What is COP28 in Dubai and why is it important?

World leaders are set to discuss tackling climate change at a big UN summit in Dubai.

It follows a year of extreme weather events in which many climate records have been broken.

What is COP28 and where is it?

COP28 is the 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate meeting where governments will discuss how to limit and prepare for future climate change.

The summit is being held in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), from 30 November until 12 December 2023.

COP stands for "Conference of the Parties", where the "parties" are the countries that signed up to the original UN climate agreement in 1992.

Why is holding COP28 in Dubai controversial?

The UAE is one of the world's top 10 oil-producing nations.

It has appointed the chief executive of the state-owned oil company, Sultan Al Jaber, president of the COP28 talks.

Oil - like gas and coal - is a fossil fuel. These are the main causes of climate change because they release planet-warming greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide when burned for energy.

But Mr Al Jaber's oil company plans to expand production capacity.

"It is the equivalent of appointing the CEO of a cigarette company to oversee a conference on cancer cures," campaign group 350.org said.

Mr Al Jaber argues he is uniquely well-placed to push for action from the oil and gas industry, and that as chairman of renewable energy firm Masdar, he has also overseen the expansion of clean technologies like wind and solar power.

Why is COP28 important?

It is hoped COP28 will help keep alive the goal of limiting long-term global temperature rises to 1.5C. This was agreed by nearly 200 countries in Paris in 2015.

The 1.5C target is crucial to avoid the most damaging impacts of climate change, according to the UN's climate body, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Long-term warming currently stands at about 1.1C or 1.2C compared with pre-industrial times - the period before humans started burning fossil fuels at scale.

However, the world is on track for about 2.5C of warming by 2100 even with current pledges to tackle emissions. The window for keeping the 1.5C limit in reach "rapidly narrowing", the UN says.

What will be discussed at COP28?

As well as progress towards the existing Paris goals, COP28 will concentrate on:

• fast-tracking the move to clean energy sources, to "slash" greenhouse gas emissions before 2030

• delivering money for climate action from richer to poorer countries, and working on a new deal for developing nations

• focusing on nature and people

• making COP28 the "most inclusive" ever

There will also be themed days on issues including health, finance, food and nature.

Who will be at COP28?

More than 200 governments are invited, although the leaders of many countries such as the US, China and India are still to confirm their attendance.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will take part, and Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles will also attend. He will deliver an opening address to delegates on 1 December.

Environmental charities, community groups, think tanks, businesses and faith groups will also take part.

Hundreds of delegates with links to fossil fuels attended COP27 in 2022.

• UN to unmask fossil fuel lobbyists at climate talks

What are COP28 sticking points likely to be?

There is likely to be disagreement about the future of "unabated" fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas which are burned without technologies to capture their emissions.

Mr Al Jaber has called for a "phase down" in their use, meaning a reduction over time, but not a complete end. However, the European Union is expected to push for a full "phase out".

Climate campaigners point out that restricting agreements to "unabated" fossil fuels would allow some production to continue. They say there is no guarantee capturing emissions will work at scale.
Money will also be an issue.

At COP27, a "loss and damage" fund was agreed for richer countries to pay poorer countries facing the effects of climate change.

But exactly how this will work is still unclear. The US, for example, has ruled out paying climate reparations for its historical emissions.

In 2009, developed countries committed to give $100bn (£82bn) a year, by 2020, to developing countries to help them reduce emissions and prepare for climate change.

The target was missed but is expected to be reached in 2023.

Will COP28 make any difference?

Critics of previous COPs, including campaigner Greta Thunberg, accuse the summits of "greenwashing": that is, countries and businesses promote their climate credentials without making the changes needed.

But as world leaders gather, the summits offer potential for global agreements that go beyond national measures.

For example, the 1.5C warming limit, agreed in Paris at COP21, has driven "near-universal climate action", according to the UN.

Article By Mark Poynting

Climate and environment researcher, BBC News

Come on LADIES get involved

20th MAY come and share some food and say hello

Some practical advice and tips on how to help yourself or others if you or they are feeling lonely.

1. Keep in touch with those around you

Talk to friends and family. Sometimes a friendly chat can make a big difference, whether someone is around the corner or further away.

Whether you choose to meet up in person, or chat on the phone, via video calls or on social media, all contact can help remind you that you are not alone.

Make sure to check in regularly – most of us love hearing from people we have lost contact with. Creating a routine of checking in with others and being more sociable can be good, as it can make it easier to reach out at the time you feel lonely.

Messaging old friends or colleagues, or setting up a group chat on a messaging app like WhatsApp or Messenger may help them and you feel more connected.

2. Join a group

Find a group with a shared interest. Being part of an offline or online group or club is a great way to make connections and meet people. Think about activities that you would like to try out and look for groups centred around these.

The people around you may also be able to introduce you to a group they belong to. This could be anything, from gaming and singing to cooking or sport.

Also remember to be welcoming to newcomers and seek to involve others in the conversation, especially those who may be lacking confidence.

3. Do things you enjoy

Filling your time doing more things you like can stop you from focusing on feelings of loneliness and is good for your wellbeing.

Spending time outdoors in green space, doing exercise and listening to podcasts and radio shows are just some of the ways to boost your mood and occupy your mind.

4. Share your feelings – but do not compare

Being able to talk about how you feel with others can help with loneliness, and hearing a familiar voice or seeing a friendly face makes us feel less isolated.

However, try not to compare yourself with others. Remember that many people may only share the good things happening to them on social media, so comparing can make you feel lonelier.

Plus, we can never be sure of what someone else is going through.

5. Help someone else feel connected

Reach out to others – think about people you know who might be feeling lonely and make an effort to connect with them.

Remember that feeling lonely for a long time can make it harder for people to make new connections. It may be difficult for people experiencing loneliness to respond to your friendly contact at first, so be patient and kind.

Try to keep in touch with those around you too. If you pass neighbours or acquaintances on the street, take the time to smile, wave and chat. You could offer to swap phone numbers or create a local group chat to stay connected.

Think about making time to volunteer – it's a great way to meet people and connect, and seeing the benefits of your actions can really help to boost your mental wellbeing.

Loneliness has no common cause.

Sometimes it can be triggered by a life event or change in situation, or it may not be triggered by anything at all.

We all experience feeling lonely in different ways. This means there are a range of ways we can try to overcome loneliness, and we need to identify the help and support that works for us. It's really important to remember that loneliness and difficult feelings can pass.

While loneliness is a feeling we can all relate to, sometimes admitting we feel lonely is much harder. We want people to talk more openly about feeling lonely and the impact that loneliness can have.

Sometimes it can feel easier to reach out to someone else who may be feeling lonely. There are plenty of simple actions you can take to help lift someone out of loneliness and in doing so, it might help you to feel less lonely too.

Find out more about the steps you can take to help yourself and those around you and where you can find further support.

Video: Lift someone out of loneliness

Find out some simple things you can do if you know someone who is lonely.

https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/lifes-challenges/loneliness/

——————————————————————————————

We Make Camden

On the 7th of March Somers Town Community Association hosted an event with Camden Council at The St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre to talk about We Make Camden, a shared vision for the future of Camden that sets out what we collectively want to achieve together as a borough.

The event was aimed at engaging with residents and partners around how they can get involved with We Make Camden and the Camden Missions and Challenges.

This summary captures the comments, experiences and idea’s shared by attendees during their discussions at this event.

Key themes emerging from the event:

Too much consultation and not enough action!

Attendee’s comments, experiences and ideas are captured in the button below and arranged by Camden Missions and Challenges. Ideas for social action and any follow-up, where given are in yellow under each mission.

To find out more about what’s going on locally click on the button below

Get involved and have your say

WAR CRIMES

Somers Town Community Association, The St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre, The Somers Town Job Hub and Make@StoryGarden condemn with every fibre that we have and are the crimes against Ukraine being committed by Russia.

As human beings we must all condemn the acts of aggression being committed against innocents in the name of nothing more than greed and the actions of a mad man.

WE STAND WITH YOU AND OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU

How you can help

Donations

Global charities operating in the UK and Ukraine are appealing for funds to offer aid in the humanitarian crisis.

Sean Ryan, media director of Save the Children, said: "The best way to help is to make a cash donation."

He said collecting supplies like blankets or infant formula means transporting heavy goods hundreds of miles, whereas cash can reach people quickly to buy what is needed.

Among the organisations collecting funds for Ukraine are include:

• The British Red Cross, which has launched an appeal to help the Ukrainian Red Cross to provide food, medicine, clothing and shelter, as well as first aid training in bomb shelters and, in the last few days, 15,000 litres of drinking water to villages in eastern Ukraine

• The UNHCR refugee agency, which is funding emergency shelters, repairs for homes damaged by shelling, emergency cash assistance, psychological support and warm clothing

• Unicef, the UN's children's charity, which is helping to ensure families have clean water and food and that child health and protection services continue

• Save the Children, which is providing cash assistance, food and other support to refugees crossing into Romanian and Lithuania, as well as in Ukraine itself.

• The Disasters Emergency Committee, an umbrella group for 15 of the UK's leading aid charities, is also running an appeal, donations to which will be doubled by the government up to a total of £20m.

The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, the largest representative body for Ukrainians in the UK, has raised more than £1.1m, which it said would fund medicine, food and other essentials.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said donating money through the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK was one way of helping.

The embassy has set up a special fund called With Ukraine for people to send funds via PayPal or bank transfers.

The money will be spent on providing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population and to purchase medical and military supplies for Ukraine's army, the embassy said.

Cervical Screening  

Cervical screening is available to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 in England. All eligible people who are registered with a GP (as female) automatically receive an invitation by mail.

Trans men (assigned female at birth) do not receive invitations if registered as male with their GP but are still entitled to screening if they have a cervix. Trans and non-binary people may find it more comfortable to make an appointment at the specialist clinic 56 Dean St
 

The first invitation is sent to eligible people at the age of 24.5 years. People aged 25 to 49 receive invitations every 3 years. People aged 50 to 64 receive invitations every 5 years.. 

EasyRead booklet: Having a smear test. What is it about? | Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust (jostrust.org.uk)

Taking care of your breasts 

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK. Breast cancer occurs most commonly in women (1 in 8 women in the UK), but men can also get it. There are over 55,000 cases of breast cancer a year, which is around 150 new cases diagnosed each day.

It is important to check your breasts regularly and be aware of the symptoms associated with breast cancer. The most well-known and common symptom associated with breast cancer is the development of a lump in the breast tissue.

Breast cancer screening 

Breast cancer screening is offered every three years to women from the ages of 50-70 years old, and also women with a higher than average risk of developing breast cancer.

WORLD CANCER DAY - 4 FEBRUARY 2022

4th February is World Cancer Day which aims to raise awareness, improve education and call for nations to work together to tackle cancer globally.

We recognise that early detection of cancer is crucial in improving the chances of effective treatment results.

Taking advantage of regular cancer screening programmes available to you can significantly improve the chances of catching any cancers in their early, and therefore more easily treatable stages.

Online Q&A session on Omicron variant and Booster vaccine

We are holding a free online Q&A session on Thursday, 10 February 2022 from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm on the Omicron variant and Booster vaccine. 

Register for the event here and submit your questions on the Omicron variant and booster vaccine. Our panel of health experts will answer your questions. 

£339,000 in National Lottery funding goes to support communities in Camden to tackle climate change, with focus on reducing waste 

Today 25th January, Camden has received the good news that £339,000 in National Lottery funding will support local people and communities tackle the climate emergency.  

The funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK, will support two projects in the borough: The Restart Project who are opening a ‘fixing factory’ on Camden High Street and Somers Town Climate Action Market who want to get the community involved in building a ‘circular economy’ in their part of the capital.  

Somers Town Climate Action Market 

We will use £149,982 of National Lottery Funding to turn the existing Chalton Street Market into a ‘Climate Action’ market. A vibrant, history filled place, where families have shopped for vegetables and caught up with their neighbours for generations, the project aims to embed climate action into the fabric of the community.  

After a difficult few years with COVID-19, climate action can sometimes feel at the bottom of the to do list for this community, but with the new funding the market will connect with local people so that re-use, upcycling and repair become the norm. The project will also support residents to understand and apply the ‘circular economy’ - which is a model of consumption that extends the life cycle of products by reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling for as long as possible.  

Workshops and stalls available to residents at the market will include; a mending exchange, mobile re-use and repair hub - turning food waste into jewellery and bioplastic material; community auction where IT equipment, beds and other items will be available for low prices; a facility to organise a community climate action assembly; and the creation of a community manifesto on climate action. 

Sarah Elie MBE, Executive Director at the Somers Town Climate Action Market, said: “From the start this project, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, just felt right. The first thing we did was to send an email out to all our partners to gauge interest in the project and see who might want to work with us on it, expecting five or six to respond at most. Twenty people turned up to the first meeting, that's when you know things are going to work.” 

We are pleased that we are one of two project receiving funding in Camden the other being The Restart Project, who we can’t wait to work with.

The Restart Project 

This one-year project, made possible thanks to more than £190,000 in National Lottery funding, will open a brand new ‘fixing factory’ on a high street in the borough of Camden for community powered repair to prevent needless waste. Set up like a shop, the factory will divert products, such as toasters and DVD players, from waste, whilst also bringing the community together to chat and learn about waste, carbon reduction and being more environmentally friendly.   

The Restart Project, who are celebrating their tenth year of activity in Camden, are partnering with Possible, who are also based in Camden, to provide opportunities for local young people, including skills development, training, and paid work. The factory shop will be designed to attract a range of people, with plans to explore offering low-cost community space hire, hosting a café and a retro gaming arcade. Ultimately, the project, which has a sister factory in Brent, hopes to test how these spaces can create long term income generation opportunities, support low-income households and be replicated elsewhere in London and across the UK. 

Fiona Dear, Co-Director at the Restart Project, said: “We are delighted to have received this vital funding thanks to National Lottery players. Extending the life of our electronics is an important way to cut our climate impact and reduce waste, and we know people want to do this but often can’t. This grant, with opportunities for young people at its core, will enable us and our partners to make repair more accessible by creating new spaces for fixing, learning, curiosity and empowerment.” 

Nick Gardner, Head of Climate Action at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We know communities have a big role to play in responding to the climate emergency. That’s why, thanks to National Lottery players, we are pleased to be supporting community-led action to address waste and consumption. These projects will bring people together to create a lower waste society, that will not only help us get to net zero, but also support communities to prosper and thrive.”  

This new community funding comes as recent National Lottery research* found one in eight people in London (78%) think local communities are responsible for acting on climate change. The research also shows that over half (58%) of Londoners are worried about the impact of climate on their local community.  

Thanks to National Lottery players, 21 community-led waste and consumption focused projects across the UK are today receiving funding from the Climate Action Fund - a £100 million fund that aims to reduce the carbon footprint of communities and support community-led movements that demonstrate what is possible when people take the lead in tackling climate change.  

Since 2016, thanks to National Lottery players, we have awarded £397 million through more than 6,000 grants which involve environmental action, including action on waste and consumption, energy, transport, food and the natural environment. National Lottery players raise £30 million each week across the UK for good causes.   

To find out more visit www.TNLCommunityFund.org.uk

Update on the coronavirus booster jab:

On 29 November 2021, JCVI announced  that boosters will be offered to everyone aged 18 and over, from 3 months after their second dose. Second doses will also be available for 12-15-year-olds. 

If you have not been contacted within a week of reaching six months since your second jab and you fall into one of the above categories, you can either call 119, book yourself an appointment online via the National Booking System or look for local walk in centres in your area

How to book your COVID-19 vaccine:

a) You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you're aged 18 or over.

You can book appointments at a larger vaccination centre or pharmacy now, or wait to be invited to go to a local NHS service.

You can also book your vaccinations if you will turn 18 in the next 3 months.

• Call 119 for free

• Visit nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine

• Not registered with a GP? Complete the form at camden.gov.uk/form

• Need support to book? Call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9)

b) Young people aged 16 and 17 years

• Book your Covid-19 vaccination appointments online for an appointment at a vaccination centre or pharmacy

• Find a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination site to get vaccinated without needing an appointment

• Wait to be contacted by your GP surgery and book your appointments with them

If you cannot book appointments online, you can call 119 free of charge. You can speak to a translator if you need to.

If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or are a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use textphone 18001 119 or the NHS 119 BSL interpreter service.

c) Children aged 12-15

All children aged 12 to 15 will be offered the 1st dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Parents and guardians will get a letter with information about when the vaccine will be offered.

Most children will be given their vaccines at school.

Please remember that while the first dose of the vaccine will give some protection against the virus, you must get both doses for maximum protection – especially against the Delta variant. 

How to avoid catching and spreading coronavirus:

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of catching the virus or spreading it to other people.

Do:

• get vaccinated

• meet people outside if possible

• open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside

• limit the number of people you meet and avoid crowded places

• wear a face covering when it's hard to stay away from other people – particularly indoors or in crowded places

• wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day.

Don't:

• do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Regular rapid lateral flow tests for those without symptoms:

With coronavirus cases rising in Camden and across London it’s really important to continue to take a rapid lateral flow test (for people without symptoms) twice a week to check that you’re COVID-free, even after your vaccination. You can still catch or spread COVID-19 and not have symptoms.

Come & join us for week one of our Environment & Climate programme

starting on the 31st October 2021

WHAT IS COP26?   

COP26 IS THE 2021 EDITION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ANNUAL CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE 

COP stands for Conference of the Parties. Parties are the signatories of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - a treaty agreed in 1994 which has 197 Parties (196 countries and the EU).  

The 2021 conference, hosted by the UK, together with our partners Italy, in Glasgow, will be the 26th meeting of the Parties, which is why it's called COP26

What do we need to achieve at COP26? 

• SECURE GLOBAL NET ZERO BY 2030 AND KEEP 1.5 DEGREES WITHIN REACH 

Countries are being asked to come forward with ambitious 2030 emissions reductions targets (NDCs) that align with reaching net zero by the middle of the century. To deliver on these stretching targets, countries will need to accelerate the phase out of coal, encourage investment in renewables, curtail deforestation and speed up the switch to electric vehicles. 

• ADAPT TO PROTECT COMMUNITIES AND NATURAL HABITATS 

The climate is already changing and it will continue to change even as we reduce emissions, with devastating effects. At COP26 we need to work together to enable and encourage countries affected by climate change to protect and restore ecosystems, build defences, put warning systems in place and make infrastructure and agriculture more resilient to avoid loss of homes, livelihoods and lives. 

• MOBILISE FINANCE.  

To realise our first two goals, developed countries must deliver on their promise to raise at least $100bn in climate finance per year. International financial institutions must play their part and we need to work towards unleashing the trillions in private and public sector finance required to secure global net zero. 

• WORK TOGETHER TO DELIVER.  

We can only rise to the challenges of climate change by working together. At COP26 we must finalise the Paris Rulebook (the rules needed to implement the Paris Agreement). And, we have to turn our ambitions into action by accelerating collaboration between governments, businesses and civil society to deliver on our climate goals faster.

Racism is evil, it is perpetuated in society only if we allow it to be

Stand up to be counted do not allow those that wish to diminish, devalue, destroy everything that we are and can be.

England is a beautifully diverse country all the richer for the diversity of our people and this be should shouted about and celebrated.

We stand by the side of Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho , very their bravery and heroism on behalf of our nation

Mrs S Elie MBE

Local vaccination events, vaccine bus location and walk-in centres? 

Location timings how to book and the Vaccine being used? 

COVID-19 vaccination bus – a pop-up for autistic Londoners only, run in collaboration with ALAG and Autism Hub 

Laycock Centre car park on Laycock St, London N1 1TH. 

Car park is accessed from Highbury Station Road. 

29 June between 3pm - 7pm 

Email info@alag.org.uk or call 020 7974 4444 (option 9) 

Moderna 

————————————————————————————————

Local vaccination event run in collaboration with our local NHS 

Student Central, University of London, Malet Street, WC1E 7HY 

Thursday 1 July, 2-6pm 

Book an appointment by clicking this link   

If you need support to book, call Camden Council on

020 7974 4444 (option 9) 

Pfizer 

————————————————————————————————

COVID-19 vaccination bus - run in collaboration with Kentish Town Baitul Aman Mosque 

Queen’s Crescent Community Association car park, Queen’s Crescent, NW5 4QE 

Friday 2 July, 3-7pm 

Speak to Luthfur at the Mosque or call

020 7974 4444 (option 9) 

Moderna 

————————————————————————————————

COVID-19 vaccination bus 

Car park outside Sidings Community Centre, Brassey Road, NW6 2BA 

Saturday 3 July, 10am-2pm 

Call 020 7974 4444 (option 9) 

Moderna 

COVID-19 vaccination bus 

Car park outside Sidings Community Centre, Brassey Road, NW6 2BA 

Tuesday 6 July, 3-7pm 

Call 020 7974 4444 (option 9) 

Moderna 

———————————————————————————————-

Local vaccination event run in collaboration with our local NHS 

Kilburn Library, 12-22 Kilburn High Road, NW6 5UH 

Thursday 8 July, 11am – 3pm 

Book an appointment by clicking this link   

If you need support to book, call Camden Council on 020 7974 4444 (option 9) 

Pfizer

Boris Johnson confirms a four week delay in lifting the restrictions beyond 21st June

The PM says the government has faced a difficult choice whether to go ahead with step four of unlocking on 21 June but there's a very real possibility that the virus will outrun the vaccines and that thousands more deaths would ensue that could otherwise have been avoided.

Or, he says, we can give the NHS a few more crucial weeks to get the jabs into the arms of the people who need them.

He says we have not met all four tests to allow the unlocking of restrictions in England and says he feels it is sensible to wait "just a little longer".

Link between infection and hospitalisation not severed - PM

Boris Johnson says the government is concerned by the Delta variant.

Cases are growing by about 64% per week and in the worst affected areas are doubling each week, he says.

The average number of cases is 50% up week on week and 61% up in the North West of England "which may be the shape of things to come", he says.

"Even if the link between infection and hospitalisation has been weakened it hasn't been severed," he says.

The numbers of people in intensive care are also rising, he says.

23 to 24-year-olds invited to book jabs tomorrow 14th June

By 19 July we will aim to have double jabbed two-thirds of the adult population, says the PM.

That's everyone over 50, all the vulnerable, all frontline health and care workers and over 40s who received their first dose by mid-May.

Over 40s will have their second jabs accelerated, he says.

And he will bring forward the target to give every adult their first jab by 19 July.

And 23 to 24-year-olds will be invited to book jabs tomorrow, he says

UK statistics

Total vaccinations

36.6 million

People have received their first dose as of 15/05/2021

Recent and upcoming changes

Restrictions are easing across the UK.

From 17 May

The rules for entering England change depending on where you have travelled from outside the UK. Check the rules if you’re entering Scotland, entering Wales or entering Northern Ireland.

You are strongly discouraged from all unnecessary travel to red or amber list countries or territories, for example for leisure purposes.

In England

A new COVID-19 variant is spreading in some parts of England. Find out what you should do.

From 17 May, you can socialise indoors in a group of up to 6 people or 2 households, including for overnight stays. Up to 30 people can meet outside. Pubs, theatres and other venues can open indoors. Hotels, hostels and B&Bs can open for people on holiday. Read the guidance on what you can do.

The census is a once in a decade survey that gives the Office for National Statistics (ONS) information about households and people in England and Wales.

Everyone is expected to take part – even if you are a citizen of another country. Census 2021 will include questions about your sex, age, work, health, education, household size and ethnicity. There will be new voluntary questions for those aged 16 and over on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Census Day is on Sunday 21 March, but you can complete your census questionnaire as soon as you get your letter and access code in the post. Information provided needs to be about who usually lives in the household – adults and children, including babies. The census will mostly be completed online. Paper questionnaires will still be available upon request.

How information is used information collected in the census helps councils like Camden, central Government, the NHS, charities and other organisations to plan services such as housing, education, health and transport for years to come. It builds up a picture of our communities from very small areas, to regions and the country as a whole.

Census data is available for everyone to use, from creating business plans to charity funding bids. Information collected is only used for statistical purposes. No individual household or person can be identified

Time to Talk Day 2021

Time to Talk Day 2021 takes place on Thursday 4 February - join us to start conversations about mental health and help end the stigma. https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/time-talk-day

The next months are going to be tough, but we have made it this far and although undoubtedly changed from and by this experience we will get through.

There will be those of you that will be reading this that will have faced great sadness, loss, loneliness, isolation, grief and there will be those that sadly may still have these to face. But in the words of a truly inspirational person...

‘Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of Hope. In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us. A belief in things not seen. A belief that there are better days ahead.’ Barack Obama

Boloh Helpline for BAME Families

Barnardo's has launched a new helpline where you can talk about your worries, problems and stresses during this time with new helpline Boloh, which provides emotional support, practical advice and signposting to other organisations who can provide further help.
If you know of any families requiring therapeutic support or vouchers to purchase food or clothing, please refer them to the helpline by calling: 0800 151 2605.
For more information on how the Boloh Helpline Advisors and the team of psychotherapists can offer advice, signposting and therapeutic support for the children, young people, parents and carers - please go to: https://helpline.barnardos.org.uk/ or email VAC's Safeguarding Lead Dianne Carlton-Ogunyemi on dogunyemi@vac.org.uk for more information.

STAY SAFE, STAY AT HOME

We have entered a New Year, but sadly we are confronted by a mountain to climb that is going to need us all to work together if we are to get over the mountain and down the other side.

There is a saying that it is ‘darkest before the dawn’ and it will for many feel that there is no end to this national and global crisis, but  we are stronger together and if we stick to the rules and stay at home we will begin to see the light and come through the other side.

Somers Town Community Association, The St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre and our partners are here to help and whilst our doors are not open at this time our services are running on-line, over the phone and by appointment should that be necessary,

We are also committed to working with the health services in Camden to roll out the vaccination programme, which we fully support and we will be actively working with our partners to ensure clear and concise information about the vaccine is available to ensure fears and concerns are dealt with to ensure people feel confident to have the vaccine.

Whatever support, advice, guidance you may need give us a call or email us and we will do all we can to help

You are not alone please if you are struggling or know someone that is call us on 0207 380 0453 or email :-

sarah@somerstown.org.uk

Jodie@somerstown.org.uk

Jone@thelivingcentre.org.uk

ARE YOU A SMALL GROUP/ORGANISATION AND DO YOU NEED HELP/ADVICE then email jodie@somerstown.org.uk or joned@thelivingcentre.org.uk and let us see how we can help, stronger together.

28th October 2020

Although our building is not as open to the community as we would like at the moment our services/activities are largely all still open and operating, if you need help or clarity on any of our programme email sarah@somerstown.org.uk or Jodie@somerstown.org .uk

FREE FLU VACCINATIONS

The flu virus kills 11,000 in an average year in the UK, and this isn’t any year. Flu vaccines are the best protection for you and those around you. We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with local GP Practices and the St Pancras and Somers Town Living Centre to provide FREE NHS Flu Vaccines at The Living Centre on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays for eligible patients.

To book, please contact your local GP Practice. To find out more about the flu vaccine, including eligibility criteria, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

Help us help you this winter GP practices involved include Only patients from the surgeries below can access this service, walk in appointments will not be permitted, due to COVID 19 restrictions

• Somers Town Medical Centre

• Kings Cross Surgery

• Camden Health Improvement Practice

• Bloomsbury Surgery

• Gower Street Practice

• Ridgmount Practice

• Ampthill Practice

• Regents Park Practice

• Swiss Cottage Surgery

Protect yourself from scammers

Last updated: 4 April 2020

There has been a reported increase in coronavirus related scams across London.

It is always important to remain vigilant, especially when buying things online or accepting help from unknown people.

Please be aware that NHS staff are not going door to door. If someone knocks on your door claiming to be conducting coronavirus tests do not let them in to your house and immediately call the police.

How to protect yourself

Watch out for scam messages.

Don’t click on links or attachments in suspicious emails, never respond to unsolicited messages and calls asking for your personal or financial details. Remain alert for malicious emails offering testing kits of coronavirus.

Take precautions when shopping online

If you are buying anything from a company or person you do not know and trust, carry out thorough research into them to make sure they are legitimate.

For more information, visit actionfraud.police.uk/shoppingsafely

For further advice on online scams you can also get in touch with Citizens Advice.

Protect your devices

Always install the latest software and app updates to protect your devices from the latest threats. 

For information on how to update devices, visit ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/securing-your-devices

If you suspect you have been a a victim of fraud you should report the matter as soon as possible via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline number: 0808 223 1133

Coronavirus (COVID-19):

What You Need To Do

Last updated: 23.03.2020

STAY AT HOME you can spread the virus even if you don't have the symptoms.

When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection. That is why the government is now (23 March 2020) introducing three new measures.

1. Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes

2. Closing non-essential shops and community spaces

3. Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public

Every citizen must comply with these new measures. The relevant authorities, including the police, will be given the powers to enforce them – including through fines and dispersing gatherings.

These measures are effective immediately. The Government will look again at these measures in three weeks, and relax them if the evidence shows this is possible.

If you do have to go outside:

1. Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (where this absolutely cannot be done from home)

2. Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people

3. Wash your hands as soon as you get home

Guidance as at 23.03.20

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and visitor access

Last updated: 11 March 2020

We’re monitoring the spread of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and putting measures in place to minimise the risk to our staff and visitors.

Pre-registration

All visitors to the Somers Town Community Association (STCA) and Living Centre (LC), whether for meetings or events, should be registered before their arrival. Please contact your meeting or event organiser if you’re unsure about whether you have been registered.

Hand-washing

We are asking that visitors wash their hands on arrival (there is hand sanitiser at our reception) and that they wash their hands throughout their time in the building.

Recent travel

If you are visiting us from any of the affected areas listed, you should contact the meeting organisers for advice.

Do not visit the STCA or the LC, if you’ve travelled from the following places, even if you do not have symptoms:

• anywhere in Italy on or after 9 March

• specific areas in northern Italy in the last 14 days

• Iran in the last 14 days

• Hubei province in China in the last 14 days

• Daegu, Cheongdo or Gyeongsan in South Korea in the last 14 days

Do not visit the STCA or the LC, if you have travelled from any of these areas in the last 14 days and feel at all unwell:

• Italy (outside specific areas in northern Italy) before 9 March

• mainland China outside of Hubei province

• South Korea outside of Daegu, Cheongdo and Gyeongsan

• Cambodia

• Hong Kong

• Japan

• Laos

• Macau

• Malaysia

• Myanmar

• Singapore

• Taiwan

• Thailand

• Vietnam

 This list of countries is being updated regularly. Find the latest advice on coronavirus on the Public Health England website.