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17 February 2022
In Camden, we look out for each other. I’m so pleased to see people in Camden continuing to help keep each other safe by following public health advice. Simple actions, like taking a rapid test before you go to work or to meet others, can make a big difference in stopping the transmission of COVID-19.
If you or someone you know has not had their COVID-19 vaccine or booster yet, or if you still have questions, it’s easy to pop by or book to visit one of our walk-in locations across the borough.
You may have seen our community vaccine bus around Camden. This is a free service that brings vaccinations and boosters right to the heart of our communities, making it more convenient for you, with staff on hand to answer any questions you have. Book to visit at 020 974 4444 (option 9) or turn up at any of the locations below.
Finally, as we come to the end of half-term, I know many families will still be struggling with the ongoing impact of COVID-19. We’re here to help. Please see the support available below or get in touch if you have any concerns.
Councillor Georgia Gould, Leader of Camden Council
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 Get your COVID-19 vaccinations this half-term!
It’s quick and easy to get vaccinated at a walk-in clinic. You can pre-book an appointment online at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 or just drop-in at one of the clinics open across the borough for everyone aged 12 or over:
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Aqua Pharmacy, 59 Mill Lane, NW6 1NB – open Monday-Friday, 9am-7.30pm; Saturday, 9am-6pm; Sunday, 10am-2pm
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Bidborough House, 38-50 Bidborough St, WC1H 9BT – open Monday-Sunday, 9am-6.30pm
Camden’s community vaccine bus
Everyone aged 12 and over who needs their first or second or booster doses can also visit our free vaccine bus without booking. Please note that everyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. You won’t be asked for proof of ID, address or immigration status and you don’t need to be registered with a GP to get vaccinated.
The bus runs 11am to 4pm on the following days:
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Friday 18 February at Queen's Crescent Community Association carpark (access via Ashdown Crescent) NW5 4QE
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Saturday 19 and Saturday 26 February at Swiss Cottage Market, Eton Avenue, NW3 3EU
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Thursday 24 and Friday 25 February, 208 Webheath (opposite Kingsgate Resource Centre) Palmerston Rd, NW6 2JU
To find out more, visit camden.gov.uk/getting-the-vaccine
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 Having fun and staying safe over half-term
Half-term’s not over yet – there are so many fun activities to explore in Camden!
Young people aged 13 to 19 can visit one of our youth centres to take part in activities including go-karting, cooking, sports and art. Check out the Camden Rise website to see the list of half-term activities at our youth centres. There are also a lot of other youth clubs and play schemes in Camden run by community organisations and charities, you can find out more about these too on the Camden Rise website.
Keeping safe over half-term
If you’re getting together with family or friends, there are simple things you can do to keep each other safe and reduce your chances of catching or spreading the virus, including:
- Getting your vaccinations as soon as you can, see above for walk-in opportunities in Camden.
- Taking a rapid test to check you’re COVID-free. Pickup test kits for free from local pharmacies or order online
- Opening windows regularly – once an hour for 10 minutes – to let fresh air in if meeting indoors
- Wearing a face covering in indoor and busy outdoor public spaces, unless exempt
- Washing your hands regularly and using hand sanitiser when you’re out
For the latest guidance, visit gov.uk/coronavirus
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Food vouchers for families
If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support and have dependent children up to the age of 18, or if your child attends a Camden school and receives free school meals, you will shortly receive a letter from us about government-funded supermarket vouchers to support families in need.
If the letter doesn’t arrive, or if you need any other support, please call 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
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Are you worried about money? Apply for our Household Support Fund
If you’re struggling with money, you may be eligible for a £150 payment to help pay for essentials, like heating bills and groceries. To apply, contact one of the organisations in the Camden Advice Network by 24 March – see details at camden.gov.uk/householdsupportfund or you can also contact us on 020 7974 4444 (option 9).
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 Have your say on how to improve special needs services in Camden
We are asking parents and carers to have their say on how we can improve services for children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) aged 0 to 25.
The parent survey will help to refresh our Local Area SEND Strategy to improve support services and the outcomes achieved by children and young people with SEND over the next five years.
The strategy will outline the vision and key priorities for Camden’s children and young people with SEND so they can achieve well in their early years, at school and into adulthood.
There are six priority areas that we are focusing on, which include ensuring children and young people with SEND and their parents and carers have access to good quality information and advice, receive early support at the right time and in the right way, and can make a smoother transition into adulthood.
The survey is open until 4 March 2022.
Find out more and take part.
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 Spotlight on: LGBT+ History Month
February is LGBT+ History Month and with a week and half still to go, there are plenty of events to get involved in, including:
- forum+’s spoken word event Incite! is back in-person after two years for a very special gig at the Apple Tree’s pop-up venue on Saturday, 19 February. The event is hosted by performance poet Hannah Chutzpah and features a selection of Incite!’s incredible performers, including: international poetry slam champion Dr Robin Lamboll, multimedia artist Lee Campbell and the irreverent and outrageous Barney Ashton-Bullock. Register now for this free event.
- Join the forum+ Book Club for a LGBT+ History Month Special on Thursday, 24 February at 7pm, discussing If Not, Winter: Fragments Of Sappho, the brilliant translation of the work of Sappho from the critically acclaimed poet and classicist Anne Carson. February’s Book Club will take place in Heroica Live in Camden. To register your place please email Daniella@forumplus.org.uk
- There's still time to visit the British Museum and take their LGBT+ history month tour. Explore objects linked to the theme ‘Desire, love and identity’ and discover some amazing pieces with LGBT+ connections. Book your place now.
- As part of LGBT+ History Month, Outcome – Islington Mind’s client-led LGBTQ+ service – are offering taster sessions across a whole host of activities such as creative writing, yoga and lots more. Find out more.
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Our New Homes for Small Sites programme has launched!
Our residents know their communities best, which is why we want to hear your views on where new homes for local people in Camden could be built.
On our new interactive webpages, you can suggest areas of existing council-owned land which could be used to provide additional affordable homes.
Visit our website and tell us your suggestions!
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 How to contact us
To stay updated and to find out more information on services and support, you can:
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