitter @MPSIslington
11

News Your home
Stay warm and
save money
A boiler replacement scheme launched
last year is helping hundreds of Islington
households to stay warm and save
money.
Theresa Ogden, of Finsbury Park,
applied to the scheme when she
became concerned about her boiler
and 30 year-old heating system.
She said:
“The house was very cold and the
heating and hot water took a long time
to warm up. We had to wait hours
between showers and often used the
kettle to boil water for washing up.”
Theresa discovered that she
qualified for the boiler replacement
scheme, which upgrades old ‘F’ and ‘G’
rated boilers with new ‘A rated’ boilers
- free of charge. The new energyefficient
boilers can help to lower fuel
bills by an average of £150 per year.
Theresa’s new boiler and heating
system were installed over just two
days last December and she’s delighted
with the results.
“The difference was instant. We
now have hot water at the touch of a
button and I don’t have to worry about
whether it’s safe. It’s the best present I
could wish for!”
Theresa of Finsbury Park is delighted
with her new boiler
For more information about the boiler replacement scheme, and to
find out if you qualify, call 0800 953 1221 (Freephone) or visit
www.islington.gov.uk/boiler
Lower fuel bills
for local families
A plan to make energy more
affordable and keep people warmer
has been approved by Islington
Council.
Since last October, all of the ‘big six’
energy companies have announced
increased tariffs of up to 11 per cent
- adding up to £120 a year to our
energy bills.
But Islington Council will invest
£2.7m on top of an expected
European Union grant to develop its
own ‘decentralised energy programme’
– a cheaper alternative to expensive
private sector power providers.
In addition, new, well insulated
affordable homes, green jobs, and
training opportunities in the new
‘energy economy’ will help people on
low incomes.
Our energy centre at Bunhill is already providing cheaper, greener
energy to over 700 households. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/
heatnetwork and view our YouTube clip to find out more.
Make the switch
Are you paying the lowest price for your
gas and electricity? The Big London
Energy Switch is offering Islington
residents a chance to pay less for their
gas and electricity by switching suppliers.
There is no commitment, just register
your interest as soon as possible. Energy
suppliers will be invited to offer their
cheapest price to everyone who has
registered. You will receive a personal
offer from the supplier that provides
the lowest price. You then just decide
whether you wish to accept the offer
or not. Savings are likely but cannot be
guaranteed.
To register, call 0800 9531221,
or visit, www.islington.gov.uk/
biglondonenergyswitch
12

www.islington.gov.uk
Looking to downsize?
Moving home to somewhere smaller
can offer many benefits to social
housing residents. Your rent and bills
might be lower, you could live in a new
area closer to family, friends or schools,
and you will help a larger family in
need of a bigger home. If you receive
Housing Benefit and are of working
age it can also help to you avoid the
government’s new ‘bedroom tax’ (see
page 18).
Islington Council offers lots of
Love Food Hate Waste
It is estimated that a quarter
of all the food and drink we
buy ends up being thrown
away - for an average
household this is a cost of
£460 a year.
The council is supporting
the national Love Food Hate
Waste campaign, and we are
encouraging residents to take
action in their homes.
Below are five simple
steps to help you make more
of the food you buy:
plan your meals –plan
your meals in advance and
write a shopping list
know your dates – keep
an eye on use-by dates.
Make sure you use up food
support to help social housing tenants
downsize, including a mutual exchange
scheme that enables residents to swap
properties with other tenants to move
into a more suitable home.
Mrs Carr downsized from a three
bedroom property to a one bed property
in December. Her new home is much
more accessible for her and the process
was quick and easy. She says:
“I had been thinking about downsizing
and the government changes
with the shortest expiry
date first
perfect portions – there is a
portions calculator at www.
lovefoodhatewaste.com
to help take the guess work
out of how much to cook
leftovers and forgotten
food – look out for recipes
to use up any leftovers.
Some great ideas can
can be found at www.
lovefoodhatewaste.com
savvy storage – get to
know the best ways to
store food. Did you know
that most vegetables are
best stored in the fridge,
in the pack or bag they
came in?
For more
information, visit
www.islington.
gov.uk/recycling
Become a food champion.
See page 24 for details.
encouraged me to do so. I am happy
where I am now and the council were a
great help. They paid for my move and
also for the two bedrooms I was giving
up. I think this is a very good initiative.
“Whilst I don’t agree with the
new government rules, and would
encourage others in larger properties
to stay where they are if they can
afford it, the council’s help made it
smooth and easy for me.”
Islington Council is currently offering
extra help to residents affected by
the ‘bedroom tax’, including £750 for
each ‘spare’ room for those who swap
homes through a mutual exchange,
£400 towards moving costs, and
priority for those wishing to transfer
when bidding for properties on
HomeConnections.
For more information,
contact the Housing Options
team on 020 7527 4140,
email rehousing@islington.
gov.uk or visit www.islington.gov.
uk/movinghome
More than
residents are reading the
Gazette series in print and
online every week.
Pick up your copy every week for only 60p
or visit islingtongazette.co.uk
hackneygazette.co.uk
for daily news, entertainment and sport.
13

Young Islington
Youth Councillor,
Jasmine Martins,
writes on behalf
of the Youth Council.
New Young Mayor, Jasmine Martins
New Young Mayor
Jasmine Martins (aged 17) and
Elliot Colley (aged 15) have been
elected as Young Mayor and
Deputy Young Mayor by their
fellow youth councillors.
Previous Young Mayor Harry
Tomes and Deputy Miriam
Owusu, who held their posts for a
year, will continue in their roles as
youth councillors.
Speaking about her new role,
Jasmine said:
“I am pleased to be given the
responsibility of representing the
youth council. It’s a good feeling to
know that your fellow colleagues
believe in you to do a great job.
“As this is our last year on the
Have you visited
izzy-info?
Izzy-info is the website
just for Islington’s young
people. Find information on
topics such as relationships, safer
sex, career choices and staying
youth council, I hope to carry on
working on our priority areas,
leaving a legacy in which our
successors can build on.”
Jasmine and Elliot will be
welcomed into their new roles
at Islington’s Annual Council
meeting in May.
Islington’s first ever youth
council was elected in February
2012, and the eight youth
councillors are responsible for
making sure the opinions of
young people in Islington are
heard. Their four key priorities
are: youth provision, youth
employment, crime and safety,
and equality and fairness.
healthy as well as local advice and
support services for young people,
the latest news from the youth
council and much more.
Visit www.izzy-info.com
f
“We’re excited to be making links with
local arts organisations in line with our
aims to ensure young people take a
lead in planning future youth services
and to look at opportunities for youth
employment in this area.
“Y Cllr Elliot met with the director
of Creative Islington to look at how
the youth council can be involved in
supporting young people through the
creative sector. Y Cllr Elliot will continue
to work with Creative Islington, providing
advice on how to reach young people so
they know how and where they can take
part in activities.
“We are all working on how we can
improve our links with young people to
ensure we’re doing the best possible job
of representing their views and so they
have a clear view of what the youth
council is achieving. We’ve been visiting
youth groups and schools to get to know
the people we represent and find out
what they think.
“The youth council also met with the
council’s director of children’s services.
This helped us understand the roles
and priorities of those who plan local
services for young people and make sure
those priorities reflect the issues faced
by Islington’s young people. We plan
to continue regular meetings with the
director of children’s services, as well as
with the executive member for children
and families and the leader of the council.
“Being a youth councillor can bring
some really exciting opportunities. I
recently had the pleasure of chairing the
Mayor of London’s Question Time at City
Hall. It was an amazing experience and
something I will never forget.”
Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonYC
Follow us on Facebook @IslingtonYC
14

www.islington.gov.uk
Outstanding
special schools
Helping young people into work
As part of our commitment to tackle
unemployment in the borough, the
council has directly employed over 30
local people into apprenticeships over
the last year – and has pledged to do
the same for the next three years.
Offering valuable work experience,
along with the opportunity to gain
an NVQ qualification and regular
support from a mentor, council
apprenticeships last for one year
and placements are available in a
large range of departments across
the council.
In addition to its own apprenticeship
opportunities, the council’s Business
Support and Employment Team has
also worked with local businesses
and organisations across a variety of
sectors, helping them offer a further
41 apprenticeships for residents.
To find out more, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/
apprentices
All of Islington’s schools for children
with special educational needs are
‘outstanding’, say Ofsted.
Samuel Rhodes School has recently
joined Richard Cloudesley and The
Bridge schools in being given this top
judgement by Ofsted inspectors.
Catering for pupils aged five to 16
with moderate learning difficulties,
the school was judged to be
‘outstanding’ in every category.
Executive member for children and
families, Cllr Richard Watts, said:
“Well done to all the staff and
governors at Samuel Rhodes who
work incredibly hard to ensure their
pupils are getting the best education
and support to meet their needs.”
Samuel Rhodes School celebrate
'outstanding' Ofsted results
First job for teenagers
Last year the council set up a pilot
youth employment scheme and offered
13 local 14-16 year-olds from the
Andover and Elthorne Estates paid work
with the council.
The junior assistants have been
carrying out a wide range of entry-level
office work and administrative tasks
across various council services.
Wesley, aged 16, has been working
with the council’s public protection
team over the last year and comments
on the benefits he has gained:
“I’m really pleased with the
experience I have received, it’s great
to be able to add this to my CV and
the role has allowed me to develop my
teamwork skills. Plus, it’s been great to
earn my own money!
“I’ve always wanted to study law
and this opportunity has given me
the confidence to get into college. I’d
definitely recommend it to my friends.”
Wesley’s contract with the council
has been extended for a further six
months, before he heads off to study
law at college.
Bram Kainth, director for public
realm, had the idea for the junior
assistants programme. He says:
“Our junior assistants’ scheme helps
local young people fulfil their potential
and benefits the organisation as well.
“The years ahead pose uncertainty
and challenges to young people looking
for work but by offering young people
the chance to get paid work with the
council, we are doing our bit to boost
Islington Council’s junior assistant, Wesley
opportunities offered locally.”
Junior assistants are paid for working
up to eight hours a week outside of
school hours, in the evenings, Saturday
mornings or school holidays.
15

Council tax 2013
How is your money spent?
We are freezing council tax in Islington for
the fourth year running – it’s just one of the
ways we are trying to reduce the pressure
on residents who are already facing tough
times. Older residents will continue to
receive a £100 discount on their bill.
To help manage the budget cuts we
are facing, we have decided to remove
discounts and exemptions for empty
properties and second homes.
We are working hard to maintain
services that all residents rely on, such as
bin collections and street cleaning, and
doing everything we can to protect valued
local services, such as children's centres
and libraries, by making all services more
efficient.
What we're investing in
Helping reduce youth unemployment by providing young people from
low income families with a £300 bursary to help them continue studying
past 16 and start to build their career.
Improving community safety by improving the borough's CCTV
system and working with the police, NHS and other partners to reduce
alcohol-related harm.
Cutting heating bills for thousands of local people by new funding
for our Energy Doctor service, replacing old boilers which are expensive
to run and through the development of council owned energy centres,
starting in the EC1 area.
16

www.islington.gov.uk
Ways to pay
The easiest way to pay is by Direct Debit. You can spread out your council tax
payments and choose a payment date that suits you. Remember, if you pay by
Direct Debit it's your responsibility to make sure there's enough money in your
account each month. If there is not, your bank or building society may charge you
fees or interest. Sign up at www.islington.gov.uk/directdebit
A simple way to keep track of your council tax bill is online via My eAccount.
You can also request other council services, such as parking permits or order a new
recycling container. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/myeaccount
Need help paying your bill?
With the changes to Council Tax
Benefit and other government benefit
cuts, we know that some residents
may be struggling to cope.
If you have any concerns about paying
your bill, call 020 7527 2633, email
claimit@islington.gov.uk or visit
www.islington.gov.uk/moneyadvice
Changes to Council
Tax Benefit
The government has abolished
Council Tax Benefit and given us less
money to support residents under
the replacement Council Tax Support
scheme.
This means that a working age
resident in a band D property who
previously claimed full Council Tax
Benefit will need to pay about £2 a
week towards council tax. Pensioners
will not be affected by the change.
Visit www.islington.gov.
uk/counciltax for more
information on Council Tax
Benefit changes.
Other benefit changes
For information on other benefit
changes that could affect you, see
pages 18-19.
17

Benefit changes
Avoid the 'bedroom tax'
The government is making huge changes to the benefit system. The so called
'bedroom tax' will be coming in on 1 April.
If you live in social housing, receive Housing Benefit and are of working age,
your Housing Benefit will be cut by 14-25 per cent if you have one or more
'spare' bedrooms than you are allowed under new government rules.
If this affects you, Islington Council can help. We are currently offering extra
financial assistance and support to help you downsize and avoid the cut. Find
out more on page 13.
To find out more about the ‘bedroom tax’, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/bedroomtax or call 020 7527 4990.
Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants
From 1 April the government is
abolishing Community Care Grants
and Crisis Loans (living expenses).
You can still apply for Budgeting
Loans and a new payment called
Short Term Advances from the
Department for Work and Pensions.
The council and Cripplegate
Foundation are setting up a new
Resident Support Scheme to offer
assistance to residents facing
exceptional difficulty. The funding
could be used in lots of ways, such
as helping care leavers, helping
someone who has just come out
of hospital, helping with housing
costs for a short period of time, or
helping with expenses related to
employment. In some cases help can
be given to those who need food
and fuel in a crisis situation.
For more information, visit www.
islington.gov.uk/moneyadvice
or call 020 7527 2000.
For more information on
Budgeting Loans and Short
Term Advances, visit
www.gov.uk/budgeting-loans
The council is
here to help
We know that times are hard for
everyone with increasing fuel and
food costs and the government’s
benefit cuts are an extra worry.
If you are concerned about
how you are going to manage, or
are already struggling then please
get help. There is plenty of free
and confidential advice available in
Islington.
For advice about benefits and
support available you can contact
the council.
020 7527 4990
claimit@islington.gov.uk
Minicom 020 7527 1900
www.islington.gov.uk/
benefitschanges
For advice and support about debt
and money problems please contact
the Islington Advice line.*
020 7288 7676
admin@rcjadvice.org.uk
*The advice line will direct you
to debt advice provided by Islington
Citizens Advice Bureau, Islington Law
Centre, Islington People’s Rights and
Disability Action in Islington.
Don’t use
payday lenders
or loan sharks…
Borrow money for less. For instant
saver loans, contact the Credit Union.
020 7561 1786
info@credit-union.coop
www.credit-union.coop
Changes to Disability Living Allowance
From June, the government will
replace Disability Living Allowance
(DLA) with the Personal Independence
Payment (PIP). If you claim DLA and
are aged 16-64 you will be affected.
Any new claims from June 2013
will be for PIP.
From October, if there are changes
to your circumstances then you will be
invited to claim for PIP. For example:
you report a change in how a health
condition or disability affects you
you reach the end of an existing
award of DLA
your child is approaching the age
of 16,
To find out more about PIP, visit
www.gov.uk
18

Helping you back to work
,
Family Information
Service
Difficulties with finding flexible,
affordable childcare can make it
difficult for parents of young children
to get back into work.
If you are struggling to find
childcare, Islington’s Family
Information Service (FIS) can help
you find a childminder, nursery,
after-school club or holiday
playscheme.
You can call the FIS between
9am-4pm, Monday to Friday.
Outside these hours you can leave a
message or send an email.
020 7527 5959
fis@islington.gov.uk
www.islington.gov.uk/fis
Free nursery for
two year-olds
From September 2013, lowincome
families may be eligible
for 15 hours per week free early
learning for two year old children.
This could be based in a nursery or
with a childminder.
If your child turns two after 1
April, and you receive one or more
benefits, you may be eligible.
To find out more visit
www.islington.gov.uk/
freeearlylearning
Adult learning
courses
With hundreds of free and lowcost
courses to suit all abilities and
interests our Adult Learning courses
can help you develop the skills and
confidence you need to get back
into work.
See page 20, ‘Skills to help you
into work’, for upcoming enrolment
dates.
19

Local life
Care for a
local teenager
Islington needs foster carers
to provide encouragement,
confidence, stability and
support for local teenagers.
These are important years
when a young person needs
strong role models to help
them develop the life skills
that will guide them through
the transition into adulthood.
As Islington foster carer Keith
recognises:
“The time you are
giving now will make a real
difference and the skills
you are helping the children
develop will last a lifetime.”
What about supportive
lodgings?
If you work full time and
still want to help a young
person then supportive
lodgings could be for you.
Unlike a foster carer you do
not act as their parent but
offer a young person aged
16-21 their own room and
help to prepare them for
independent living.
All Islington carers receive
generous allowances up
to £429.69 per week
(depending on the child’s
age), training and full support.
Help a young person to
make a great start.
Be an Islington carer.
“This apprenticeship
will help me build my
skills for the future but
I could never have done
it without my carer.”
Islington carers provide
encouragement, stability and
support for a young person.
To find out more come along
to an information session.
Wednesday 3 April
10am-12noon
Tuesday 16 April
6-8pm
Islington Town Hall,
Upper Street N1 2UD
For more information on becoming a foster carer
or supportive lodgings carer, call 020 7527
7933 or visit www.islington.gov.uk/fostering
THIS IS To SET find FOR out THE more WIDTH contact OF the A4 WITH team 3mm on BLEED AT THE SIDES AND BOTTOM.
PLEASE USE THE CROP MARKS AS A GUIDE TO POSTIONING THE THREAD AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.
0800 073 0428
fostering@islington.gov.uk
www.islington.gov.uk/fostering
Foster carers and benefits changes
Islington Council will make sure that our foster carers are
not left worse off by the government’s introduction of the
Housing Benefit ‘bedroom tax’, and will help carers to access
Discretionary Housing Payments.
LGBT History Month
With over 45 events, Camden and Islington experienced the
biggest LGBT History Month in the UK.
The month-long programme in February was organised by
Camden’s LGBT Forum and featured literary, art, educational
and social events that championed equality and promoted the
history of gay rights.
The month started with a bang with the LGBT art exhibition
‘Loudest Whispers’ and local school children also took a
stand against homophobia with a day of sport, debate and
performance at Emirates Stadium.
The month ended on an equal high with the massively
successful sci-fi themed Big Bang Ball at the Islington
Assembly Hall.
To find out about LGBT History month, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/LGBThistory
Skills to help you into work
If you are out of work and facing a reduction in benefits,
the best way to improve your income is to get a job. With
hundreds of free and low-cost courses to suit all abilities and
interests we can help you to develop the skills you need.
Our summer Adult Community Learning programme
launches next month. To enrol, visit your local learning centre
on Tuesday 16 April or Wednesday 17 April.
For more information, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/acl
20

www.islington.gov.uk
Get reading with
Islington Reads
It’s been a year since the council
launched its drive to increase the
number of residents reading for
pleasure. Called Islington Reads, the
campaign aims to raise awareness of
the benefits of reading and encourage
residents of all ages to read.
Over the last year Islington Reads
initiatives have included the borough’s
first Word Festival in which over
40,000 residents took part, and a new
Word 2013
partnership between Aquaterra Leisure
and Montem Primary School, where
Aquaterra staff volunteer to read
with children.
There’s a lot happening this year
as well. Libraries will be participating
in Cityread London which will takes place
in April, visit www.cityreadlondon.
org.uk and the Word Festival which
will take place in May, visit
www.wordfestivalislington.co.uk
Celebrating reading, writing and freedom of expression, Word 2013 will take
place from 1-31 May 2013 with a range of activities, events and workshops
across Islington.
The Word Festival Programme is a partnership initiative between Islington
Council’s Library and Heritage Services, Arts Service, All Change and Free Word.
For more information, visit www.wordfestivalislington.co.uk
Bookswap!
case
study
Archway Leisure
Centre in
partnership with
the local library has
become one of
the first Islington
bookswap sites.
Bookswaps are an opportunity
for people to share their reading
with others by swapping books.
Users of the leisure centre can pick
up a book to read and either pass
it on to a friend or family member,
or replace the book with one of
their own.
Find out more, at www.
islington.gov.uk/islingtonreads
21

Healthy living
Stay independent with Islington Telecare
Do you have health problems which
can make it hard for you to live safely in
your home?
Hundreds of people trust Islington
Telecare to be there for them 24-hours
a day, seven days a week. We use
simple electronic equipment to alert us
if you have a problem. We can talk to
you through a receiver, alert a carer or
the emergency services, or come round
to help you ourselves.
Pauline Graham, 65, has Multiple
Sclerosis and uses Islington Telecare
to call for help if she falls at home.
She said:
“I feel reassured that if I press the
alarm button I get help, and they are
always polite and charming when they
come. I would recommend it to anyone
for reassurance.”
Mark Federici, 32, is a wheelchair
user who calls on the team regularly
and said he would recommend
the service for ‘giving me my
independence’.
Telecare user Fimie Khasgalian,
aged 82, said:
“It’s marvellous; I have a friend to
Let's get
physical
With Easter almost here, it’s time to
get those fitness goals in full swing.
With over 100 venues in the borough
offering more than 60 types of physical
activity, there’s a lot to choose from and
it can be cheap or even free!
Young people in Islington could try
free sports or get involved in the Easter
holiday programme run by Access to
Sports.
Whatever your age, why not play
rugby in Finsbury Park or visit the
help me. They are kind people. If I fall
down I know there’s someone there to
help me. I cannot do without it.”
The service costs from just a few
pounds per week and the equipment
and settings can be tailored to your
needs and home.
recently refurbished Ironmonger Row
Baths?
There are also weight management
programmes for all ages and a cancer
survivorship programme for people living
with cancer.
For more information, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/
sports
Call 020 7527 5456,
email telecare@islington.
gov.uk or visit the office at
222 Upper Street, between
9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Your views
on local
health issues
Healthwatch Islington is the new
local champion for health and
social care services in the borough,
replacing Islington LINK.
Anyone can join Healthwatch,
which represents your views to
local decision-makers on health
issues. The new organisation has a
seat on the Local Health and Well-
Being Board which is responsible for
developing a health and well-being
strategy for the borough.
For more information, visit
www.healthwatch.co.uk
22

case
study
The sobering truth
Alcohol misuse is costly. Health care
costs related to problem drinking
are estimated at £2.7bn every year.
Supporting dependent drinkers to
turn their lives around, therefore, not
only improves health and rebuilds
families but it also makes good
economic sense.
Dave, a local resident in his forties,
talks about his alcohol misuse and
how engaging with services has
helped to turn his life around:
“I started drinking when I was 17.
I was at the pub with my mates after
work, practically every night. It was
the social thing to do and part of my
everyday life.
“When I was 22, I realised I had
a problem. I couldn’t stop but it
took me until the age of 40 to
acknowledge that I needed help.
By this stage, my drinking was
out of control and I had a number
of medical problems, including an
enlarged liver.
“After visiting my local GP, I was
referred to Islington Specialist Alcohol
Treatment Service (ISATS) for detox
and after care.
“I haven’t had a drink for five
years now and through the support
services I’ve been able to complete a
Diploma in health and social care, I’ve
volunteered with local schemes to
help other alcohol users and am now
studying a psychology degree.
“The support and guidance I’ve
received from the council and local
services have been so important.
Just five years ago I thought my life
was over but it turns out, it was just
the beginning. I feel like I have a real
purpose in life, I’m focussed on giving
back to the community and helping
others with alcohol problems.
“If you think you have a problem,
don’t be afraid. It takes a strong
person to ask for help but the change
can be amazing. If I can do it, others
can too.”
If you are concerned about your
drinking, or someone else’s, please ask
for help. Below is a list of local services
that, like Dave, can help you make a
change for the better.
Islington Community Alcohol Service
– call 020 7833 9899,
drop in to 332 Goswell Road,
EC1V 7LGQ or visit
www.blenheimcdp.org.uk/icas
Peer-led support groups - EAGLE
recovery project and DAFFI run
social drop-in sessions in Islington.
Visit www.eaglerecoveryproject.
org.uk or www.daaffii.org.uk
CASA Families, Partners and
Friends Service – if you’re over
18 and affected by someone else’s
drug or alcohol problems, contact
020 7833 9899, or email
l.gostich@blenheim.org.uk
For 24-hour advice you can call
Islington’s drug and alcohol hotline on
08000 66 55 25.
New
drug
abuse
hotline
A new, confidential phone line has
launched in Islington to help anyone
worried about their or someone
else’s drug use.
Run by ISIS, the helpline offers
access to tailored support and a
range of specialist services. A recent
service user explains:
“They gave me a key worker,
got me counselling and some
acupuncture, and it really helped me
to stay off cannabis. It’s unbelievable
how helpful they were.”
Whatever your situation, we can
help says Project Worker, Taedza
Bosha:
“We get students, and people
who are in full time employment
and people calling on behalf of
someone else. I wouldn’t ever say
that drug users fit a certain type
and we do our best to help them all.
“I spoke to someone the other
day who had been drug free for two
years and was doing really well. He’d
just come in to say thank you.”
Could we help you?
Call our 24-hour hotline on
08000 66 55 25.
Check
your
drinking
Do you want to find out more about
your drinking habits
and check that you aren’t putting
yourself at risk?
Take the two minute alcohol test at
www.dontbottleitup.org.uk
Assesses your drinking, get free
tailored advice and, if needed, details of
local support services that can help.
23

People and places
A louder
voice
for older
people
Older People's Champion, Maisie Heather
Maisie Heather, of Caledonian Road,
joins Frances Davidson as the borough’s
second Older People’s Champion. The
vacant post was previously filled by
Virginia Lowe.
Islington’s Older People’s Champions
are vital in representing the borough’s
17,600 pensioners and provide an
alternative, independent method for
identifying their concerns.
Maisie has lived in her Islington flat
for over 41 years and has a strong
connection with borough. She said:
“I’ve never done anything like this
before but I’m really pleased to be a
champion for older residents in Islington.
“I’m passionate about ensuring
essential services such as Day Centres
are maintained and made available for all
Voluntary Action Islington (VAI),
together with the Love Food Hate
Waste campaign, is looking for food
waste champions to spread the word
about the need to reduce the millions
of tonnes of food that is thrown away
each year.
Food waste champions are provided
with training and support, and are free
to give as much or as little time as they
like. Some of the activities you may get
involved with include:
older people. I think it’s important that
everyone feels as though they belong to
the community.
“I’m looking forward to working with
Frances and being a voice for my peers
about issues and concerns they are
facing.”
Cllr Janet Burgess, executive member
for health and wellbeing said:
“Our Older Peoples’ Champions
have given pensioners a louder voice.
Their evidence has informed debate
and influenced our policy on prioritising
frontline services for the most
vulnerable in the face of government
cuts.
“I want to thank Maisie for stepping
forward to take on this important role
and wish her every success.”
Become a food waste champion
Food waste champion hosts a cooking
session with young people
passing on tips and advice to family,
friends, colleagues and neighbours
putting up Love Food Hate Waste
posters in your local area
asking local parenting groups,
community groups, etc if they’d like
a talk from you
…or anything at all to help as many
people across London waste less
food, save money and help the
environment!
St John the Evangelist Youth Group
recently got involved in the campaign
and provided cooking classes to young
girls, teaching them about healthy
eating and cooking on a budget.
For more information, email
paul.grant@vai.org.uk
or visit
www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
Creativity
in Archway
Mothers from Archway Children’s
Centre working with Scarabeus
The council’s A Million Minutes
project is well underway in
Archway.
In January a series of
performances and exhibitions
brought flying mothers, charity
shop poetry, the hidden
responsibilities of local residents
and rarely glimpsed spaces in
Archway to public attention.
Artists spent four months in local
organisations and created the
works with local people.
Pictured above, dance company
Scarabeus worked with mothers
from Archway Children’s Centre
to create The Flying Mothers
of Archway, an aerial yoga
performance about journeys,
motherhood and landing in
Archway.
In May and June, artists will fill
the old City & Islington College site
at 36 Junction Road with creative
activity, using it as an open studio
and public performance space.
Many of the artists are inviting
passers-by and local residents
to take part. To see examples of
work created between December
2012 and March 2013, visit the
website.
For more information, visit
www.amillionminutes.org
Image courtesy of AIR
24

www.islington.gov.uk
Finsbury
Park Ward
– in focus
Finsbury Park Ward runs
along both sides of Seven
Sisters Road from Nag’s Head
to Finsbury Park Station.
Approximately 14,500 people
live in this ward.
People's Plaque nominee, Michael Faraday
Vote for your
People’s Plaque recipient
Residents are once again
being asked to vote for
who they would like to see
honoured with an Islington
Council People's Plaque.
A shortlist of green
plaque candidates, ranging
from a Hollywood actress
to a professional wrestler,
has been compiled from
suggestions made by the
public last year.
People’s Plaque recognises
major figures and milestones
in the borough’s history,
and this year's nominations
include:
Betty Knight, social
campaigner (Spa Green,
EC1)
Louis Wain, artist (St John
Street, EC1)
Dr Gordon Signy,
pioneering pathologist and
Olympic fencer (Alwyne
Road, N1)
Jackie ‘Mr TV’ Pallo,
professional wrestler
(Britannia Row, N1)
Jean Simmons, Hollywood
actress (Hillmarton Road,
N7)
Len Harvey, champion
boxer (Upper Street, N1)
Michael Faraday, chemist
and physicist (Barnsbury
Grove, N1)
Nat Gonella, Jazz
trumpeter & band leader
(Edward Square, N7)
Ronald ‘Carl’ Giles,
cartoonist (City Road, N1)
Robert Paul, pioneering
cinematographer and
‘Father of British Cinema’
(Albion Place, EC1)
Be sure to cast your
vote by 8 April; the three
winners will be announced
in mid-April.
Did you know?
Between 1880 and WWII,
Campbell Road, known
as Campbell Bunk, was
considered by the police as
‘the worst street in north
London. It had a reputation
for violence, thieves and
prostitution.
The Rink Cinema opened
in 1915 and seated over
2,500 people. The cinema
became a dance hall in
1948 and is now a ten-pin
family bowling alley.
The first two blocks of
Six Acres Estate were
completed by 1969,
providing 356 homes and
rents averaged £5 per
week.
Schools & children’s
centres
Hornsey Road Children’s
Centre, N7 7EN
Grafton Primary School &
Nursery, N7 6AR
Montem Primary School &
Nursery, N7 7QT
Pakeman Primary School
Finsbury Park councillors
& Nursery, N7 6DU
Samuel Rhodes Special
School, N7 7QT
Community centres
Finsbury Park Community
Hub, N7 7RY
Bennett Court Community
Centre, N7 6BN
Durham Road Community
Centre, N7 7RW
The arts
B2B Somali Arts and
Education
Rowan Arts
Street Dance & African
Dance
The Other Side Gallery
Platform youth hub
Out of Joint theatre
company
Rowan Arts
John Jones
Park Theatre
Springboard Media
Parks and open spaces
Isledon Road Gardens
Kinloch Gardens
Royal Northern Gardens
Woodfall Park
Vote at www.islington.gov.uk/plaques or fill in
a form at your local library, or at the Islington Local
History Centre, Finsbury Library, St John Street,
EC1V 4NB.
Phil Kelly
Labour
Michael O'Sullivan
Labour
Barbara Sidnell
Labour
25

Noticeboard
St Luke’s consultation
Islington Council will be consulting on the future of
the Finsbury Leisure Centre site between 25 March
and 6 May.
This consultation will give you and other
stakeholders the opportunity to tell us how you
think the site could be developed and potentially
influence any future proposals for the site.
For more information, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/stlukes or call
Eshwyn Prabhu on 020 7527 2450
The facts
on Islington
The council has launched an
‘Evidence Hub’ - a website
full of information, facts and
figures about Islington and the
people who live and work here.
For statistics on health, education,
the environment and loads more, visit
http://evidencehub.islington.gov.uk
Win £25,000!
Sign up to pay your council tax by Direct Debit
before 5 July and you will automatically be entered
into a free prize draw to win £25,000!
Visit www.ddeasywinner.co.uk for more
information about Direct Debit and to view terms
and conditions.
You can also win cash draws of £1,000 in
September and November and £3,000 in January
2014. Visit www.islington.gov.uk/directdebit
for more information.
Remember, if you
pay by Direct Debit
it’s your responsibility
to make sure there’s
enough money in
your account each
month. If there is
not, your bank or
building society may
charge you fees or
interest.
Respiratory problems?
If you suffer from any respiratory conditions, such as
asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD), then airTEXT and Cold Weather alerts could
help you.
These services will contact you by phone when
there are weather or environmental conditions that
could affect your breathing, such as high pollution or
extremely cold weather.
For more information or to register,
call 0800 953 1221, or email
energy.advice@islington.gov.uk
Diary dates
Upcoming council meetings for the diary
include.
15 April 2013 - Planning committee
22 April 2013 - Planning committee
25 April 2013 - Housing executive
16 May 2013 - Annual Council
21 May 2013 - Executive
For more information, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/democracy
26

www.islington.gov.uk
New
charge for
developers
In order to ensure that the
future growth of our borough
can be accommodated
sustainably, the council is introducing new charge
on developers called the Community Infrastructure Levy
(CIL).
Proposals for the charge were consulted on in summer
2012 and a further consultation will take place in spring
2013.
Once in place, the charge should raise funding for
infrastructure and community facilities such as transport,
parks, sports, libraries, schools and health facilities.
For further information, visit www.islington.gov.uk/cil
New councillors
Elections were held in
Junction and St George’s
Ward on 21 March.
The vacancies
arose following the
resignation of Arthur
Graves (Independent)
in Junction ward, and
Jessica Asato (Labour) in
St George’s. Both were elected to the council
in May 2010.
Find out who the new councillors are, at
www.islington.gov.uk/councillors
Contact Islington
Islington’s customer service centre is located on
the ground floor of 222 Upper Street, N1.
Pop in to speak to one of the team or
call 8am-6pm Monday to Friday
(8.30am-6pm Wednesdays).
020 7527 2000
contact@islington.gov.uk
Stay informed and updated and be the
first to hear about the latest news –
follow us on Twitter @IslingtonLife
Send your letters and comments
on the magazine to:
IslingtonLife
Room G16
Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD
Keep
an eye
out…
The council’s Really Really Useful Guide 2013 is
being delivered with this issue of IslingtonLife.
Keep an eye out for your copy. The guide
provides a listing of essential council services
and other important local contacts.
You can pick up additional copies from your local
library or from the council’s offices at:
222 Upper Street, N1 1XR
Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD
Islingtonlife@islington.gov.uk
020 7527 3416
27

Final chance to take part in
Arsenal charity fun-run
Arsenal’s annual charity fun-run around
Emirates Stadium takes place on
Saturday, March 23, and there are still
some last minute places available for
anyone that would like to take part in
the Club’s popular fundraiser.
Entry to the race for adults (aged
15 and over) costs £15 and due to the
limited number of spaces available, all
runners are encouraged to raise at least
£100 in sponsorship, with all proceeds
going towards The Arsenal Foundation
to help support a variety of education
and sport based projects that help to
transform the lives of young people.
The day will kick off with a shorter
junior race for children aged 14 and under
before the adults take on 10 laps of the
Gunners’ home – a distance of 6.4km.
Last year's event was the most
successful to date with more than
£53,000 raised for the Club's global
charity partner, Save the Children.
To enter, please visit www.
regonline.com/bagbar2013.
If you have any queries about the
event, email bagbar2013@arsenal.
co.uk
The Arsenal Foundation
launches The Gunners Fund
Since launching in spring last year,
Arsenal’s charitable arm, The Arsenal
Foundation, has identified a number of
projects in the borough that will benefit
from its generous support.
Drayton Park Primary School, a
stone’s throw away from Emirates
Stadium, has received a grant to help
refurbish its community classroom
and art building, making a significant
difference to the lives and education of
children at the school. St. Marks Primary
School, meanwhile, has received funding
that will enable it to develop a floodlit
artificial pitch on the premises, meeting
both the sporting needs of the school
and the local community.
To enable the Foundation to continue
support more projects like this, the
Club has set up The Gunners Fund – an
initiative that will see the Club make
a series of smaller grants throughout
the year to local charities in Islington,
as well as Hackney and Camden. One
of the first projects set to benefit from
the Fund is Friends of Gillespie Park.
Each summer, the friends of the park
host the Gillespie Festival which has
been running for 26 years and which
is attended by approximately 2,500
people from the local community.
The Arsenal Foundation will support
the 2013 festival by contributing
to the event’s running costs. To find
out more about The Gunners Fund
and The Arsenal Foundation, email
thearsenalfoundation@arsenal.
co.uk or visit www.arsenal.com/
thearsenalfoundation.
Arsenal Football Club
submits concerts planning
and licensing applications
Arsenal Football Club has revised its
plans for additional concerts at Emirates
Stadium following consultation with
local residents and politicians.
The Club currently has planning
consent to hold three concerts a year
and had proposed applying for permission
to stage a further six concerts, making
nine in total, from 2014.
Following a consultation exercise with
local people, the Club has reduced the
proposed number of extra concerts and
has submitted a planning and a licensing
application to Islington Council asking
for permission for three additional
concerts a year from 2014.
The application, which would allow
a maximum of six concerts a year, was
submitted earlier this year after the Club
held two public meetings and received
written responses from 160 residents,
both for and against the extra concerts.
Arsenal Communications Director
Mark Gonnella said: “We have listened
to the views of local people and as a
result have reduced the number of
additional concerts we want to stage
at Emirates Stadium. We will also be
introducing new measures to ensure
that any inconvenience is kept to the
absolute minimum.”
Muse and Green Day are scheduled
to perform at Emirates Stadium this
summer. Muse will appear on 25 and 26
May. Green Day is performing on 1 June.
For more information, visit
www.arsenal.com/concerts
Islington Council’s consultations
on the Arsenal concerts licensing and
planning applications run until 28 March
2013 – see www.islington.gov.uk/
consultation to have your say.
Arsenal helps Islington
residents to get active
Since January 2012, Islington Public
Health has commissioned Arsenal
in the Community and partners
onedeepbreath to deliver a new
exercise referral scheme. The aim is
to increase physical activity levels to
prevent deteriorating health which is
often aggravated by inactivity and the
first year results are proving positive.
So far, a total of 1,590 referrals
have been received from GPs, practice
nurses and physios across Islington (an
average of 36 per week). 763 people
have completed their assessment and
have been cleared to join the scheme.
An added bonus for Arsenal fans is that
all assessments take place at Emirates
Stadium.
The scheme is an eight-week
programme of hour-long exercise
sessions delivered in community venues.
Programme are tailored to an individual’s
health needs through group leisure
activities such as circuit fun, exercise
classes, aqua aerobics, short-mat bowls,
gym-style sessions and aqua aerobics.
At the end of last year, a total of
244 people had successfully completed
their programme with 72% feeling an

Arsenal fans and keen runners
will support The Arsenal
Foundation on 23 March
increased ability to maintain an active
lifestyle and 59% increasing their
activity levels.
Importantly, this scheme is proving to
be sustainable for many, as around 82%
remain physically active three months
after completing their programme and
72% are still active six months after the
intervention.
Successful programme participants met
Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny
Arsenal Employability
Programme
Arsenal in the Community has had
a proud tradition of supporting local
young people in education, employment
and training. The Arsenal Employability
Programme looks for employment
opportunities for young people aged
18-24.
The Arsenal Employability Programme
started in 2010 by providing young
people in Islington, Camden and
Hackney with the opportunity to attend
an interview with Emirates Stadium
Catering and Hospitality Provider,
Delaware North Companies.
At the same time, the department
began working with City and Islington
College in delivering a Foundation
Degree. The college became aware of
the Club’s work and together along
with representatives from awarding
body Edexcel, designed a bespoke
thirteen week accredited employability
programme launched in January 2012.
Funded by the Skills Funding Agency,
which the department receives through
a partnership with the college, the
programme is delivered across three
phases, providing interview training
and support on key areas such as rights
and responsibilities at work, working
with colleagues and career progression.
Upon successful completion of the
programme participants receive a Level
2 Certificate in Workskills.
Participants are referred by attending
other Arsenal in the Community
Programmes such as Kickz and Positive
Futures. The department also works
with Islington Housing Services in
delivering the programme to residents
of local estates. In July 2012, the Club
was awarded with a Quality Mark by
the National Care Advisory Service in
recognition of its work in supporting
young people from the Islington Leaving
Care Service into employment.
In 2012, 53 young people enrolled
on the programme. All young people
were offered employment with
Delaware North Companies. Many other
participants gained further employment
opportunities with Barclays, Cooperative
Supermarket and the London 2012
games. The first cohort graduated in
May and was joined by Islington South
and Finsbury MP Emily Thornberry,
Principal of City and Islington Frank
McLoughlin CBE and President of
Pearson Rod Bristow at an event at
Emirates Stadium.
One participant that demonstrated
significant promise during his time on
the Programme and during a two week
work placement at a local Cooperative
store, has since been offered a full-time
position, highlighting the impact that
the programme has had for many young
individuals.
For more information on the Arsenal
Employability Programme please
contact Jack Ferguson, jferguson@
arsenal.co.uk or 020 7704 4152.
Young people participating in the
Employability Programme
Matches and events at
Emirates Stadium
from 30 March –
12 May
Saturday 30 March
Premier League
Arsenal v Reading
Kick-off 3pm
Saturday 13 April
Premier League
Arsenal v Norwich City
Kick-off 3pm
TUESDAY 16 APRIL
Premier League
Arsenal v Everton
Kick-off 7.45pm
Sunday 28 April
Premier League
Arsenal v Manchester United
Kick-off 4pm
Watch live on Sky Sports.
Sunday 12 May
Premier League
Arsenal v Wigan Athletic
Kick-off 3pm
At the time of going to print, the standard
TV selections had been made up to the end
of March 2013. Ordinarily, fixtures up to
this date will not change. However, as ever,
all fixtures remain subject to change and
circumstances may yet arise which result in
further fixture changes.
Subject to progression in UEFA Champions
League, the Capital One Cup and the FA Cup
draw, Arsenal could be drawn at home in the
months of March and April 2013.
All updates can be found on
www.arsenal.com

What’s on
Catch a gig at
Islington Assembly Hall
This year has started with some amazing sell-out gigs at Islington Assembly Hall,
including soul legend Betty Wright and a charity fundraiser featuring David Gray.
And there’s plenty more to come with The Selecter and Chuck Prophet
taking to the stage as well as Heather Peace, following her popular concert
last year.
To keep up-to-date with the latest shows, and to be first to find out
about other events and offers, join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
islingtonassemblyhall
Plus, our revamped website will be launching shortly. See a full list of
events at a glance, as well as information
on how you can hire the hall for event, at
www.islingtonassemblyhall.co.uk
For venue enquiries, contact
assemblyhall@islington.gov.uk or
020 7527 8900.
Activities for
young people
There are loads of free or low-cost activities and play schemes available for children and
young people this Easter, check out our full listings at www.islington.gov.uk/events
Featured events
Christelle and Emma, two of
Occupy’s young creative producers
Occupy Platform
Occupy Platform is a show developed
with young people and professional
artists in dance, theatre, poetry, spoken
word, music production, film making
and visual arts. Shows will be held over
the first weekend in April at Islington’s
youth arts hub, Platform, in Hornsey
Road. For more information, visit
www.platformislington.org.uk
CityRead 2012 writing competition
winners at the Emirates Stadium
Cityread London 2013 –
throughout April
As part of the Cityread London 2013
festival which focuses on Sebastian
Faulks’ book, ‘A Week in December’,
Islington libraries are running a series of
activities for young people. The events
will highlight some of the books themes
and settings and major prizes will be
on offer.
There will also be writing
competitions for young people aged
7-16 and various craft activities.
For more information, visit www.
islington.gov.uk/libraries or visit
your local library.
COMMUNITy events
Crafternoon tea
These sessions are hosted by Transition
Finsbury Park who focus on sustainable,
local food production and living. Each
session covers a different topic.
When: first Sunday of every month,
2-4pm
Where: Islington Ecology Centre,
Gillespie Park, N5 1PH
How much: free
For information, visit
www.transitionfinsburypark.org.uk
Little food explorers
These weekly healthy eating classes for
pre-schoolers combine food tasting
with themed adventures each week.
Each session is designed to be creative
and interactive; combining drama,
games, song and art with a love of
healthy food.
When: every Friday until 19 July,
10-10.45am
Where: St Mary’s Church, Upper
Street, N1 2TX
How much: single session £10 or £8
when you book 10 sessions
Bookings are essential.
For more information, visit
www.littlefoodexplorers.co.uk
Sotheby Friday Fellas
A weekly wellbeing day for men over
55 to enjoy a range of activities
including pool, dominos, table football,
cards, men’s exercise classes and short
mat bowls.
When: every Friday, 11.30am-4pm
Where: Highbury Roundhouse,
Ronalds Road, N5 1XB
How much: £3.50
30

www.islington.gov.uk
CULTURE
Islington in oil
An intriguing exhibition featuring the
likes of Walter Sickert, Therese Lessore,
Geoffrey Fletcher and many lesser
known artists depicting famous Islington
areas and landmarks, some from more
than 100 years ago.
When: now, until 13 April
Where: Islington Local History
Centre, Finsbury Library, EC1V 4NB
How much: free
For more information, call
020 7527 7988, or email
local.history@islington.gov.uk
Some like it hip hop
ZooNation’s Some Like It Hip Hop has
been a runaway success since it hit
the Peacock Theatre in 2011. After a
second successful run, it’s back to kickstart
the summer.
When: 3 May – 30 June
Where: Peacock Theatre,
Portugal Street, WC2
How much: £12-£38
For information and to book, visit
www.sadlerswells.com
Before the party
Based on a short story by Somerset
Maugham, Rodney Ackland’s adaption is
a hilarious and sizzling portrayal of the
upper middle classes adjusting to postwar
life.
When: 21 March – 11 May
Where: Almeida Theatre, Almeida
Street, N1 1TA
How much: £8-£32
For information and to book, visit
www.almeida.co.uk
Green living
Thai Chi
Develop self-awareness, co-ordination,
flexibility and balance whilst reducing
stress and tension in this small, family-run
class. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
When: every Wedensday, 7-8.30pm
Where: Islington Ecology Centre,
Gillespie Park, N5 1PH
How much: £10 per 1.5 hour
session. £5 for a trial session.
For more information contact Miltos
on 07799 773959, or visit
www.tjqd.co.uk
Volunteer day
Come and join the Nature Conservation
team in practical conservation in one of
Islington’s three nature reserves.
When: every Thursday,
10am-3.30pm
Where: Gillespie Park, Barnsbury
Wood, or Parkland Walk
How much: free
Call 020 7527 4374 for details and
to confirm location
Bushcraft for families
Get back to nature by learning the
ancient skills of our ancestors in this
crafty afternoon for the whole family.
When: 9 April, 1-4pm
Where: Islington Ecology Centre,
Gillespie Park, N5 1PH
How much: free
Bookings are essential, call
020 7527 4374
assembly hall events
Chuck Prophet and Mission Express
Chuck Prophet shapes his restless
career with a vivid parade of one-liners,
camouflaged in a slack-jawed drawl and
songs about heartbreak.
Where: Islington Assembly Hall,
Upper Street, N1 2UD
When: 25 April, 7pm
How much: £15-£20
The Handsome Family
The US alternative country band play
some of their haunting, emotional tracks
here as part of their UK tour.
Where: Islington Assembly Hall,
Upper Street, N1 2UD
When: 29 May, 7pm
How much: £15
Pop-up vintage fair
Enjoy a day shopping for vintage fashion,
accessories, jewellery, homeware,
furniture, posters and antiques. Enjoy
some sweet treats and vintage-style
entertainment too!
Where: Islington Assembly Hall,
Upper Street, N1 2UD
When: 2 June, 12noon
How much: £3, £2 NUS on the door
Tickets to concerts are available
from the usual ticket agencies. The
venue does not have a box office. For
information about the venue, call
020 7527 8900 or email
assemblyhall@islington.gov.uk
Pop-vintage fair at Islington Assembly Hall
31

R£cycle.
can you
affoRd
not to
Zap it!
and find out how
you can recycle
more and help
your community.
In north London it costs around £120
to send a tonne of waste to landfill
but just £40 to recycle it.
With each home producing nearly a tonne of waste
each year, recycling saves money. This means more is
available for a range of public services in this time of stretched public finances.
As a resident of north London, you’re already helping us recycle around 30% of
our waste. This is great but a few more tin cans, a couple more glass jars and
some extra plastic bottles…it all adds up. With around 70% of rubbish recyclable,
there’s a lot more we can all do to save the environment and save money.
Find out everything you need to know about how to recycle more at:
wiseuptowaste.org.uk