The Brent Magazine issue 87 February 2009
Update
Irshad's in the zone
An Alperton resident has been congratulated by Brent Council after setting up the borough's latest Green Zone.
Irshad Nabee from Stanley Avenue has got 75 households to sign up and the street now recycles half its rubbish.
He said: "People are quite often willing to recycle, but don't know how to or who to contact. It's been very rewarding meeting my neighbours and sharing what I know."
Green Zones encourage residents to improve recycling, energy and water efficiency and promote green-friendly transport in their street, with support from the council.
There are five zones in Brent.To find out more, email streetcare@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 5050.
Youth worker wins top award
A youth worker at the Brent Adolescent Centre has been named Drug Worker of the Year 2008 for his work in helping to steer youngsters away from substance misuse.
Daniel Smyth was presented with his award after being chosen from a shortlist of 20 regional finalists for the competition, which was organised by the Home Office.
His work with 27 male pupils at a Brent school has helped to guide them away from substance misuse, and to control their challenging behaviour. Daniel, who has worked at the centre for three years, has offered them counselling and support.
He said: "The work I do is very rewarding; I can see benefits in young men's lives. I am very keen to build on the work."
Global school
Woodfield School has won an International School Award for putting the wider world into its curriculum.
The special school in Kingsbury has set up links with schools in Ethiopia to promote a global understanding among pupils. Deputy Headteacher Vijita Patel said: "Woodfield values the impact the international dimension has on the school. Our school ethos always celebrates the diversity of the school and Brent. We are honoured to receive recognition in gaining this award." The International School Award was started in 1999 and is run by the British Council and central government.
Home care survey starts
Brent Council wants people aged over 65 to tell them how they feel about their home care.
People receiving the service will receive a questionnaire as part of the Home Care Survey 2009.
The results are published and will be used by the Department of Health to review home care, and measure the performance of home care services in each council.
Home care is provided by councils to enable vulnerable residents to live in their home by providing services such as cooking, shopping or cleaning for a resident.
Councillor Reg Colwill, Lead Member of Adults, Health and Social Care, said: "Brent Council's committed to helping older residents live a life as full and independent as possible. I urge everyone who receives a letter to participate as this will be an ideal opportunity for residents to influence future decisions on home care."
The questionnaires will be sent through the post and must be returned by 28 February. Call 020 8937 4143.
Don't lose your place
Information sessions to help parents complete the forms for reception school places are being held this month.
They will be on 4 February at Willesden Green Library from 5.30-7.30pm, and 5 February at Brent Town Hall from 5.30-7.30pm. No appointment is necessary.
Applications must be completed and returned to Brent Council's School Admissions Service by 5pm on 27 February. Apply online at www.eadmissions.org.uk/. If you have not received your pack call 020 8937 3110 or email school.admissions@brent.gov.uk
New building for college
A new building at the College of North West London has been hailed as unique for vocational training after it opened last month. The Technology Building at the Dudden Hill Lane campus in Willesden is being used for classes in automobile engineering, bricklaying, and plastering. It will soon be ready for students on refrigeration, air conditioning, engineering, plumbing and gas qualifications. It replaces workshops from the 1930s.
Technology faculty head Patrick Leavey, who trained at the college in the 1970s, said: "It is the most exciting building on the site. The design is architecturally very pleasing, but what makes it unique is the interior. The way the workshops are set up and fitted out for the delivery of a vocational curriculum development is not replicated anywhere else in the country in this sector."
Ready for Respect?
Anyone passionate about music, dance, arts or sports has the chance to showcase their talents at the Brent Respect Festival 2009.
Organisers want to hear from people who would like to take part in the festival which promotes diversity.
Forms are at www.brent.gov.uk/respect and must be returned by 16 February.
More affordable homes for Brent
Building work is starting on hundreds of affordable homes for families in the borough.
Brent Coefficient (BCE), a special group set up to build and maintain the new homes, has been appointed by Brent Council to deliver the 20-year housing project.
BCE will build 195 affordable new homes for homeless families in Willesden Green, Brondesbury and Wembley. Another 20 homes for people with learning disabilities will be built with management and maintenance staying with Brent Council.
Councillor James Allie, Lead Member for Housing and Customer Services, said: "I can't think of a better way to start the year. This really is excellent news for the residents of Brent - especially those on waiting lists for council housing."
The project will create jobs, and modernise residential care services for people with learning disabilities. A second phase of the project to deliver 185 affordable new homes will be agreed in the future.
Steve Wicks, Director of BCE, said: "We are very pleased to close this deal in what are very difficult times.We believe this is a reflection of the quality of our proposals, the experience of the delivery team and the strong sense of partnership."
Voluntary sector conference Anyone with an interest in Brent's voluntary sector is invited to attend a conference which is being organised to promote partnership working in the borough.
It will be held on Thursday 12 February 2009 in the Paul Daisley Hall, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane,Wembley from 9.15-4pm. Call 020 8937 3672.
Mr motivates
TV fitness guru Mr. Motivator broadcast live from Barham Park Primary School last month. The lycra-clad sports instructor - aka Derrick Evans - put Year 5 pupils and parents through a special workout in the sports hall. Head teacher Karen Giles was presented with a Healthy School Award during the show broadcast on GMTV.
Swimming for youngsters
Swimming lessons for young people aged from 8 to 15 who have learning difficulties or special needs starts on 4 February.
The 12-week course of lessons will take place at Vale Farm Sports Centre,Watford Road, North Wembley, and run from 4-4.30pm. For more call Lyanne Harry on 020 8908 6545.
Pupils aim for Cambridge
Thirty Brent school pupils visited a Cambridge college for a day as part of a scheme to encourage them to apply to top universities.
They toured St John's College where they ate lunch in the dining hall, attended two lectures, and were told about Cambridge's college system and admissions process.
The visit was organised by Brent Council's Aim Higher scheme which is working to encourage more school pupils to apply to university.
Pupils who took part were from Convent of Jesus and Mary College, Claremont High School, Preston Manor School, Queens Park Community School and Wembley High School.
Brent Aim Higher Coordinator Peter Boursnell said: "It's important to raise students' aspirations and to break down some of the misconceptions they might have such as Cambridge is for a certain type of person from a certain kind of background."
In 2007, 50 per cent of Brent pupils who applied to Oxford or Cambridge got places.For more call 020 8937 3369.
Residents shape housing strategy
Tenants, leaseholders and homeowners were given a say on the future of housingin the borough at a BrentCouncil conference.
The event at Brent Town Hall was held to help draft a new five-year housing strategy forthe borough, which will bepublished this April.
Housing associations, charities and homeless groups also joined the conference, which looked at the supply of housing, homelessness, temporary accommodation and the environment where people want to live.
Judy Langley, Secretary of Mapesbury Residents' Association, said: "I wanted to get involved for the bigger picture."
Youth matters meets
Brent Youth Matters 2 (BYM2) is holding its first meeting this year on 3 February at Brent Town Hall. BYM2 is open to all 13 to 19-year-olds to discuss key issues and find out more about what Brent Council does on their behalf. It meets the first Tuesday of every month. Contact 020 8937 3680.
Make your date with Neasden Library Plus
The old Neasden Library will be launched as Neasden Library Plus on Valentine's Day with an event for residents to mark its transformation. Mayor of Brent Councillor Ralph Fox will officially open the building which has been modernised and doubled in size by expanding onto the ground floor.
It now has self-service facilities to borrow and return items, a new stock of books and DVDs, a Customer Contact Point to access council services, and classes run by Brent Adult and Community Education Service (BACES).
The opening event will have stories, craft workshops and magic performances along with free adult education taster courses. There will also be a competition with a chance to win an MP3 Player.
The launch is from 11-4pm on 14 February, in Neasden Lane, NW10. For more visit www.brent.gov.uk/libraries or call 020 8937 3580.
Scouts raise cash
Willesden Pioneer Explorer Scouts donated £1,000 to the Rainforest Ward at Great Ormond Street Hospital after raising money by holding a summer fete and tombola.
St Luke'sappeal
St Luke's Hospice is appealing for volunteers to work at its two Brent shops in Wembley HighRoad and Kingsbury Road.
To volunteer contact 020 8382 8000 or email info@stlukes-hospice.org
Roll up for a big night
The winners of the first ever awards to recognise the achievements of young people in the borough will be revealed at an Oscars-style ceremony on Saturday 7 February.
Up to 400 people areexpected at the red-carpetevent which will be hosted by young people and will include a sit-down dinner, entertainment, and the presentation of awards in 14 categories. The organisation and planning has been done by young people in groups including Brent Youth Parliament, Brent Youth Matters 2, and Brent Youth Volunteers.
Elorie Palmer, who is a planning group member and will help host the night, said: "It is very exciting and is going to be the best event that Brent has ever organised for young people. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at there."
Organisers have received dozens of nominations for categories including educational attainment, best entrepreneur, young carer, volunteering, best musician, best parent, best teacher and champion of young people. Four categories are for adults, and there are group awards to be won.
Email byp@brent.gov.uk or call 020 8937 3074.
Fun country weekend
An action-packed weekend in the country from 20-22 February is on offer for young people living in properties managed by Brent Housing Partnership.
There are 16 places for two days of motor sports, fencing, and climbing at
Marchants Hill Centre in Surrey. The trip is for children aged between eight and sixteen and will be run by the community organisation Tenants' Voices.
The cost is £30 which includes transport, food, and board. For more information or to book call Tenants' Voices on 07853 360 791.
Junior musician final
Eight young musicians will be performing in the final of the first ever Brent Music Service's Junior Musician of the Year on 11 February.
They will be playing brass, woodwind, and string instruments and competing for a gold, silver, or bronze medal. Three professional musicians including a composer and London Symphony Orchestra player will be on the event's judging panel.
The eight were chosen from 70 children who auditioned for the competition, which is for children aged from 10 to 13, and all play for the music service's ensembles.
It will be held at Queen's Park Community School from 6.30- 8.30pm and is open to the public. Visit www.brentmusic.com
Brent youth on parade
Young people from Brent finished seventh with their Olympic-themed display in a section of the New Year's Day Parade.
They won £1,500 for the Mayor of Brent's charities, and competed against youngsters from other London boroughs.
It was organised by young people, including Brent Youth Parliament members and was led by the Mayor of Brent.
Meet youth parliament's famous five
A Wembley High School student has been elected by Brent Youth Parliament (BYP) representatives to be its new chair along with four other new executive members.
Petergaye Palmer, 17, will serve for a year and will represent Brent on the UK Youth Parliament and on Brent Children's Partnership Board in her role.
She said: "This is a brilliant opportunity for BYP to persevere and beat the stereotyping of young people. We should instead be judged for our character and what we can do to help the 65,000 young people in Brent."