Church Street Guide - Westminster City Council

Church StreetGuide

IntroductionDear ResidentWelcome to the Church Street Guide – the Housing Options Services’ guideto the organisations and services in your neighbourhood.This guide is brought to you by the Way2go Project, run by the HousingOptions Service. The Way2go project is designed to link you to the services inyour area and the guide is our response to what you have stated that youwant to see.Westminster is a diverse and thriving metropolis and you are at the heart of it.The intention of this guide is to give you a ‘One Stop Shop’ approach to theorganisations and services in your local area.The guide contains a range of information, from how to register your child fora school place, to how to register with your local doctor, to leisure services forolder people. We give information on a wide range of activities for all ages –there’s really something for everyone.We have tried to cover the breadth of services available in the Church Streetarea and have combined the information into one user-friendly practical book.I hope that you find it relevant and useful, and welcome your feedback to thisinformation.Valerie WilliamsWay2go Project ManagerHousing Options ServiceTel: 020 7641 1000Email: vewilliams@cwh.org.uk1

IntroductionChurch StreetA lot of work is being done by many different people andgroups to improve the quality of life in the area for the11,962 people who live here. There are also opportunitiesfor you to get involved.The Church Street Neighbourhood ManagementProgramme is at the heart of the ward, based at theNeighbourhood Centre, on Church Street. The Programmehas been in place for nearly three years and is funded bycentral Government for four more years to tackle theissues that local people told them they wanted to seechanges to. These are:• crime and nuisance• the way the area looks, also known as the ‘physicalenvironment’• development of Church Street market and localbusinesses• upgrading skills and tackling worklessness• ensuring that the needs of local children and youngpeople are met• housing• improving health• ‘community cohesion’, creating a sense of communityspirit and neighbourliness3

IntroductionThe Neighbourhood Management Team work with localresidents and the Council along with many other groupsand organisations, for more information on how to getinvolved please contact Church Street NeighbourhoodCentre, 88 Church Street, NW8 8ET, 020 7641 6633.CityWest Homes, the major provider of social housing inWestminster, have a Resident Involvement team who wantto invite all sections of the community to make their voicesheard and become a part of the decision-making processesthat accompany change.The project ‘One Westminster Many Voices’, run byCityWest Homes’ Resident Involvement Team has alignedwith the Housing Options Service’s project ‘Way2go’ toencourage people in temporary housing to establishthemselves in their community and to have their say. Therewill be information sessions and training opportunities tosupport tenants who want to get involved.Other changes in the area focus on the Lisson Greenestate led by local charity Vital Regeneration, whocompletely redeveloped the Greenside Community Centreto offer a range of activities and excellent IT learningfacilities, as well as an independent employment supportservice.The outdoor sports facilities have improved and theLondon Tigers, an organisation dedicated to physicalimprovement through sport, now hold organised sportingactivities for adults and youth in the area.The population of the Church Street ward hail from allover the world – the people of Church Street speak over100 languages between them. There is a lot going on in thearea with many community organisations, public agenciesand groups running a wide variety of projects andopportunities to learn, have fun, meet people and celebratethe many different cultures of the people in the ward. Onesuch example is the ongoing ‘Fit for Life’ campaign thatoffers nutritional advice, group support and weekly weighinsat the Greenside Community Centre.This guide will enable you to review all the services that areavailable to you in your neighbourhood, you can thendecide on the ones that are best suited to your needs andthe needs of your family. So, get up, get out, and join in!4

Healthservices

Health servicesHow to register with a Doctor (GP)Your local doctor is usually known as your GeneralPractitioner (GP). Everyone is entitled to the services of aGP for free. Your GP normally offers a range of servicesthat can include vaccinations, examination and treatments,prescriptions and medicines. Local doctors may also offer ababy clinic service. If you need more specialised treatmentyour doctor can refer you to your local hospital.It is easy to register with a GP and this guide lists all localdoctors’ surgeries. Once you have chosen a GP you canphone or visit them to register. You will be asked toprovide information identifying yourself, usually an officialletter with your name and address and your medical card.The receptionist will let you know if you can register or ifthere are not enough spaces they may recommend thatyou join another GP practice. You can use the NHSwebsite to locate your nearest GP or obtain a list of GPs inyour area on www.nhs.uk.If you do not have a medical card or if the information onyour medical card is incorrect, you can contact the PatientAdvice and Liaison Service (PALS) who can supply youwith one. Phone them on 0800 587 8818.6

Health services(PALS) Patient Advice and Liaison Service * 0800 587 8818Minicom: 020 7486 9582 Westminster Primary Care Trust, Ferguson House,15 Marylebone Road, NW1 5JD pals@westminster-pct.nhs.ukPALS is your link to Westminster PCT your local branch ofthe NHS. PALS is the customer services department of thePCT, providing information about local NHS health services.Listening to your concerns and helping to sort out yourproblems. However, PALS cannot give advice about healthconditions. Please ring NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 if youneed medical advice and are unable to attend a local healthservice. Interpreters are available to help you.7

Health servicesWestminster Primary Care Trust (PCT) * 020 7150 8000 Ferguson House, 15 Marylebone Road, NW1 5JD www.westminster-pct.nhs.ukWestminster PCT is your local branch of the National HealthService (NHS). The PCT’s role is to plan and pay for yourhospital services; all the services of Independent Contractors,i.e. GPs (local doctors), community pharmacists, dentalpractices, and opticians; and other services such as mentalhealth, sexual health and interpreting services. The PCT alsoprovides 34 different health services which together deliverover 500,000 patient appointments a year. These include footcare (podiatry), physiotherapy, District Nursing, HealthVisitors, speech and language therapy, rehabilitation, bloodtesting and nursing homes.8

Health servicesDoctors’ surgeries in Church StreetBelow is a list of the health centres in your areawhere local doctors are based.Refer to page 6 for information on how to registerwith a doctor.Lisson Grove Health Centre 020 7724 2391 Gateforth Street, NW8 8EG Monday-Friday between 8am-1.30pm and2.30pm-6.30pm, Saturday 10am-12 noonPaddington Green Health Centre 020 7887 1600 4 Princess Louise Close, W2 1LQ Monday-Friday 8.30am-1pm and2.30pm-6.30pmThe Health Centre is wheelchair accessible and Arabic is spokenby staff. Services include an Ante-Natal Clinic, Asthma Clinic,Counselling, Diabetes Clinic, Dietician, Family Planning Clinic,Heart Clinic, Mother and Baby Clinic and Podiatry. The Centreoffers a range of health services for children under five includinga children’s dental service.The Health Centre has wheelchair access and Farsi, French,Spanish and Chinese are spoken. Their services include anAsthma Clinic, Diabetes Clinic, Dietician, Family Planning Clinic,Heart Clinic, Mother and Baby Clinic and a Walk-In Clinic.9

Health servicesWest Health 020 7262 1307 33-35 Praed Street, W2 1NR Monday-Friday 8.30am-12 noon and1pm-6pmMarylebone Medical Centre 020 7935 6328 17a Marylebone Road, NW1 5LT Monday-Friday 9pm-6pmThe surgery has wheelchair access and Spanish and Polish arespoken. The surgery provides a Natal Clinic.The Centre has wheelchair access and offers alternative therapiesincluding acupuncture, homeopathy, massage and osteopathy. Regularservices include an Ante-Natal Clinic, Asthma Clinic, Diabetes Clinic,Family Planning Clinic and Mother and Baby Clinic.10

Health servicesLocal HospitalSt Mary’s Hospital 020 7886 6666 Praed Street, W2 1NY pals@st-marys.nhs.uk www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk Monday-Sunday 9am-5pmIf you require specialist health treatment, your GP willrefer you to a hospital. St Mary’s Hospital providesgeneral and specialist services to its patients and is thenearest general hospital to Church Street ward. TheWestern Eye Hospital and St Charles Hospital are thetwo other hospitals that make up St Mary’s NHS Trust.If you require a service that is not available in onehospital, you will be referred to the other hospital thatmay offer this service. Car parking facilities are availablefor in-patients and out-patients at this hospital. There isa shop in the main foyer and a canteen for visitors. Atranslation service is available as is a signing service (BSL)for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.St Mary’s Hospital Accident andEmergency 020 7886 6630 Praed Street, W2 1NY11

Health servicesPharmacists *Pharmacists, also called Chemists, supply medicines prescribed by yourdoctor. They can also help you choose medicines for minor ailmentssuch as colds and hay fever or suggest treatments for cuts and bruises.Woods Chemist 020 7723 7720 27-29 Church Street, NW8 8ESMarket Chemists 020 7723 1944 85 Church Street, NW8 8EUCollins Chemist 020 7723 9600 5 Church Street, NW8 8HA Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-6pm Monday-Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5.30pm Monday-Saturday 9am-6pmChemists that are open from 9am to midnight every day including Bank HolidaysBliss Chemist 020 7723 6116 5-6 Marble Arch, W1 7EL12Pharmacentre 020 7723 2336149 Edgware Road, W2 2HR

Health servicesDentistry *Westminster PCT has provided a new dental surgery aswell as an extra 16 dental sessions a week for ChurchStreet residents, do phone for an appointment.Paying for dental careDental services were reformed in April 2006 making thepricing structure simpler. If you are an NHS patient andyou need dental work you may not have to pay charges,although you may have to pay for dentures and bridges.There are three cost levels of treatment:Level 1 = £15.90, covers emergency treatment, aroutine examination by x-ray, advice on howto care for your teeth and a scale and polishif it is needed.Level 2 = £43.60, covers everything in level1 plus fillings,root canal work and extractions.Level 3 = £194, covers everything in levels 1 and 2 withthe addition of crowns, dentures or bridges.13

Health servicesFree NHS dental treatmentYou are eligible for free treatment from your dentist if youare:• under 18 years old• aged 18 and in full-time education• pregnant or have had a baby in the 12 months beforetreatment starts• an NHS in-patient and the treatment is carried out bythe hospital dentist• an NHS hospital dental service out-patient (there may bea charge for dentures and bridges)• you or your partner is getting Income Support, incomebased Jobseeker’s Allowance or Pension CreditGuarantee Credit• you are named on or entitled to an NHS tax creditexemption certificate• you are named on a valid HC2 certificate.If you have a valid HC3 certificate you may qualify forsome help with dental costs but you will also have to paytowards your dental costs.You will need an HC1 form to make a claim for eitherpartial (HC3) of full (HC2) NHS dental costs. You can getthe HC1 form from your local Jobcentre Plus office or youcan call 0845 8501 166 or 08701 555 455.If you have a disability, are a carer or representative youcan contact the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200 forinformation about the benefits that are available.Check with your dentist or visit the Department of Healthwebsite for further information www.dh.gov.uk14

Health servicesChurch Street Dental Practice 020 7724 6191 69 Church Street, NW8 8EU Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pmAssociated Dental Practices 020 7723 0601 392 Edgware Road, W2 1ED Monday-Friday 8am-5pmDentist and Oral Health 020 7723 3567 Lisson Grove Health Centre, Gateforth Street,NW8 8EG farida.quadri@westminster-pct.nhs.uk Wednesday 9.30am-12 noon and1.30pm-3.30pm☺ Farida Quadri, Dentist234 Dental Care 020 7725 9930 234 Edgware Road, W2 1DW Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm,Saturday 11am-2pmThis child-centred dental service operates one day perweek from Lisson Grove Health Centre. Children can beregistered on Wednesday and will receive a freetoothbrush and toothpaste when they visit.The service operates regularly at other local venues such asnurseries, playgroups and drop-ins and has a regular monthlybase at the Paddington Green Health Centre and the WellBaby Clinics at Lisson Grove.15

Health servicesYour nearest optician in Church Street is:Brahams Opticians 020 7723 8307 92 Church Street, NW8 8EXYour nearest Eye Hospital is:Western Eye Hospital 020 7886 6666 153-173 Marylebone Road,NW1 5QH 020 7886 6200 pals@st-marys.nhs.uk www.st-marys.nhs.uk Monday-Friday 9am-5pmThe Eye Hospital is available for eye related conditions only. Anappointment system operates during the day for this very busyhospital. However you can refer yourself and be seen as anemergency patient or ask your GP to refer you.An Accident and Emergency service is available after closing time.17

Health servicesHealthy living in Church StreetThere are new initiatives in the area thatare designed to introduce you to thebenefits of healthy living. They coverexercise and nutrition and are open toeveryone in the community.The Greenside Community Centre hosts some ofthe events as does the Lisson Green Health Centre.If English is not your first language, a translationservice is available.Drop-in to weigh-in 020 7479 8832 Lisson Grove Health Centre,Gateforth Street, NW8 8EG Monday 4.30pm-6pmFit for Life 020 7479 8832 deepa.khatri@westminster-pct.nhs.ukA free drop-in service is now available for advice on nutrition,healthy eating, weight management and exercise. Run byWestminster PCT Nutrition and Dietetics Service. Translationcan be arranged.This is a rolling 13-week weight management and exerciseprogramme run by Westminster PCT. You will get advice from anutritionist, do light exercises and obtain support from othermembers on the programme. You must be referred by your GP.18

Health servicesEthnic Fit for Life 020 7479 8832 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR chetali.agrawal@westminster-pct.nhs.uk Thursday 10.30am-1pm☺ Chetali AgrawalA free drop-in service is now available for advice on nutrition,healthy eating, weight management and exercise. Run byWestminster PCT Nutrition and Dietetics Service. Translationcan be arranged. A free weight management programme forethnic communities who want to lose weight and get fit. Getadvice on nutrition and exercise. Join group discussions and getsupport from other members.Kickstart – a healthy lifestyle club 020 7479 8832 The Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8ST health.lifestyle@westminster-pct.nhs.uk Thursday 4pm-5pm☺ Fredrica Windless, Community DieticianKickstart is a club for childrenfrom 8-11years old and theirfamilies. It is a 12-week afterschool programme thatpromotes healthy eating andphysical activities. Look outfor posters in the area orphone to find out thestarting date of the nextcourse. Places are limited andbooking is essential.19

N.C. Epidemiologic Profile for HIV/STD Prevention and Care Planning (07/07) Chapter 1Table 1.3. North Carolina race/ethnicity proportions by gender and HIV/STDPrevention and Care Branch Regions, 2005R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 N.C.Race/Ethn. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct.Male White* 43.1 34.6 35.3 31.1 26.8 28.7 36.7 33.7Black* 2.6 9.2 8.6 11.7 14.5 17.1 9.4 10.2AI/AN* 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.2 4.0 0.3 0.5 0.6Asian, PI* 0.5 1.2 0.8 1.7 0.7 0.3 0.5 0.9Hispanic 2.1 4.2 3.8 4.8 3.6 2.1 3.6 3.7Total 48.8 49.3 48.7 49.4 49.5 48.4 50.6 49.2Female White* 46.1 35.8 37.5 32.2 26.8 29.8 35.8 35.0Black* 2.5 10.4 10.0 13.3 15.7 19.5 10.2 11.5AI/AN* 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.2 4.2 0.3 0.5 0.6Asian, PI* 0.5 1.2 0.8 1.7 0.9 0.4 0.6 1.0Hispanic 1.5 3.1 2.9 3.3 2.9 1.6 2.4 2.7Total 51.2 50.7 51.3 50.6 50.5 51.6 49.4 50.8Total White* 89.1 70.4 72.8 63.3 53.7 58.5 72.5 68.8Black* 5.1 19.6 18.6 24.9 30.2 36.6 19.6 21.8AI/AN* 1.2 0.3 0.4 0.4 8.1 0.5 0.9 1.2Asian, PI* 1.0 2.4 1.5 3.3 1.5 0.7 1.0 1.9Hispanic 3.6 7.2 6.7 8.1 6.5 3.7 6.0 6.4Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100* non Hispanic; AI/AN=American Indian/Alaska Native, PI=Pacific IslanderTable 1.4. North Carolina HIV/STD Prevention and Care Branch Regions by age andgender, 2005R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 N.C.Agegroup Gender Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct. Pct.0-12 Male 7.8 9.5 8.7 9.3 10.2 8.9 8.8 9.0Female 7.4 9.0 8.3 8.9 9.7 8.5 8.5 8.713-19 Male 4.7 4.8 4.8 4.9 5.5 5.1 5.2 4.9Female 4.2 4.6 4.8 4.7 5.0 4.9 4.4 4.720-29 Male 6.5 6.9 6.7 7.9 8.1 7.2 9.8 7.4Female 6.0 6.5 6.6 7.4 6.9 6.8 6.9 6.730-39 Male 6.7 8.1 7.2 8.2 7.2 6.3 6.6 7.4Female 6.4 7.8 7.1 7.9 7.1 6.3 6.4 7.240-49 Male 7.0 7.8 7.5 7.7 6.8 7.2 6.6 7.4Female 7.3 7.9 7.7 7.9 7.2 7.7 7.0 7.6≥50 Male 16.3 12.3 13.9 11.5 11.7 13.8 13.6 13.1Female 19.9 14.8 17.0 13.8 14.6 17.4 16.2 15.9Total Male 48.8 49.3 48.7 49.4 49.5 48.4 50.6 49.2Female 51.2 50.7 51.3 50.6 50.5 51.6 49.4 50.8N.C. DHHS9HIV/STD Prev. & Care

Health servicesMental Health Support Group 020 7935 5066 St Marylebone Healing and CounsellingCentre, 17 Marylebone Road, NW1The support group offers achance for people whohave experienced mentalhealth issues to meet.Refreshments are available. 11am-12.15pm on the first andthird Friday of the monthWestminster Mind 020 8969 2434 526 Harrow Road, W9 3QF admin@westminstermind.org.uk www.westminstermind.org.ukThe support group offers a chance for people who haveexperienced mental health issues to meet. Refreshments areavailable. Westminster Mind provide help, information andsupport to mentally ill people or anybody seeking help withstress, depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Theyrun a variety of activity and support groups that include a workand training group and the Drive Service, a drop-in service witha coffee bar that offers advice, information and support. It is aplace where people with mental health issues can begin torebuild their skills and improve their quality of life. You canobtain information about other services as well.21

Health servicesYou Are Not Alone 07944 67 31 33 c/o Voluntary Action Westminster, 37 Chapel Street,NW1 5DP yana@vaws.org 10.30am-6pm☺ Liela MedaniThe serviceprovidesinformation andsupport onphysical andmental wellbeing. Welfareadvice is alsoprovided.Specialist health care servicesCarers’ Network 020 8960 3033 Carers’ Network Westminster, Office 8,Beethoven Centre,Third Avenue, W10 4JL info@carers-network.co.uk Monday-Friday 9am-5pm☺ Roxanne Milner,Carers’ Development OfficerThe service provides information and support onphysical and mental well being. Welfare advice is alsoprovided. Carers’ Network provide support,information, advice and social opportunities forunpaid family carers (who look after someone who isunwell or disabled).22

Stop Smoking Service 0800 32 88 537Church Street Alcohol Project 07894 93 55 84 St Paul’s Church Centre,5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ Appointment based system.☺ Sumayyah Mansoor, Project WorkerHealth servicesIf you want to stop smoking this service can really help you. It is completely free andoffers a short course with support and nicotine replacement therapies. Call the freephone number at the PCT for more information or go to any GP or pharmacist whowill be able to help you.Alcoholics Anonymous at St Paul’s Church Centre 020 7833 0022 St Paul’s Church Centre,5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ www.alcoholics-anonymous.co.uk Wednesday 7.30pm- 9.30pm andFriday 8pm-10pmThis project helps any Church Street resident who is strugglingwith alcohol use, has a family member/friend who needs help orany resident who wants advice on a safe and healthy approachto alcohol consumption. The service includes health and wellbeing management which helps participants manage stressthrough relaxation exercises and nutrition. The project workerworks out of the One Stop Services also and sees people via anappointment system. Call her to discuss your needs.This is a supportive group of men and women who share theirexperiences and hope with each other so they can solve theircommon problem of alcoholism. They meet in the Gallery Roomon the 1st Floor of St Paul’s Church Centre. Everyone iswelcome.23

Health servicesEpilepsy Action North Westminster 020 7630 7803 St Paul’s Church Centre,5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ www.epilepsy.org.uk The third Wednesday of the month7pm-9pm☺ Penny Watkins, DirectorExpert Patients Programme 020 7150 8311 expert.patient@westminster-pct.nhs.ukThis support groupfor people affectedby epilepsy meets onthe third Wednesdayof the month. Thegroup give adviceand information tothose with epilepsy.The group alsoorganise regularoutings and socialevents.The support group offers a chance for people who haveexperienced mental health issues to meet. Refreshments areavailable.This is a free six week course for anyone living with along-term health condition. You learn skills and techniques tohelp you take control of your life and manage your conditionand its treatment. This includes diabetes, arthritis, heart disease,lung disease, back problems or asthma. Call the Patient Adviceand Liaison Service (PALS) for information and for details ofcurrent local courses on 0800 587 8818.24

Health servicesSamaritans 08457 90 90 90 (national number) or020 7734 2800 (local number) 46 Marshall Street W1F 9BF jo@samaritans.org www.samaritans.org/cls 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekCentral London Samaritansoffer confidential support toanyone passing through acrisis or thinking of takingtheir own life. They offertime and space for peopleto talk through whateverthey are feeling. You cancontact Central LondonSamaritans any hour of theday or night, 365 days a year by telephone, by e-mail or inperson. If you cannot get through on the local number pleasering the national number. You can visit the centre anytimewithout arranging an appointment.WEDGE (Westminster Group for Physically Disabled Women) 020 8969 3082 St Paul’s Church Centre,5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ Thursday 11am-1pm☺ Patricia, Group OrganiserWEDGE is a self help group for adult women with physicaldifficulties who meet at St Paul’s Church Centre every Thursday.The group socialise, provide support for each other and discussproblems.25

Health servicesWestminster Drug Project 020 7266 6300 470 Harrow Road, W9 3RU enquiries@wdp-drugs.org.uk www.wdp-drugs.org.uk Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, open access (drop-in)Monday and Wednesday 1pm-8pmTuesday,Thursday and Friday 1pm-5pmThe project provides support to individuals, families andcommunities affected by drug problems. There is noneed to book an appointment just attend the dailydrop-in from 1pm-5pm. All candidates are assessedand allocated a keyworker. Group services include arelapse awareness group, an anger management groupand a women’s group. A counselling service as well aslegal advice is available. Alternative therapies availablethrough the project include reflexology, shiatsu andacupuncture.X-PERT Programme For Diabetes 020 7316 1200 Westminster Diabetes Centre,Maida Vale, NW8 my.ly@westminster-pct.nhs.ukA free six weekprogramme for adultswith type 2 diabetes. Thefocus is on skills,knowledge and confidenceto self-manage diabetes.Participants must bereferred by their GP.26

Health servicesVictim and Domestic Violence supportIf you are a victim of violence you can get help and support.Some of the services listed below are targeted to specificgroups. The national organisations will help everyoneregardless of ethnicity.Aanchal 24 hour helpline 08454 51 25 47M.A.L.E. (Men’s Advice Line and Enquiries) 08088 01 03 27 freephone info@mensadviceline.org.uk www.mensadviceline.org.uk Monday-Wednesday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pmMuslim Women’s Helpline 020 8904 8193 mwhl@amrnet.demon.co.uk www.mwhl.orgA helpline for Asian women experiencing domesticviolence. The languages spoken include Bengali,Hindi, Punjabi, Gujerati, Tamil and Urdu.If you are a male victim of domestic violence, in aheterosexual, gay, bi-sexual or transgenderrelationship and need confidential help, contact theM.A.L.E. helpline.This is a telephone counselling service for Muslimwomen regardless of ethnicity. It providesinformation and refers callers to local services whenappropriate.27

Health servicesRefuge Helpline 0808 2000 247 info@refuge.org.uk www.refuge.org.ukThe helpline is open 24 hours per day for womenexperiencing domestic violence. The female workersprovide support and information.Southall Black Sisters 020 8571 9595 sbc@leonet.co.uk www.southallblacksisters.org.ukSouthall Black Sisters was established to meet theneeds of Asian and African-Caribbean women whoexperience domestic violence.Victim Support Line 24 hour national number 0845 30 30 900 Scotia House, 33 Finsbury Square, EC2A 1PL Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday9am-7pm, Bank Holidays 9am-5pmOpening timesMonday-Fridayextended to 1amwhen the BBC’sCrimewatchprogrammes arebroadcast.28

Health servicesVictim Support 020 7828 4142 1 Aylesford Street, SW1V 3RY www.victimsupport.orgWomen’s Aid 24 hour, National Domestic Helpline 08082 000 247 PO Box, Bristol 391, BS99 7WS helpline@womensaid.org.uk www.womensaid.org.ukVictim Support is the national charity which helps people affected bycrime. They provide free and confidential support to help you dealwith your experience, whether or not you report the crime.Women’s Aid helps over 320,000 women and children each yearwho are affected by violence in their home.29

Health servicesBME health support projectsBME (Black and Minority Ethnic) Health Forum 020 7150 8128 c/o Westminster PCT, Ferguson House,15 Marylebone Road, NW1 5JD bmehealthforum@westminster-pct.nhs.uk☺ Amjad TahaBEMDA (Black and Ethnic Minority Diabetes Association) 020 7723 5357Mobile Nos: 07828 222 370 or 07774 832 863 St Paul’s Church Centre, Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ 020 3204 0259 bmediabetes@aol.com www.bmediabetes.org Tuesday-Friday 12 noon-6pm,Saturday (by appointment only)☺ Ronke Gomo-Coco, Diabetes Adviser30The BME Health Forum is a collaborative partnershipnetwork between statutory, voluntary and BMEcommunity organisations. The Forum aims to improvehealth and reduce inequalities for BME communities inthe Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and theCity of Westminster. They produce a quarterlynewsletter that gives information on the currentprovision for the BME communities.BEMDA raises awareness of diabetes and potentialcomplications of this illness. They run diabetes projectsfor children and young people as well as patientsupport groups for adults. Their publications include anewsletter and nutritional guidelines for diabetics.Drop-in and advice services are available. ContactBEMDA for further information.

Educationservices

Education servicesLearning is a part of life, whether it is for a childjust starting school or for an adult who may wantto improve their basic education, skills orknowledge.This section begins with access to education forchildren between 5-16 years old.How to register your child for schoolPrimary educationTo register your child for a primary or junior school, youwill need to complete the Common Application Form. Youcan also apply for a school place online. Forms are availablefrom the Westminster Schools Admission Team on 0207641 1817. You can choose up to six preferred schoolsbut your child will only be offered one school place. Pleaseapply as early as possible as the huge demand for schoolplaces means that they fill up quickly. If you submit a lateapplication your child may have to be placed on a waitinglist until a school place becomes available.Secondary educationChildren normally transfer to secondary school at age 11.You will need a Westminster Local Education Authority(LEA) form to apply to secondary school. If you live inWestminster and your child attends a school inWestminster application forms should be available inschools from September. You can also requestWestminster LEA Secondary application forms from theAdmissions Department on 020 7641 1817.You are required to select six schools in order ofpreference and you can include schools that may be in32

Education servicesanother borough. You must list the schools in order ofpreference. Some schools may require you to complete asupplementary application form. Please ask at the schoolsthat you are interested in. The schools that requiresupplementary information are The Grey Coat Hospital, StAugustine’s CE High School, St George’s RC High School,The St Marylebone CE School, Westminster City Schooland the specialist music scheme at Pimlico School.Supplementary application formsIf you apply for a voluntary-aided school place, you willhave to complete an additional supplementary form whichis available from the school. The supplementary form willbe seen by the school governors and will determinewhether the child meets criteria that the school has set. Ifyou do not complete this supplementary information yourapplication cannot be looked at.Community schools and voluntary-aided schoolsCommunity schools are schools financed by public moneyand maintained by Westminster City Council which setsadmission requirements.Voluntary-aided schools are set up by a religious orvoluntary body, but funded through the Council. Governorshave additional responsibilities than those at communityschools which include setting the admission requirementsand deciding which children to admit.Children with special educational needs (SEN)If your child has a statement of special educational needsyou should not complete the Common Application Formbut instead contact the Westminster Special EducationalNeeds Team on: 020 7641 5351 or 020 7641 5353.Housing and Education Liaison ServiceHousing Options Service, 101 Orchardson Street, NW88EA. Contact: Thomas Howard, Housing and EducationLiaison Officer, 020 7641 1000.If your family is homeless and in temporaryaccommodation offered by the Council and your childneeds a school place, you can obtain assistance from theHousing and Education Liaison Officer based at theHousing Options Service. The Education Liaison Officerwill monitor your child’s absence from school and worktogether with the Education Department to find yourchild a school place as quickly as possible. This serviceprovided in unison with the Education Department is asuccessful and established practice, so do not hesitate touse it.33

Education servicesSchool meals and concessionsYour child may qualify for free school meals and otherconcessions such as home to school travel. If a child is ofstatutory school age (between 5-16 years old) and one orboth parents quality for any of these benefits: incomebasedJob Seekers Allowance, Income Support, Child TaxCredit (without working tax credit) of up to £14,155, StatePension Credit or receives payment from NASS orWestminster’s Central Asylum Team they may qualify forfree school meals. Contact the Education Department‘sSchool Benefits Team based at City Hall on 020 7641 3412for further information.Home to school travelAll bus journeys and most tube journeys for children ofstatutory school age are free. However, if a child’s school ismore than 3 miles from where they live, or longer thanone hour on the bus, they may qualify for assistance withtravel. Contact School Admissions on 020 7641 1817 forfurther information.34

Local primary and junior schoolsChrist Church Bentinck CE Primary School 020 7641 4135 Cosway Street, NW1 5NS ccbentinck@yahoo.co.uk☺ Headteacher: Sandra TyrellGateway Primary School 020 7641 4160 Capland Street, NW8 8LN office.gateway.westminster@lgfl.net☺ Headteacher: Keith DugganGeorge Eliot Infant School 020 7722 2000 Marlborough Hill, NW8 0NH office.george-eliot-inf.westminster@lgfl.net☺ Headteacher: Erika JamesA Church of Englandvoluntary-aidedprimary school forpupils aged 3-11years old that alsohas a nursery class.Community primaryschool for pupils 3-11years old that also has anursery class.Community infant school forpupils aged 3-7 that also has anursery class.Education services35

N.C. Epidemiologic Profile for HIV/STD Prevention and Care Planning (07/07) Chapter 2poor health infrastructure, lack of affordable housing, racial disparity, high rates of bacterialSTDs, lack of health insurance, and depressed socioeconomic factors may be contributing to theepidemic’s regional rise (Southern State AIDS Directors workgroup, 2003). See Chapter 6 formore information about AIDS in the South.The distribution of HIV disease is uneven across North Carolina, as can be seen in Maps 9 and10 (Appendix A, pp. A-11 to A-12). Cases are assigned to the county of residence at firstdiagnosis. This distribution can be partly explained by the population distribution in Map 1(Appendix A, pg. A-3), as the epidemic tends to be concentrated in urban areas although itreaches rural areas as well. It should be noted that people in long-term institutions are consideredresidents of the institution. Therefore, HIV disease cases first diagnosed in an institution, suchas federal or state prison, are included in the HIV disease counts of the county in which it islocated. Some North Carolina counties have substantial institutionalized populations. Asmentioned above, North Carolina’s epidemic has a significant rural component. Since the early1990s, roughly 25 percent of North Carolina’s HIV disease reports have consistently come fromrural or non-metropolitan counties. This trend seems fairly steady and reflects the demographicsof the state (see Map 2, Appendix A, pg. A-4). Tables J-K (pp. D- 12-14) give individual countytotals of HIV disease and AIDS cases reported, cases listed as living at the end of 2006, and aranking of case rates (per 100,000) based on a three-year average. [Rate was calculated using theaverage of rates for the three previous years, ending in 2006.] Hertford County (which houses alarge federal prison facility) ranked number one with the highest three-year average rate (per100,000 population) of HIV in 2006 (162.7), followed by Mecklenburg County (45.2),Edgecombe County (42.4), Durham County (39.8), and Lenoir County (36.2). Readers arecautioned to view rates carefully, as rates based on small numbers (generally less than 20) areconsidered unreliable.HIV/AIDS-RELATED DEATHSUnlike chronic diseases with high death rates, such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases,HIV/AIDS death rates are concentrated among the young and middle-aged. According to theNorth Carolina State Center for Health Statistics, 414 HIV/AIDS deaths were reported in 2005.Although HIV/AIDS did not rank among the top 10 causes of death for all ages, it was listed as7 th for ages 25 to 44 years (Table 2.6); this ranking was the same as in 2004. HIV/AIDS wasalso listed as the 10 th leading cause of death among blacks of all ages); this ranking was the alsosame as in 2004. Table 2.7 displays HIV/AIDS deaths by race for each gender from vital recordsdata maintained by the State Center for Health Statistics. The crude death rate per 100,000 isabout 12 times higher for blacks than for whites.ADOLESCENT ACQUIRED HIV/AIDSTables H and I (pp. D-10 to D-11) and Figures 2.9 and 2.10 display the percentage of new HIVdisease reports by risk and demographic categories for each gender for individuals aged 13 to 24years at time of report. Because there can be significant delay between infection and subsequenttesting and reporting, it is felt that the age group 13 to 24 years better describes infections thatlikely occurred during adolescence. In 2006, while just 4 percent of reports were found amongteenagers aged 13 to 19, the percentage increased to 13 percent of all cases when 20- to 24- yearolds were included.N.C. DHHS25HIV/STD Prev. & Care

Education servicesSt Edward’s RC Primary School 020 7723 5911 Lisson Grove, NW1 6LH office.st-edwards.westminster@lgfl.net☺ Headteacher: Maureen DonnellySt Mary’s Bryanston Square CE School 020 7641 4130 Enford Street, W1H 1DL st-marys@bryanston.net www.bryanston.net☺ Headteacher: Peter HadfieldPaddington Green Primary School 020 7641 4122 Park Place Villas, W2 1SP office.paddinton-green.westminster@lgfl.net☺ Headteacher: Christine ElmerA Roman Catholicvoluntary-aidedprimary school forpupils aged3-11 year olds thatalso has a nursery class.Community primaryschool for pupils 3-11years old that also has anursery class.Community primary school for pupils 3-11 years old thatalso has a nursery class.37

Education servicesLocal secondary schoolsPaddington Academy 020 7641 8459 Temporarily opening at: North Wharf Road, W2 1LFPermanent site will be at: 50 Maryland Road, W9 2DR www.paddington-academy.org.uk☺ Headteacher: Barbi GouldingQuintin Kynaston School 020 7722 8141 Marlborough Hill, NW8 0NL www.qkschool.org.uk☺ Headteacher: Jo ShutterSt Augustine’s CE High School 020 7328 3435 Oxford Road, NW6 5SN www.staugustineshigh.org☺ Headteacher: Mr Alex Thomas38A specialist technology school.A specialist science andmathematics school.

Education servicesSt George’s RC School 020 7328 0904 Lanark Road, Maida Vale, NW9 1RB www.stgeorgesrc.org☺ Headteacher: Martin TissotThe St Marylebone School 020 7935 4704 64 Marylebone High Street, W1U 5BA www.stmaryleboneschool.com☺ Headteacher: Elizabeth PhillipsWestminster Academy 020 7960 6259 (temporary address until September 2007)Penfold Street, NW1 6RXPermanent site will be at: 259 Harrow Road, W2 5EJ www.westminsteracademy.biz☺ Principal: Alison BanksA specialist arts college.39

Education servicesSupplementary schoolsSupplementary schools are schools that operate outside of the regular school timetable. They provide extra tuition forpupils that require it. They are normally provided by ethnic communities as a way for their children to either catch upwith school work or to supplement the schooling that their children receive during the week.Supplementary schools are normally held on Saturday mornings between 10am-2pm, but some are in the evenings duringthe school week (usually between 5pm-7pm).Marylebone Bangladesh Youth Project 020 7723 5079 2 Boscobel Street, NW8 8PS www.mbs-uk.org Saturday 10am-1pmSudanese Supplementary School 020 7402 1721 114 Hall Place, W2 1NG abedri@yahoo.com www.sudaneseschool.com Saturday 10am-2pm for academic subjects andfrom 2pm-4pm for music and sportsEnglish, maths and science are taught up to GCSE levelfor 8-16 year olds.This supplementary school offers education for 4-16 yearolds. The subjects studied are English, Maths, Arabic andCultural Studies. Other services on offer include healthawareness, music, drama and sports.40

Education servicesHomework ClubsHomework clubs have grown in popularity in recent yearsand schools have made great efforts to provide this facilityfor students. Homework clubs offer a dedicated place tostudy to complete daily assignments and to work onschool projects. Not all of Westminster’s schools offerhomework clubs so check with your child’s school to seeif they offer this service.Fourth Feathers Homework Club 020 7723 8308 12 Rossmore Road, NW1 6JN Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday3.30pm-5.15pm☺ Kevin Mathurin,Youth Worker orKatherine Toms,Youth WorkerThe homework club operates three times a week fromthe club. A maths teacher is available on Tuesdays andstaff will be able to tailor their help to fit in with yourrequirements.41

Education servicesCreative Homework Club 020 7641 6750 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Wednesdays 4.30pm-6.30pmThis is a weekly homework club for 8-12 year olds.Children can bring their school homework and also getinvolved in computer based creative activities. The cluboperates on a ten week rolling programme during theschool year from September to July.☺ Emily Miller, Education ManagerYour local library runs a homework club during the week. Check with them to see if they offer a subject specialisation.Library Time DayChurch Street Library, Church Street, NW8 8EUEnquiries: 020 7641 1300 Email: churchstreetlibrary@westminster.gov.ukMarylebone Library, 109-117 Marylebone Road, NW1 5PSEnquiries: 020 7641 1300 Email: marylebonelibrary@westminster.gov.ukSt Johns Wood Library, 20 Circus Road NW8 6PDEnquiries: 020 7641 1300 Email: stjohnswoodlibrary@westminster.gov.uk3.45pm-5.30pm Thursday3.45pm-5.30pm Wednesday3.45pm-5.30pm Tuesday42

Education servicesOver 5s ActivitiesThe Under 14s Directory has a range of activities foryoung children 14 years old and under. See the Children’sInformation Service (page 54) for details.After school programmeLisson Green Play Project 020 7724 3798 12 Bedlow Close, Capland St, NW8 8RT Monday-Friday 3.30pm-6pm,Saturday 10am-4pm (term time only)☺ Iqbal Ali, Deputy Play LeaderThe Play Centre is a structured after school playprogramme for primary aged children (5-12 year olds).It is fee paying (approx £30 per term) and you need tosign up your child for the whole term. Your child canthen go to as many sessions as you like. Children canget involved with a wide range of activities includingcrafts, sport and games and using the outdoor playequipment.43

Education servicesPaddington Green Play Centre 020 7641 4190 Park Place Villas, W2 1SP Monday-Friday 3.15pm-5.30pm(term time only)☺ Rachel Jacobs, SupervisorThis Play Centre has a structured after school playprogramme for primary aged children (5-11 year olds).It is fee paying (approx £30 per term) and you need tosign up your child for the whole term. Childrenattending Paddington Green School get priority placesbut any vacancies are available for local children fromother schools. Children get involved in lots of funactivities and can do their homework in a supportiveenvironment.Micky Star Play Centre 020 7262 5784 158-61 St Michaels Street, W2 1YN Monday-Friday 3.30pm-6pm,Saturday 10am-4pm (term time only)This Play Centre has a structured after school playprogramme for primary aged children (5-12 year olds).It is fee paying (approx £30 per term) and you need tosign up your child for the whole term. Children can thenattend as many sessions as they like and get involved ina wide range of activities including crafts, sport andgames and using the outdoor play equipment.44

Education servicesYouth activitiesThe Church Street area has a widevariety of activities for young people –after school, at weekends and duringschool holidays. There is plenty to getinvolved in, so read the informationgiven here and take your pick. Theinformation listed tells you aboutongoing activities, but look out forspecial events and holiday activitieswhich take place in the area. Theseare advertised locally or you can popinto the Neighbourhood Centre forupdates.Youth Passport www.youthpassport.infoYouth passport is a great scheme for young people between the ages of11-19 years old who live in Westminster and attend secondary school. Itenables you to enjoy free swimming sessions, get reduced rates to usesports facilities throughout the borough and obtain 20% discount when youborrow DVDs, CDs or videos from Westminster libraries. To obtain a cardyou can download an application form from the youth passport website.You can also obtain pre-printed forms from One Stop Services, librariesand youth centres.45

Education servicesKarate at Greenside 020 7641 6750 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Wednesday 6pm-7pmAll abilities are welcome.London Tigers Youth Activities Programme 020 7289 3395 WECH Community Centre, Athens Gardens,Chantry Close, W9 3RS www.londontigers.org☺ Tarik Ellekhlifi on 07966 630 513 orSultana Khatun on 07966 638 43746Come and get involved in the wide range of sports,recreational and educational activities, available for bothboys and girls. Call to find out about the excitingopportunities in Church Street and the local areaincluding the Church Street Community SportsProgramme.

Education servicesLisson Green Sports Area 020 7289 3395 Lisson Grove Estate, NW8 www.londontigers.org☺ Tarik Ellekhlifi,Youth Workerof the London Tigers on 07966 630 513The sports area in the estate is run by the LondonTigers who arrange a variety of sports for different agegroups.London Tigers Youth Club for Girls 020 7289 3395 WECH Community Centre, Athens Gardens,Chantry Close, W9 3RS www.londontigers.org Saturday 12 noon-5pm☺ Sultana Khatun,Youth and Development Workeron 07966 638 437This youth club is designed especially for Muslim girls.The club is open every Saturday and gives girls theopportunity to make friends and get involved in a rangeof activities.47

Education servicesDreamArts @ the Cockpit Theatre 020 7266 8262 or 07951 92 12 47 Gateforth Street, NW8 8EH josie@dreamarts.org.uk Sunday 11am-3pm☺ Josie Banford,Weekend Youth Arts ManagerTrupaz street dance at Greenside 020 7641 6750 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Sunday 12 noon-3pm48DreamArts provide theopportunity to learn singing,drama and dancing skillsevery Sunday. It is a low costworking theatre where ashowcase is held every termof the talent and skills learnt.Other programmes thatDreamArts run include‘Young People First’, a MobileArts Programme and Music.This street dance class takesplace every Sunday at theGreenside. It is suitable forall levels and everyone iswelcome. Come along tohave fun and improve yourfitness.

Sports activities at The Hub Regent’s Park 020 7935 2458 The Hub, Regent’s Park, NW1 4RU thehub@regentspark.gsi.gov.ukWestminster Sports UnitEducation servicesThe Hub is a state of the art sports facility in RegentsPark – a short walk from the Church Street area. Theyrun a programme of sports for children, including multisports,holiday activities and a girl’s football league.Contact them for a current programme. 020 7641 2012 sport@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/sport☺ Eugene Minogue, Sports and Education OfficerWestminster City Council provides a wide range ofsports activities for all school age children and youngpeople. Call the Sports Unit to chat through options orto request a current programme.Under 12s Football 020 7641 1635 Thursday 5pm-6.30pm andSaturday 12 noon-2pm☺ Gustavo on 07739 822 047A bi-weekly football club for children under 12. It is runby the City Guardians and the Council’s Sports Unit.Both sessions take place on the football pitch at the backof the Church Street Library. Sessions are free of charge.49

Education servicesUnder 14s and Under 19s Football Club 020 7641 1635 Monday 6pm-8pm and Friday 5pm-7pm☺ Gustavo on 07739 822 047Youth clubsThe Crypt Youth ClubA football club for the under 19s run by the Council’sSports Unit. The under 14s session is run by the LondonTigers. Both sessions take place on the football pitch atthe back of the Church Street Library. Sessions are freeof charge. 020 7483 1580 St John’s Wood Church Hall,St John’s Wood High Street, NW8 7NE☺ Senior Youth WorkerFisherton Youth Club 020 7641 1592 Fisherton Street Community Centre Hall,Fisherton Street Estate, NW8 8LS Thursday 6.30pm-9.30pm☺ Natalie Foster or Youth Office50The youth club is open every Thursday and takes placein the heart of the Church Street Estate in the FishertonCommunity Centre Hall.

Education servicesFourth Feathers Youth Club 020 7723 8308 12 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday andSaturday 5.30pm-8pm☺ Andrew Mederick, Senior Youth WorkerThe club is open toyoung people aged 11-19years old. Monday is girls’night with targetedactivities for women only.On Tuesday, Wednesday,Friday and Saturday thereare sports and arts basedactivities, including acomputer suite and tablesports.Marylebone Bangladesh Society Youth Project 020 7723 5079 2 Boscobel Street, NW8 8PS and19 Samford Street, NW8 8PS Tuesday and Thursday 5.30pm-8.30pm,Wednesday 6pm-9pm, Friday 6.30pm-9.30pmand Saturday 2pm-5pm (for girls only)☺ Gulam Akbar, Senior Youth WorkerMBS runs a youth club focussing on Bangladesh youngpeople, but open to all local young people. The cluboffers lots of activities to get involved with, as well assupport for getting ready for employment. MBS run aGirls’ Club on Saturdays at Samford Street where onlygirls are present in the building.51

Education servicesYouth advice servicesConnexions 080 800 13219Text Connexions Direct on 07766 41 32 19 www.connexions-direct.comConnexions is a service for 13-19 years olds, living inEngland and wanting advice on getting to where theywant to be in life. It also provides support up to the ageof 25 years old for young people who have learningand/or physical disabilities.To find out where your local service is call the numberabove or, if online, click on ‘local service’ on theConnexions website. Connexions Direct is thecounselling service of Connexions and providesinformation and advice to young people.Connexions at the Housing Options Service 020 7641 1000 Housing Options Service, 101 Orchardson Street,NW8 8EA hoscustomerservices@cwh.org.uk☺ Mark Azavedo, Connexions OfficerIf you are a young person aged 16-19 years old and intemporary accommodation, the Housing Options Serviceprovides an in-house Connexions worker who will helpyou with benefit queries, continuing your education, job,employment and training advice. The ConnexionsOfficer also supports young people aged between 18-19years old into the hostels system by direct referrals andreferrals to homeless organisations. If you are a youngperson in housing difficulty contact the ConnexionsOfficer for advice.52

Familyservices

Family servicesActivities for under 5sChildren’s Information Service Helpline: 020 7641 7929 cis@westminster.gov.ukThe CIS is run by Westminster City Council. Theyprovide information and guidance on childcare, earlyeducation and other children’s services within the City ofWestminster. You can obtain information on childcareand early years education on services that are registeredby Ofsted (the official inspectors for schools). Theseinclude day nurseries, play facilities and childminders.They can advise you on the type of activities that don’tneed to be registered such as parent and toddler groupsand drop-in sessions.Under 14s DirectoryThe CIS produce the Under 14s Directory which lists the nurseries, playschools and other play and leisure facilities for children in Westminsterwho are under 14 years old. It is also a valuable resource for peopleinterested in a career with children as it advertises jobs within this field.Pre-schoolsPre-schools allow young children to learn and play in groups. Most offersessional care but some are open all day. Pre-schools normally charge afee and children can attend from 2 years old. All pre-schools areregistered and inspected by Ofsted (the official inspectors for schools).54

Family servicesBarrow Hill Pre-School 020 7722 5455 Tenants Hall, Barrow Hill Estate, Allitsen Road, NW8 Monday-Friday 9.30am-12 noon, 12.45pm-3.15pmFisherton Pre-School 020 7723 2207 Community Centre, Selina House, Fisherton StreetEstate, NW8 8LP Monday-Friday 9.30am-12 noonIndependent Mothers Pre-School 020 7723 4852 The Portakabin, Broadley Street Gardens,Broadley Street, NW8 8BN Monday-Friday 9.30am-12 noon, 1pm-3.30pm55

Family servicesNursery schoolsThe nurseries featured below are those within the ChurchStreet area. Further information about nurseries can beobtained from the Under 14s Directory which is availablefrom the One Stop Service and Neighbourhood Centre inChurch Street or from Westminster Children’s InformationService on 020 7641 7929.Email: cis@westminster.gov.ukChurch Street Nursery 020 7724 2410 21 Boldero Place, off Gateforth Street, NW8 8EQ Monday-Friday 9.30am-12 noon, 1pm-3.30pmIntegrated Nursery Centre 020 7641 5435/5436This is a community nursery offering up to 20 placesfor local children from 2-5 years old. Crèche places areavailable for parents who attend Sure Start and AdultEducation courses in the afternoon.The Nursery Centre is a community school forchildren from 3 years old. Parents can apply for anursery place when their child is 2 years old. Applicationforms are available from the Centre.56

Lisson Green Community Childcare Centre 020 7402 8817 4 Lilestone Street, Lisson Green Estate, NW8 8SU Monday-Friday 8.15am-5.45pm☺ Tina GeorgiouLisson Green Nursery 020 7640 8817 1 Lilestone Street, Lisson Green Estate, NW8 8SU 020 7402 8817 lissongreen@wcs.org.uk Monday-Friday 8.15am-5.45pm☺ Tina GeorgiouLuton Street Neighbourhood Nursery 020 7724 7965 Luton Street, NW8 8RL lutonstreet@wcs.org.uk Monday-Friday 8.15am-5.45pmOffers placesfor childrenfrom 6 months-5 years old andis available forfamilies living inWestminster.Family servicesCommunity nursery and day care for local children.Places for children from 6 months-5 years old wholive in Westminster.Offers places for children from 6 months-5 years oldand is available for families living in the Church Streetarea.57

Family servicesMicky Star Neighbourhood Nursery 020 7262 5590 58-61 St Michael’s Street, W2 1QR mickystar@wcs.org.uk www.wcs.org.uk Monday-Friday 8.15am-5.45pmThe nursery offers places for children from 6 months-5years old. Day nursery charges apply. Concessions maybe available. The Centre also operates a communitydrop-in on Wednesdays for parents and children from9am-11am where you can obtain advice fromprofessionals, improve your parenting skills and meetother families.Portman Early Childhood Centre Nursery School 020 7641 5435/5436 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE Monday-Friday 9.15am-3.45pmThis community nursery provides day care and nurseryeducation for 20 children. The nursery is staffed byteachers and early-years educators and is open forchildren between the ages of 3-5 years old. Crèchefacilities are available to parents who attend Sure Startand Adult Education courses. Special criteria exist forallocation of nursery places and a waiting list is operated.58

Family servicesAl Madina Nursery School 020 7724 7971 146 Park Road, NW8 7RG 020 7724 0493 zaib112@hotmail.com www.iccuk.org Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm☺ Zaibunnisa F KhatriTiny Steps 020 7262 3818 ext 235 The Women’s Day Centre, 1-5 Cosway Street,Marylebone, NW1 5NRAl Madina nursery offers bilingual childcare and Arabic istaught. The nursery is privately run and caters forchildren aged 2-5 years old. Charges apply and yourchild’s nursery place has to be paid for 3 months inadvance.Tiny Stepsprovide a freeand safe playspace forchildren under5 years old. Friday mornings 9.30am-12 noon59

Family servicesToddlers’ drop-in play servicesDrop-in groups are provided for children and their parents or carers. There is something for everyone and there is noneed to book, just turn up. The drop-in team include a Bengali outreach worker and a health visitor. Contact the PortmanCentre on 020 7641 5409 for further information.DaysMondaysPortman Early Childhood CentreGreenside Community CentreNewpinTuesdaysOur LadyPortman Early Childhood CentreWednesdaysChildminder drop-in (Portman E C Centre)Greenside Community CentreOur LadyMicky Star NurseryThursdaysPortman Early Childhood CentreNewpinOur LadyChurch Street LibraryFridaysPortman Early Childhood CentreGreenside Community Centre60Times9.30am-12 noon, 1pm-3pm10am-12 noon (term time only)1pm-3pm (term time only)9.15am-11.30am9.30am-12 noon, 1pm-3.30pm9.30am-12 noon10am-12 noon (term time only)9.15am-11.15am9.30am-11.30am (term time only)9.30am-12 noon, 1pm-3.30pm1pm-3pm (term time only)9.15am-11.30am10.30am-12 noon9.30am-12 noon, 1pm-3.30pm10am-12 noon (term time only)

Family servicesNewpin 020 7724 6765 Luton Street, NW8 8RL 020 7724 9246 Monday and Thursday 1pm-3pm☺ Carol Smylie, Centre ManagerPortman Early Childhood Centre 020 7641 5435/5436 12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DEToy Library 020 7641 5435/5436 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DEDrop-in sessionsoperate twice perweek on Monday andThursday during termtime.Activities includearts & crafts, outdoorplay and singing.Newpin providesparents and carerswith the opportunityto meet other parentsand carers.The Centre offers a range of services that include anursery school, parenting support, community drop-insand a toy library.The Toy Library is part of the Portman’s drop-in service.You must register with the service to borrow the toys.Toys can be borrowed for up to 2 weeks before theyare returned.61

Family servicesSt Paul’s Toddler Group 07841 025687 St Paul’s Community Centre, Rossmore Road,NW1 6NJ Tuesday 9.30am-12 noon☺ Fatima Azarkan, Group LeaderThis is a drop-in group for toddlers and their parents orcarers. A light breakfast is provided for toddlers and adonation of £1 is appreciated. Occasionally theorganisers invite different services such as the police orneighbourhood officers to the group so that the childrenbecome familiar with them. Feel free to pop in with yourchild for a fun play time and to meet other parents andcarers.Room 2 Play at the Greenside 020 7641 6750 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SRThis is a drop-ingroup for toddlersand their parents orcarers. There is noneed to book, justturn up to a session. thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10am-12 noon62

Family servicesFun Tots 020 7641 5409/5436 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DEFun Tots is a fun music and rhyme session for toddlersaged 1-4 years old using music to stimulate learning skills.The service operates on a six week rolling programme inthe Church Street area. Contact the Centre for yournearest venue.Our Lady’s Parent and Toddler Group 020 7286 6387 54 Lodge Road, NW8 8LA Monday-Friday 9.15am-11.30amThis is a drop-in group for toddlers and theirparents/carers, just turn up to a session.Library play and learning provision for under 5sChurch Street Children’s Library 020 7641 1300 (enquiries) Church Street Library, Church Street, NW8 8EU The first Thursday of the month 2pm-3.30pmChurch Street Library provides entertainment for theunder 5s. Small children and their parents or carers arewelcome.63

Family servicesBookstart drop-in for under 5s 020 7641 1300 (enquiries) Church Street Library, Church Street, NW8 8EU Wednesday 10.30am-12 noonTiny Tots sessions 020 7641 1300 (enquires) Marylebone Children’s Library,109-117 Marylebone Place, NW1 5PS marylebonelibrary@westminster.gov.uk Tuesday 10.30am-12 noonStorytime 020 7641 1300 (enquires) Marylebone Children’s Library,109-117 Marylebone Place, NW1 5PS marylebonelibrary@westminster.gov.uk Thursday 2pm-3.30pmThe session offers child-centred learning and playing,listening and saying, singing and rhyming, reading andwriting. Parents can also obtain advice about books.Refreshments are provided.Marylebone Library provides a safe place for children toplay and learn with their parents. A craft activity is alsoincluded which can be taken home or displayed in thelibrary. Refreshments are available.The weekly Storytime introduces reading skills totoddlers and increases their vocabulary. They areintroduced to new experiences through books.64

Family servicesChildminder drop-in sessionsThis is a new concept and provides information forchildminders in a supportive environment. Parents who usechildminders are also welcome to attend and if you areconsidering becoming a childminder, you can talk tochildminders and parents.The Portman Early Childhood Centre Childminder Drop-in 020 7479 8781 12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE Wednesday 9.30am-12 noon. On the last Wednesdayof the month the session continues until 2pm☺ Childcare Development WorkerMicky Star Neighbourhood Centre Childminder Drop-in 020 7479 8781 58-61 St Michael’s Street, W2 1QR Thursday 9.30am-11.30am☺ Childcare Development Worker65

Family servicesFamily support networksChurch Street Children’s CentreThe Children’s Centre networks are made up of localorganisations working together to deliver early education,childcare, family support and outreach. Each Children’sCentre will also provide information on health services,support and advice for accessing employment and/orsupport for children with special needs.The Children’s Centre offers a diverse range of activitiesbased on the well being of children and their families. Theservices include advice and support during pregnancy,breastfeeding support at home, home safety assessmentsand other child based services.Church Street Children’s Centre has three sites – thePortman Early Childhood Centre, Lisson Grove HealthCentre and Luton Street Neighbourhood Nursery – andthe aim of the Centre is to enrich and support a goodquality of life for children and their families. Each centreoffers a variety of services and we have listed the ones thatwe think will appeal to parents with young children. Theseservices are based at the Portman Early Childhood Centre,but please contact each centre for a complete guide to theservices that they offer.66

Family servicesPortman Early Childhood Centre 020 7641 5435/5436 12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE☺ Jo White, Head of CentreThe Centre offers a range of services that include a nurseryschool, parenting support, community drop-ins and a toylibrary. Below are details of a selection of their services.Contact the Centre for their updated information pack.Integrated Nursery Centre 020 7641 5435/5436The Nursery Centre is a community school forchildren from 3 years upwards. Parents can applyfor a nursery place when their child is two andapplication forms are available from the Centre.Nursery places are allocated according toWestminster City Council’s school criteria. Thereare 60 nursery places, 20 full-time and 40 parttime.Nursery places are normally allocated tochildren of families who have either a social needor medical need. Places are normally free but acharge is applied if used outside of the normalschool year.67

Family servicesHome Learning Worker (Kids) 020 7641 4151 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE westminster@kids-online.org.uk☺ Theresa Lazar, Mary Mbwana,Home Learning WorkersChurch Street Parents’ Forum 020 7641 5435/36 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE The first Wednesday of the month☺ June Deterville, Outreach WorkerAmongst the services that the Centre offers is a HomeLearning Worker for children with special needs andtheir families/carers. The role of the worker is to developthe child’s potential and skills and help them to achievetheir goals.The Parents’ Forumrepresents the localcommunity on the Centre’sPartnership Board. It is alsofor parents who want tomeet other parentsinformally and get involvedwith community groups,events and organisations.(See also ‘Get involved inyour neighbourhood’ page129).68

Family servicesAdult Education The Portman Early ChildhoodCentre, 12-18 Salisbury Street,NW8 8DEEmployment Drop-In Service 020 7641 5435/5436 The Portman Early ChildhoodCentre, 12-18 Salisbury Street,NW8 8DEWestminster Adult Education Service provides a variety of courses atthe Portman Early Childhood Centre. The classes include Englishlanguage classes, computer courses for beginners and other vocationalcourses. Crèche facilities are provided for parents participating on thecourses and must be booked in advance. The Centre has a settling-inpolicy to ensure that both parent and child get the most from theexperience. For further information on Adult Education see page 85.The Employment Drop-In Service at the Portman Early ChildhoodCentre supports lone parents who want to get back to work as well asproviding information about employment and training opportunitieswithin the local area and borough. You do not need an appointmentbut you should phone the Centre to see when the advisor is available.(See also Employment Training p38).Children’s Centre – Church Street Employment Drop-In Sessions 020 7641 8066☺ Children’s Information ServiceThe Job Centre in partnership with Sure Start Children’s Centres offerparents with young children practical advice on work or training whilstcaring for your child.The drop-in sessions occur at a number of convenient locations in yourarea. You don’t need to book an appointment. There are fourconsecutive weeks of sessions scheduled. All sessions start on the firstMonday of the month throughout the year (see schedule next page).69

Family servicesEmployment drop-in sessions for Church StreetWeek 1Monday Luton Street Nursery 1pm-3pmTuesday Lisson Grove Health Centre 2pm-4pmFriday Church Army Women’s Day Centre 10am-12 noonPortman Early Childhood Centre1pm-3pmWeek 2Friday Portman Early Childhood Centre 1pm-3pmWeek 3Friday Portman Early Childhood Centre 1pm-3pmWeek 4Monday Micky Star Children’s Centre 10am-11amFriday Church Street Library 10.30am-12 noonFriday Portman Early Childhood Centre 1pm-3pm70

Family servicesChildren’s Centre Social Worker 020 7641 5435/5436 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DESocial Services 020 7641 7525 4 Frampton Street, NW8 8LFThe Children’s Centre Social Worker for Church Street offers asupportive service to families, working to help identify each family’sneeds. The social worker is able to provide advice and informationand she can offer practical support on parenting issues as well asadvice on financial help. If you need to contact the WestminsterChildren and Families service at Frampton Street the social workercan offer you support in the process.Social Services help with a wide range of residents’ needs. Pleasering them for advice. They can help with issues such as feelingunsafe at home, if you know a child who is unsafe or has a physicalor learning disability. Call the customer services number and theywill put you in touch with the right team.Family Therapist 020 7479 8776 yvonne.smith@westminster-pct.nhs.uk☺ Yvonne Bailey-Smith,Senior Family PsychotherapistThe Family Therapist will help with a range of issues and will workdirectly with a child and family members.71

Family servicesFamilies in Temporary Accommodation Project 020 7403 5384 St Paul’s Church Centre, RossmoreRoad, NW1 6NJ www.stpaulschurchcentre.org.uk Monday 11am-1pm☺ Gary Brennan, Advice WorkerBarnardos run this projectand it is part advice session,part meeting place. A socialworker and advice workersare on hand to answer anyqueries the participants mayhave whether it is about theirimpending homelessness,how to obtain a nationalinsurance number or housingbenefit advice. You will beasked to register but you canjust turn up on the day.Crèche facilities are provided.HomeStart 020 7724 7523 St Paul’s Church Centre,5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJHomeStart are a well established and trusted family supportorganisation that offer free support, friendship and practical help tofamilies with at least one child under five. Families are visited regularly intheir own homes by trained volunteers who help parents going throughdifficult times. Please call them for more information or drop into StPaul’s Church Centre where they are based.72

Family servicesHomeStart Family Group 020 7724 1345 St Paul’s Community Church, Upstairs Gallery,entrance on Broadley Terrace, NW1 6NJThis is a weekly multi-ethnic group and advice isavailable on health and nutrition and parenting skills.Guest speakers are invited to attend to deliver specificadvice. Housing issues are also discussed. admin@hswestminster.gov.uk www.hswestminster.gov.uk Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm☺ Dora Nwafor, Outreach WorkerHomeStart Afghan Women’s Group 020 7724 1345 Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE The second and fourth Thursday of the month10.30 am-12.30pm☺ Dora Nwafor, Outreach WorkerThe aim of the group is to empower women. It is aninteractive group and children are in attendance. Thewomen set the agenda when they meet and topicsinclude housing and health issues. Guest speakers areinvited to attend to advise group members on aparticular topic.73

Family servicesHomeStart Arabic Women’s Group 020 7724 1345 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE On the first and third Thursday of the month from10am-1.30pm☺ Dora Nwafor, Outreach WorkerThis group is for Arabic speaking women with youngchildren. The group allows time for socialising,discussions, support and getting information. Crêchefacilities are available.Interfaith Mentoring Project for Muslim Mothers 020 7289 1170 lenac@mosaiccommunitytrust.org.uk www.mosaiccommunitytrust.org.uk☺ Lena Choudary-Salter, Director74This programme has been set up tosupport mothers with children atQuintin Kynaston School. Inconjunction with the school, theproject seeks to befriend and mentorMuslim mothers who are often isolatedand unable to help their children withschool work. Through workshops andcultural activities, Muslim mothers willgain a better understanding of socialstructures and systems which will helpthem to participate more fully in theircommunity as well as family life.

Family servicesMarlborough Family Service 020 7624 8605 38 Marlborough Place, NW8 0PJ 020 7328 2185 mfs@cnwl.nhs.uk www.cnbwl.orgA multi-disciplinaryteam of family andother therapists, socialworkers, psychologistsand psychiatristsprovide a variety ofcounselling services forfamilies, children andadults.Newpin 020 7724 6765 Luton Street, NW8 8RL 020 7724 9246 stpaulsnewpin@yahoo.co.uk Monday-Friday 9am-3.30pm☺ Carol Smylie, Centre ManagerNewpin offer a support network for carers of youngchildren. Parents can take personal developmentworkshops and also improve or enhance theirparenting skills. Parent support groups and the FamilyPlay Programme are held weekly. Drop-in sessionsoperate twice per week only, during term-time onMonday and Thursday from 1pm-3pm. They includearts & crafts activities, outdoor play, singing lessons andthe sessions provide parents with the opportunity tomeet other parents.75

Family servicesWestminster Befriend a Family 020 7821 7850 34 Buckingham Palace Road,SW1W 0RE befriend-a-family@hotmail.com☺ Alison Bennett, Project ManagerWestminster Befriend a Family is a voluntary organisation that has beenoperating locally for 11 years and trains volunteers to become ‘familyfriends’. A family friend can offer practical and emotional support, helpby buildingconfidence, helpa family to findnew pastimesand encouragechildren’s learningthrough play.Parents also havethe opportunityto meet otherparents.The Women’s Day Centre 020 7262 3818 ext 235 1-5 Cosway Street, Marylebone,NW1 5NRThe Women’s Day Centre offers advice and information to women inneed. Assistance and advice are given on issues such as housing, welfarebenefits and immigration. The Centre offers basic IT skills in conjunctionwith Westminster Adult Education Service. A play service is offered onFriday mornings for mothers with children under 5 (see ‘nurseryschools’ page 56).76

Employmentand Training

Employment and trainingEmployment and trainingopportunitiesAdvice and practical support is available for people whowant to both update their skills as well as to search foremployment. The information below outlines services thatmay be of particular interest to you.This section kicks off with the successful HELP traininginitiative based at the Greenside Community Centre. Thereis further information about government bodies that focuson skills training and even something for the buddingentrepreneurs amongst you.If you are interested in becoming a childminder, contact theChildren’s Information Service (see page 54 for details).78

HELP Homelessness Employment & Learning Project 07852 96 41 62 Vital Regeneration, Office 5,Beethoven Centre,Third Avenue, W10 4JL vitaladvice@cwh.org.ukVital Advice Learning and Employment Advice Service 020 7641 5814 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR vitaladvice@cwh.org.ukFirststep.comEmployment and trainingPhone or email to book an appointment with theLearning and Employment adviser. This service provideshelp for homeless people living in temporaryaccommodation to access learning and trainingopportunities including voluntary work.The service provides advice on employment and trainingopportunities in venues across Westminster. The advisorcan help with general careers advice, local jobopportunities, accessing training courses, and muchmore. Phone or email for further information or to bookan appointment with an advisor. 020 7641 4157 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR www.learnatfirststep.comFirststep provide free computer and digital arts coursesfor all levels at the Greenside Community Centre. Afterschool clubs are also available. Call Lorraine Willis onthe number above or visit the website.79

Employment and trainingWestminster Apprenticeships 020 7641 5814 Vital Advice, Office 5,Beethoven Centre,Third AvenueW10 4JLAn apprenticeship will allow you to work in paid employment and learnat the same time. Attending college means that you gain recognisedqualifications. If you become an apprentice you can gain NVQ Level 2and Level 3 qualifications free of charge. The apprenticeship scheme isopen to anyone aged 16-24 years old and apprenticeships offeredinclude, Business Administration, Construction, Painting and Decorating,Customer Services and more. vitaladvice@cwh.org.uki☺ Sareeta Patel, Learning andEmployment Advisor80

Employment and trainingGet Started in Westminster 020 7382 5100 marcus.mercer@princes-trust.org.ukText ‘Get Started’ to 07810 305 188Get started in Westminster is a business developmentprogramme run by the Prince’s Trust. If you are agedbetween 16-25 years old, live in Westminster and areunemployed or work for less than 16 hours per weekyou are probably eligible for this programme. If you havean idea about the type of business you would like tostart the Trust can help you make this a reality. On theprogramme you will develop your publicity andmarketing skills, learn how to handle money and increaseyour confidence and motivation. Give them a call today.Paddington First 020 7087 8080 143-145 Harrow Road, W2 1JP www.paddingtonfirst.co.uk Monday 2pm-4pm (Maida Vale Library),Tuesday1.30pm-3.30pm (Church Street Library)The service offers advice and help with locating full-timeand part-time jobs and provides careers advice andmore. Employment advice sessions are held at bothChurch Street Library and Maida Vale Library everyfortnight. You don’t need to book an appointment justturn up.81

Employment and trainingThe Active Futures Project & VolEmploy 020 7402 8076 1The Volunteer Centre, 53-55 Praed Street,W2 1NR www.volunteer.co.uk Monday-Thursday 10am-4pmDepartment for Work and Pensions (Paddington) New Claims 0845 601 6916Payments 0845 377 0022 Tresco House, 65 Lisson Grove, NW1 6TZ Telephone lines are openMonday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 9am-1pmLone Parents Employment Drop-In Service 020 7641 5435/5436 Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE82The Active Futures Project supports people who arehomeless or in temporary accommodation intovolunteering roles. VolEmploy aims to attract refugeesand asylum seekers into voluntary positions to increasetheir skills base and prepare them for full-time andpermanent employment.The DWP will process new unemployment claims anddirect you to your nearest Job Centre.This service supports lone parents who want to get backto work as well as providing information aboutemployment and training opportunities within the localarea and borough. You do not need an appointment butyou should phone the Centre to see when the advisor isavailable.

Employment and trainingSt Marylebone Job Centre Plus 020 7853 4600 26-46 Lisson Grove, NW1 6TZ www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk Monday-Friday 9am-5pmJobcentre Plus offers a wide range of job vacancies. Staffcan help you to decide on the type of job or trainingthat suits your requirements. They have the latestinformation ongovernment initiatives toassist you in findingemployment. New Dealadvisors are also availableat drop-in sessionsthroughout the borough.Check with the JobCentre for details.Nova New Opportunities 020 8960 2488 Canalside House, 383 Ladbroke Grove, W10 5AA www.novanew.org.uk Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pmNova run numeracy and literacy workshops, ESOLclasses, CLAIT accredited computer skills courses(level 1) and offer advice and help into work. Most ofthe courses are pre-entry level courses that will developyour confidence and prepare you for further education.Many of the classes are free for the unemployed. Dailydrop-in sessions are available so that you can discussyour particular requirements.83

Employment and trainingLearn Direct Training Centre 020 7224 0772 or0800 9175425 Marylebone Library,Marylebone Road, NW1 5PSExchange Group offer learning facilities in public libraries covering arange of services. If you want to improve your computer skills, learnbusiness or IT skills or even improve your maths and English, thesedirect training courses may have something for you. You will need tobe assessed to see what level your skills currently are and a trainingplan will then be devised for you to follow at your own pace. If you areon benefits the course may be free or subsidised. For those inemployment, commercial courses are also available. You will need tobook an appointment for an assessment. www.exchangegroup.co.uk Monday-Friday 9.30am-8pm,Saturday 9.30am-5pm,Sunday 1.30pm-5pm84

Adult EducationWestminster Adult Education Service (WAES) 020 7297 7297 Amberley Road Centre, Amberley Road, W9 2JJ 020 7641 8140 info@waes.ac.uk www.waes.ac.uk Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm andFriday 9am-5pm (during term time)City of Westminster College 020 7723 8826 25 Paddington Green, W2 1NB 020 7258 2700Minicom: 020 7258 2739 www.cwc.ac.uk Monday-Friday 10am-4.30pm andTuesday eveningsEmployment and trainingWestminster Adult Education Service provides a varietyof courses throughout the borough. Details of theircourses can be found online as well as in their courseprospectus. Classes include basic and introductory Englishlanguage skills, computer and other vocational courses forbeginners. Crèche facilities may be provided for yourcourse so please ask. You can obtain a copy of theprospectus from a number of sources including your locallibrary, One Stop Services or Neighbourhood Centre allof which are based in Church Street.Information and advice about courses is available dailybut ring the College before you attend the Tuesdayevening session. City of Westminster College has foursites based in North Westminster with differentspecialities and offers a range of courses including ESOLat various levels. Contact an adviser for information oncourses that spark your interest.85

Employment and trainingKensington and Chelsea College 020 7573 5333 (course information)020 7573 3600 (switchboard) Hortensia Road, SW10 0QS 020 7351 0956 enquiries@kcc.ac.uk www.kcc.ac.uk Monday-Wednesday 9am-8pm,Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 9am-4pmFree Cyclist Training 020 7641 6318 Road Safety Unit, Westminster City Council,Ebury Bridge Centre, Sutherland Street, SW1The College offers a range of courses for everyone 16and over. Some ESOL courses can be combined withanother course to give you more variety. Contact courseinformation for precise details and for enrolment dates.This cycling programmeis available to peoplewho live, work or go toschool in Westminster. cyclist_trainer@westminster.gov.uk 020 7641 2149/265886

Communityservices

Community servicesChurch Street Library 020 7641 1300 (enquiries)020 7641 1400 (24 hour renewal) Church Street, NW8 8EU churchstreetlibrary@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk Monday 9.30am-8pm,Tuesday,Thursday andFriday 9.30am-7pm, Wednesday 10am-7pm,Saturday 9.30am-5pmThe Church Street Library is at the heart of the ChurchStreet community and is well used by its residents. There area number of activities based at the Library so please contactthem or visit Westminster’s website to find out more.Meanwhile, you can join and use the Library for free and getaccess to a Learning Centre that offers free computertraining for residents and a range of courses to engage yourinterests and needs. The Library holds regular communitybased sessions including a Readers’ Group, Bengali Women’sReading and Writing Group and a Basic Literacy Class. Thereare regular activities for children including a homework cluband events organised during school holidays.Current activity timetableDay Time Event ContactMondays & Wednesdays 1pm-3pm ESOL Basic Literacy 2Steve Curic: 020 7641 6490Email: scuric@waes.ac.ukEvery Thursday 10.30am-12 noon Bookstart drop-in – under 5sFirst three Fridays of themonth10am-12 noonBengali women’s Readingand Writing GroupLaila Sheikh, Literacy DevelopmentWorker: 020 7641 5490Last Friday of the month 10.30am-12 noon Readers’ Group Just turn up (refreshments provided)88

Community servicesMarylebone Library 020 7641 1300 (enquiries)020 7641 1400 (24 hour renewals) 109-117 Marylebone Road, NW1 5PS marylebonelibrary@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk Monday,Tuesday,Thursday and Friday9.30am-8pm, Wednesday 10am-8pm, Saturday9.30am-5pm, Sunday 1.30am-5pmMarylebone Library has an adult’s, children’s andreference library. They promote a service for under 5sthat include a Tiny Tots play time on Tuesday andStorytime on Thursday. Contact the library for a detailedtimetable of activities and events.89

Community servicesCity Guardians Duty mobile: 07739 822 041available Monday-Friday 8am-10pm,Saturday 9am-5pm Church Street Neighbourhood Centre,88 Church Street, NW8 8ETCity Guardians are a street-based warden service thatpatrols the neighbourhood. They aim to reduce crimeand the fear of crime by being a visible presence on thestreets. They deal with a range of issues fromenvironmental problems to anti-social behaviour andcrime. They have developed links with communityservices and often speak at youth clubs, day-centres andwith local residents.90

Community servicesThe Greenside Community Centre 020 7641 6750 24 Lilestone Street, Lisson Green Estate,NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.ukThe Safer Neighbourhood Team 07841 733 386 Church Street Neighbourhood Centre,88 Church Street, NW8 8ETThe Greenside Centre located on the Lisson GreenEstate, has recently undergone complete refurbishmentand hosts community based activities in its large hall. Thebuilding houses the estate management team as well asthe local Residents’ Association – T.A.R.A. The centre ismanaged by the charity Vital Regeneration, that providecomputer and digital arts courses for local residents.Community activities include yoga, dance, karate,taekwondo and some after school activities for children.The large hall is available for hire.The safer neighbourhood initiative is about local policing,police and partners working with you to identify andtackle issues of concern in your neighbourhood. Eachteam is normally made up of six Police Officers andPolice Community Support Officers (PCSOs). Their aimis to listen and talk to you, and find out what affects yourdaily life and feelings of security. They work inpartnership with you and other agencies to find a lastingsolution. Safer Neighbourhood Teams are dedicated toyour community and are additional to other policingteams and units in London.91

Community servicesPaddington Green Police Station – Community Safety Unit 020 7321 8517Helpline: 020 7730 1212 (switchboard) 2-4 Harrow Road, W2 1XJ Monday-Friday 8am-10pm, Saturday andSunday 8am-4pmThe role of the Community Safety Unit is to investigatecrimes relating to domestic violence, racial incidents,homophobic attacks, attacks on the elderly, hate mailand attacks on disabled people.92

Community servicesSt Paul’s Church and Community Centre 020 7724 8517 5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ stpaulscc@gmail.com www.stpaulschurchcentre.org.ukSt Paul’s is both a church and a community centre thatprovides space for groups within the local community aswell as employing a development worker. Newpin nowbased in Luton Street, was founded at the Centre in2000. The Church has links with Christ Church Bentinckjunior school, has extended its ties with local communitygroups and continues to be an oasis for people in crisis.St Paul’s Church hosts a range of activities that include adrugs drop-in service, Alcoholics Anonymous and aproject for families in temporary accommodation.Check for the other services they offer under therelevant listing.93

Community servicesResidents’ Card 08707 36 40 40 Unit 101, 140 Wales Farm Road, W3 6UG 0870 737 6060 rescard@metropolis.co.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture/rescard/index.cfmThe ResCard is free to residents of Westminster. Thecard entitles holders to discounts from organisations andservices participating in the scheme. You may be able toobtain discounted travel, discounted theatre entry,discounted use of library facilities, discounts at restaurantsetc. Application forms can be obtained from One StopServices, libraries or from the ResCard office. Check withservices that you use to see if ResCard discounts apply.Westminster Diversity Unit 020 7321 9710 St John’s Wood Police Station,20 Newcourt Street, St John’s Wood, NW8 7AA Monday-Friday 9am-5pm☺ PS Gary Sexton and PC Sue LambourneThe aims of this unit are to co-ordinate and initiate bothinternal and external projects relating to the six strandsof diversity: Faith or Belief, Race, Gender, Disability, Ageand Sexual Orientation. They work closely with the SaferNeighbourhood Teams. Feel free to pop in and seethem.94

Community servicesAdvice servicesOne Stop Services 91-93 Church Street, NW8 8EV Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday andFriday 8am-5pm,Thursday 8am-7pm,Saturday 9am-3pmChurch Street One Stop Services give advice andinformation on Council services and also haveleaflets on a range of topics including housing,homelessness and housing need, education,consumer rights, community activities and guideson practical issues such as energy saving, fireprevention etc. Surgeries operate from Tuesday-Friday including a surgery with local councillors.Information is updated periodically so please visitthe service for information on issues that interestyou.The current Church Street surgery timetable is listed below.Day Time ActivityTuesday 6pm-8pm Councillors drop-inEvery otherWednesday2pm-4pmWestminster DrugProjectThursday 10am-12 noon Age ConcernFriday10am-12.30pm4pm-6pmPensioners’ drop-inYouth Passport(Further information on Councillors can be found on page 132)95

Community servicesChurch Street Neighbourhood Centre 020 7641 6633 88 Church Street, NW8 8ET churchstreetnm@westminster.gov.uk Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pmChurch Street Neighbourhood Centre (also calledChurch Street Neighbourhood Management) workto make the area a better place to live in. Theyhave excellent knowledge of the services andactivities that are available for local people, and arevery happy to answer any questions you have. Noproblem is too big or small. They stock a widerange of leaflets and brochures on local communityservices, so please come in to browse. Don’t forgetto look on the windows of the NeighbourhoodCentre which hold posters of most local events.96

C.A.B. drop-in advice scheduleTelephone advice times 08701 26 40 40Community servicesCitizens Advice Bureau – Paddington Westminster telephone advice The C.A.B (as it is commonly called) offers free, independent and08701 26 40 40confidential advice on benefits, housing and your rights across arange of subjects. The Paddington Centre specialises in housing,immigration and legal advice. They offer a drop-in and telephone 441 Harrow Road, W10 4REadvice service too. They will only see people who live in the W2,W9, W10, NW6 and NW8 postal areas. Other Westminster www.adviceguide.org.ukresidents will need to visit the Pimlico C.A.B. View their weeklyschedule below:Day Time ActivityMonAdvice by appointment onlyTue 9.45am-1pm Drop-in – no appointment neededWed 9.45am-1pm Drop-in – no appointment neededThu 5.15pm-7.30pm Evening drop-in for employed and full time students onlyDay Time ActivityMon 10am-4pm Advice for people living, employed or studying in WestminsterWed 10am-4pm Advice for people living, employed or studying in WestminsterFri 10am-4pm Advice for people living, employed or studying in Westminster97

Community servicesMarylebone Bangladesh Society 020 7724 7427 19 Samford Street, NW8 8ER Monday-Thursday 10am-1pmThe organisation provides a Bengali and English speakingadvice and information service that covers a range ofissues. They are open daily except Fridays. Morecomplex issues can be dealt with by Rumanna onTuesdays and Wednesdays within office hours.Migrants’ Resource Centre 08452 41 09 61 Derry Hall, Penfold Street, NW8 8HJ Monday and Thursday 10am-12 noon (drop-inservice),Tuesday and Friday 10am-12 noon(telephone advice service), Wednesday(booked appointments only)The Migrants’ Resource Centre offers an advice serviceto migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.98

Community servicesPaddington Law Centre 020 8960 3155 439 Harrow Road, W10 4RE 020 8960 0417 Monday-Thursday 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm(drop-in service),Tuesday 2.30pm-3.30pm:telephone advice for immigration enquiriesTuesday evening (by appointment): generallegal advice, Friday: by appointment onlyThe Law Centre provides welfare rights advice (appealsonly), general legal advice and advice on immigration,housing and employment. The languages spoken includeUrdu, Hindi and Punjabi.Westminster Refugee Consortium 020 7286 3111 284 Harrow Road, W2 5ES 020 7289 8247 wrconsort@btconnect.com www.wrconsortium.org.ukThe Refugee Consortium provides a programme ofactivities and services aimed at refugees and asylumseekers. These include community engagementprogrammes, employment and training, health awarenessand capacity building.99

Community servicesHousing adviceHousing Options Service 020 7641 1000 101 Orchardson Street, NW8 8EA Monday,Tuesday,Thursday and Friday 9am-4pm,Wednesday 10am-4pm. On the first Wednesdayof the month the service is closed until 12.30pmfor staff training☺ Matthew Rea, Customer Services Senior OfficerThe Housing Options Service provides a service tothose in housing need. An assessment service is offeredto homeless people and temporary accommodation isprovided when applicable. General housing advice isavailable to residents and private tenants. The CityCouncil’s housing register and tenant transfer list is alsomaintained by this service.100

Community servicesCHAS Central London 020 7723 5928 (advice line) Christ Church House, 19-20 Shroton Street, NW1 6UG 020 7723 1686 advice@chascl.org.uk www.chascl.org.uk Advice line Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-1pm,2pm-5pm,Thursday 10am-1pm,Thursday 2pm-5pm andFriday 10am-5pm (pre-booked casework appointments only)☺ CaseworkerCHAS offer free and independent adviceon housing and debt. People can ring theadvice line to discuss their problem andan appointment will be arranged ifnecessary. There is no drop-in serviceavailable.101

Community servicesChurch Street Estate Office 020 7641 5458 or020 7286 7412 (out of hours) Residents who live on the estate are able to get advice Cherwell House, Penfold Street, NW8 8PT Monday-Friday 9am-5pmLisson Green Estate Office 020 7641 5459 or020 7286 7412 (out of hours) Residents who live on the estate are able to get adviceon their tenancies or leases, estate cleaning, care taking, Lilestone Street, Lisson Green Estate, NW8 8ST parking, repairs or transfers. Monday-Friday 9am-5pmLisson Green Estate Actionon their tenancies or leases, estate cleaning, care taking,parking, repairs or transfers. 020 7641 4150 Greenside Community Centre, Lilestone Street,NW8 8ST Friday 9am-5pmThis service offers support and advice to residents aboutcommunity regeneration and major projects taking placeon the estate.102

Community servicesRecycling informationThe Green Space 020 7641 2000 recycling@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/recyclingEnergy Efficiency Advice Centre 0800 512 012How green are you? Recycling prevents scarce resources being wastedand allows them to be reprocessed into useful items. WestminsterCity Council has made it easy for you to recycle household items. Youwill have access to either a doorstep service or large communalrecycling bins. Blue recycling bags are available from your Estate Officeor from the Council. Many items can be recycled and the list includestins, newspapers, cardboard and computer paper. Visit Westminster’swebsite for a comprehensive list of items that you can recycle and findout when your doorstep collection is due.The Centre provides information and advice on energyefficient fires and heaters which could save you money.Energywatch 0845 906 0708 priority.consumer@energywatch.org.uk www.energywatch.org.ukSee also page 108 for consumer advice on keeping your home warm.Energywatch offers advice for electricity and gascustomers.103

Community servicesLocal news and informationResidents of the Church Street ward can keep up to datewith local information from local publications printedweekly and quarterly. These are the weekly Marylebone,Paddington and Pimlico Mercury, the community basedPaddington People – which has an edition just for ChurchStreet – the magazine, Westminster Reporter and more.All publications and local newspapers are available to read,for free, at your local library.Marylebone, Paddington and Pimlico Mercury 020 8943 5171This is the main weekly newspaper for residents in London Newspaper Group, Informer House, North Westminster and costs 50p.2 High Street,Teddington,TW11 8EWPaddington People (Church Street Edition) 020 7575 3103 Paddington Development Trust,Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Rd, W10 5JJ☺ Hannah Solloway, Editor Hannah@pdt.org.uk104Paddington People magazine is produced quarterly bythe Paddington Development Trust and the magazine isdelivered to every home in the area. If you do notreceive a copy you can pick it up from your local OneStop Services, public library and Neighbourhood Centre.The newsletter is a good way to publicise an event thatyou are organising.

Community servicesWestminster Reporter 020 7641 8088 Freepost, Communications, Westminster CityCouncil, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QPThis quarterly free magazine has a range of localinformation about your Council and events that occurin Westminster. Contact them on the number aboveif you would like to contribute.West End Extra 020 7419 9000 40 Camden Road, NW1 9DR 020 7209 1322 letters@westendextra.co.uk www.thecnj.com/westendA weekly, free newspaper, available at news stands, thatprovides local news and events for residents inWestminster and Camden.105

Community servicesWood and Vale Incorporating Marylebone Express 020 7433 6217/6214 100a Avenue Road, Hampstead London, NW3 3HF editorial@hamhigh.co.ukA weekly paper that covers a wider area to bring younews of events and issues of interest if you live inWestminster, Camden or Islington. It costs 45p. www.woodandvale.co.uk/woodandvale/defaultWestminster on the Web www.westminster.gov.ukWe live in a 24 hour society with information availableat the touch of a keystroke. Westminster City Councilcontributes to the information highway with its ownwebsite. You can find out anything about your boroughfrom the issues that your local councillors support to theCity’s regeneration plans. This is a great way to keep upto date with change.Up My Street www.upmystreet.comThis website based information service holds all types ofinformation about your area. To use it type in yourpostcode to explore your local area. You can find outwhere the local schools are, your nearest leisure facilities,local parks and news and views from other residents.106

Community servicesHome health and safetyHealthy Homes 0800 389 1943 healthyhomes@ecsc.org.ukHealthy Homes can give you advice and assistanceabout how to make your house warmer. You mayqualify to receive a grant towards installing centralheating or insulating your property. Healthy homescan also help you talk to your landlord or estateoffice about warmer measures for your home.107

Community servicesHome Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99Get advice about how to keep your home warm inwinter. The helpline provides advice on payment plansand how to spread the cost of your gas and electricity.Be Safe and Sound 0800 28 44 28 smokealarms@london-fire.gov.uk 020 7587 4222The London Fire Brigade carries out home fire safetychecks in Westminster. They will fit a smoke alarm freeof charge. If you want a home fire safety check, callthem on the number above.Safe and Secure Scheme 020 7641 6161 City of Westminster, Room 24, Council House,NW1 5PT☺ Environmental Health Grants TeamThis scheme helps you to feel safe in your home byproviding and fitting a range of safety devices. If you are60 or over, or are registered disabled you may qualifyfor a grant to have safety equipment fitted in your home.You may also qualify for a grant, if you have beenburgled more than once in the past year.108

Community servicesSupport services for older peopleAge Concern Westminster 020 7724 6930 www.acwestminster.org.uk;www.ageconcern.org.ukHelp the Aged Senior Line 0808 800 6565 207-221 Pentonville Road, N1 9UZ Monday-Friday 9am-4pmAge Concern provides advice and assistance concerningthe welfare of older people.Help the Aged’s Senior Line provides information forolder people and their carers about welfare and disabilitybenefits, and about residential and community careissues.Support for Living at Home – Social Services 020 7641 1175There is support available for those older people who needhelp for living at home. Older people or their carers shouldphone the Social Services assessment hotline to arrange this.Following the assessment a suitable care package will be put inplace – such as hot meal delivery, help with housework etc.109

Community servicesWestminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents (WASSR) 020 7439 3131 Church Street Neighbourhood Centre,88 Church Street, NW8 8ET info@wassr.org www.wassr.com Thursday 2pm-4pm (drop-in)☺ Shamsul AlamCommunity Alarm 020 7641 1175☺ The Care Management TeamIf you are over 60 and need someone to help you sortout a significant issue in your life, then contact WASSRto see if they can assist. A drop-in surgery is run in theNeighbourhood Centre every week. The servicecontinually seeks volunteers to support older people forwhich training is availableIf you are concerned about becoming unwell and needto summon help in an emergency, you may beinterested in having a community alarm, which is wornaround your neck and which you can activate in anemergency 24 hours a day.110

Community servicesCommunity Support Service 020 7641 4069 Housing Care Team, 4 Frampton Street,NW8 8EA pharte@westminster.gov.uk Monday-Friday 9am-5pmYou can sign up for the community support service ifyou are an older person who would appreciate regularcontact with a professional who will check you are doingok in your home. You will get a weekly phone call and amonthly visit. They can also help connect you to otherservices and activities you might find beneficial.☺ Pauline Harte, Community Support OfficerAge Concern Befriending Service 020 7724 6930 268-272 Edgware Road, W2 1DSAge Concern have friendly volunteers who visit olderpeople in their own homes and stay for a chat.Sometimes they will also do small jobs such as someshopping. If you would like to be visited or knowsomeone who would benefit please ring Age Concernon the number provided.Age Concern Telephone Advice and Information Service 020 7724 6930Contact the Information and Advice Team for any adviceyou might need.111

Community servicesAge Concern Drop In (Edgware Rd) 268-272 Edgware Road W2 1DS Monday and Wednesday 9.30am-1pmVisit their drop-in advice centre on Monday andWednesday. Drop in for any advice or information youneed, there is no need to book.Age Concern Drop In (One Stop Services) 020 7641 5441Age Concern hold a surgery for older people on Church Street One Stop Services,Thursday at the One Stop Services. Come along for any91-93 Church Street, NW8 8EVadvice and information you need, you don’t need tobook. Thursday 10am-12.30pm112

Community servicesActivities for older peopleThese activities will appeal to the over 50s. They are conducted at a gentler pace but keep you fit and toned.Drop-in sessions for people over 50Penfold Court 020 8762 3085 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ☺ Ana Louric60 Penfold Street is a new anddeveloping facility. The focus for thegroup is the health of people over50 but the venue is also available toother community groups. The dropinsessions being developed includeadvice surgeries for health checks,chiropody, gentle exercise, massage,yoga sessions, computer lessons andfree internet access. Phone thecentre for their current timetable.Tea Dancing at Penfold Court Monday 2pm-4pmKeep Fit Class at Penfold CourtCome along every Monday to enjoy an afternoon of tea dancingand social time. Just turn up.A gentle exercise programme for the over 50s. Classes are free.There is no need to book, just turn up.113

Community servicesAge Concern Healthy Living Lunch Club 020 7569 8780 Penfold Court, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJ Wednesday 12 noon-2pm☺ Sarah WubnehCook and Eat Baking Group 020 7724 8517 St Paul’s Church and Community Centre,5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ www.stpaulschurchcentre.org.uk Wednesday 10.30am-12 noonChair Based Exercise Class 020 7641 6750 The Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Tuesday 12 noon-1pmNo need to book, just turn up for a free, freshlyprepared lunch.The Group meet every Wednesday to socialise and totry out different recipes using ingredients from ChurchStreet Market. New members and suggestions forrecipes are always welcome. The cost is £1.Come along to the Over 50s Network chair basedexercise class at Greenside. It takes place on Tuesday atlunchtime. This is gentle exercise suitable for all mobilitylevels.114

Community servicesChurch Street Drop In Centre 020 7723 1104 10 Church Street, NW8 8ED Monday-Friday 10am-5pm☺ Jane King and Jaya MeadowsThe Centre offers coffee and tea daily from 10.30am-1pm and a meal at lunchtime between 1pm-3pm. Thetwo course lunchtime meal costs £2.20.The Centre is used by pensioners living in the ChurchStreet ward and attracts people aged 50 plus. An adviceservice operates from the Centre and participants canalso get help for practical needs such as form-filling,checking hospital appointments, liaising with HousingBenefits etc.The Dutchpot (Caribbean) Lunch and Social Club 020 7575 3111 Maida Centre, 221 Lanark Road, W9 1NX ituen@pdt.org.uk Tuesday and Wednesday 12 noon-3.30pmAs well as enjoying a home cooked meal, the Dutchpotoffers arts and crafts workshops, chair-based exerciseand poetry reading. Special events include outings to theseaside and a float at the Notting Hill Carnival.Just turn up.115

Community servicesEast African Society 020 7569 2526 c/o Voluntary Action Westminster,37 Chapel Street, NW1 5DP eastafricansociety@yahoo.co.uk Monday and Wednesday 11am-4pm☺ Abdi Ismail (Somali speaker) orJacob Araia (Tigrinya and Arabic speaker)Leonora Club – day centre for over 60s 020 7286 0386 49 Lanark Road, Maida Vale, W9 1DG Monday-Friday 9am-5pmThis day centre is for the over 60s who want tosocialise and get involved in a wide range of activities. Ahot meal is provided each day for a low cost. It is only ashort distance from Church Street. It is open daily andcharges a small joining fee. You will need to ring themanager to join the Club.116The society’s focus is to reduce isolation for the elderlyby providing a place where they can meet. They alsoprovide awareness on mental health, substance misuse,Khat smoking and other drugs. A mentoring and welfareadvice service is available.

Community servicesMarylebone Bangladesh Society lunch clubs 020 7724 7427 19 Samford Street, NW8 8ER www.mbs-uk.org Tuesdays 1pm-3pm (women) Wednesdays1pm-3pm and Fridays 1.30pm-3.30pm (men)These lunch clubs are run specifically for the Bangladeshcommunity. Each club includes time for socialising andoccasional discussions and presentations on livinghealthily.☺ Yeasmin Begum and Abul KalamDevelopment WorkersOpen Age for 50 Plus 020 8964 1900 Open Age has over 60 groups and classes at 26difference venues across Kensington, Chelsea and NorthWestminster. The Positively Physical programme is a mail@openage.org.ukpartnership between Kyu-Yo-Bu-Shi, Open Age,Westminster Sport Development Unit and the www.openage.org.ukBeethoven Centre. Their aim is to promote physicalactivities to the multi-cultural community who areover 50. Monday-Friday 9am-3.30pm117

Community servicesT.A.R.A. Over 50s Network 020 7641 6750 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Tuesday 11am-4pmThe Tenants and Residents’ Association for Lisson GreenEstate (T.A.R.A.) run an Over 50s Network which isopen to all older people in the Church Street area. Theymeet every Tuesday. You are warmly invited to comeand attend. They hold regular special events, lunches, achair based exercise class and there is plenty ofopportunity to chat and meet people.☺ Dolly Cuthbert, ChairpersonSilver Café.com 020 7724 5104 Fisherton Community Hall, Fisherton Estate,NW8 8LS homemaker80@hotmail.com Wednesday 2pm-4pmThe Silver Café.com is a free drop-in computer projectopen to everyone over 50. It is also suitable for absolutebeginners. Members are able to acquire basic internetskills alongside socialising with other participants. TheCafé is open weekly (term time only).☺ Sandra Henderson, Co-ordinator118

Community servicesBlack and Minority Ethnic communitygroupsIf you want to join a community group that is not listed hereVoluntary Action Westminster produce a directory that isavailable for a small charge. They can be contacted at:Voluntary Action Westminster Directory 020 7723 1216 The directory is a searchable database of over 700 37 Chapel Street, NW1 5DP 020 7724 8929 www.vawcvs.orgArab Women’s Centre 07789 006 352 c/o Voluntary Action Westminster,37 Chapel Street, NW1 5DP awuk@hotmail.com www.vawcvs.orgvoluntary organisations and community groups workingin Westminster. It contains a brief description andcontact details for each organisation. You can search thedirectory by organisation name, or browse by specificinterests, activities and target groups.The service responds to the domestic and cultural needsof Arab British women. They look at health, family issuesand learning English. The women are encouraged toparticipate in community activities.119

Community servicesArabic Women’s Group 020 7724 1345 Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE Monthly, every first and third Thursday10.30am-12.30pmThe group meets every fortnight. The women set theagenda when they meet and topics include housing andhealth issues. Guest speakers are invited to attend toinstruct group members on a particular topic.☺ Dora Nwafor, Outreach WorkerArabic Speaking Information and Advice Centre 020 8960 6654 61 Golborne Road, W10 5NR 020 8968 0428 info@asiac.org.uk www.asiac.org.uk Monday,Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday10am-1pm, 2pm-5pmThe service is primarily available for residents ofKensington and Chelsea or for people who work orstudy in the borough. If you qualify you can obtaininformation on welfare benefits, housing, employmentand education. An interpreting service is available and asupplementary school is open on Saturday.120

Community servicesArabic Advice Project 020 7575 3136 26 Westbourne Studios, 242 Acklam Road,W10 5JJ 020 7575 3116 Monday,Tuesday,Thursday and Friday 10am-3pmappointments by arrangement, Wednesday10am-3pm (drop-in service)☺ Fatima Elarroud, AdministratorThe Project offers advice on a range of benefits includingdisability benefit and housing benefit. A drop-in service isavailable on Wednesday with no need to book. At othertimes you will be allocated a caseworker and anappointment will be arranged.121

Community servicesBengali Women’s Group 020 7724 2391 Lisson Grove Health Centre, Gateforth Street,NW8 8EH meena.mallik@parkside.nhs.uk Wednesday 1.30pm-3pmThe focus of the group is healthy living and a nutritionistis in regular attendance. Community information andadvice sessions also feature in this service withprofessional speakers attending when requested. Thegroup attracts people aged 40 plus but all age-groups arewelcome.☺ Hosneara Moobin and Meena MalikBengali Women’s Reading and Writing Group 07740 89 91 00 Church Street Library, Church Street, NW8 8EU Mkhan1@westminster.gov.uk Friday 10am-12 noonThe group meets on the first three Fridays of the monthand supports women learning English with their readingand writing skills. The lessons are informal and deliveredin both English and Bengali.☺ Mahbuba Khan, Bengali Outreach Worker122

Bengali Women’s Network (BWN) 07966 638 437 or 07958 491 539 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DY☺ Sultana Khatun or Fatima AhmedCommunity Workers Friday 10am-12 noonBengali Women’s Welfare Project 020 7724 7427/9746 Marylebone Bangladesh Society,19 Samford Street, NW8 9ER Tuesday, Wednesday,Thursday 10am-1pm☺ Rumanna Akther, Project ManagerThe service operates on Tuesday, Wednesday andThursday. On Mondays the service is based at CouncilHouse Marylebone for pre-booked appointments only.Phone Marylebone Bangladesh Society to book anappointment. The project aims to support Bengali womenwith advice on benefits, housing and employment issues.Community servicesThe group is being reformed so please contact Sultanafor the latest information or for a referral to otherservices.123

Community servicesLondon Chinese Community Centre 020 7439 3822 2nd Floor, 28-29 Gerrard Street, W1D 6JP 020 7734 3572 info@ccc.org.uk www.ccc.org.uk Monday-Sunday 10am-5.30pmMarylebone Bangladesh Society 020 7724 7427/9746 19 Samford Street, NW8 9ER www.mbs-uk.orgThe Marylebone Bangladesh Society offers a range ofrecreational, leisure and community facilities for peoplefrom St John’s Wood, Marylebone and Paddington areas.The Advice and Information Service based at their headoffice offers a drop-in service and they have establishedlinks with the Pension Service and One Stop Services inChurch Street. They are involved in activities such as over50s Healthy Living and employment and training initiatives.The service aims to improve the quality of life and thewell-being of the Chinese community particularly thosewho are disadvantaged, isolated or vulnerable. Theyprovide a range of services and activities includinginformation and advice, an elderly group, healthcaresupport, nutritional advice and educational activities.The Centre is open daily and interpreters are suppliedfor the Mandarin and Cantonese dialects.124

The Dutchpot (Caribbean) Lunch and Social Club 020 7575 3111 Maida Centre, 221 Lanark Road, W9 1NX ituen@pdt.org.uk Tuesday and Wednesday 12 noon-3.30pmDiamond Life (Ivory Coast) 07903 912 653 c/o The Refugee Consortium, 391 Harrow Road,W2 5ES alternatively you can write toMs Kefa at 391 Packington Square,Packington Street, N1 7UE Wednesday 11am-4pm☺ Ms Marie KefaThe service provides free impartial and confidentialadvice on employment, welfare, housing, education andhealth. People from the Ivory Coast and other BMEcommunities are welcome.Community servicesAs well as enjoying a home cooked meal, the Dutchpotoffers arts and crafts workshops, chair-based exerciseand poetry reading. Special events include outings to theseaside and a float at the Notting Hill Carnival.125

Community servicesEast African Society 020 7569 2526 c/o Voluntary Action Westminster,37 Chapel Street, NW1 5DP eastafricansociety@yahoo.co.uk Monday and Wednesday 11am-4pm☺ Abdi Ismail (Somali speaker) orJacob Araia (Tigrinya and Arabic speaker)Egyptian UK Association 07956 971 514 c/o Voluntary Action Westminster,37 Chapel Street, NW1 5DP 020 7724 8751 egyptianuk@aol.com www.egyptianuk.com Monday-Friday 9am-5pm☺ Mustapha Ragab, DirectorThe Society’s focus is to reduce isolation for the elderlyby providing a place where they can meet. They alsoprovide awareness on mental health, substance misuse,Khat smoking and other drugs. A mentoring and welfareadvice service is available.The Association provides a service to the Arabcommunity giving health and welfare advice. An advocacyservice is also available as is advice regarding housing. Theorganisation hosts social events and arrange outings formembers. A discussion forum forms a part of theiractivities.126

Community servicesKongolese Centre for Information and Advice 020 8964 2777 453 Harrow Road, W10 4RG 020 8464 5351 info@kcia.org.uk www.kcia.org.uk Monday, Wednesday and Friday 4.30pm-7.30pm☺ Mrs Floresse LambeThe Centre provides a service for asylum seekers,refugees, French and Lingala speakers. They also offerEnglish language and computer classes in conjunctionwith Westminster Adult Education Service.127

Community servicesMosaic Interfaith Women’s Group 020 7289 1170 St Paul’s Community Centre, 5 Rossmore Road,NW1 6NJ lenac@mosaiccommunitytrust.org.uk Thursday 10am-1pm☺ Betty Muspratt, Project Co-ordinatorMuslim Women’s Group 020 7641 5409 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE Monthly every third Wednesday 1pm-2.30pm☺ Dora Nwafor, Outreach Worker andFatima AhmedThe Group promotes community cohesion and religiousharmony by increasing respect and understandingbetween different faiths and beliefs. St Paul’s CommunityCentre operates a weekly drop-in group for women.Other projects include a women’s group at theWestbourne Park Family Centre, a theatre project and abefriending project for isolated Muslim women.The group is open to Muslim women from any ethnicbackground. It is an informal monthly group and womenattend with their children. There are sessions on a rangeof topics that interest the group.128

Get involved in your neighbourhoodChurch Street Neighbourhood Centre 020 7641 6630/6633 88 Church Street, NW8 8ET Monday-Friday 9.30am-5pmChurch Street Parents’ Forum 020 7641 5435/36 The Portman Early Childhood Centre,12-18 Salisbury Street, NW8 8DE First Wednesday of the month☺ June Deterville, Outreach WorkerCommunity servicesThe Church St Neighbourhood Centre would like to get you involved intheir work of making the area a better place in which to live. They wantyour input and views of a whole range of issues such as improving howthe neighbourhood looks and ideas for activities which could run locally.You can visit the NeighbourhoodCentre to chat about how youcould help out. One option is tojoin the NeighbourhoodNetwork, where you will beasked for your opinion and ideasevery few months. Please drop into see us as we would love tomeet you.The Parents’ Forum represents the local community onthe Centre’s Partnership Board. It is also for parents whowant to meet other parents informally and get involvedwith community groups, events and organisations.129

Community servicesHousing issuesService Improvement Group 020 7641 1000 Housing Options Service,101 Orchardson Street, NW8 8EA hoscustomerservices@cwh.org.uk☺ Deborah Brown, Quality Service Manager,Rebecca Ireland, Housing Needs OfficerIf you live in temporary accommodation you can have your sayin the way the service you receive evolves by joining the ServiceImprovement Group. The meetings are held four times a yearand issues that you are passionate about can be discussed. Themeeting is usually timetabled but you will have the chance to airyour views and get yourquestions answeredabout your housingsituation. To becomeinvolved you must be acustomer of the HousingOptions Service.Resident Involvement Team 020 7245 2350 CityWest Homes, 21 Grosvenor Street, SW1X 7ZY www.cwh.org.uk/main.asp?page=2682 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm☺ Resident Involvement ManagerCityWest Homes are promoting ‘One Westminster,Many Voices’ a project that aims to increaseresidents’ involvement in their neighbourhood.Residents can attend training courses to gain valuableskills and for those who are interested there is anopportunity to become a Community Leader.130

Community servicesArea ForumsThere are six Area Forums withinWestminster and their purpose is toinvolve residents in the Council’sdecision-making process. You can joinworkshop discussions, meetcouncillors and help to shape policy.In each Forum you can getinformation on Council services andpolicies affecting your local area. Allmeetings run from 6.30pm-8.30pm.Marylebone Area Forum 020 7641 3916 or020 7641 3411 areaforums@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/yourcouncil/areaforumsChurch Street ward is covered by the Marylebone Area Forum. Meetingsare held three times a year and attendees have the opportunity to askcouncil officers questions on the issues that are of particular concern tothem. The Council services represented cover Parking, One Stop Services,Benefits, Housing, Environment, Planning, Transport and CommunityProtection. Four workshops or consultation groups are held and attendeescan participate in two workshops. There are many opportunities to speakto council officers throughout the evening including the ‘Question andAnswer’ session, after the workshops and whilst having refreshments. Themeetings are diverse and everyone who has concerns about theircommunity is invited to attend.131

Community servicesChurch Street Councillors 020 7641 2322 One Stop Services, 91-93 Church Street, NW8 8EV Tuesday 6pm-7pmCouncillor Barbara Grahame, LabourCouncillor Antony Mothersdale, LabourCouncillor Abdul Toki, LabourThese are the three councillors that represent you atWestminster City Council. The Council isresponsible for local services, including planning,council housing, rubbish collection, local roads, andpublic paths. A councillors’ surgery is held everyTuesday at the Church Street One Stop Servicesand each councillor attends on a rota basis. You donot need to book an appointment. Your councillorcan represent you and write letters on your behalffor the issues that you have consulted them about.Regent’s Park and Kensington North Member of Parliament 020 8968 7999 House of Commons, Westminster,SW1A 0AA k.buck@rpkn-labour.co.uk www.karenbuck.org.uk☺ Karen Buck, MP132Karen Buck is the Member of Parliament for Regent’s Park and KensingtonNorth. Her areas of interest are housing, benefits, health, education andimmigration issues. If you have a problem your MP may be able to helpyou. You can contact her via her website where you can complete a formwith your query and await a response from her. Her staff will personallyanswer telephone calls on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between9.30am-12 noon. At other times you can leave a message and someonewill call you back. Alternatively Karen Buck MP, holds a regular surgery inher constituency at the Harrow Road One Stop Services on Fridaymornings from 10am-12.30 pm. The surgery operates an appointmentsystem. Ms Buck MP also attends a housing advice surgery at TheBeethoven Centre on Monday 2pm-4pm. No appointment is necessary.

Community servicesResidents’ AssociationsResidents’ Associations are another way tobecome involved in your community andhave your say about how your home ismanaged. You can set up your ownresidents’ association if there is none inyour area. CityWest Homes have produceda booklet ‘Introduction to ResidentInvolvement’ to help you get started.Email: involvingresidents@cwh.org.ukfor a copy.Residents’ AssociationFour Rivers Residents’ Association (covers Cherwell, Lodden, Wey and Wytham Houses)53 Cherwell House, Penfold Street NW8Lilestone Estate Residents’ Associationc/o Church Street Estate Office, Cherwell House NW8Lisson Green Tenants & Residents’ AssociationThe Greenside Community Centre, Lilestone Street NW8 8SMorris House Residents’ Associationc/o Church Street Estate Office, Cherwell House NW8Main ContactMr Len DryThe ChairpersonMs Dolly CuthbertMiss Glenys Arthur133

Community servicesPaddington Green Residents’ Association 020 7641 1595Residents’ AssociationJohn Aird Court Residents’ Associationc/o Paddington Green Estate Office, Paddington Green & Marylebone Estate OfficeHall Place, Hall Park Estate W2 1XSParsons House Residents’ Associationc/o Paddington Green Estate Office, Paddington Green & Marylebone Estate OfficeHall Place, Hall Park Estate W2 1XSFleming Court Residents’ Associationc/o Paddington Green Estate Office, Paddington Green & Marylebone Estate OfficeHall Place, Hall Park Estate W2 1XSMain ContactMr John McGladeMs Maureen DempseyMs Kathleen FaheyResidents’ involvement, temporary accommodationIf you are a tenant of a Registered Social Landlord (RSL),your landlord may also provide a forum for you to haveyour say in policy decisions that affect you. PathmeadsHousing Association, Acton Housing Association andNotting Hill Housing Group are the largest providers oftemporary accommodation in Westminster. Contact themfor detailed information on their resident involvementpolicies.134

Community servicesPathmeads Housing Association 020 8150 4377 Olympic Office Centre, 8 Fulton House,Wembley, HA9 0TB 020 8150 5304 www.pathmeads.org.uk☺ John Pender, Quality & Performance Manager orNatasha JosephPathmeads run a quarterly Tenants’ Forum and have ayearly Tenants’ Conference to which tenants discuss policyissues and items that are of concern to them. Both eventsare reported in their service newsletter, ‘Behind theBrickwork’.135

Community servicesActon Housing Association 020 8799 2208 113 Uxbridge Road, Ealing, W5 5TL www.acton.dominionhg.co.uk☺ Resident Involvement OfficerNotting Hill Housing Group 020 8357 5000 Grove House, 27 Hammersmith Grove, W6 0JL www.nottinghillhousing.org.uk☺ Resident Involvement TeamActon Housing Association is currently surveyingtenants to assess the need for a residentinvolvement forum. Look out for their survey, anddecide if you think a Residents’ Association is a goodidea.The Notting Hill Housing Group continue toimprove their service to tenants and want to hearfrom you if you want to become more involved inpolicy decisions. They have procured the services ofTPAS a tenant participation consultancy to improvetheir work in this area. Find them from the NottingHill Housing Group website.136

Community servicesFree consumer adviceConsumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 www.consumerdirect.gov.ukWestminster Citizens Advice Bureau 0870 126 40 40 www.adviceguide.org.ukConsumer Direct is a national telephone and onlineconsumer advice service, supported by the Department ofTrade and Industry.Citizens’ Advice Bureaux provide free, independent andconfidential advice that covers a range of topics includingemployment, debt or housing. The website will link you toyour nearest office (see also ‘C.A.B. Paddington’, page 97).137

Community servicesWestminster Trading Standards 020 7641 1111 www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/westminsterHealthy Homes 0800 389 1943 healthyhomes@ecsc.org.ukHome Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99Be Safe and Sound 0800 28 44 28 smokealarms@london-fire.gov.uk 020 7587 4222138Get advice on your rights as a consumer from TradingStandards.Healthy Homes can give you advice and assistance about howto make your house warmer. You may qualify to receive agrant towards installing central heating or insulating yourproperty. Healthy Homes can also help you talk to yourlandlord or estate office about warmer measures for yourhome (see also ‘Support services for older people’ page 109).Can help you with advice about how to keep your home warmin winter. They provide information on advice on payment plansand how to spread the cost for your gas and electricity (see‘Support services for older people’ page 109).The London Fire Brigade carries out home fire safety checks inWestminster. They will fit a smoke alarm, free of charge. If youwant a home fire safety check call them on the number above(see ‘Support services for older people’ page 109).

Leisureservices

Leisure servicesWestminster has a number of venues offering sportsand leisure services. Specialist leisure programmesexist for the young and old alike. The selectionbelow gives you a flavour of what is on offer.Sports, parks and leisure centresSeymour Leisure Centre 020 7723 8019 (enquiries) or020 7724 5057 (bookings) Seymour Place, W1H 5TJ www.courtneys.co.uk Monday-Friday 6.30am-10pm,Saturday 7am-8pm, Sunday 8am-8pmThe Centre offers gym facilities, a range of sports andswimming for all ages. There is a supervised soft playarea for children with separate hourly sessions for under3s. ResCard and Concessions Card are welcome andallow you to obtain an entry discount. The unemployed,people with disabilities and senior citizens can access freeswimming with a Concessions Card.140

Leisure servicesPorchester Centre 020 7792 2919 Queensway, W2 5HS www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture/sports/porchester.cfm Monday-Friday 7am-10pm,Saturday and Sunday 8am-8pmThe Centre provides gym facilities offering a range ofaerobic activities. If you have a ResCard or a ConcessionsCard you can obtain entry discounts. Senior citizens,people with disabilities and unemployed people can usethe swimming pool for free with a Concession Cardwhich can be obtained from any leisure site. There aremen only days and women only days for use of the spafacilities which offer two Russian steam rooms and threeTurkish hot rooms. Contact reception for spa prices.141

Leisure servicesPaddington Recreation Ground 020 7641 3642 Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD Monday-Friday 7am-9.30pm,Weekends: 1 April-30 September 7am-9.30pm,1 October-31 March 7am to duskPaddington ‘Rec’ is a community park with facilities forall the family. It contains a running track, hockey andfootball pitches and tennis courts. It also offers cricketand a health and fitness centre. There is free on-siteparking from Monday-Friday after 6pm.Orange Park 020 7641 5458 Orchardson Street (corner of Penfold Street) Winter 9am-4.30pm, Summer 9am-9pmThere are swings, slides,bridges, climbing ropes, forchildren from 2-11 years old.No bicycles or ball games areallowed.☺ Ben Azama142

Leisure servicesBroadley Street Gardens 020 7641 5271 Broadley Street, NW8 8BN 8am weekdays and 9am Sunday and PublicHolidays. Closing times vary between 4.30pmand 9pmBroadley Gardens offer a green area, small gardens and asmall enclosed playground for children up to 7 years.143

Leisure servicesSt John’s Wood Parish Park St John’s Wood Parish Park NW8This park is located behind the church. It has achildren’s playground and toilets.Regent’s Park and The Hub 020 7486 7905 Dawn to duskRegent’s Park offers a wide range of sporting activities thatinclude tennis, netball, athletics, softball, rugby androunders. The Hub is a state of the art building which haschanging facilities, exercise classes and a café.Violet Hill off Abbey Gardens NW8This well looked after garden also has a children’splayground. Dogs are not allowed.144

Leisure servicesActive adultsThe Church Street area has a range of activities for adults to get involved in. These activities may appeal to your senseof rhythm.Church Street Library 020 7641 5490 Church Street, NW8 8EU Friday mornings 10.30am-12 noonExpressive Dance at Greenside 020 7435 4247 Chantraine School of Dance, Greenside CommunityCentre, 24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Thursday 7pm-8pm☺ Patricia Woodall, Dance TeacherCome along fora lively chatabout books,music oranything else.Coffee, tea andbiscuits areprovided.This is a danceclass with adifference. Comealong and trysomething new. Itmeets weekly atthe Greenside.The first class isfree!145

Leisure servicesKarate at Greenside 020 7641 6750 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Wednesday 7pm-8pmThe adult class takes place on Wednesday evenings andcosts £4 per session. Everyone is welcome.Yoga at Greenside 020 7641 6750 Greenside Community Centre,24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR thegreenside@cwh.org.uk Monday 12.30pm-2pmThis yoga class takes place everyMonday. Everyone is welcomeand the class is suitable for adultsof all ages. Yoga is great for yourfitness and flexibility and you willquickly notice the benefits toyour health. It costs £2 per classand you don’t need to book, justturn up.146

Leisure servicesExercise to Music 020 7724 8517 St Paul’s Church Centre, 5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ www.stpaulschurchcentre.org.uk Monday 7.30pm-8.30pm☺ Brenda Meadows, Exercise TutorThis class combines a relaxed and gentle exerciseprogramme of movement and stretching thateveryone can take part in. You are welcome tocome along for a taster session, with no obligationto join. It costs £2 a session.Indoor Bowls 020 7724 8517 St Paul’s Church Centre, 5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ www.stpaulschurchcentre.org.uk Friday 2pm-4pm☺ Marilyn Demick, AdministratorThe bowls group meet on the second, fourth and fifth Fridayof the month. As well as having a great game of bowls,socialising and refreshments are available.147

Leisure servicesLine Dancing 020 7724 8517 St Paul’s Church Centre, 5 Rossmore Road, NW1 6NJ www.stpaulschurchcentre.org.uk Tuesday 6.45pm (beginners) 7.30pm-9.30pm(intermediates)☺ Beth Jennings,TutorWomen’s Exercise Programme with London Tigers 020 7289 3395 1st Floor Office, WECH Community Centre,Athens Gardens, Chantry Close, W9 3RS☺ Sultana Khatun, Community Worker on07966 63 84 37Come along to St Paul’s Community Centre for linedancing. It is a very popular activity and very goodfun. Everyone is welcome including beginners andthere is no need for a partner. The cost is £4 foradults, £2 for children.London Tigers run aphysical activityprogramme for womenliving in Church Street.You can ring Sultanafor more informationor pop into the ChurchStreet NeighbourhoodCentre for up-to-datedetails.148

map of services149

Index234 Dental Care ............................................................................................ 15Aanchal 24 hour helpline ..................................................................... 27Active Adults ................................................................................................. 145Activities for older people ................................................................... 113Activities for Under 5s ............................................................................. 54Acton Housing Association ............................................................... 136Adult Education ................................................................................... 69, 85Advice Services ............................................................................................ 95After school programme ....................................................................... 43Age Concern (Westminster) .............................................................. 109befriending service ........................................................................... 111drop-in (Edgware Road) ............................................................... 112drop-in (One Stop Services) ...................................................... 112healthy living ........................................................................................ 114telephone advice and information ....................................... 111Al Madina Nursery .................................................................................... 59Alcoholics Anonymous ........................................................................... 23Arab Women’s Centre ............................................................................. 119Arabic Advice Project .............................................................................. 121Arabic Speaking Information ........................................................... 120Arabic Women’s Group ......................................................................... 120Area Forums .................................................................................................. 131Asian Family Counselling Service .................................................. 20Associated Dental Practices ................................................................. 15Association for Pastoral Care in Mental Health .................... 20Barrow Hill Pre-school ............................................................................. 55Be Safe and Sound ..................................................................... 108, 137Black and Ethnic Minority Diabetes Association(BEMDA) ............................................................................................................ 30Benefits ...............................................................................................................??Bengali Women’s Group ...................................................................... 122Bengali Women’s Network ................................................................ 123Bengali Women’s Reading and Writing Group .................... 122Bengali Women’s Welfare Project ................................................. 123150Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Community Groups ... 119Bliss Chemist .................................................................................................. 12BME Health Forum .................................................................................... 30BME Health Support Projects ............................................................ 30Bookstart drop-in ....................................................................................... 64Brahams Opticians ..................................................................................... 17Broadley Street Gardens ...................................................................... 143Carers’ Network ............................................................................................ 22Caribbean Lunch and social club ....................................... 115, 125Chair based exercise class ....................................................... 114, 118CHAS Central London ............................................................................. 101Childminder drop-in ................................................................................. 65Children with special educational needs (SEN) ................... 33Children’s Information Service ........................................................... 54Children’s Centre Social Worker ......................................................... 71Christ Church Bentinck CE Primary School ............................... 35Church Street Alcohol Project ............................................................. 23Church Street Children’s Centre ......................................................... 66Church Street Children’s Library ........................................................ 63Church Street Councillors .................................................................... 132Church Street Dental Practice ............................................................. 15Church Street Drop In Centre ............................................................ 115Church Street Employment Drop-In Sessions......................... 69Church Street Estate Office ................................................................ 102Church Street Library .............................................................................. 145Church Street Neighbourhood Centre .............................. 96, 129Church Street Nursery ............................................................................. 56Church Street Parent’s Forum .......................................................... 129Citizen’s Advice Bureau (Paddington) ........................................... 97Citizen’s Advice Bureau (Westminster) ....................................... 137City Guardians .............................................................................................. 90City of Westminster College ................................................................ 85Collins Chemist ............................................................................................. 12Community Alarm .................................................................................... 110Community schools and voluntary-aided schools ........... 33Community Services ............................................................................... 88Community Support Service ............................................................. 111Connexions ..................................................................................................... 52Consumer Direct ........................................................................................ 137Cook and Eat Baking Group .............................................................. 114Creative Homework Club ...................................................................... 42Day Centre for over 60s ....................................................................... 116Dentist and Oral Health .......................................................................... 15Dentistry ............................................................................................................. 13Department for Work and Pensions ............................................. 82Diamond Life ............................................................................................... 125Doctors’ surgeries, Church Street ....................................................... 9DreamArts @ the Cockpit Theatre ................................................. 48Drop-in to weigh-in .................................................................................. 18East African Society ...................................................................... 116, 126Education Services .................................................................................... 32Egyptian UK Association ..................................................................... 126Employment and Training .................................................................... 78Employment Drop-in Service ............................................................ 69Energy Efficiency Advice Centre .................................................... 103Energywatch .............................................................................................. 103Epilepsy Action (North) Westminster ............................................ 24Ethnic Fit for Life .......................................................................................... 19Exercise to Music ...................................................................................... 147Expert Patients Programme ................................................................. 24Expressive Dance ...................................................................................... 145Families in Temporary Accommodation Project ................... 72Family Services ............................................................................................ 54Family Support Networks .................................................................... 66Family Therapist ........................................................................................... 71Firststep.com .................................................................................................. 79Fisherton Pre-school ................................................................................ 55Fisherton Youth Club ............................................................................... 50

Fit for Life .......................................................................................................... 18Fourth Feather Homework Club ....................................................... 41Fourth Feathers Youth Club ................................................................. 51Free Cyclist Training .................................................................................. 86Free consumer advice .......................................................................... 137Fun Tots ..............................................................................................................63Gateway Primary School ....................................................................... 35George Eliot Infant School .....................................................................35Get Involved in your neighbourhood ....................................... 129Get Started in Westminster ................................................................. 81Hampden Gurney CE Primary School ......................................... 36Health living in (Church Street) ......................................................... 18Health Services .............................................................................................. 6Healthy Homes ................................................................................ 107, 138HELP (Homelessness Employment & Learning Project) .. 79Help the Aged Senior Line ............................................................... 109Home health and safety .................................................................... 107Home Heat Helpline ................................................................... 108, 138Home Learning Worker ......................................................................... 68Home to school travel ............................................................................ 34HomeStart ........................................................................................................ 72HomeStart Afghan Women’s Group .............................................. 73HomeStart Arabic Women’s Group ................................................. 74HomeStart Family Group ....................................................................... 73Homework Clubs ......................................................................................... 41Housing Advice ......................................................................................... 100Housing and Education Liaison Service .................................... 33Housing Issues .......................................................................................... 130Housing Options Service .................................................................... 100How to register with a Doctor (GP).................................................... 6How to register your child for school .......................................... 32Independent Mothers Pre-school .................................................. 55Index of services for church street guide .............................. 150Indoor Bowls ................................................................................................ 147Integrated Nursery Centre .................................................................... 56Interfaith Mentoring Project ................................................................. 74Ivory Coast ..................................................................................................... 125Karate ....................................................................................................... 46, 146Keep fit class at Penfold Court ........................................................ 113Kensington and Chelsea College ................................................... 86Kickstart .............................................................................................................. 19King Solomon Academy ....................................................................... 36Kongolese Centre for Information and Advice .................... 127Learn Direct Training Centre ................................................................ 84Leisure Services ......................................................................................... 140Leonora Club ................................................................................................ 116Line Dancing ................................................................................................ 148Lisson Green Community Childcare Centre ............................. 57Lisson Green Estate Action ............................................................... 102Lisson Green Estate Office ................................................................ 102Lisson Green Nursery .............................................................................. 57Lisson Green Play Project ..................................................................... 43Lisson Green Sports Area ..................................................................... 47Lisson Grove Health Centre ................................................................... 9Local news and information ........................................................... 104Local primary and junior schools ................................................... 35Local secondary schools ...................................................................... 38London Chinese Community Centre ........................................... 124London Tigers Youth Activities Programme ............................ 46London Tigers Youth Club for girls ................................................. 47Lone Parents Employment Drop In Centre .............................. 82Luton Street Neighbourhood Nursery ......................................... 57M.A.L.E. ............................................................................................................... 27Map of Services ........................................................................................ 149Market Chemists .......................................................................................... 12Marlborough Family Service ............................................................... 75Marylebone Area Forum ...................................................................... 131Marylebone Bangladesh Society ................................ 40, 98, 124IndexMarylebone Bangladesh Society Lunch Clubs ................... 117Marylebone Bangladesh Society Youth Project ................... 51Marylebone Library .................................................................................. 89Marylebone Medical Centre ............................................................... 10Marylebone, Paddington and Pimlico Mercury ................. 104Mental health services .......................................................................... 20Mental Health Support Group ........................................................... 21Micky Star Neighbourhood Centre ChildminderDrop-in Service.............................................................................................. 65Micky Star Neighbourhood Nursery ............................................. 58Micky Start Play Centre ........................................................................... 44Migrants’ Resource Centre ................................................................... 98Mosaic Interfaith Women’s Group ................................................ 128Muslim Women’s Group ...................................................................... 128Muslim Women’s Helpline ................................................................... 27Newpin ...................................................................................................... 61, 75Notting Hill Housing Group ............................................................... 136Nova New Opportunities ...................................................................... 83Nursery schools .......................................................................................... 56One Stop Services ..................................................................................... 95Open Age for 50 plus ............................................................................ 117Opticians ........................................................................................................... 16Orange Park ................................................................................................... 142Our Lady of Dolors .................................................................................... ??Our Lady’s Parent and Toddler Group .......................................... 63Over 5s Activities ......................................................................................... 43Paddington Academy .............................................................................. 38Paddington First .............................................................................................81Paddington Green Health Centre ...................................................... 9Paddington Green Play Centre .......................................................... 44Paddington Green Police Station .................................................... 92Paddington Green Primary School ................................................. 37Paddington Green Residents’ Association .............................. 134Paddington Law Centre ......................................................................... 99151

IndexPaddington People (Church Street Edition) ............................ 104Paddington Recreation Ground ...................................................... 142PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) .................................. 7Pathmeads Housing Association .................................................. 135Penfold Court ................................................................................................ 113Pharmacentre ................................................................................................. 12Porchester Centre ...................................................................................... 140Portman Early Childhood Centre ...................................................... 61Portman Early Childhood Centre Nursery School ............... 58Portman Early Childhood Centre Childminder Drop-in...... 65Primary Education ...................................................................................... 32Quintin Kynaston School ...................................................................... 38Recycling Information ............................................................................ 103Refuge Helpline ........................................................................................... 28Residents’ Association .......................................................................... 133Regent’s Park and Kensington North Member ofParliament ........................................................................................................132Resident Involvement Team ............................................................ 130Residents’ Card ............................................................................................ 94Room 2 play .................................................................................................. 62Safe and Secure Scheme ................................................................. 108Samaritans ...................................................................................................... 25School meals and concessions ....................................................... 34Secondary Education ................................................................................32Service Improvement Group ............................................................ 130Seymour Leisure Centre ...................................................................... 140Silver Café.com ........................................................................................... 118Social Services .............................................................................................. 71Social Worker ................................................................................................. 71Southall Black Sisters .............................................................................. 28Sports, Parks and Leisure Centres ................................................ 140St Augustine’s CE High School .......................................................... 38St Edward’s RC Primary School .......................................................... 37St George’s RC School ............................................................................. 39St John’s Wood Parish Park ................................................................ 144152St Mary’s Bryanston Square CE School ...................................... 37St Mary’s Hospital ....................................................................................... 11St Mary’s Hospital Accident and Emergency .......................... 11St Marylebone Job Centre Plus ........................................................ 83St Paul’s Church and Community Centre ................................... 93St Paul’s Toddler Group .......................................................................... 62Stop smoking service .............................................................................. 23Storytime .......................................................................................................... 64Sudanese Supplementary School ................................................ 40Supplementary application forms .................................................. 33Supplementary Schools ........................................................................ 40Support for living at home ............................................................... 109Support services for older people .............................................. 109T.A.R.A. over 50s Network ................................................................... 118Tea Dancing at Penfold Court ........................................................... 113The Active Futures Project & VolEmploy ................................... 82The Crypt Youth Club ............................................................................. 50The Dutchpot ..................................................................................... 115, 125The Green Space ...................................................................................... 103The Greenside Community Centre ................................................. 91The Hub Regent’s Park .................................................................. 49, 144The Safer Neighbourhood Team .......................................................91The St Marylebone School ................................................................. 39Tiny Steps ........................................................................................................ 59Tiny Tots Sessions....................................................................................... 64Toddlers’ drop-in play service .......................................................... 60Toy Library ........................................................................................................ 61Trupaz street dance .................................................................................. 48Under 12s Football .................................................................................... 49Under 14s Football ..................................................................................... 50Under 19s Football .................................................................................... 50Up My Street ............................................................................................... 106Victim and Domestic Violence support ...................................... 27Victim Support ............................................................................................. 29Victim Support Line .................................................................................. 28Violet Hill ......................................................................................................... 144Vital Advice Learning and Employment Advice Service . 79Voluntary Action Westminster Directory ................................... 119WEDGE ................................................................................................................ 25West End Extra ........................................................................................... 105West Health .................................................................................................... 10Western Eye Hospital ............................................................................... 17Westminster Academy ............................................................................ 39Westminster Adult Education Service .......................................... 85Westminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents(WASSR) .............................................................................................................110Westminster Apprenticeships ............................................................ 80Westminster Befriend-a-Family ........................................................ 76Westminster Diversity Unit .................................................................. 94Westminster Drug Project ..................................................................... 26Westminster Mind ...................................................................................... 21Westminster on the Web ................................................................... 106Westminster Primary Care Trust (PCT) ............................................ 8Westminster Refugee Consortium ................................................. 99Westminster Reporter ........................................................................... 106Westminster Sports Unit ....................................................................... 49Westminster Trading Standards ...................................................... 138Women’s Aid .................................................................................................. 29Women’s Day Centre ................................................................................ 76Women’s Exercise (London Tigers) .............................................. 148Wood and Vale incorporating Marylebone Express ....... 106Woods Chemist ............................................................................................ 12X-pert Programme for Diabetes ....................................................... 26Yoga ................................................................................................................... 146You are not alone ...................................................................................... 22Youth Activities ............................................................................................. 45Youth Advice Services ............................................................................. 52Youth Passport .............................................................................................. 45

Housing Options Service101 Orchardson StreetLondonNW8 8EATel: 020 7641 1000Fax: 020 7641 8274Minicom: 020 7641 8200Email: hoscustomerservices@cwh.org.ukwww.westminster.gov.uk/housing/housingoptions.Edition one, July 2007Designed & produced bywww.totalcoverage.coopPSI Licence granted: C2007001176 for NHS information.* The information on Westminster PCT, Church Street Doctors’ surgeries, Pharmacy, Dentistry and Optician adresseshas been reproduced with kind permission from Westminster PCT.