Download IslingtonLife - Autumn 2012 - Islington Council

Your local magazine from Islington Council
IslingtonLife
Issue 48, Autumn 2012
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Celebrating local apprentices p.7
Calling time on
alcohol-related harm p.8
Adult learning courses
now available p.16
Your benefits
are changing p.18

Contents
Cover: Over 70 Islington Council apprentices were celebrated at an event last month. See page 7 for more.
Inside
this issue
3 Welcome
4-7 News
A new start for Crouch Hill Park
Refurbished baths get set to reopen
8-11 Safer Islington
Calling time on alcohol-related harm
High street shop fined £30K
The next
edition of
IslingtonLife
will be out
in December
2012.
12-13 Your home
Meet your new Housing Executive
New hope for overcrowded families
14-15 Young Islington
2013 Secondary School admissions
Update from the Youth Council
16-17 Adult learning
New adult learning courses now available
18-19 Benefits advice
Find out how your benefits are changing
20-21 Local life
Stand for your community
Isn't it time you joined the library?
FEATURE
22-23 Healthy living
Are you living a hearty life?
Advice on keeping well this winter
25 People and places
A quick guide to Junction Ward
Creativity in Finsbury Park and Archway
26-27 Noticeboard
2013 Primary School admissions
Direct debit gives you a chance to win
28-29 Arsenal in the community
30-31 What’s on
Events for the whole family
Gigs at the Islington Assembly Hall
2

Welcome
www.islington.gov.uk
Cllr Catherine West,
Leader of the Council
Top right
Islington's Citizens Advice Bureau is here
to provide advice on money, work and
housing issues.
Bottom right
Catherine congratulates students from
Central Foundation Boys' School on their
A-level results.
Welfare reforms and legal aid cuts
over the last two years have left
more people in Islington seeking free,
independent advice on money, work
and housing issues. By providing
a £3.5 million funding boost for
local community support services,
including Citizens Advice, Help on
Your Doorstep and Islington People’s
Rights, we at the council are doing
everything we can to reach those
who need our help.
But from April next year even more
government changes to housing,
welfare and council tax benefits will
kick in. I am concerned about what
these will mean for many in our
community.
We’re on the side of our residents
so this issue’s main feature sets out
how the changes might affect you
and where you can get help.
Young people have been hit
particularly hard. For years, thousands
of Islington’s 16-19 year olds growing
up in low income households relied on
Educational Maintenance Allowance
(EMA) to help them stay in education.
The Government’s decision to abolish
it has made their lives even tougher.
I believe we should help all our
children fulfil their potential and have
spoken to so many young people who
told me what a lifeline EMA support
was. We’ve listened and I’m delighted
that Islington Council is now offering
new education bursaries to help
teenagers through college. Young
people can apply for help with the cost
of books, travel and other study-related
items. Find out more on page 7.
Congratulations to all
Islington students and
staff who worked so
hard to achieve record
exam results this year.
Our new education
bursaries will make it
easier for more young
people in Islington to
keep studying and get
the qualifications they
need to fulfil their
potential.
Other formats
If you would like
IslingtonLife in large
print, audiotape, or
another format, please
call 020 7527 3416.
3

News
Volunteers
jazz-up
playgrounds
Over 1,800 volunteers from the Royal
Bank of Scotland (RBS) worked hard
to make improvements at five of
Islington’s adventure playgrounds over
the summer.
The Islington Playground Challenge
2012 – funded by RBS and Islington
Council – has resulted in a range of
new adventure play facilities for local
children. All the improvements have
been based on designs developed by
children, families and play workers.
By the end of October more than
55,000 screws, nails and bolts will have
been used, and around 14,800 hours
given by the volunteers, to spruce up
Lumpy Hill, King Henry’s Walk, Crumbles
Castle, Cornwallis and Martin Luther
King adventure playgrounds.
Jessica White, a playworker at Martin
Luther King Adventure Playground, said:
“The work carried out was greatly
appreciated by both the children and
staff alike and has maximised the play
opportunities we offer the children and
Children love the newly revamped King Henry's Walk playground
young people at the playground.
“The volunteers were amazing and
their hard work and dedication has
helped build a fantastic playground.
“They didn't take over but helped build
a playground that was designed by the
children and staff and completed our
vision for Martin Luther King.”
Refurbished baths get set to reopen
Images: Sketch Studio London
Architectural Design: Tim Ronalds Architects
Architect's impression of the new-look
swimming pool at Ironmonger Row Baths
A £16 million refit of the historic
Ironmonger Row Baths is nearing
completion.
The baths, built in 1931, have
been closed whilst a thorough
makeover has been underway.
Improvements to the baths
include a restored main pool and
new teaching pool, a new, larger
gym, plus a new exercise studio and
cardio zone.
Historic features have been
carefully restored, and the
famous Turkish baths have been
refurbished to include an expanded
spa area. The much-used public
laundry has been kept too, plus
work has been carried out to make
the building much more accessible.
Executive member for health and
well-being, Janet Burgess is looking
forward to the reopening. She said:
“In its new form, the baths will
serve our residents for many years
to come. I am particularly pleased
with the facilities for disabled people,
which are very important as part
of keeping the spirit of the
Paralympics alive.”
The doors will open soon.
To find out more, including
membership offers, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/irb
4

www.islington.gov.uk
A brand new start for Crouch Hill Park
This autumn, residents in north Islington
will have an amazing new park and
facilities to enjoy, as the three-year
project to develop Crouch Hill Park
finishes in November.
Islington Council has invested £16.5
million to regenerate and transform the
park and facilities on the site. This is a
new start for the area, with state-ofthe-art
buildings and beautiful parkland
for the whole community to enjoy.
The unique wildlife and trees along
the much-loved Parkland Walk and
nature reserve have been protected
and enhanced with additional planting
and landscaping, and a great new sports
pitch.
A priority has been to enable all
residents to safely enjoy the park, with
new routes and paths that are easy to
access for wheelchairs, young children
and parents with pushchairs, and new
lighting throughout the park.
The project has also included the
building of the new Bowlers Nursery,
the redevelopment of the Cape Play and
Youth Project, and the development of
a brand new Ashmount Primary School
which will open in January 2013.
This means that families in the area
can access education for children aged
from three months up to 11 years,
Children enjoying their brand new facilities at Bowlers Nursery
along with after-school and weekend
play and youth activities for children
and young people up to 19 years.
Bowlers Nursery has been on the
site for 27 years, but its old building
had become very rundown. Yolande
Farrell, manager of the nursery says:
“We’re very excited to be part of
the redevelopment of the site. The
new building has enhanced the quality
of the childcare, it’s really bright and
the children are happy and settled.”
The Cape will reopen to children
and young people in early January
with a full play and youth work
programme, a new community café
and environmental classroom.
Youth workers are working with
children and young people to ensure
that the Cape offers what they would
like and to involve them in shaping
and delivering the work at the new
centre.
If you or your child would like more
information, contact the youth office
on 020 7527 3116 or email senior
worker Archie Morrell on
rufus.morrell@islington.gov.uk
Residents, parents and local groups
will be able to hire space within the
new buildings for events, meetings
and activities.
Image courtsey of Penoyre & Prasad
Architect's impression of the new Crouch Hill Park
Look out for an update
in the December issue of
IslingtonLife or visit
www.islington.gov.uk/crouchhill
for more on the development.
To find out about vacancies at
Bowlers Nursery, contact Yolande
Farrell on 020 7281 2832.
5

News
New housing welcomed
in Victorian style
The standards
you can expect
Rydon’s Phil DeLaFosse, Darran Cooper and Andy Page with Islington Mayor Jilani
Chowdhury (pictured second from right)
Dozens of residents joined Islington
Council’s housing partner Hyde Group
and construction contractor, Rydon,
to mark the opening of Phase 2 of
the Packington Estate redevelopment,
N1.
The Victorian-themed event in
September was opened by Islington
Mayor Jilani Chowdhury. Gentlemen
in top hats and frock coats and ladies
in bustles and bonnets mingled with
families who enjoyed carousel rides,
traditional games and refreshments.
The celebration marked the
opening of The Arc, a development
of 122 private and affordable homes
with a new community centre
and shops on the ground floor. It
replaces 94 existing 1960s-built
council flats.
The ten year project to demolish
and rebuild the Packington Estate’s
539 homes started in 2007.
When completed in 2017, it will
have delivered 1,000 new homes,
many for affordable rent.
Top Good
Food Borough
For the second year running, Islington
has been named London’s “Top Good
Food Borough”.
Food charity Sustain looked at
Islington’s record in areas such as
providing high-quality school food and
helping local people to grow food.
Islington came out on top after close
working between the council, public
health team and voluntary sector.
Islington Council is committed to
providing quality customer service.
We make the following promise:
We will be fair in the way
✓ we deliver services and treat
everyone equally, with
courtesy and respect
We will provide polite,
✓ welcoming and efficient
services, that are accessible
to all
We will provide helpful
✓ information and secure
transactions on our website
We will answer our phones
✓ quickly and endeavour to deal
with your enquiry or issue
during your first call. If we
can’t, we will call you back the
next working day
✓
✓
✓
We will respond to your emails
and letters in plain English
within ten working days
We will respond to your
complaints within 21 days
We will seek your feedback
on the services we provide
and publish the results on
our website
6

www.islington.gov.uk
Helping
teenagers to
keep studying
Three of Islington Council's newest apprentices
Celebrating local
apprentices
The hard work and achievements of
over 70 Islington Council apprentices
were celebrated last month.
Apprentices and their managers
were presented with certificates in
recognition of their achievements and
the contributions they have made to
the council.
The event also provided an
opportunity to welcome the next
round of young people who will soon
begin their apprenticeships.
Since the council launched its
apprenticeship scheme in 2009, 73
young residents have taken part,
earning valuable skills, experience and
in many cases, qualifications too. An
additional 34 apprentices will have
been recruited by the end of this year.
Former council apprentices are now
being recruited to act as ambassadors
for the scheme and will be involved in
promoting the apprenticeships to local
unemployed young people.
30 year-old Kerry Wickens
completed her apprenticeship within
the Electoral Services team in Islington
Council earlier this year. She has since
been permanently employed as an
Electoral Services Officer. Kerry said:
“When I applied for the scheme
I’d only worked for our family
business, so my skills and work
experience were limited.
“As part of my apprenticeship
I studied one day a week at
City and Islington College,
towards an NVQ Level 2 in
Business Administration. I’ve also
completed a foundation course
with the Association of Electoral
Administrators, which gives
me a strong foundation in all of
the laws and processes around
electoral systems.”
75 per cent of Islington Council’s
apprentices who have completed their
placements are now in education,
employment or training.
Anyone interested in a
council apprenticeship can
keep an eye on opportunities
by visiting
www.islington.gov.uk/about/
jobs-careers
Islington Council is launching a
bursary scheme that will mean more
sixth-form students in the borough
can stay in further education.
The council will be ‘topping up’
the financial support offered by the
Education Funding Agency to lowincome
students aged 16-19, who
might otherwise have to drop out of
education due to lack of funds.
Students who live in Islington
and were eligible in year 11 for free
school meals will be able to claim
up to £300 a year to help pay for
a range of equipment and activities
needed to complete their studies.
This might include books, special
clothing, residential trips and travel
costs to college, university open days
and work experience.
More details will be
available in the next edition
of IslingtonLife.
In the meantime speak
to your College or visit
www.islington.gov.uk/bursary
7

Safer Islington
Calling time on
alcohol-related harm
The council and partners including the NHS,
police, and local community groups came
together at our Alcohol Summit last month to
discuss how we can work together to tackle
alcohol-related harm in Islington.
If you need information, support and advice
about alcohol-related issues, there are some
helpful contacts below.
Illegal sellers
Tell us if you think a shop is selling alcohol, tobacco
or knives to people under the age of 18 and we
can investigate.
Call 020 7527 3198 or
email tradingstandards@islington.gov.uk
Problems with licensed premises
If a licensed premise is causing you problems, take
action. We can provide advice to individuals and groups
so concerns and complaints about planned and existing
licensed premises are heard.
Call 020 7527 3031 or
email licensing@islington.gov.uk
Don’t let the drink
sneak up on you
If you would like to cut down on the amount you drink,
or simply want to find out how much you are drinking,
visit the Change4Life alcohol pages.
Visit www.nhs.uk/Change4Life and
search under “alcohol”
Concerned about your own
or someone else’s drinking?
The Islington Community Alcohol Service can provide
information, advice, immediate support, or ongoing
treatment. The service is based at 332c Goswell Road,
EC1V 7LQ.
Call 020 7833 9899 or
email icas@casa.org.uk
Have your say – review of licensing policy
We are reviewing our licensing policies and would love to hear what you think on issues including tackling
problem premises, licensed premises contributing towards the costs of late night policing and whether
Islington needs any more licensed premises. To find out more and to comment on the proposals,
please fill in our survey from 18 October until 22 November at www.islington.gov.uk/licensingreview
8

www.islington.gov.uk
Facts and figures
3rd
43
Islington has the third highest density of licensed
premises in London with over 1,200 licensed
premises in total (2011-12).
When licensees breach their licensing conditions,
we will take action. During the last 18 months we
have reviewed 43 licenses, revoked 15, suspended 15
and imposed additional licence conditions to 13.
57%
18s
We work closely with retailers to help prevent
underage alcohol sales. 57% of 63 test purchasing
exercises in Islington resulted in a sale of alcohol to an
underage person. In an area where we worked with retailers
to help them understand licensing laws, only 17% of 60
test purchases resulted in a sale.
We are working in Clerkenwell to crack down
on people leaving pubs, bars and clubs noisily and
behaving anti-socially; to prevent shops selling
alcohol, tobacco and knives to under-18s; and to
offer help and support to street drinkers.
Alcohol and domestic violence
Research shows that there is a
relationship between alcohol and
domestic violence, and that alcohol
can increase the severity of violent
attacks.
One in four women will be a victim
of domestic violence in their lifetime
and many suffer in silence.
We all have a responsibility to put a
stop to domestic violence, and there
are services that can help.
If you are a victim or have
concerns about someone else
please call the 24-hour
National Domestic Violence
Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
In an emergency always call 999.
If you are concerned about your
behaviour towards your
partner please call the free
Respect helpline on
0808 802 4040.
If you have a concern about
alcohol abuse you can call the
Islington Community
Alcohol Service on
020 7833 9899.
9

Safer Islington
£30K fine for high
street shop in Angel
The council has brought high street
name Holland & Barrett to book for
a serious breach of public health
after repeated instructions from
environmental health officers were
ignored.
Last month Highbury Corner
Magistrates' Court found the health food
brand guilty on seven charges under the
Food Hygiene (England) Regulations.
On 24 November 2011, Islington
Council Environmental Health Officers
first carried out an unannounced food
hygiene inspection of Holland & Barrett,
31 Upper Street, N1 0PN.
Extensive mouse droppings were
found on food shelving and underneath
the counters where there was also a
strong smell of rodent urine. A basement
stockroom was similarly contaminated.
The store manager was issued with
a report detailing the required remedial
action and subsequent inspections
followed over the next month. Contrary
to the instruction given during the visits,
stating that food should be placed in
durable lidded containers, packets of
food were again found stored on open
shelves, making them vulnerable to
attack by mice.
Cllr Paul Smith, executive member
for environment, said:
“We're on the side of residents and
work hard to make sure food in Islington
is safe.
“The £30K fine indicates how
seriously the judge took this breach of
public health.”
Mosaic artwork unveiled by Mayor Jilani Chowdhury and Freedom from
Torture staff
From torture to freedom
A unique new mosaic has been unveiled
at Gillespie Park by the Mayor of
Islington. The mosaic is a moving
account drawn on a series of tiles by
torture survivors and depicts their
journey from torture to freedom.
The project was organised by
Freedom from Torture, a local Islington
charity, in partnership with the council
and the artwork is part of the on-going
Art Therapy project that the charity
undertake in Islington.
For more information on the
charity and the work they do visit
www.freedomfromtorture.org or
call 020 7697 7777.
Keeping
safe this
bonfire night
Rhys Powell, London
Fire Brigade’s
Borough Commander
for Islington, talks
to IslingtonLife about how to
keep safe and enjoy bonfire
night this November…
“We are teaching children in
Islington about the dangers
associated with fireworks ahead of
this year's bonfire night.
“Two local primary schools will
be visiting the station on Thursday
18 October and will learn about
fireworks rules, how animals are
affected and how to stay safe
from fire.
“On a more creative note,
children from schools and youth
clubs throughout the borough have
been asked to design a fireworks
safety poster. The winning poster
will be displayed across the
borough in the run up to bonfire
night.
“Initiatives like these have been
run across the borough for the last
five years and have helped see an
overall downward trend in bonfire
night incidents.
“We went to 154 fires on 5
November last year, down 12
per cent on the previous year and
making 2011 the quietest bonfire
night in London since records
began. Working with you, we aim
to keep this same downward trend
this year. Let’s all have an enjoyable
and safe bonfire night!”
Violence Against
Women and
Girls seminars
Free half-day training seminars
on issues around violence against
women and girls are open to Islington
residents and organisations, and
those who work with them.
Find out more at www.islington.
gov.uk/vawgtraining
10

www.islington.gov.uk
Police
briefing...
The ASB team launching the reporting line in February this year
ASB reporting line
takes over 6,000 calls
Islington's anti-social behaviour
reporting line enables residents to
report anti-social behaviour (ASB)
more easily. Since its launch in
February, the line has taken 4,803
calls at night and 1,441 during the
day - a total of 6,244 in its first six
months. Officers have carried out
more than 1,920 night-time visits
in response to calls, and many more
during the day.
The team deals with a huge
range of issues including anti-social
Reporting ASB during
office hours…
Council tenants and leaseholders
should report to their Area Housing
Office ASB team and Housing
Association tenants should report to
their landlord.
Don’t be scammed!
Last month the council’s
trading standards team were
contacted by a local resident
who closely escaped being
scammed in her own home.
After letting the con-artist
into her home, the resident
realised her mistake, acted
quickly and subsequently
avoided being scammed.
Her story serves as
a warning about how
manipulative con-artists can
be and our trading standards
team share the following tips
to help you avoid being in a
similar situation.
behaviour on estates and streets; noise
complaints; dog fouling and graffiti.
Speak to an officer when you
call 020 7527 7272
or report online at
www.islington.gov.uk/reportasb
We will respond to your report
within 24 hours.
Our officers can make visits
4pm-2am Sunday to Thursday, and
5pm-4am Friday and Saturday.
Reporting ASB
out of hours…
Council tenants and
leaseholders and Housing
Association tenants should
call the ASB line on
020 7527 7272.
Never allow unexpected callers
into your home without verifying
their identity first – if in doubt
keep them out!
Remain alert to the possibility of
attempted scams
Never buy building services from unsolicited
callers – always get a second opinion
Don’t be pressured into signing anything
you don’t have time to read and
understand
Call 999 if you feel in danger.
For more advice and information
contact Trading Standards on
020 7527 3198.
Islington’s new
borough commander,
Gerry Campbell took
up his position at the
end of August. IslingtonLife spoke
with him about his career and
new role…
“I started my career in Hackney and
went on to work on the Territorial
Support Group in North East London
where I undertook uniform and
surveillance duties.
“In 2002 I was posted to Newham
Borough where I held a command
role in the policing of West Ham Utd
football.
“Between 1996 and 2010 I was
employed within the Violent Crime
Directorate where I was responsible
for public protection including
domestic violence, honour-based
violence, forced marriage, all forms
of hate crime and safeguarding adults
at risk.
“I continue to work on a number of
strategic groups relating to Domestic
Violence Homicide Review, honourbased
violence and public protection
matters.
“In 2010 I worked in Wandsworth
Borough and stayed there until earlier
this year when I joined Territorial
Policing Crime Operational Command
Unit before starting my role here in
Islington.
“I feel very proud to be appointed
borough commander of Islington. The
performance of the borough across a
number of crime areas is very good.
“I am determined to ensure that the
police in Islington play a significant role
in making the borough a safer place
for people to live, work and visit. I am
equally committed to seeking out,
arresting and prosecuting those who
cause the most harm, and commit
crime and ASB within our community.
We will continue to work with the
community and our other partners to
tackle them together.”
11

Your home
Housing development offers
hope for overcrowded families
before
after
This vacant doctor’s surgery is now family homes for residents
How the housing on Seven Sisters Road looks now
An unloved corner of Islington has
been turned into much-needed
new family homes. An empty
doctor’s surgery on Seven Sisters
Road has been redeveloped by the
council and Keepmoat to provide
six new family homes.
Overcrowded Islington
residents - including those on the
neighbouring Andover Estate -
will receive priority in the bidding
thanks to Islington Council’s local
lettings policy.
Cllr James Murray, executive
member for housing, said:
“We are desperately short
of affordable family homes in
Islington, and we’re such a small
borough we don’t have much
space to build on, so coming up
with innovative ideas – like this
one to transform empty buildings
– is essential.
“The new development at
Seven Sisters Road provides high
quality accommodation for nearly
thirty people at an affordable rent.”
Salvaging recycled items saves money
Staff from Islington Council and
housing contractors, Hyde and
Rydon undertook a large recycling
operation last month to salvage
materials from the demolition site
at Packington Square (pictured
right).
Items worth £250,000 will be
put to good use on various estates
throughout the borough that need
replacement or will be welcomed
for use in community projects.
The demolition works carried
out on the site were part of Phase
3 of the regeneration of the estate
which will see more apartments
built, a new square created, and
large six-bed family houses for local
families.
Cheaper energy
on the way
Staff from the council, Hyde Housing and
Rydon, salvage materials worth £250,000
12
Local residents outside the new Bunhill
energy centre
Power in the hands of the
community
In the last edition we told
you that the new Bunhill
energy centre and heat
network will provide
cheaper, greener heat to
over 700 households in the
area, the Finsbury Leisure
Centre and Ironmonger Row
Baths.
Now, it’s time to
welcome the centre
officially and celebrate its
launch!
Head to St Luke’s Community Centre
on 8 November at 2pm to:
find out how the energy centre and
heat network will work
get a tour of the energy centre
view the premiere of the Bunhill
community film about the energy centre
have an opportunity to enjoy some
refreshments with your neighbours!
For further information please email
bunhillheatandpower@islington.gov.uk or
visit www.islington.gov.uk/heatnetwork

www.islington.gov.uk
sa Coyle
sa Coyle
s: Susanne
r : Susanne Owen
Owen
New Housing Executive
and Resident Champions
Thank you to all 3,751 residents who voted in our housing elections
Frempong esidents'
to elect
Champion:
local people to
Theresa
represent
Coyle
tenants and homeowners across the
rempongborough on our new Housing Executive. They will advise the council on
Residents' all key decisions Vice Champions: about council Susanne homes.
The successful candidates are:
mpion: Lamido Theresa (tenant) Coyle and Peter Owen
ie McDonald (homeowner)
e McDonald
e Champions: Susanne
enant nant nt) Tenant and repree:
:): Liana Lawrencia
repre-
Peter (north): Owen Lawrencia Frempong
)
Lawrencia Frempong
Jim Rooke
Tenant (south): (Directly Managed Jim Tenant Rooke - North) (Directly Managed Tenant - South)
rks
Liana Sparks Sparks
Frempong
Partners Tenant: Rose-Marie McDonald
h): Jim Rooke
Tenant-led Organisation Tenant representative:
Rose-Marie McDonald
nt: David
Rose-Marie Mulcahy
(Partners-managed McDonald
Tenant)
David Mulcahy
(Tenant-led Organisation Tenant)
Homeowner representative:
rganisation Tenant Liana Sparks
reprevid
Mulcahy
Liana Sparks
(Homeowner)
Theresa Coyle has been elected Residents'
Champion. As well as sitting on the Housing
Executive she will lead our new Residents’ Taskforce,
which will review our housing services.
Theresa will be supported by two Vice Champions.
Theresa Coyle
(Residents' Champion)
Susanne
Lamido
(Residents' Vice
Champion)
Peter
Owen
(Residents' Vice
Champion)
For more information on the housing
executive and residents' champion
roles visit www.islington.gov.uk/
housingelections
representative: Liana Sparks
Residents who helped transform Forrest Court gardens
Forrest Court flourishes
thanks to gardening club
The courtyard and garden
at Forrest Court estate on
Liverpool Road have been
transformed thanks to the
hard work of green-fingered
residents.
With the help of grants
from Islington Voluntary
Action Council and the Edible
Islington scheme, a lawn
has been developed, plants
bought, and a water feature
and arch installed. A rarely
used tarmac play area has
also been converted into a
vegetable garden, with the
produce shared amongst the
residents.
An agreement has now been
set up between the council
and the residents to continue
to maintain the garden. This
means that the gardening
club receives money to look
after the garden, instead of a
contractor.
Resident and Gardening
Club member, Richard
Evans is delighted with the
arrangement and said:
“The money we will now
get is a lifeline to us and will
allow further improvements
and see the garden remain
well kept for the benefit of all
the residents.”
13

Young Islington
14
Apply now for
next year’s
secondary
school place
If your child is due to start secondary
school in Year 7 next September,
you need to apply for a place by 31
October 2012.
Everything you need to know
about the borough’s schools and the
application process can be found in our
admissions brochures, which you can
find on our website at
www.islington.gov.uk/admissions
Pupils at Islington’s schools are
doing better than ever, with the
borough achieving its best ever
GCSE results this summer. Students
at Islington’s sixth forms achieved a
99 per cent pass rate in their A-level
results.
More than nine out of ten
Islington sixth form students go on to
university.
Apply online now to make sure your
child has the best possible chance of a
place at your first school of choice.
Visit our website for advice
and information, or contact
our admissions team on
020 7527 5515 or email
admissions@islington.gov.uk
Careers advice for young people
Young people are invited to attend
Skills London 2012 - London’s
biggest careers and skills event - on
23 and 24 November at the ExCel
centre in Docklands.
The event is free and a great
opportunity to find out everything
you need to know about careers,
training and skills.
Two of Islington’s secondary schools
are set to open brand new buildings in
November.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson and
Islington Arts and Media School are
about to unveil their new facilities,
delivered under Islington's Building
Schools for the Future programme.
In recent years millions of pounds
has been invested in the programme
Register online at
www.skillslondon2012.co.uk
Find out about local job
opportunities for young
people at www.izzy-info.com/jobs
Secondary schools get a makeover
which has transformed Highbury
Grove, Holloway School and St Aloysius’
College.
Among the new facilities available
to pupils at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson
will be a new sports hall, library, drama
studios and an arts and technology
block. Islington Arts and Media School
is about to open a new theatre and arts
and music rooms.
Youth
Councillor,
Jasmine
Martins, writes
on behalf of the
Youth Council.
“It has been a busy
time for the youth council – we
have been developing our roles and
working on understanding how we
can influence council work.
“We have been helping with the
development of a new app izzyinfo
which promotes services and
events for young people.
“Y Cllrs Miriam and Chloe have
been giving their ideas on how to
reduce youth unemployment -
work experience, earlier focus on
careers and more careers advice in
schools. Y Cllr Benjamin is working
with the community safety team
on a new project - the Youth
Initiative Grant - where young
people can bid for small grants
to run their own projects and
activities.
“On top of all this serious work,
we have also had a summer of fun!
We attended a variety of events
including the Olympic Torch Relay
where we met David Walliams.
We were pleased to see so many
fun and useful activities going on
and we are working with Islington
Council to improve and develop
positive activities for young people
so that they are even better.”
f
Follow us on twitter
@IslingtonYC
Follow us on facebook
@IslingtonYC
Meanwhile, Highbury Fields School is
undergoing improvements to both its
Highbury Hill and Aberdeen Park sites,
which will be completed next year.
The programme aimed at improving
the borough’s secondary schools has
seen around £130 million invested in
facilities for students and coincided
with an upward trend in GCSE
achievement in Islington.

www.islington.gov.uk
Focus on… The Rose Bowl
The Rose Bowl centre in Canonbury offers a
varied programme of arts, sports and media
to children and young people aged from
eight to 19.
Having gone from strength to strength
since reopening in April 2011, the centre
is now open Tuesday to Thursday and
Saturdays.
Working with a host of professional
partner organisations, this autumn young
people can choose from art, puppet making,
girl’s football, boxing, film-making, circus
skills, and much more.
Find the autumn timetable onlline at
www.hoxtonhall.co.uk/youth/rosebowl
Children playing at the Rose Bowl centre
Free fluoride treatment for children
Tooth decay is very common in
children in Islington, causing pain and
long term dental problems.
Fluoride varnish treatment is free
and a safe way of protecting your
child’s teeth from decay.
Islington has a free fluoride varnish
scheme for children aged from three
to ten years running in many of the
borough’s children’s centres and
primary schools.
For further details contact
the oral health promotion
team on 020 3317 2341
or 020 3317 2344,
or visit
www.whittington.nhs.uk/
fluorideprogramme
Find your nearest children’s centre
at www.islington.gov.uk/
childrenscentres
Top marks for Packington
Children’s Centre
Packington Children’s
Centre in N1 has been
rated as ‘outstanding’ in
every category by Ofsted
inspectors. In their report,
Ofsted noted that the
centre is run by a team
with extremely high morale,
‘motivated and inspired
by their highly effective
management’.
Siri Abrahamson, mother
of Elsa and Conrad, said:
“Through my two children
attending Packington
Children’s Centre I know
what a wonderful place it is
and how amazing the staff
are, but it’s hugely reassuring
to learn that Ofsted think so
too!”
Packington Children’s
Centre operates over
a number of sites, with
childcare and education
services from Popham Road,
and family and community
services from brand new
premises on Packington
Square.
There are 16 children’s
centres across Islington,
offering care and education
for children aged under five,
and a range of services and
activities for parents and
carers.
Find out more at
www.islington.gov.
uk/childrenscentres
Free school meals
boost learning
Recent research has
found that eating a
healthy free school
meal can boost academic
achievement.
Islington Council offers
free school meals to all children in the borough’s
primary schools – one of only a handful of councils
to do this.
Eligible secondary school pupils can also
receive a free school meal.
To take advantage you must register. Pick up a
form from your child’s school or download one from
www.islington.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals
By taking up a free school meal you could:
✓ save up to £360 a year on lunch costs
✓ raise additional money for your child’s school
✓ give your child access to healthy and nutritious
meals.
15

Adult learning
Every year the council offers hundreds of free adult
learning courses to residents who are over 19,
unemployed, or low-waged and receiving benefits.
Now there's even more to choose from!
Giving adults more opportunity to learn
The council recently formed an
exciting new partnership with City
and Islington College, meaning
adults in Islington can now access
even more free courses and some
additional low cost ones. This means
there is more opportunity for adult
learners to develop confidence,
gain skills, get a job or prepare for
further education.
Through this partnership
residents will be able to easily
access and progress to vocational
courses in areas such as health and
social care, hairdressing, business
and accounting.
case
study
Real-life Islington learners
Our adult learning
courses really do
make a difference
and help local
residents get back
into the workforce.
We spoke to Andrew Brinn who
after working for the same company
for 20 years was made redundant
and was out of work for 14 months.
Andrew took IT and literacy
courses with Islington Council and
here he talks about how this changed
his situation for the best.
How did the courses help you?
“They helped improve my confidence.
I was sitting at home, moping and
getting depressed. Doing the courses
got me out and looking for work.
“The tutors also helped me to
prepare a covering letter and CV to
really highlight my experience.”
What are you doing now?
“I am working again as a Trade
Assistant for another building supplier
and I now feel confident enough to
apply for a manager’s post.”
If you are interested in taking a course or would like some more
information visit www.islington.gov.uk/acl or call 020 7527 5782.
16

www.islington.gov.uk
Focus on
literacy
2,800
75%
Nine
66%
Free
Facts and figures
Over 2,800 adult learners benefited
from council courses in the last year
75% of learners said the courses gave
them the confidence to look for a job
The council’s adult learning service
was rated 9 out of 10 by learners
66% of learners progressed onto
another council course
Free childcare is available on
certain courses
The council offers a range of literacy
courses to help learners boost reading
and writing skills. These cater for a variety
of needs including those who can’t speak
English, are dyslexic, or those who simply
didn’t get the opportunity at school.
This year some adult learners took
part in the annual Six Book Challenge and
18 of them successfully completed it by
reading all six books. The challenge is run
by Islington libraries in partnership with the
Reading Agency and is part of the Islington
Reads initiative to get more people in
Islington reading.
Samantha Hobbs, Literacy Learning
Co-ordinator says:
“It was all about giving our
learners a goal, giving them
the confidence to visit a
library, pick up a book and get
reading. Some of those who
completed it couldn’t read at
the beginning of the course so
it was a real success.”
Find out more about Islington Reads at
www.islington.gov.uk/islingtonreads
17

Benefits advice
Your benefits are changing
The Government is introducing a number of
changes to welfare benefits - here are the
main ones that may affect you.
Council tax
benefit
The Government is abolishing council tax
benefit from April 2013 and replacing
it with a scheme called ‘council tax
support’.
The Government is also cutting the
amount of money it provides by at least
£2.9 million for the next financial year.
Islington Council is opposed to
these changes and is calling on the
Government to reverse them.
We want to know what you think of
the proposed new council tax support
scheme. Please make sure you have
your say. We are sending questionnaires
to all council tax benefit recipients or
you can go to www.islington.gov.uk/
ctconsultation
The consultation will run from
19 October to 30 November 2012.
Disability
living
allowance
The Government is abolishing
Disability Living Allowance
(DLA).
Claimants will have to
claim the new Personal
Independence Payment (PIP)
after a reassessment. The
Government’s intention is to
spend 20% less overall, but
with under 16s and over 65s
protected, this means a larger
cut for claimants of working
age.
The details for PIP are still
being finalised, but the savings
target announced by the
Government is £8.6 million.
Around 7,800 Islington
residents who claim DLA
and about 9,800 who
claim sickness benefits will
be affected by the Work
Capability Assessment and will
be required to go through the
re-assessment process before
they can claim the new PIP.
Universal Credit
This is a new scheme that aims to
replace a range of work benefits such as:
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Housing Benefit
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s
Allowance
Income-related Employment and
Support Allowance.
This is subject to change, but
current plans are to introduce this new
benefit for new out of work claimants
in October 2013. Existing benefit
claimants will be transferred between
2014-2017 with the aim that everyone
is transferred by the end of 2017.
The Government will pay Universal
Credit monthly in arrears so it matches
how most people are paid when in work.
The benefit will also be capped and
will be the same wherever you live so
people on benefits will find it much more
difficult to live in expensive areas of the
country like Islington.
If you are worried about any
of these changes it is important
that you act now.
For more information about
benefit reform go to
www.direct.gov.uk or www.islington.
gov.uk/benefitschanges
18

www.islington.gov.uk
Help is here if you have
money worries
Worrying you can’t pay your rent or mortgage?
Getting payday loans or using loan sharks?
Can’t afford to top up your electricity or gas meter?
In tough economic times, with all these changes, cuts and caps
on benefits, it is more important than ever that you look at how
you can manage your finances.
If you have any money concerns then there is plenty of help
and support for you. We have already helped hundreds of people
with debt problems, and we can help you too.
Islington People’s Rights (IPR) – a support service specialising
in debt and welfare law - worked with Jackie* who due to
illness had got into lots of debt. Gerard Omasta-Milsom at IPR
said:
“Jackie’s* doctor was concerned about the impact of her
money problems on her health and referred her to us. We
went through her options with her. With her debt being under
£15,000 and with no chance of her returning to work or paying back the
debts, we decided a Debt Relief Order was the best option for her. Jackie
feels such a sense of relief about her debts being sorted out.
“Juggling debt and bills is really stressful so I would urge anyone who has
money worries to get help now. We deal with so many cases there is nothing
that surprises us about them, other than how payday lenders, banks and
credit card companies can behave so appallingly to people when they are
most in need.”
A Debt Relief Order is granted by the Insolvency Service and is a cheaper
option than going bankrupt – this could be an option for someone with
debts of less than £15,000 and a low income. For further information or for
support services in Islington please go to www.islington.gov.uk/advice
*
name has been changed
case
study
Debt advice
Islington’s Citizens
Advice Bureau
020 7947 7771
www.cabislington.org.uk
Islington Law Centre
020 7607 2461
info@islingtonlaw.org.uk
Islington People’s Rights
020 7561 3685
info@ipradvice.org.uk
Disability Action in Islington
020 7226 0137
disabilityaction@daii.org
Benefits
Islington Council
020 7527 4990 (option 4)
0800 731 8081
claimit@islington.gov.uk
Banking
Islington’s Credit Union
020 7561 1786
www.credit-union.coop
19

Local life
Stand for your community
Women who live or work in Islington
are being invited to take an active role
in local democracy and find out about
becoming a local councillor.
‘Stand for Your Community, Be a
Councillor’ is a free, informal event
that will take place at the Town Hall on
Monday 22 October, 3.30-6pm.
The event will be a great opportunity
to:
learn more about how councillors
can influence decisions that affect
the community
hear from inspirational women in
local government
find out how to get involved.
There will also be sessions on
tackling practical issues like balancing
council duties with family life.
Rakhia Ismail became an Islington
councillor in May this year after several
years running community projects for
refugees and being involved in a local
political party. She said:
“It was many different issues that led
to me becoming a councillor. I realised
that unless I put myself forward,
decisions would be made that I couldn’t
be a part of.
“I would definitely encourage
women, regardless of background, to
get involved in the community and
stand for election.
“We need strong local communities
where people can empower one
another.”
Rakhia Ismail, local councillor for Holloway
Find out more at
www.islington.gov.uk/
beacouncillor
If you are interested in
coming to the event email
democracy@islington.gov.uk or
call 020 7527 3184.
Islington children need you
Right now there are babies and young
children who need an adoptive family to
call their own.
Being a parent is one of the most
important things you can do and the
impact on a child’s life is immense. Even if
you have not considered adoption before,
come and find out what it’s about at our
adoption event, 7 November (see details
below). You’ll hear life stories, the facts
and the support available.
We offer support all the way - our
advice, guidance and a professional
approach will give you a great start to
your adoption journey.
Delores* adopted her son
case
study
after making the decision
to build her family through
adoption. She had a great
relationship with her social
worker which is important as many
adopters use this time as an opportunity
Thinking About Adoption?
Wednesday 7 November 2012
6.30pm – 8.30pm (panel discussion starts at 7pm)
to look back at their lives and use their
experiences to help them become the
parent they want to be.
Several years on, mum Delores and
her son David* have had some amazing
experiences together, Delores says:
“Adoption has given me the biggest
rewards of my life. At times it’s been
challenging, but I wouldn’t change it for
the world.”
*names have been changed
If you would like to hear all about adoption from the true experts,
adoptive parents, adopted people and a BAAF representative,
come along to our event at:
The Assembly Hall, Islington Town Hall,
Upper Street, London N1 2UD
www.adoptionnorthlondon.co.uk
For more information text Adoption followed by your
email address to 66777
or email your name and address to
info@adoptionnorthlondon.co.uk
20

www.islington.gov.uk
Isn’t it time
you joined
the library?
Islington’s libraries allow you to do more
than just borrow books. You can:
get free internet access
access a world of information
join reading groups
use the study space
attend baby bounce sessions
join homework clubs
access music, games and
toys for under-5s
rent DVDs.
With all of these reasons, plus it’s
free …isn’t it time you joined the library?
Simply fill in a form at any Islington
library and you’ll get your membership
card straight away! Join online at
www.islington.gov.uk/jointhelibrary
To find out the opening
times of your local
library, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/libraries
More than 1,700 people took
part in Islington's Summer Reading
Challenge
Find your nearest
library at www.islington.
gov.uk/yourlocallibrary
Are you recycling
all you can?
Latest figures show that in Islington only
10% of all food waste is currently being
recycled. More residents are recycling
their food waste than ever before
but we need to do more!
How can you help?
It is easy. You can compost at home
or the council provides a food waste
recycling service to most houses and
many flats in Islington.
All raw or cooked food is accepted,
apart from large bones, so make sure you
recycle all you can.
Three reasons why you should
recycle more:
It is cheaper to dispose of, meaning
there is more to spend on
important council services
It is compulsory in Islington,
so helps you to avoid a fine
It is better for the environment.
You can pick up free compostable bags
from your local library.
For top tips on keeping your bin
clean and odour free visit www.
islington.gov.uk/recycling
October is
Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
Breast cancer is now the most
common cancer in the UK.
Early detection can save lives.
so be breast aware and make sure;
✶ you check your own breasts regularly,
✶ you are aware of the signs and
symptoms of breast cancer,
✶ you attend for routine breast
screening when invited
for more information, please visit:
www.celbreastscreening.org.uk
0800 731 0722
21

Healthy living
Olympic sports
on your doorstep
If you’ve been inspired by London
2012 and think you could be the
next Bradley Wiggins, Mo Farah or
Nicola Adams then why not have a
go at an Olympic sport in Islington?
18 of the 26 Olympic sports are
on offer in the borough including
tennis, trampolining, swimming
and many other sports in the
council's leisure centres, and local
Look out for these rating signs around the borough
Where’s good to eat?
To help you choose where to eat or
shop for food in Islington you might
want to check the premises’ national
Food Hygiene rating.
Under a national scheme the
hygiene standards in restaurants,
pubs, cafés, takeaways, hotels, and
sports clubs offering boxing, judo
and triathlon. There’s also a free
5k run every Saturday morning in
Highbury Fields.
Go to www.islington.gov.
uk/active for full details.
To find out what's on offer
across London go to
www.getactivelondon.com
other places you eat at, as well as
supermarkets and other food shops
are available online. You can search for
the rating of any place you eat or shop
for food at food.gov.uk/ratings
Look out for shops displaying their
ratings too!
Are you living
a Hearty Life?
Did you know that cardiovascular
diseases - those that involve the heart
or blood vessels - are the leading cause
of death in Islington, with around 370
deaths each year?
Four out of ten of these deaths are
in residents under the age of 75 and are
potentially preventable. These figures
are higher than the average for the rest
of London and England as a whole.
Hearty Lives Islington (HLI) is a joint
environmental health and British Heart
Foundation project working on healthy
eating, one of the main lifestyle choices
affecting heart health. HLI recently
launched a workplace health initiative to
raise awareness amongst employees of
local small to medium sized businesses
on how to make healthier choices using
food labels.
Two important things you can do to
live a hearty life are:
reduce salt, saturated fat
and sugar in your diet
eat more fruit and veg.
For more advice
visit www.islington.gov.uk/
heartylives or email
Michelle Webb at
heartylives@islington.gov.uk
22

www.islington.gov.uk
Keep well this winter - here’s our advice
Shine is helping residents stay warm
and healthy during the colder months
by offering free ‘Well Winter’ checks.
The ‘Well Winter’ campaign aims
to help those over 60, low-income
families with young children or those
with heart or lung problems who are
particularly affected by the cold.
We can also help you to lower your
energy bills and let you know about
other ways to stay safe and warm
during the colder months including:
benefits checks
befriending for older residents
fire safety checks
fall assessments
heating and condensation
survey
help with debt on your
utility bills.
So far, Shine has helped over
2,000 Islington residents!
Contact us for a free Well
Winter check on
0800 953 1221 or email
shine@islington.gov.uk
It’s not too early…
Finding out you are pregnant and
having a baby is one of the most
exciting things that can happen. If
you are just pregnant or planning a
pregnancy in the future, it is important
to contact your local maternity services
before the 10th week of pregnancy.
You may think it might be too
early, but this is not the case. It is
much better for you and your baby
to be seen as early as possible in
the pregnancy, so you can meet
your midwife and discuss the care that
you and your baby need.
Booking into maternity services
before the 10th week is one of the
most important things you can do to
keep you and your baby healthy.
For more information, see
the Department of Health’s
Pregnancy Book at
www.dh.gov.uk
s
oon
s you’re
regnant
Tell your GP
Tell your local maternity unit or your GP.
Get the best care for you and your baby – contact your
local maternity service before the 10th week of pregnancy.
University College London Hospital
Maternity Services.
Open every day, 9 – 5pm
tel: 020 3447 9400
fax: 020 3447 9754 (24 hour)
email: antenatalclinic@uclh.nhs.uk
website: www.uclh.nhs.uk
Whittington Hospital Maternity Services.
Open every day, 9 – 5pm
tel: 020 7288 5586 (24 hour answer machine)
email: whh-tr.maternityreferrals@nhs.net
website: www.whittington.nhs.uk
Unhappy to be pregnant or unsure?
Phone your GP or family planning services
and make an appointment to discuss your
situation.
The Family Planning Association helpline.
(For free confidential advice on pregnancy
choices)
tel: 0845 122 8690
website: www.fpa.org.uk
To contact your local maternity service, please ring, email or complete the online self referral form.
Information about other maternity services is available on NHS Choices website: www.nhs.uk
NHS Maternity magazine ad.indd 1 17/9/12 16:33:46
23

Wardrobe bursting at the seams
and still nothing to wear?
Try swishing – a fun, free fashion fix for friends.
You can have a whole new wardrobe and save money by organising your
own ‘swishing’ clothes swap party. For ideas on how to get started
and to order your free swishing party guide, visit
www.nlwa.gov.uk/textiles
Did you know…
...there are plenty of textile banks available around your area where clothes and shoes can be
deposited for reuse. You can also donate your pre-loved textiles at banks at your local Reuse and
Recycling Centre. With nine Reuse and Recycling Centres across north London, there’s bound to be
one near you!
To find your nearest textile bank visit www.recycleforlondon.com

People and places
www.islington.gov.uk
IslingtonLife Spring 2012
Paul and Alex provide advice about supported
volunteering at a local community centre
New volunteering project
Local residents Paul Grant and Alex Vimalanathan have
been volunteering at Voluntary Action Islington (VAI) for
several months, helping local people to find volunteering
opportunities.
Recently they developed a specialised project to support
people experiencing barriers to socialising in the local
community to play a more active role through volunteering.
Last summer Paul was awarded a Paralympic table tennis
ticket through the council’s Community Heroes scheme in
recognition of his work. Paul said:
“Seeing so many athletes push themselves to their
maximum potential regardless of their impairments
was incredible to see. The standard of table tennis was
phenomenal and so was the atmosphere at the Excel Arena.
“I really enjoyed myself and think the Community Heroes
scheme is a great idea.”
The supported volunteering project, despite being new,
has already received the support of residents. One user
said:
“I have found the service extremely helpful. Not only did
it provide me with my original requirements, but when I
sought alternatives, these were also provided ... now I have
the possibility to volunteer at another organisation.”
To find out more email Paul or Alex
at volunteer@vai.org.uk or call
020 7832 5800.
A million minutes of creativity
The Million Minutes project is bringing two years of exciting
creative activity to Finsbury Park and Archway.
Led by Islington Council and supported by Arts Council
England, the first project is already underway and involves
six artists developing artworks with the local community in
locations such as a charity shop and a day centre.
The creations will be shared and the Million Minutes
projects and events will be documented and promoted at
www.amillionminutes.org
Junction Ward
– in focus
Junction Ward covers Upper
Holloway and Archway in
the north of the borough.
Approximately 12,100 people
live in Junction Ward and this
accounts for around 6% of
Islington’s population.
Did you know?
■■Highgate Hill was the site
of the earliest cable car
route in Europe which
operated between
1884-1909.
■■In 1473 Edward VI
granted a charter to build
a Leper Hospital in an
isolated spot halfway up
Highgate Hill – the spot
is now marked with the
Whittington Stone.
■■Originally opened in 1954,
Whittington Park was
officially opened in 1973
and a time capsule was
buried with a 50 year
embargo, to be opened in
2023.
Schools & children’s
centres
■■Archway Children’s
Centre – Vorley Road,
N19 5HE
■■St Joseph's Primary
School Nursery -
Highgate Hill, N19 5NE
■■Hargrave Park
Extended Community
School - Bredgar Road,
N19 5BS
Junction Ward councillors
Janet Burgess
Labour
Arthur Graves
Independent
■■Yerbury Primary School
- Foxham Road, Yerbury
Road, N19 4RR
■■St Aloysius’ College -
Hornsey Lane, N6 5LY
■■Online Learning Centre
- Elthorne Learning
Centre, Elthorne Road,
N19 4AJ
Community centres
■■Whittington Park -
Yerbury Road, N19 4RS
■■Girdlestone Estate -
Annesley Walk, N19 5DR
■■Hargrave Hall – Hargrave
Road, N19 5SP
The arts
■■Byam Shaw School of Art
■■Scarabeus
■■Academy of the Science
of Acting and Directing
Parks and open spaces
■■Dartmouth Park
■■Foxham Gardens
■■Girdlestone Park
■■Pemberton Gardens
■■St Gabriels Church
■■Tufnell Park Playing Fields
■■Whittington Park
Ursula Woolley
Liberal Democrat
25

Noticeboard
Winter
flu
protection
NHS North Central London
is urging at-risk patients
to have their flu jab this winter. If you are
over 65, a carer, pregnant, or have a long
term condition you are at greater risk of
becoming seriously ill.
Contact your GP today and make sure
you protect yourself and those you love.
Unique volunteering
experience
Holloway Prison is looking for volunteers from
all walks of life to join their diverse Independent
Monitoring Board.
Regularly monitoring the daily lives of prisoners,
you’ll listen to their concerns and ensure that
standards of care and decency are maintained.
For an application form or to find out
more email imbholloway@yahoo.com
or call 020 7035 2257 or visit
www.imb.gov.uk
Applications close 23 November 2012.
Primary school
admissions
If your child is due to start
primary school reception
class in September 2013
you need to apply for a
primary school place by
15 January 2013.
Apply online now at
www.islington.gov.uk/admissions
Free
yoga
sessions
Local students and unemployed people are being offered
free yoga by Tara Yoga Centre, 25-31 Ironmonger Row
EC1V 3QW.
The centre is entirely run by volunteers and combines the
traditional knowledge of yoga with the modern approach on
tantra to provide its students with unique yoga and tantra
classes.
Maria has been teaching at the centre for over 6 years
and says:
“We offer an in-depth view on yoga and tantra practices
– the classes can transform your life no matter what your
fitness or financial abilities.”
For more information visit www.tarayogacentre.co.uk
or call 020 7251 8626.
Get your
name on the
electoral
register
Don’t forget to fill in and return your voter registration
form that you should have received in August. These
must be completed and returned – even if the property
is empty – so that we can compile the electoral roll.
Return your form to avoid being fined.
For more information, visit
www.islington.gov.uk/voting
or call 020 7527 3110.
Diary dates
The next Executive Meetings
will be held on 18 October
and 22 November.
Visit www.islington.gov.
uk/democracy
26

www.islington.gov.uk
Portrait
bench at
Finsbury
Park Station
We want to know who
you would like to see
on a portrait bench
to be installed along
the Connect2 walking
and cycling route. The
bench will be installed at
Finsbury Park Station and
will be one of 79 across
the country.
Residents can choose
from the following list of
local characters:
Jazzie B
Paddy Galligan
Edith Garrud
Florence Keen
John La Rose
Johnny Rotten
Edward Lear
P.T Selbit
To find out more go to
www.islington.gov.
uk/connect2
See Islington by bike
Enjoy a nine mile marshalled ride exploring the
beautiful sights and scenery Islington has to offer –
it’s an ideal day out for all the family!
The next event will be held on Friday 2 November.
For more information or to sign up visit
www.islington.gov.uk/islingtonbybike
Bookings are essential to secure a place!
Sign up for direct
debit and you
could win!
You could win £1,000 in our
November prize draw, simply
by signing up to pay your
council tax by direct debit!
Direct debit is the quickest, easiest way
to pay your council tax - sign up today at
www.islington.gov.uk/directdebit or
by calling 020 7527 2633.
Contact Islington
Islington’s customer service centre is located on
the ground floor of 222 Upper Street, N1.
Pop in to speak to one of the team or call
8am-6pm Monday to Friday
(8.30am-6pm Wednesdays).
Phone: 020 7527 2000
Email: contact@islington.gov.uk
Stay informed and updated and be the
first to hear about the latest news –
follow us on twitter @IslingtonLife
Send your letters and comments
on the magazine to:
IslingtonLife
Room G16
Town Hall, Upper Street, N1 2UD
Email: Islingtonlife@islington.gov.uk
Phone: 020 7527 3416
NHS Continuing Healthcare
Deadlines for assessment of eligibility for NHS Continuing
Healthcare funding
On 15 March 2012, the Department of Health announced the
introduction of deadlines for individuals to request an assessment of
eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare funding.
We are therefore asking for individuals or their representatives to
notify their local Primary Care Trust (PCT) in respect of previously unassessed
periods of time where there is evidence that they should
have been assessed for eligibility for NHS Continuing Healthcare
funding. The time period and the deadline for notifying Islington PCT
is as follows:
Period
Deadline
1 April 2011 – 31 March 2012 31 March 2013
The announcement of these deadlines introduces a process which
will enable any individuals who should have been assessed to be
identified and considered for eligibility as soon as possible, because
as time passes, detailed recorded evidence of an individual’s needs
for the period of time in question may no longer be available.
If you think that this affects you or a family member, then please
contact the Continuing Healthcare Team at your local PCT to obtain
further information on the process and to discuss this further.
NHS North Central London
Islington Office, Continuing Healthcare, 338-346 Goswell Road,
London, EC1V 7LQ
continuingcare3@nhs.net
More information on Continuing Healthcare retrospective reviews
can be found here:
http://www.ncl.nhs.uk/about/continuing-healthcare.aspx
27

Arsenal legend, Charlie George,
opens refurbished pitch at
McCall and Hollis House
Arsenal is delighted to have a regular
spot in IslingtonLife which keeps
residents up to date with all the
Club’s latest community initiatives.
This regular feature also keeps local
residents informed of events and
issues surrounding Arsenal and
Emirates Stadium such as fixtures,
road closures and transport updates.
In this edition we’re taking a look
at two projects made possible by The
Arsenal Foundation, the Club’s charity
which makes grants to projects which
help transform the lives of young
people.
For further information visit
www.arsenal.com/thearsenalfoundation
GUNNERS LEGEND VISITS
CHILDHOOD ESTATE IN ISLINGTON
Arsenal legend Charlie George took
a trip down memory lane recently
when he visited the site of his former
childhood home in Islington.
McCall and Hollins House, which
is located close to the Odeon cinema
on Holloway Road, has overseen
widespread transformation since
Charlie grew up on the site in the
1960s, and is now home to a fully
refurbished astro-turfed pitch, made
possible thanks to funding from The
Arsenal Foundation and a number
of other partners, including Islington
Council Housing and the Home Office.
The recently opened facility plays
host to Arsenal in the Community
sessions several nights a week,
providing local young people with
a safe place to play football. One
of these programmes is Positive
Futures, a national community-based
inclusion programme that gives
young people the chance to develop
the skills needed to get on a positive
career path and take on roles as
active and responsible citizens.
During his visit, Charlie met some
of the young people currently taking
part in the programme, which has
been managed by Arsenal in the
Community since 2004 and now
boasts the Highest Gold Star rating
from the Home Office.
As well as football activities, regular
attendees to the site are taken on
organised outings and residential
trips, while employment opportunities
are provided for those wishing to
make the step from participant to
volunteer and then employment.
The McCall and Hollis House facility
is the latest in a long line of recently
upgraded facilities on local Islington
estates that have benefited from
funding from The Arsenal Foundation,
others include Girdlestone, King
Square, Harvist and Aubert Court.
Launched earlier this year
to celebrate Arsenal’s 125th
anniversary, The Arsenal Foundation
was launched to help the Club
engage more young people than
ever before. A fundraising and grantmaking
organisation, The Arsenal
Foundation will grow the reach and
effect of the programmes that the
Club supports to help an increasing
number of young people across the
globe fulfil their potential.
ISLINGTON SCHOOLS BENEFIT
FROM SAVE THE CHILDREN
PARTNERSHIP
Two local schools in Islington are
enjoying the benefits of Arsenal
Football Club’s global charity
partnership with Save the Children,
after the Club and charity combined
to set up a programme in each
school that empowers parents to
build stronger relationships with their
children.
Supported by a donation of more
than £50,000 from The Arsenal
Foundation, Duncombe Primary
School and St. Mark’s Primary
School, both in Islington, embarked
on an eight-week programme called
Families and Schools Together
(FAST). FAST enables parents to
develop the skills and confidence
they need to better support and take
a more active role in their children’s
education, while playing a greater role
in their community.
In order to deliver the programme,
Save the Children has worked to
create a team of FAST ‘practitioners’
at each school, comprising local
parents, community leaders, school
staff and local authority staff. These
teams have then helped to deliver
a series of weekly sessions, during
which a selected group of families

have taken part in practical and
fun activities, designed to improve
children’s wellbeing and help develop
their relationships.
To celebrate both schools coming
to the end of their respective
programmes, graduation ceremonies
were held to recognise the
achievements of all participants.
Members of Arsenal staff also had
the opportunity in recent weeks to visit
the schools and experience FAST
first-hand.
Speaking about the positive impact
of FAST at Duncombe Primary School,
Headteacher, Barrie O’Shea, said:
“I’m enormously grateful to the
parents for coming back to FAST
week after week and supporting their
children in the programme. Without a
doubt, FAST has had a positive effect
on those families who have attended
over the past eight weeks and we at
Duncombe look forward to taking part
in the programme again. I would like
to extend our heartfelt thanks to Save
the Children and Arsenal for making it
all happen.”
Mrs Dina Hantour, one of the
mothers to successfully complete
the FAST programme at Duncombe,
added:
“The best thing about FAST has
been being able to spend time with
my children outside of our home. I’m
so busy at home, and when we are at
FAST I know I have two hours to be
with my children and enjoy our time
together. My children have taken what
they have learned at FAST home with
them”.
Arsenal’s global charity partnership
with Save the Children is about to
enter its second year and in addition
to its UK programmes, is also
supporting an exciting overseas
project in China, which will see the
Club pledge £300,000 over three years
to help dramatically improve the
quality of education of disadvantaged
children aged six to 15, in some of
Beijing’s most under-resourced
schools.
Families and Schools Together initiative in
action at Duncombe Primary School
Matches and events at
Emirates Stadium
from 24th October 2012 –
8th December 2012
Wednesday 24th October
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal v FC Schalke 04
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Saturday 27th October
Premier League
Arsenal v Queens Park Rangers
Kick-off: 3.00pm
Saturday 10th November
Premier League
Arsenal v Fulham
Kick-off 3.00pm
Saturday 17th November
Premier League
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Kick-off 12.45pm
Wednesday 21st November
UEFA Champions League
Arsenal v Montpellier
Kick-off 7.45pm
Saturday 1st December
Premier League
Arsenal v Swansea City
Kick-off 3pm
Saturday 8th December
Premier League
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
Kick-off 3pm
At the time of going to print, the standard
TV selections had been made up to
the end of November 2012. Ordinarily,
fixtures up to this date will not change.
However, as ever, all fixtures remain
subject to change and circumstances
may yet arise which result in further
fixture changes.
Subject to results and progression in
the Capital One Cup, Arsenal could be
drawn to play at home in November and
December.
All updates can be found on
www.arsenal.com

What’s on
A month long fair of
contemporary art and design
This year’s Islington
Contemporary Art and Design
Fair (ICADF) will take place during
October at Candid Galleries and
will comprise a series of four
shows, each featuring different
creative disciplines.
Now in its ninth year, the
ICADF is a unique event with a
dynamic mix of both emerging
young artists and designers
and those with established
reputations.
This year’s selection of
jewellery is of an exceptionally
high quality. Karolina Paszkiewicz,
just one of Central St Martin’s
graduates the fair is exhibiting,
immortalizes the ephemeral
lifespan of butterflies in classically
set pendants, rings and cufflinks
of gold and onyx. Melissa
Pinkstone has already worked
with Grayson Perry, Diane Von
Furstenberg, and Mario Testino,
and comes to ICADF fresh from
an internship with playful fashion
house Giles Deacon. Her large
breadth of design experience
with each of these names has no
doubt seeped into the weave of
her finely crafted, near-futuristic
garments.
Furniture exhibitors will offer a
mix of sleek modernist lines and
striking retro prints. Andy Jacobs’
collections demonstrate his keen
affinity with digital and musical
culture, combining a purist candy
palette with contemporary
contours in his ‘Bankside’ range.
See our ad, pictured right, for
further details on the exhibition
and opening times.
ISLINGTON
CONTEMPORARY
ART & DESIGN FAIR
06 - 28 October 2012
Four weekends of the best new talent
FREE ADMISSION
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Opening
times
13 - 14 October
Photography Illustration Printmaking Graphics
20 - 21 October
Fashion Textiles Jewellery Accessories
27 - 28 October
Furniture Ceramics Glass Design Products
Fridays: 6.30 - 9pm (preview evening)
Saturdays & Sundays: 11am - 6pm
Candid Galleries
icadf.com
Candid Arts Trust
3 Torrens St
London EC1V 1NQ
020 7837 4237
office@candidarts.com
Sponsored by
facebook.com/candidarts | twitter.com/candidarts
ICADF is organised by Candid Arts Trust. Registered charity no. 1051672
COMMUNITy events
Fitness class for seniors
This is a new kind of fitness class for the
over-55s, focussing on exercises for
the hips, knees, back and balance
When: every Monday, 2.30-3.30pm
Where: Claremont Centre, 24 White
Lion Street, N1 9PD
How much: £4 per class, discounts
for regular attenders
For more details contact Jane Taylor
on 020 7241 3192 or at
jane@ifgingercandoit.com
The Big Draw - Bruno Munari
Come and celebrate the Big Draw 2012
with a spectacular sketching event for
families. Children will learn about Bruno
Munari’s wacky designs and inventions
and follow his top tips for drawing.
When: 31 October, 11am-2pm
Where: Estorick Collection
of Modern Italian Art,
39a Canonbury Square, N1 2AN
How much: free
Gallery admission ticket £5/£3.50
concessions
Drop in, no booking required
Nags Head Extravaganza
Celebrate Christmas early and enjoy a
day of family fun including rides, live
music and performances, craft markets
and a visit from Santa’s reindeers!
When: 25 November, 11.30am-
5.30pm
Where: The Nags Head, northbound
carriage way of Holloway Road
October is Black History Month
The theme in Islington this year is
‘Educate and Innovate’. A lively festival
of film screenings, debates and book
readings will explore black history
education and its importance and role in a
multicultural Britain.
Events are free and low cost, so get
involved and get inspired!
For more details visit
www.islington.gov.uk/bhm
between Camden Road and
Parkhurst Road
How much: free
Independent living event
Celebrate International Day of Disabled
People and discover the range of new
initiatives for independent living on
offer in Islington.
When: 3 December, 9.30am-
5.30pm
Where: Resource for London, 356
Holloway Road (next to Waitrose)
How much: free
For more details call
020 7527 8079 or visit
www.islington.gov.uk/IDDP
30

www.islington.gov.uk
CULTURE
Women laughing
Michael Wall’s black comedy tells the
story of two couples fighting for their
lives amidst the inner-city frustrations
and aspirations of the 1980s.
When: now until 27 October
Where: Old Red Lion Theatre,
418 St John’s Street, EC1V 4NJ
How much: £15/£12 concessions.
£7 on Sundays
Visit www.oldredliontheatre.co.uk/
or call the box office on
0844 412 4307 to book.
Clerkenwell: Radicals,
religion and rivers
To complement the display Rebel
Clerkenwell: a history of dissent and
radicalism, join guides for a walk and see
some of the radical sites of Clerkenwell.
When: 31 October, 11am and 3
November, 2pm
Where: meet at Farringdon Station
How much: £6/£5 concessions
No booking required - just turn up
From India to Islington exhibition
Explore the Roma culture through
this beautiful exhibition which offers a
fascinating window into Roma music, art,
fashion and life in London.
When: now until 1 December 2012
Where: Islington Museum,
245 St John Street, EC1V 4NB
How much: free
The Snowman
The Snowman is back at the Peacock
Theatre for a record-breaking 15th year.
Performed by a live orchestra, this is the
perfect Christmas treat for all the family.
When: 28 November–6 January
2013
Where: Peacock Theatre, Portugal
Street, Holborn, WC2
How much: £12-£32
For more information and to book visit
www.sadlerswells.com
Green living
Crafternoon tea
Hosted by Transition Finsbury Park,
each session covers a different topic,
including knitting, bike maintenance and
other sustainable activities.
When: 1st Sunday of every month,
2-4pm
Where: Ecology Centre,
191 Drayton Park, N5 1PH
How much: free
For more information visit
www.transitionfinsburypark.org.
uk/events
Guyatts Funfair
Head to Barnard Park in October for a
host of fun for the whole family. Enjoy
classic funfair rides and lots of food
stalls to indulge your tummy.
When: 18-21 October, weekdays
4-8.30pm, Saturday 1-9pm
and Sunday 1-8pm
Where: Barnard Park,
Copenhagen Street, N1
How much: £1
Harvest meadow cut
Join the Nature Conservation team
for an annual cut of the wildflower
meadows. A simple ploughman’s lunch
will be provided.
When: 21 October, 10am-2pm
Where: Gillespie Park, N5
How much: free
To find out more visit
www.islington.gov.uk/
ecologycentre
or call 020 7527 4374
assembly hall events
After some amazing performances
recently including Primal Scream
(pictured above), Islington Assembly Hall
has some great events this autumn.
Dirty Dozen Brass band in concert
The legends return after nearly ten
years. Featuring songs from their new
album mixed in with classics, this is
a rare opportunity to experience the
greatest brass band of the last 35 years.
When: 3 November, 7pm
Where: Islington Assembly Hall,
Upper Street, N1 2UD
How much: £18
To book visit
https://assemblyhall.ticketabc.com
Vintage pop-up fair
Enjoy a day of shopping with over
40 of the best vintage traders from
around the country, selling ladies’ and
men’s fashion, accessories, jewellery,
homeware, furniture and more.
When: 4 November and 7 December,
11am-4pm
Where: Islington Assembly Hall,
Upper Street, N1 2UD
How much: £3/£2 NUS
For more information about this and other
events at Islington Assembly Hall, visit
http://assemblyhall.islington.gov.uk
Soul II Soul in concert
One of the most innovative UK
dance/R&B outfits is back to perform an
exclusive full live band show with Jazzie
B, Caron Wheeler and more.
When: 29 and 30 November, 7pm
Where: Islington Assembly Hall,
Upper Street, N1 2UD
How much: £37.50
To book visit
https://assemblyhall.ticketabc.com
31

Talk about great opportunities
Talk about Islington secondary schools
Everything you want from a
school, right on your doorstep:
inspiring teaching
exciting classes
strong results
Apply 1 September - 31 October 2012 for the
best chance of a place at your first choice school.
Visit www.islington.gov.uk/admissions
www.islington.gov.uk/admissions