westminster reporter - autumn 2013
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
FREE!
Autumn 2013Issue 113
Helping you save money
specialNew Westminster
City Save offers
Win!Theatre and
tennis tickets
Silver Sunday
FREE activities for over 65s
3
The Westminster Reporter is produced as part of Westminster City Council’s customer service programme.
Cabinet Member responsible for Communications: Councillor Philippa Roe, Leader of Westminster City Council.
The Westminster Reporter is delivered to homes and businesses throughout Westminster.
If you encounter delivery problems, please call the communications team on 020 7641 8088.
Also available from libraries and leisure centres.
For general enquiries, call the council switchboard on 020 7641 6000.
To discuss editorial matters, please contact: The Editor, The Westminster Reporter, 18th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria St, London, SW1E 6QP. Telephone: 020 7641 5295 Fax: 020 7641 2958 Email: [email protected] Minicom: 020 7641 2948
The editorial team: Carolyn Thompson, Felicity Quick, Charlotte Parkins and Clym Sutcliffe.
Advertising: please contact Cath McNeill on 020 7641 2476, or [email protected].
Reference copies of The Westminster Reporter are available in large print and audiotape format. To have a free copy sent to your home call 020 7641 5295.
Published by Westminster City Council, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
Printed by Service Point UK Ltd, 161-165 Farringdon Road, London, EC1R 3AL.
Printed on FSC® certified material.
Please recycle The Westminster Reporter.
For more information on recycling call the Environmental Action Line on 020 7641 2000.
Th
e Westm
inster R
eporter | w
estminster.g
ov.uk
CO
nt
en
ts
Piccadilly Circus
4 Getting into work 8 Silver Sunday 14 Local discounts 24 new Westminster Lives 29 Helping you save money PLUS Win FREE theatre tickets, see page 13
Homeownership Westminster is delivered byCatalyst Housing, a charitable housing association
Unlock the door to homeownership in WestminsterDo you live or work in Westminster? Homeownership Westminster is a council service that prioritises those currently living or working in the City of Westminster for homeownership and rental opportunities through a number of different options.
Arrange a face-to-face meeting to find out more and
see how we can assist with your housing aspirations!
Register today
Call: 0845 437 9701 Visit: www.homeownershipwestminster.co.ukEmail: [email protected]
Find us on Facebookat Homeownership Westminster
Follow us on @HOW_Catalyst
WES 012_Ad_210x265_HOW - The Reporter brief_Nov2011v2.indd 1 19/03/2013 14:04:46
Front cover image: Olivia Williams, star of Rushmore, An Education and The Ghost Writer, currently performing in Scenes From a Marriage at St. James Theatre. See our Value for Money Friday discount ticket offer for residents on page 15.
Piccadilly Circus
Th
e Westm
inster R
eporter | w
estminster.g
ov.uk
5LEADER’S COLUMN
Opportunities4
The council will support over 1,000 employment opportunities for local residents over the next five years
Amber Noel from Harrow Road and Nicholas
Driver from Victoria, both 19, joined the Westminster Apprenticeship scheme and now have yearlong roles at the council.
Amber started as an Administration Assistant for the Pest Control department in June. “Working here has made me want to work harder. I’m one step closer to my goals and it has made me more driven. It’s not just a job, I’m learning all the time. I really enjoy working at the council, everyone is happy and friendly, it makes you want to come to work.
“Some of the things I’m doing in my role are new to me so I have already learnt a lot and have done lots of training through the council. Being an apprentice is even better than I thought it would be.”
Based in the Health and Safety team, Nicholas has found the apprenticeship scheme has given him vital work experience that will help him in the future.
“I feel really happy as I’m now learning and training
whilst working and I know I’m learning skills which will help me in the future.
“I had a number of interviews but I kept getting told that I didn’t have the experience to get the job. I found out about the London Apprenticeship Company and sent through my CV. I had an
interview with the Health and Safety team and they told me straight away that I’d got the job, which was brilliant.
“I find my job really interesting. One of the health and safety incidents I helped investigate was at London Zoo where someone
had tripped over in the penguin enclosure, so it’s something a bit different!
“It’s really good to be getting experience whilst getting paid and you get a lot of stability with an apprenticeship, that really makes a difference.”
Helping you save moneyWith the summer holidays behind us and Christmas now on the horizon, household budgets – hard pressed at the best of times – will increasingly be feeling the pinch.
This edition of the Reporter is all about
what the council is doing to save money for our residents.
Value for money drives what we do. As an authority we have saved millions by sharing services with Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham councils. Tight financial management means we have been able to set the lowest council tax of any local authority in the country, something that I am proud of.
We have controlled costs without making some of the cuts other councils have been forced to do. Rest assured we will keep on saving money while protecting frontline services.
Talking of saving money, our new Westminster City Save resident card has been a great success, with over 25,000 people registering to get free or discounted offers on everything from swimming to language
lessons and restaurant deals. Sign up at westminster.gov.uk/citysave
Silver Sunday, which takes place next month, will be a free programme of events for the over 65s and marks our appreciation of those who have spent a lifetime contributing to the city. Westminster is also a place that gives a start to the young, and here you can read about what the council is doing to equip young job seekers through initiatives like the Fast Forward scheme, mentoring and apprenticeships.
Whilst the signs of economic recovery seem to be showing, we still all need to watch the pennies, and your council is doing what it can to help.
Cllr Philippa Roe, Leader of Westminster City Council
How to apply Visit londonapprenticeship.co.uk to find and apply for roles. Alternatively email your CV to [email protected]
Positions will continue to come up throughout the year so keep up to date with the latest information by checking our Facebook page facebook.com/Westminster Apprenticeships
It can be hard to get your foot on the career ladder, especially for young people. The council’s new apprenticeship scheme sees young people matched with opportunities within the council to help them gain practical skills and experience in the workplace.
Getting into work
“Working here has made me want to work harder. I’m one step closer to my goals and it has made me more driven.” Amber Noel
“One of the health and safety incidents I helped investigate was at London Zoo where someone had tripped over in the penguin enclosure.” Nicholas Driver
Support getting into employment The council has a range of employment, mentoring and apprenticeship support to help you get into work.
Westminster Works Support for unemployed people to get back into work. You will get help with training and looking for jobs. To find out more call 020 3603 2301.
VolEmploy Working with Volunteer Centre Westminster we provide a work experience and mentoring service to help you prepare for your chosen career. Open to 16 to 25-year-olds and adults, call 020 7604 8814.
Fast Forward Aimed at 16 to 19-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training, this programme helps you find and secure a job, training or education through one-to-one support. Call 020 7641 8465.
Nicholas Driver
Amber Noel
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Top Tweets6 7
tOP
tW
ee
ts
Follo
w u
s on
@C
ityW
estm
inst
er
@CityWestminster
Active weekend Get active and head to your local leisure centre for a weekend of FREE activities from Friday 29th November – Sunday 1st December. For details and participating venues visit westminster.gov.uk/activeweekend or call 020 7641 2012.
Free e-subscription to Which?If your library subscribes to Which?, you are entitled to a password for the comprehensive online offering. Visit westminster.gov.uk/exclusives
Recycle moreWestminster has added even more small electrical appliance bins around Westminster. The bins can be used to recycle phones and chargers, digiboxes, kettles, hairdryers and many other small electrical items. Find your nearest bin at westminster.gov.uk/electricalrecycling
Want to give up smoking?Take part in the Stoptober 28 day challenge and join people all over the country as they stop smoking for the month of October. Sign up and get free tools to help you quit for good at smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober
Solar binsThe council has launched a pilot scheme using solar powered auto-compacting bins that text refuse collectors when they are 80% full. The bins are expected to reduce collection trips by 70% and will cut fuel costs and greenhouse emissions. westminster.gov.uk/solarbins
Celebrate Silver SundayIf you are over 65 or a carer you can join in 50 free activities across Westminster on 6th October as part of Silver Sunday. To see what’s on, visit westminster.gov.uk/silversunday
London Fire Brigade strikeFirefighters have voted to strike. A basic level of fire cover and some rescue work will still run. All fires must be reported on 999. Automatic alarms will not be responded to so please call 999 if you hear a smoke alarm, particularly from the home of a vulnerable person. london-fire.gov.uk/firesafety
Free health check and adviceIf you’re aged 40-75, and do not have an existing health condition, you can get a free health check and blood test to check for diabetes through your GP. If you’d like advice on health and wellbeing book an appointment with a Health Trainer through the Rain Trust on 0208 964 2727.
Tick. Tock. Test.The clocks go back on 27th October. When you change your clocks the Fire Kills campaign is urging you to test your smoke alarm. This simple task could save your life. Find more information at gov.uk/firekills
50% fewer parking tickets Last year 40,000 fewer tickets were issued and 50 CCTV traffic enforcement cameras are planned to come down throughout the city. It’s all part of a common sense approach to parking in the city: fewer tickets, less CCTV and further innovation. westminster.gov.uk/parking
Behind the Lines music workshopJoin the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Westminster music library to explore the composers and music influenced by The Great War. Create your own music at the free and interactive workshops. westminster.gov.uk/musiclibrary
New wedding locationCouples in Westminster will be able make their own little bit of history as 200-year-old Mayfair Library opens for weddings and civil partnerships for the first time. For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/mayfairceremonies
Earn some extra moneyThe Electoral Services Office is looking for enthusiastic and fit people to work as electoral canvassers. The hours are flexible and will involve visiting properties to complete electoral registration forms. Work starts in November and you have the opportunity to earn up to £800. westminster.gov.uk/canvasser-recruitment
School of the yearGeorge Elliot Primary, in St. John’s Wood, has been named school of the year in the Times School Awards. westminster.gov.uk/schools
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Rebecca Connorton from Pimlico really enjoyed
being part of Silver Sunday last year. She joined in the West End theatre tour and afternoon tea, which was run by the Society of London Theatre and she plans to get involved again this year.
“I heard about Silver Sunday from the Reporter, and was one of the lucky ones who won two tickets to the theatre tour and afternoon tea last year so took my friend along. We had a great time, learning a lot about the history of West End theatres and Leicester Square and the afternoon tea was fantastic. The service was excellent and we got to chat to some new people.
“This year I like the look of the tea party and film
screening at Westminster Academy.”
With 50 activities happening across Westminster there is something for everyone. Why not take along an older neighbour or someone who struggles to go out alone, or if you are over 65, take a look at the activities
on offer. Many events are also open to carers, people who care for a friend of family member with a long-term illness or disability.
Kay O’Connell, who has lived on the Lillington & Longmoore Estate for 20 years, went to the Tea Dance last year.
“The Tea Dance was a real social occasion and the people that went were a lovely bunch. I live on my own now, so it was really nice to meet new people. I really enjoyed all of the music and would like to go again this year.
“There are an awful lot of older people who feel lonely and events like the
Tea Dance help them to meet other people and feel part of the community.
More people should go to get out and about and meet new people.”
Silver Sunday8 9
Silver Sunday on 6th October is a day of free events and activities for older people aged over 65. From free swimming and football to afternoon tea and dance workshops with the English National Ballet, there are plenty of events that you can get involved in and it’s a great way to meet new people and try new things.
Try something new on Silver Sunday
“We had a great time, learning a lot about the history of West End theatres and Leicester Square and the afternoon tea was fantastic.”Rebecca Connorton
11am-12 midday, 12.30-1.30pm
English National Ballet workshopMarkova House, 39 Jay Mews, SW7 2ESBooking required Contact: 020 7581 1245
11am-3pm
Tea tasting and jewellery making with Bluebird CareSt. Gabriel’s Halls, Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AABooking required Contact: 020 7976 6163
1-2.30pm
Internet, iPad and app lessonsSt. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PDBooking required Contact: 020 7641 1300
1.30-2.45pm
Cabaret at St. James TheatreSt. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JABooking required Contact: 0844 264 2140 and quote SILVER SUNDAy
Apply now to get your free Tea Dance ticketThere are 1,000 places available and tickets will be allocated by prize draw. The Tea Dance is for Westminster residents aged 65 and over and there’s a good chance of getting a ticket.
Silver Sunday events
Tea Dance
Over 2,400 places at 50 events will be available during Silver Sunday.
2-3.30pm
Captain’s tour and talk of HQS WellingtonVictoria Embankment, Temple Stairs, WC2R 2PNBooking required Contact: 07984 976950
2.20-5pm
Film screening and a Tea PartyWestminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZBooking not required Contact: 020 8964 1900
5-6pm
Society of London Theatre walking tour Location confirmed on bookingBooking required Contact: 020 7557 6700
For a full list of events visit westminster.gov.uk/silversunday
Our annual Tea Dance will be on Sunday 8th December at the Grosvenor House on Park Lane. If you’re aged over 65, it’s a chance to enjoy a free afternoon of tea and entertainment, including live music from a big band.
Come to the Tea Dance
“There are an awful lot of older people who feel lonely and events like this help them to meet other people and feel part of the community.”
Rebecca Connorton Kay O’Connell
Apply online at westminster.gov.uk/teadance or write to Tea Dance, Communications, 18th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP by 7th October. A maximum of two tickets will be allocated per person, and one of these can be given to a carer.
For more details and full list of events visit westminster.gov.uk/silversunday
Apply by 7th
October
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Stage 3The neighbourhood forum prepares the neighbourhood plan with community.
The plans will be subject to a referendum(s).
Stage 2Apply to the council to establish a neighbourhood forum.
Stage 1Communities submit a neighbourhood area application to the council.
Neighbourhood forums will bring together
residents, businesses and councillors to develop a neighbourhood plan, which may influence decisions like the location of new housing and shops, provision of community and recreation facilities as well as design and environmental standards for buildings.
In April the council approved the first four neighbourhood areas in Mayfair, Soho, St. James and St. John’s Wood. Now communities in these areas can apply to become neighbourhood forums. Mayfair, in the heart of Westminster, is the first area to apply.
Anthony Lorenz has been chairman of the Residents’ Society of Mayfair and St. James for eight years and is one of the founding members of the proposed Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum.
“The society has worked with the council and the landowners for many years so we were made aware of the opportunity to establish a neighbourhood forum. It makes sense because we have a very local
perspective and understand what will improve the area.”
If the application to establish a forum is successful, the next step would be to get started on creating the neighbourhood plan.
Anthony continues:“I think it is a good
opportunity because it brings recognised landowners, landlords, residents and businesses together under a common agenda; to make Mayfair a safer and nicer place. Of course, conflicts of interest are bound to happen but the important thing is that we are working together with the same objective.
“I think there are many benefits to this because the council has such a large area to manage and they are doing that from a very high level. By the time others have their own
neighbourhood forums set up the council is going to have knowledge that is equivalent to hundreds of hours of research. And better still each neighbourhood forum will be working for the good
11Neighbourhood Planning10
Communities across Westminster are coming together to establish neighbourhood forums to have their say about future developments in their area.
Help shape the future of your neighbourhood
Neighbourhood planning
There has been a great deal of interest in neighbourhood planning from local communities. So far:
Neighbourhood planning in brief
How it works:
See if your area has been designated as a neighbourhood: westminster.gov.uk/neighbourhoodareas
For general information and details about getting started: westminster.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning
Anthony Lorenz
“These diverse groups are working together for the benefit of the whole community.” Nigel Hughes
of the area.“For anyone thinking
about doing this, I would say you need to have people on board who are prepared to give their time. What motivated me was the same thing that motivated me to run the residents’ society back when I moved here in 1999; I want to make Mayfair better. I have worked here since 1965, when I got my first job as an estate agent earning £3
a week and I’m still here making my living. I know every inch of this place.”
Nigel Hughes is the Estate Surveyor at Grosvenor, which is a founding member of the proposed Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum.
“It’s a unique opportunity for those who live, work, run a business or shop in a certain geographical area to have their say about how it’s run, managed and planned.
“It brings recognised landowners, landlords, residents and businesses together under a common agenda; to make Mayfair a safer and nicer place.” Anthony Lorenz
These diverse groups are working together for the benefit of the whole community.”
• St. John’s Wood• Mayfair* • Soho*• St. James*
*business areas
neighbourhood areas have been designated:
neighbourhood area applications to date.
22
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
12 13CompetitionsHealth
your local library offers free health advice including tips on managing diabetes, healthy eating and health checks. westminster.gov.uk/libraries
A pair of tickets to see The National Youth Theatre’s modern take on Romeo and Juliet.
One of two pairs of top price tickets to see The Ladykillers!
Win a pair of tickets to see the Statoil Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall.
The Statoil Masters Tennis is back this December with an all star cast taking to the court. Tim Henman, Greg Rusedski and John McEnroe are just a few of the
famous faces battling it out under the roof of the Royal Albert Hall to be the Statoil Masters champion.
Tickets are valid for the evening session on Wednesday 4th December only and cannot be transferred.
WIN!
Set in the iconic Skamania/New Wave era of the 80s against a back-drop of youth
unemployment and economic strife, award-winning playwright Lolita Chakrabarti has adapted this Shakespearian favourite to thrilling effect for the West End stage.
Tickets can be redeemed on any date where there is availability. Performances run from 26th September – 29th November 2013.
The Ladykillers tells the black comedy tale of a sweet little old lady, alone in her
house, pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing. A stellar cast of some of the finest stage and screen comedy actors including Simon Day, Ralf Little, and Angela Thorne take to the Vaudeville Theatre for this hilarious production.
Valid on all Monday-Friday performances until 8th November 2013. Prize is as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged.
For your chance to win any of these prizes please email [email protected] stating either TENNIS/ROMEO/LADyKILLERS in the email title to correspond with the tickets you’d like to win. you can also send a postal entry to Statoil Tennis/Romeo and Juliet/Ladykillers competition, Westminster City Hall, 18th Floor, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. Closing date for entries:
The Ladykillers: 11th October Romeo and Juliet: 18th October. Statoil Masters Tennis: 18th October.
Terms and conditions: Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable. Subject to availability and terms as stated.
How to
enter
WIN! WIN!
Get healthier with MyActionThe MyAction programme, which is delivered by Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, helps people who smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure or have suffered a heart attack make changes to their lifestyle with the support of their family to improve their health.
Available through referral by your GP following a health check or by a hospital consultant.
Barbara, 61, says: “It’s been absolutely
brilliant, it has changed our lifestyle and our eating habits. It’s been really helpful for both of us.”
Bob, 65, was referred to the programme by his consultant after suffering a heart attack last October: “I was referred to weekly classes at Little Venice Sports Centre for 16 weeks where there is a nurse, a physical activity instructor and a dietitian at each class. We do light exercises including step and stretching with the instructor and the other people in the class. The exercises are dependent on
your health and change as it improves. There are also talks from the nurse on how to manage your medication, and from the dietitian. They tell you about what you should be eating more or less
of and how to stop smoking. It’s great to have the nurses there every week as I can talk to them about anything and they can direct me to the right help.
“My wife was also invited along to the classes to support me, as she also has high blood pressure. Going with Barbara means that we are making the changes to
our lifestyle together. It helps motivate you, especially with walking, it’s nice to go out together.
“My doctor is really pleased with my recent blood test and my cholesterol is much lower than six months ago. If the class had not been there I wouldn’t have had the information to help myself improve so rapidly.”
Barbara has found the support of others in the group really beneficial: “It was great to be with the same people every week who were in a similar situation to us at the classes. It meant you didn’t feel so isolated and there were other people there like you.
“I’ve improved my diet, stopped smoking and they have been really supportive. Both Bob and I feel fitter. We’ve been walking together and will continue after the course is finished.”
“If the class had not been there I wouldn’t have had the information to help myself improve so rapidly.” Bob Sargeant
Getting healthy together The council’s innovative heart programme, MyAction, is helping families get heart healthy by being more active, eating healthier and managing their medication. Bob and Barbara Sargeant from Queen’s Park have found the programme has really made a difference to their health since they joined in January.
Bob and Barbara Sargeant
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Sign up for your free cardWestminster City Save has now replaced ResCard, giving you even more great local offers. You can replace your old ResCard at your local library or leisure centre or to sign up for a City Save card visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave
Value for money 1514 Value for money
20% off The Sea Shell of Lisson Grove
Traditional fish and chips restaurant using fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients.
Valid Monday-Wednesday.
020 7224 9000
50% off a Cuisine Card
Exclusive dining deals throughout London and the UK.
Check terms and conditions at each restaurant before booking.
cuisinecard.co.uk
50% off fitness sessions
Improve your fitness with classes including sprinting, track technique and muscle endurance.
Available for new Spartanfam members only.
spartanfam.com
20% off entry to the Design Museum
Celebrate the evolution of design with 20% off entry for cardholders.
Discount available for cardholders only.
020 7403 6933
Discounts at Embankment Café
Get 15% off all day breakfast or any cake and hot/soft drink for £3.50.
020 7930 1471
50% off at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Save 50% on entry cost and see the weird and wonderful collection at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Subject to availability.
020 3238 0022
45% off at Porchester Spa
Mention your City Save card when booking.
020 7792 2919
20% off StarBright Tuition
Courses available at KS3, GCSE and A-level.
Classes subject to availability.
020 3318 3079
Every Friday we have new offers to help you make the most of council and other local services. You do not need to be a Westminster City Save member to claim. Find all offers and terms at westminster.gov.uk/vfm
£5 off tickets to Scenes from a Marriage at St. James Theatre
Save £5 on all tickets priced £15+ for this tale of love, intimacy and marriage. Quote NEIGHBOUR when booking.
Available Mon - Thurs, evening performances and all matinees. Not available with another offer.
Date: Until 9th November.
0844 264 2140
Venue: St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA.
10% off food at Scoffs
Get 10% off food at Scoffs when you mention City Save or show your card.
Date: Until 31st December.
020 7630 1441
Venue: Scoffs, 139 Victoria Street, SW1E 6RD.
Free usage of latest games consoles
Church Street library’s free gaming area gives 13 to 19-year-olds the opportunity to meet up with friends and try new games.
Date: Ongoing.
020 7641 6200
Venue: Church Street Library, 69 Church Street, NW8 8EU.
20% off computer services with Pimlico Computers
For home or business computer support and repairs let Pimlico Computers work their technical magic.
Date: Until 23rd October.
pimlicocomputers.co.uk
020 7630 7512
Art Under Attack free view at Tate Britain
Private community view of Tate Britain collection including rarely seen archive material.
Date: 29th November, 6.30-9pm.
020 7887 8888
Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG.
A NEW OFFER EVERY FRIDAY
Offers and discounts for Westminster residents
For regular updates like us on Facebook.com/valueformoneyfriday
Sign up to our enewsletter to get the latest offers, discounts and details of events in Westminster. Visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave
Free admission to Westminster Abbey
Show your card and photo ID at point of payment.
020 7222 5152
For terms and conditions of the offers, visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave or contact the organisation directly.
Visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave for
all these offers and more.
Westminster
City Save
replaces ResCard
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
k
1716 Services for Parents
Th
e Westm
inster R
eporter | w
estminster.g
ov.uk
Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services
story time
23rd October-3rd November, 11am and 2pm
Discover the story of the London Underground through puppets.
Age: 3-7
Venue: London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, WC2E 7BB
Cost: Adults £15.00; £11.50 with City Save card.
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden
020 7379 6344, ltmuseum.co.uk/whats-on
Parkour Youth Academy
Thursdays, 5-6.30pm
young people can take part and learn parkour skills in a safe environment.
Age: 7-19
Venue: Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1EL
Cost: Free
Nearest Tube: Victoria
020 7630 5522, parkourgenerations.com
Pop-up Handel House
13th October,12 midday-4pm
Be inspired by the home of the great composer and design your own pop-up Georgian home to take away. you can even dress up in Georgian costume during this drop-in event.
Age: Suitable for families with children aged 7-12 years
Venues: Handel House 25 Brook Street, W1K 4HB.
Cost: Included in museum admission price of £6 adults, £5 concessions and free for children. City Save card holders can get 2 for 1 on entrance cost.
Nearest tube: Bond Street/Oxford Circus
handelhouse.org
songs and rhymes for under 5s
Mondays,10.15-11.30am
Learn and play with storytelling, songs and rhymes.
Ages: 0-5
Venue: Charing Cross Library, 4 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0HF
Cost: Free
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square, Charing Cross
020 7641 6200, westminster.gov.uk/libraries
Chelsea Kickz
Mondays, 5-8pm
Take part in fun football sessions every Monday evening. It’s free to take part, just turn up ready to play.
Age: 8-19
Venue: Bramwell House, Churchill Gardens Estate, Pimlico, SW1V
Cost: Free
Nearest Tube: Pimlico
westminster.gov.uk/inthecity
mayfair and Park Lane spy mission trail
Self guided, available anytime
your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves solving a spy mystery on the grand streets of Mayfair and Park Lane. It begins and ends at Marble Arch, so why not add in a picnic in Hyde Park for good measure!
Age: All
Venue: Near Marble Arch Tube station
Nearest tube: Marble Arch
Cost: £6.99+
07581 410001, treasuretrails.co.uk
Visit westminster.gov.uk/inthecity for the latest event and activity listings.
there’s a lot going on for young people this autumn. take a look at our pick of free and low-cost events and activities.
Get the full version of Children First delivered FREE to your door or your inbox three times a year. Email [email protected] to subscribe.
Applying for primary and secondary school places in 2014
Whether your child is starting school for the
first time or making the transition from primary to secondary school, it is one of the most important and exciting milestones in your child’s life. We will support you through it to help ensure it’s a positive experience.
Deadlines for applying
The deadlines for applying to primary and secondary schools are different.
If you are transferring your child to secondary school in September 2014, you must apply by 31st October 2013. If you apply online you will have until 11.59pm on October 31st to submit your application. If you are submitting a paper application you must ensure that the admissions office receive the application form by 5pm on October 31st 2013.
If your child is due to start primary school in September 2014, admissions must be received by 15th January 2014. If you are applying on a paper form you will need to ensure that it is received by the admissions team by 5pm on the closing date. If you are applying online, you will have up until 11.59pm on 15th January to submit your application.
National offer days
The School Admissions team will write to you by the dates below advising you on the outcome of your application. Letters will be sent by first class mail. Online applicants will also be notified by email.
• Secondary schools 3rd March 2014
• Primary schools 16th April 2014.
you can apply online now at westminster.gov.uk/admissions
Application forms are available online and from schools.
If you have any questions, or need further information about the schools you are considering, please contact the School Admissions team on [email protected] or 020 7641 1816.
Term-time holidaysAs of September 2013,
head teachers will no longer be able to grant a leave of absence to pupils for the purpose of a family holiday during term time. Special leave will be granted for exceptional circumstances. Parents can be fined for taking their child on holiday during term time without consent from the school. This reflects a change in education regulations announced by the Government in 2012.
Visit gov.uk for more information
Adriana Dibra, from Harrow Road took
the council’s Teen Triple P course, which focuses on the Power of Positive Parenting.
“I have two children, a daughter, Ejona, 12 and a son, Art, 10. I just wanted to prepare myself for some of the problems that may come now my daughter is a teenager. I feel much more confident.
“We had eight lessons and six were to talk about problems that may have occurred with our children, to share how we solved them and to learn from our mistakes. I have applied what I learnt at home very successfully. It works for both my children, even
with my son.“It was a brilliant course.
I got so much out of it. I tell my friends to take the course, not just for the happiness of your children so that they grow up properly, but for yourself – to learn what you’re doing wrong, to learn a new approach and you will have a lot less stress. I don’t shout at my children anymore. I don’t have to tell them ten times to do something. We have a much calmer home.
“I have learnt that by giving my children more responsibilities they become more responsible. So now instead of me writing a shopping list and deciding where we go shopping, I sit down with my daughter and we decide together. My daughter really loves that as she feels that what she says matters.
“I have learnt how to praise my children so that they will do it again. Before I would only say ‘thank you’, but now I make it specific so that they will do the same
job again, like ‘thank you for tidying your room’. They are not mind readers!
“I used to do all the housework on my own. I showed my children a list of all the things I do and they were quite surprised. Now they say they can do more to help me, they make their own breakfast and tidy
their rooms.“Things are much, much
better now. My family works like a team. I would definitely recommend the course to every parent.”
“I don’t shout at my children anymore – I don’t have to tell them 10 times to do something. We have a much calmer home.” Adriana Dibra
Being a parent can be one of the most challenging jobs many of us will ever have to do. The council runs free courses for parents with practical tips and parenting advice.
The power of positive parenting
Adriana Dibra
There are courses available for parents with children from age two to teenagers. To find out more about the free parenting courses the council offers, visit westminster.gov.uk/parenting
Westminster Children First, Issue 15, Summer 2012
1
children firstWestminster
Issue 15, Summer 2012
Your magazine to find out more about children’s
and young people’s services
WIN! tickets to Horrible Histories
LIVE
West End LIVE
& Kids Week
Better than ever
for 2012!
What’s OnSummer activities
& events
Story LabThis year’s Summer
reading Challenge
is here!
Baby Friendly
Breastfeeding support
for new mums
children firstWestminster
Issue 16, Autumn 2012Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services
WIN! tickets to ‘Room on the Broom’
Back to WorkHelp and support for working mums
What’s OnAutumn events and activities
Get InspiredVolunteering in Westminster
FREEFlu jabs this winter
Parts of this brochure are available in Arabic, Bengali and large print. If you would like a copy,
or want us to provide an interpreter so that you can understand this brochure, please call
020 7745 6433 or write to the Westminster School Admissions team, Kensington Town
Hall, Hornton Street, London W8 7NX
Arabic
Bengali
Westminster City CouncilWestminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP
020 7641 6000 westminster.gov.uk
APPLY ONLINE FOR YOUR CHILD’S SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACEwww.westminster.gov.uk/admissions
<Map
WestminsterYour choice for secondary education
A guide for parents with children transferring to secondary school in 2014
Westminster School Admissions team, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street,
London W8 7NX
Westminster School
020 7745 6433
020 7745 6433
Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street,
London W8 7NX
Admissions team
Primary schools (continued)12. Hallfield Primary Hallfield Estate, W2 6JJ T: 020 7087 496013. Hampden Gurney CE Nutford Place, W1H 5HA T: 020 7641 4195
14. King Solomon Academy Penfold Street, NW1 6RX T: 020 7563 690015. Millbank Academy Erasmus Street, SW1P 4HR T: 020 7641 5945
16. Our Lady Of Dolours Catholic 19 Cirencester Street, W2 5SR T: 020 7641 4326
17. Paddington Green Park Place Villas, W2 1SP T: 020 7641 412218. Pimlico Primary Lupus Street SW1V 3AT T: 020 7802 1909
19. Queen’s Park Droop Street, W10 4DQ T: 020 7641 586020. Robinsfield Infant Ordnance Hill, NW8 6PX T: 020 7641 5019
21. St. Augustine’s CE Kilburn Park Road, NW6 5XA T: 020 7328 022122. St. Barnabas’ CE St Barnabas Street, SW1W 8PF T: 020 7641 4232
23. St. Clement Danes CE Drury Lane, WC2B 5SU T: 020 7641 6586
24. St. Edward’s Catholic Lisson Grove, NW1 6LD T: 020 7723 591125. St. Gabriel’s CE Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AG T: 020 7641 6300
26. St. George’s Hanover Square CE South Street, W1K 2XH T: 020 7629 1196
27. St. James’ and St. Michael’s CE Craven Terrace, W2 3QD T: 020 7641 621828. St. Joseph’s Catholic Lanark Road, W9 1DF T: 020 7286 3518
29. St. Luke’s CE Primary Fernhead Road, W9 3EJ T: 020 7641 585530. St. Mary Magdalene CE Rowington Close, W2 5TF T: 020 7641 4388/439531. St. Mary of the Angels Catholic
Shrewsbury Road, W2 5PR T: 020 7641 448232. St. Mary’s Bryanston Square CE Enford Street, W1H 1DL T: 020 7641 4130
33. St. Matthew’s CE 16-18 Old Pye Street, SW1P 2DG T: 020 7641 5110
34. St. Peter’s CE (Chippenham Mews) Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN T: 020 7641 4385
35. St. Peter’s Eaton Square CE Lower Belgrave Street, SW1W 9AL T: 020 7641 423036. St. Saviour’s CE Shirland Road, W9 2JD T: 020 7641 6414
37. St. Stephen’s CE Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH T: 020 7641 448838. St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Morpeth Terrace, SW1P 1EP T: 020 7641 5990
39. St. Vincent’s Catholic St. Vincent’s Street, W1U 4DF T: 020 7641 611040. Soho Parish CE 23 Great Windmill Street, W1D 7LF T: 020 7641 7311
41. Westminster Cathedral Catholic Bessborough Place, SW1V 3SE T: 020 7641 5915
42. Wilberforce Beethoven Street, W10 4LB T: 020 7641 5865
WCC_Secondary_Admissions_cover_2013_AW.indd 1
23/08/2013 14:00
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Etta Carnelli, 57, lives in Westminster and looks
after her son, Carlo, 22. She says: “Carlo has Fragile X Syndrome which causes severe difficulties with learning and his behaviour as well as hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder and autistic features.
“I’ve been his main carer since he was born and when I take care of him I do absolutely everything for him. He can do a few things by himself but I always need to be there to help him.
“For a long time I didn’t know there were any services for carers but when I found out about Carers Network Westminster my life really improved. They told me where to go for help and made things happen. After looking at all the options, I decided the help that was just right for me was a carers’ assessment, training courses, advocacy, gym sessions, meeting other carers and most important of all for myself, counselling sessions. Counselling helped me to
put all my pieces together.“Carers need the strength
and clarity of mind to deal with so many things. For the person we care for, we organise their life – personal budgets, respite breaks, dental appointments, the chiropodist. And we deal with many other practical and emotional issues. There is so much to cope with and people have no idea. You accept the unacceptable from the person you care for. But it’s a different pressure from the normal problems in life as it’s created by someone you love.
“There are also lots of events such as coffee mornings for carers to share their experiences, forums, outings and
speakers. Meeting other carers, you realise you’re not the only one.
“I have also been on
training courses. I learnt how to handle a personal budget and manage money.
“The carers break scheme
Carers18
If you look after a family member you may not even realise you’re a carer and entitled to support to help you in daily life. The council and NHS provide many services to help you such as respite breaks, training and counselling.
“Counselling helped me to put all my pieces together. Carers need strength and clarity of mind to cope with everything.” Etta Carnelli
Book now for Music Hall performance
The Sir Simon Milton Foundation is hosting an old time Music Hall
event at The Coliseum in Covent Garden on 13th January 2014. Over 2,000 tickets are available for people aged 65+ and carers of any age.
For your ticket visit westminster.gov.uk/musichall or call 020 7845 9300. There’s a £3.50 booking fee for phone bookings and £1.75 if you apply online. Tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
you may be eligible for up to £400 through the carers break scheme. Call 020 8960 3033 for details.
People over 50 can enjoy over 180 free and low cost activities at Westminster Community Hubs, provided by the council. Visit westminster.gov.uk/communityhub for details.
Etta Carnelli
is also important. You can get £300 if you are going away on your own or £400 if you are taking the person you care for with you. People tend to use it to visit their family with the person they care for or to take a short break on their own. You can also use the money to buy something like an iPad or laptop or to pay for driving or swimming lessons.
“Another person I know spent her free time in her garden so bought planters to make it a nicer place to relax. It’s run by Carers Network Westminster and funded by the council and NHS.
“As a carer, you have to
make sure you use health services and have regular checks. Your health is so important as someone else relies on you. There are 6.5 million carers in the UK, one in every six people, and the value of care provided by unpaid carers is around £119 billion a year. So it’s important to help them keep healthy!
“But the most important step to getting support is to recognise yourself as a carer. If you care for a family member or partner you may not think of yourself as a carer or realise that you’re entitled to support.”
The council and NHS fund Carers Network Westminster (CNW) to deliver services for carers including the Carers’ Break Scheme.
To find out more call Adult Social Care on 020 7641 2500 or CNW on 020 8960 3033 or visit westminster.gov.uk/carers or carers-network.co.uk
Caring for yourself Services available
An assessment to see how you can be supported
A personal budget may be available to some people
Information and advice about health, housing, benefits, finance, education, training, employment and leisure opportunities
Counselling sessions
Support groups
Respite care for the person you look after
There’s also help for young carers, visit [email protected]
Time for Me Time for Me is a service offering social, leisure, health and educational activities for unpaid carers over the age of 50. There are trips to galleries, markets, boat trips, musical events and much more.
Call 020 8964 1900 and mention TIME FOR ME. It is funded by Central London and West London Clinical Commissioning Groups through an agreement with the council and run by Open Age.
Get a Decent Homes grant
If you’re a homeowner who receives a means tested benefit such as Council Tax benefit, you may be able to get
financial help to keep your home warm and safe. You may want to fit insulation, improve your heating, make essential repairs or install security measures.
Call 020 7641 8959 or visit westminster.gov.uk/decenthomes for more information or to apply.
£5 tickets for Friendship Matinee at the Royal Albert Hall See the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s The Very Best of
John Barry at a special matinee show on Friday 4th October at 3pm. The show features the late film composer’s famous scores including music from James Bond, Dances with Wolves and Out of Africa.
Tickets are available to charitable, community and volunteer organisations. Email [email protected] or call 020 7959 0541 for details or to book.
Leisure centre membership
If you’re disabled you can get membership at council leisure centres run by Better for £19.95 per month, plus free entry
for an accompanying carer. This includes anytime access to gyms, swimming pools and group exercise classes.
Contact your local leisure centre and mention the Better Inclusive Membership introductory offer. westminster.gov.uk/leisurecentres
Active Awards
Vote in our annual awards for the people who have changed lives through local sport and physical activity.
There are 10 categories including active volunteer, active club and an inclusive award for venues or projects that offer equal access.
Find out more at westminster.gov.uk/activeawards or fill in a nomination form at your local leisure centre.
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
k
20 Advice
Advice services available
All our advice services are now run by CAB, providing you with even easier access to independent advice on a number of areas including:
Welfare benefits, including Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits
Debt
Employment
Housing
Managing and borrowing money
Health and community care
Find out more about advice services offered at westminstercab.org.uk or by calling 0844 771 661.
Mrs Blaize has worked as a cleaner and
supervisor for over 20 years. After losing her husband to lung cancer in 2010, Mrs Blaize decided to take on an extra job to get out of the house more:
“After three months of working I had not received any of the money I’d earned and, after ignoring my calls and texts, my employer suddenly terminated my work. He ignored all my further messages to him, replying only to demand I returned the keys to the property I had been cleaning and to threaten with calling the police if I didn’t do so. I was upset so decided to visit the Westminster Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) to get some advice on how to recover the money I was owed.
“My CAB adviser calculated the amount I was owed and also identified other entitlements I had been unaware of, such as holiday and notice pay. I was also keen to raise the issue that the employer had not been screened by the Job Centre I applied for work
through. I had gone through my local Job Centre as I thought it would be a more reliable route to gaining employment, so my CAB adviser also wrote to the Job Centre and they are now investigating the matter further.
“I went to Westminster
CAB as I had nowhere else to turn to for help and advice and was very impressed with the service I received. Thanks to my adviser’s help I managed to receive a payment of £330 from my former employer and my confidence has been restored also.”
You never know when you might need expert advice. Westminster Citizen’s Advice Bureau is on hand to provide free and independent advice about your money, family, daily life and rights.
Advice services for residents
Mrs Blaize
Last year Westminster CAB helped 8,722 clients and dealt with 27,276 enquiries.
Recycle your unwanted clothing and fabrics at an on-street SCOPE textile recycling bin. There are 37 of these bins across Westminster.
Recycle your old clothes
To find out more visit westminster.gov.uk/textiles
Pass it on
For every tonne of textiles reused rather than put into landfill, harmful carbon dioxide
emissions are reduced by 3.6 tonnes.
Give your unwanted items a new home.
Donate your clothes and textiles for reuse.
• Bourne Terrace, W2 6PP
• Capland Street, NW8 8LN
• Churchill Estate, SW1V 3AQ
• Cochrane Street, NW8 7NP
• Ebury Bridge Estate, SW1W 8QY
• Great Western Road, W2 5UF
• Lisson Grove, NW8 8SQ
• Newman Street, W1T 3EY
• Ravensbourne House, NW8 8BE
• Sutherland Avenue, W9 1UP
• Townsend Estate, NW8 6LF
For the full list see westminster.gov.uk/textiles
NEW textile recycling bins:
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Register Office22 23Register Office
Following the closure of the Old Marylebone
Town Hall for refurbishment, a new permanent Registration Office for births and deaths and the Nationality Checking Service has opened at 317 Harrow Road, W9 3RJ.
For bookings and enquiries about civil marriages and civil partnerships the Register Office has moved temporarily to Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP. This is also the venue for
citizenship ceremonies. Mayfair Library is the
temporary venue for civil marriage and civil partnership ceremonies. It is located at 25 South Audley Street, W1K 2PB. Please note there is no enquiry and booking office at this location. The Old Marylebone Town Hall will be closed for approximately two years.
To check which office you need to go to or to make a booking call 020 7641 7500.
To find out more visit westminster.co.uk/registrars
Westminster residents, Michelle Chin and
Krassi Amzov, were the first couple to tie the knot at the new location when it began hosting ceremonies in September 2013. We talked to them ahead of their big day to find out why they chose Mayfair Library.
“We’re not the conventional type of people who want to get married in a palace with doves. As long as the venue is nice I don’t mind”, says Krassi. “We want it to be small, so it won’t involve a lot of people. There will be just family at the ceremony and then friends will join us for the reception. My parents don’t speak any English so it will be interesting for them.
“We’ve lived in Westminster for almost five years now. It’s nice to get married close by. I don’t see the point of
travelling half way across the world. It’s quite presumptuous to expect people to spend a lot of money and use up holiday to see you get married.”
“You can’t go wrong with Mayfair,” says Michelle: “It’s nearby, convenient and I love libraries, so why not? There’s no point stressing about your wedding day when you’re meant to be happy. We both wanted something low key. Everyone keeps telling us how little time we have to get things ready. We don’t even have the rings yet.
“It makes it a bit more special to know we will be the first to get married at Mayfair Library. I was quite gutted when I found out that the Old Marylebone
Town Hall was closing as it’s just across the road from us. I had no idea we were the first until now though!”
Steeped in 200 years of history, Mayfair Library recently replaced the Old Marylebone Town Hall as Westminster’s official venue for weddings and civil ceremonies.
Weddings by the book at Mayfair Library
Our Register Office services have moved
For more information about ceremonies at Mayfair Library visit westminster.gov.uk/registrar
Westminster has 130 approved venues for civil partnership and marriage ceremonies. For more information and current special offers at venues visit westminster.gov.uk/registrar
Michelle and Krassi
Mayfair Library
“You can’t go wrong with Mayfair... It’s nearby, convenient and I love libraries, so why not?” Michelle Chin
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Ken Bond, 72, lives on the Lillington and
Longmoore Gardens Estate in Pimlico built between 1964 and 1980. It’s one of only two social housing estates in the country to hold Green Flag status for its gardens, both of which are managed by CityWest Homes.
“I saw the estate being built around me when I moved here in 1970 but I’ve lived in Westminster since I was 18-years-old. I moved over the river from Peckham when I got married. I lost my wife but now live with my partner.
“I was very involved in the local residents’ association for a long time, which I enjoyed. Things have changed since then but I’ve had a lot of good times here. I’ve got terrific memories. I’ve lost friends and gained friends.
“It’s a nice area to be in. Whatever direction you go in there’s transport. It’s very convenient.”
Mrs Rohana Meah has been living on the Warwick Estate in Little Venice for two years. The Warwick Estate is one of three estates in Little
Venice built in the 1960s. “From the sixth floor, I
overlook a playground, the canal and other people’s flats. It’s a nice area to live. There are five parks within walking distance for the children to play in. There are shops nearby open up to 24 hours. But parking on my road is a big headache! There are 120 flats, but I like to keep myself to myself.”
Tony Reilly, 62, lives in Queen’s Park in a conservation area where some of the
properties have distinctive Gothic-style architecture.
“I’ve lived in this cottage for three years. It was built around 1876. They’re nice places to live with nice gardens. It’s a total contrast to where I lived before. I lived on Lisson Green in a maisonette for many years but then moved after the kids had grown up.
“Now I know lots of people locally, it’s a really good community area. Once you start getting involved you get
to meet people regularly. “I’m part of a small group
of volunteers that we set up last year – the Friends of Queen’s Park Gardens. We approached the parks department and set up a wildlife area in the park. We got involved in the playground and managed to get some equipment, and then allotments for people who don’t have gardens.”
Find out about housing renewal in Westminster at
westminster.gov.uk/housingrenewal
25Local Focus24
Westminster provides a surprising variety of housing across the city. Three residents tell their stories of living in very different style properties.
Westminster Lives
Local Focus
Visit the CityWest Homes website at cwh.org.uk. If you would like to feature in Westminster Lives email [email protected]
Ken Bond Queen’s Park Conservation Area Mrs Rohanna Meah
“I saw the estate being built around me when I moved here in 1970 but I’ve lived in Westminster since I was 18-years-old.” Ken Bond Tony Reilly
Lillington and Longmoore Gardens Estate
The Warwick Estate
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
Safe Streets26 Safe Streets
Changes to the Safer Neighbourhoods teams
(SNTs) means there will be more officers with additional responsibilities taking a stronger approach to catching criminals and protecting communities. Using their detailed local knowledge, SNTs will now be responsible for investigating neighbourhood crime, tackling those that cause harm to our communities and reducing anti-social behaviour. SNTs will be more visible with officers on patrol later into the evenings, over the weekends and at peak times.
Westminster Borough Commander Alison Newcomb says:
“Westminster is a busy area, which presents us with many challenges in the way we police the area. I fully understand the importance of officers being out patrolling the streets, and this will not change. Neighbourhood policing will remain the bedrock of our work across the borough.
“I appreciate that news of police station closures is causing concern, but let me reassure you that there will not be a reduced police presence on the streets and the stations that are closing
will be replaced with staffed contact points at key locations.
“As well as the new contact points we retain four police stations, two of which (West End Central and Charing Cross) have front desks staffed 24 hours a day, and our local Safer Neighbourhoods Teams will continue to work within their dedicated local communities. There will still be plenty of opportunities to meet with an officer face-to-face should you need to do so. This can be arranged by appointment if necessary.
“Above all, we are confident that we will still be able to deliver a first class service across Westminster.
“The 101 telephone number will remain for non-emergencies and you will be able to request a visit from a local officer within 48 hours. In an emergency there is the 999 system that answers just under five million calls a year - 93% in ten seconds or less.”
Nick Johnson
Amy Boone is a neighbourhood watch
co-ordinator in Paddington and has run her local watch for seven years.
“I started our local neighbourhood watch after we moved into our house and experienced a couple of burglaries. One was by a workman who took some jewellery and another time burglars entered the house through an unlocked window.
“I put leaflets into every letterbox in the area, but our first meeting had just four attendees: two police officers, the next-door neighbour and me! I was a bit disheartened but the police said these things often start small. Eventually numbers grew but we soon realised that meetings wouldn’t work for our community because most people are busy with their families or tired after a long day.
“We continued to share information through email
and let people know about crimes or suspicious incidents in our area, encouraging everyone else to do the same. It’s been a good way to circulate information from the police and the council. It helps them to learn what security issues we have and I think the police appreciate our ability to send around news about certain types of crime, for example, the problem of mobile phones snatched out of the hands of unsuspecting pedestrians.
“Being part of a neighbourhood watch scheme means we not only report incidents to each other but we offer support and empathy. We remind each other not to be lazy
about setting the alarm or locking the windows, or using light timers which discourage would-be burglars, and we look out for each other. My next-door neighbour saw, and shouted at some men breaking into our house when we were out of town
and called 999. “It has been good socially
too. In July a newcomer to the neighbourhood hosted a garden party, and we have a planned barbeque at another neighbour’s place in September. We also held a lovely morning coffee get-together for a few of the
It’s a chance to contribute to the safety of your neighbourhood, as well as helping to build a sense of community.
Communities watching out for each other
“Neighbourhood watch has served, in a nicely non-intrusive way, to link us as a community.” Amy Boone
27
Changes to the Safer Neighbourhood teams
For more info visit met.police.uk/Borough/Westminster or follow
us on twitter @MPSWestminster
The Metropolitan Police Service is putting an extra 2,600 neighbourhood police officers onto the streets of the capital to fight crime in the heart of London’s communities.
Westminster Wardens cover the streets of the city to keep it clean, neat and safe. Visit westminster.gov.uk/westminsterwardens
For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/crime
To find out if there is a neighbourhood watch in your area call 020 7641 2117 or email [email protected]
non-working mums.“Neighbourhood watch
has served, in a nicely non-intrusive way, to link us as a community. It means we greet one another on the street and is a very good way for a group of busy, very private people to connect. It has led to ties of
Helen Outred, Sinora Phillips, Alexis Murdoch Westminster neighbourhood watch members
kindness and well-meaning towards each other.”
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
kT
he W
estmin
ster Rep
orter | westm
inster.gov.uk
29Save money 2928 What’s on?
St. Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE
Cost: Free
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square/Charing Cross
020 7306 0055
BP Walk through British Art
Daily, 10am-6pm
BP Walk Through British Art offers a circuit of Tate Britain’s unparalleled collection from its beginnings to its end. The Walk Through Time has been arranged to ensure that the new collection’s full history, from 1545 to present, is always on show.
Venue: Tate Britain, Millbank, SW1P 4RG
Cost: Free
tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
Little Venice music Festival
11th-13th October, 7.30pm
This annual classical music festival, now in its 11th year, features three concerts over three evenings in October, performed by some of London’s finest singers and musicians.
Venue: St. Saviour’s Church, Warwick Avenue, Little Venice, W9 2PT
Cost: £10-£12 concessions for Westminster City Save cardholders
Nearest Tube: Warwick Avenue
littlevenice-mf.com
silver Fit
First and third Tuesday of every month, 9.30am
Silver Fit offers low cost fitness activities for the over 60s. Take part in fitness and fun sessions in Hyde Park including guided walks, cycling, swimming, running and tennis from as little as £1 per session.
Venue: Meet at the café at South Carriage Drive, Hyde Park, W2 2UH
Cost: From £1
Nearest Tube: Hyde Park Corner or Marble Arch
silverfit.org.uk
Diwali Festival 2013
27th October, 2-7pm
Celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, in Trafalgar Square. Enjoy music and dance, as well as stalls selling delicious food and a whole range of activities for children.
Venue: Trafalgar Square
Nearest Tube: Charing Cross/Embankment
Cost: Free
london.gov.uk/get-involved
Drop-in drawing
1st November, 6.30-8.30pm
Take inspiration from the portraits and sketch in the gallery as part of the National Portrait Gallery’s Late Shift.
Venue: National Portrait Gallery,
WH
At
’s O
n?
How to be listedTo be included in the December edition send details to [email protected] or by post to Reporter magazine, 18th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP to arrive by 23rd October 2013. We cannot guarantee that your entry will be inserted. This is a free service.The information in this guide has been provided by the activity organisers. Westminster City Council accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the information or for any event not organised by the council.
EDUTAINA sport and activity programme for young people aged 8-13. Sessions are run on weekdays at
Free computer trainingBrush up on your IT skills with various courses running at Westminster libraries. Enjoy computer classes for beginners, internet taster sessions and IT drop-in support across several locations. westminster.gov.uk/libraryevents
Over 50s haircutsNo need to book, visit Glastonbury House at the Abbots Manor Estate, SW1V 4NT for a haircut. Cost £5. openage.co.uk
Free over 50s movie MondayCome and see a mixture of old and new films and escape to another world for a couple of hours. A great way to meet new friends and have fun. For more information call 020 7976 6354. openage.co.uk
Save money on your fuel billsSave money this winter by registering for the Big Community Switch. Simply answer a few questions regarding your current energy consumption and energy suppliers will bid for the lowest possible tariff. westminster.gov.uk/energyswitch
Free supervised playEvery Saturday during term time and three days a week during the holidays children aged 8-14 can take part in free play sessions across Westminster, to enjoy sports, arts and crafts and other activities. westminster.gov.uk/supervisedplay
Cycle training coursesGet healthy whilst staying safe. In partnership with Cycle Confident take part in a range of free cycle training sessions for schools, children, adults and families. There’s also bike maintenance courses with Dr.Bike. westminster.gov.uk/cycletraining
Volunteer as a City GuideAs a City Guide you will get the opportunity to help at over 20 major events over the course of the year for free. You will also gain new skills, meet new people and be part of London’s most famous events. volunteer.co.uk/cityguides
Free activitiesGet excellent discounts at our leisure centres including free swimming. For people aged under 19, over 60 and anyone with a disability or seeking employment. westminster.gov.uk/activecard
Free e-magazines from your local libraryChoose from over 31 different titles to read on your computer, smartphone and tablet. westminster.gov.uk/emagazines
He
LPIn
g Y
Ou
sA
Ve
mO
ne
Y
Find
out
wha
t’s o
n in
you
r lo
cal a
rea
with
our
rou
nd-u
p o
f eve
nts
and
act
iviti
es a
cros
s th
e ci
ty.
Vis
it w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
k/i
nth
ecit
y fo
r th
e la
test
list
ing
s.
Mak
e th
e m
ost o
ut o
f 100
s of
ser
vice
s fu
nded
by
your
cou
ncil
tax
pay
men
ts w
ith o
ur g
uid
e to
free
and
low
cos
t cou
ncil
serv
ices
:
Westminster City Save has featured over 150 money-saving offers for residents since launching in January 2013. Get your card at westminster.gov.uk/citysave
a variety of locations during half term, 28th October-1st November. Cost £1 westminster.gov.uk/sportandleisure
Th
e W
estm
inst
er R
epor
ter
| w
estm
inst
er.g
ov.u
k
30 Community focus
Meet the people who are involved in their local area, creating better lives by giving
something back to their community.
“My role at WAES is a Relationship
Manager. My job focuses on community learning and building and managing relationships by working with local community groups.
“I also manage and deliver various neighbourhood fund projects. For example, I’m working on a project called Culture for All, where we organise trips for the over 60s from St. John’s Wood and Churchill Gardens to places like historical houses and gardens in London.
The goal is to make cultural places more accessible for the more mature resident. I’ve been told that many friendships have blossomed from it, which is great.
“I enjoy the community engagement aspect of my job as I am in a position to strengthen Westminster’s diverse communities and bring about change. I do this by identifying and sourcing learning and training opportunities to help communities and individuals transform their lives through better
employment opportunities, gaining new skills and making long lasting friendships. My job can be extremely challenging, however it is incredibly rewarding, even the smallest change can bring a tear to my eye. I am constantly learning and amazed at the talented creative individuals I meet. I am very fortunate to not only work but also live in Westminster so I do feel part of the rich diverse community that makes up this borough. I love the open spaces and vast range of services, activities and courses all on my doorstep. Westminster in summer is so amazingly vibrant, the outdoor concerts, theatre, events and community festivals, such as South West Festival are so full of life and community spirit.”
Find out more at westminster.gov.uk/neighbourhood-funds
Over to you
Sindi’s Westminster favourites
Cafe
Kaffeine on Great Titchfield Street has the most amazing coffee.
Place
Westminster Abbey is so rich in history. It’s one of my favourites, if only the walls could speak.
Free entry with a Westminster City Save card.
Restaurant
The Duke of Wellington on Crawford Street is a fabulous gastro pub in Marylebone, my local.
Leisure
Regent’s Park for running and the Open Air Theatre.
Sindi Hearn lives in Marylebone and has worked at Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) for the past five years. Here she talks about her role and shares her favourite places to visit in Westminster.
WAES enrolls all year round, offering English, maths and many other general interest and qualification courses. Visit waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297 7297
Sindi Hearn
KEEPCALMABOUT
UNIVERSITYFEES
REGISTER NOW - FEES FROM £2,950Places available for Sept 2013 and Jan 2014
@BITEukOfficial British Institute of Technology & E-commerce
020 3288 3146 [email protected] www.bite.ac.uk
British Instituteof Technology & E-commerce
• BA (Hons) Business Management• BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance• BSc (Hons) Computing• BSc (Hons) Networking and Mobile Technnologies• MSc Electronic and Communication Engineering• MSc Information Technology• MSc Film Production and Animation
• LLB (Hons) Business Law• LLM International Business Law• Graduate Diploma in Law• MA Hospitality and Tourism Management• MBA Banking and Finance• MBA Strategic Management and Leadership• BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering
REGISTERING STUDENTS FOR SEPTEMBER & JANUARYemail: [email protected]
Adult learning in the heart of the city
Want to brush up on your English or Maths? Keen to learn a new skill or develop your creative flair? We offer a wide range of courses specifically for adult learners wanting to study in a friendly and supportive environment. We even offer FREE English and Maths courses, so visit us online or drop in to one of our centres for more information. www.waes.ac.uk/2013courses
Enrolling now for 2013/14 courses!
FREE Maths & English
courses