Next steps
Developing Camden 2025 is only the first step. Making a real impact will require the creativity, ambition, and expertise of everyone in Camden.
We’re committed to continuing the conversations begun during the development of Camden 2025, and to making sure everyone in the borough has a voice. Over the coming years there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved. Below is some of the work that’s already taking place.
Citizens’ assemblies
Citizens’ assemblies bring together residents, broadly representative of Camden’s diverse population, for in depth conversations over several months about the borough’s most complex challenges.
Trialled while developing Camden 2025, we heard fantastic ideas for new ways of working and residents felt it was a great way to share their views. We have since held assemblies focusing on issues that residents expressed a desire to work together on, from homelessness to air quality, to the redesign of Euston station.
In 2019, the latest citizens’ assembly will continue discussions, including how the council can make the biggest impact in achieving our shared ambitions in the context of Camden’s financial challenge.
Community challenges
You told us that there are some key challenges in Camden that need residents, community organisations, businesses and the council to all come together to find new ways forward.
Here are a few of the ways our communities are starting to explore these complex issues to help achieve our Camden 2025 ambitions.
Camden 2025 ambition
In 2025, Camden should be a clean, vibrant and sustainable place. No one in Camden should experience poor health as a result of the air they breathe.
What you told us
Many of you are worried about the impact of air pollution and said we all need to work together to take “bold action” to improve air quality in Camden by 2025.
The facts
Camden has some of the worst levels of pollution in the UK. Poor air quality has a significant impact, accounting for around 9,400 premature deaths in London each year and affecting the health of many more by causing asthma and contributing to heart disease.
The story so far
There are lots of things we can all do to help improve air quality in Camden, from walking or cycling instead of driving, through to supporting a local Play Street and improving the energy efficiency of your home to cut boiler emissions. Find out more on our air quality webpages.- The Camden Clean Air Partnership brings together major institutions such as University College London, representatives of Camden’s businesses and industry sectors, and local residents, to discuss practical solutions to tackle poor air quality in Camden. Together the Partnership will create a new Clean Air Action Plan for Camden, due to be finalised in early 2019.
- Camden has become the first borough in England to sign up to World Health Organisation guidelines. These are stricter than the current legal limits for pollution in the UK. Through this commitment we want to lead the way for other boroughs to take bold action against air pollution.
Who is working together on this issue so far
- Residents, Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum, schools (private and state)
- Businesses and major institutions including University College London (UCL), Business Improvement Districts, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Transport for London (TfL), HS2 Ltd, Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association
- Camden Air Action, London Low Emission Construction Partnership, Cross River Partnership, Canal and Rivers Trust, Freight Transport Association
Camden 2025 ambition
In 2025, Camden should be safe, strong and open, and everyone should be able to contribute to their community. No one in Camden should experience isolation, exclusion, harassment or violence as a result of disadvantage or prejudice.
You told us
Although you said that many areas of Camden have a good sense of community, you felt that much more needs to be done to build links between people and communities.
You said that this needs to be actively worked on to help create the sort of relationships that can provide care and make people more resilient.
The facts
Social isolation is when people do not have contact with family, friends or their local community, which can lead to loneliness. Loneliness is a feeling of not being connected to others, which you can feel even if you’re surrounded by people.
Anyone can experience social isolation or loneliness, from older people, to younger people, students, new parents and others.
Camden is ranked fourth in England and Wales for the proportion of one-person households (41%). We know that people who are socially isolated or live alone have about a 30% higher risk of early death. This means social isolation is as big a killer as obesity or heavy smoking.
The story so far
- Central Saint Martins recently held two community workshops, bringing together residents and local organisations to talk about social isolation and loneliness. They discussed the root causes of loneliness and the different ways it can affect people, heard from experts and about projects taking place locally.
- Local startup firm Zinc are working with local organisations Ageing Better Camden and Camden Carers. Together they are looking into how modern technology could be used to help people who feel isolated.
Who is working together on this issue so far
Residents and local organisations including Central Saint Martins, Zinc, Mind Camden, Ageing Better Camden and Camden Carers.
Camden 2025 ambition
In 2025, growth in Camden should be strong and inclusive – everyone should be able to access the work that is right for them.
You told us
Some people in Camden are in well-paid jobs, but many struggle to find good employment. There are higher levels of unemployment in some parts of the borough, especially for people with a health condition.
You said that the way work is changing is reducing people’s opportunities to progress, and that everyone to benefit from Camden’s economic growth.
Residents and employers felt that schools, colleges and universities need to do a better job of preparing young people for work so that they leave school feeling valued and a part of society.
The facts
There are more than 353,000 jobs in Camden, 7% of all employment in London. Camden has the third highest number of business startups in London.
94% of Camden’s young people aged 16 to 18 are in Learning, and 11% of the population are higher education students.
The story so far
- The Camden Apprenticeships team works in partnership with local employers and training providers to offer Apprenticeships for local people. They help 250 people into apprenticeships each year.
The Camden STEAM Commission (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), created in partnership with the Knowledge Quarter, links businesses with schools and further education, helping to give local young people the best skills and opportunities.- The Camden Business Board brings together representatives from businesses across Camden to help make Camden the best place to do business in London.
- Working with residents, providers and businesses, we are reviewing our offer of employment ‘brokerage’. This helps residents most in need find good quality work, and particularly focuses on those with health conditions and those currently in work but living in poverty.
Who is working together on this issue so far
- Local schools and colleges
- Organisations including UCL’s Institute for Sport, Exercise and Health; Pro-Active Camden (PAC)
- Health sector, Public Health, voluntary and community organisations
Camden 2025 ambition
In 2025, everyone in Camden should be able to live a healthy, independent life.
You told us
You said there should be more focus on making Camden a more active borough.
You recognised that everyone has a responsibility for keeping themselves healthy, and being active is important for both mental and physical health. But making healthy choices is often difficult in the heart of a busy city, and you want more opportunities to get active.
The facts
Our residents are the most active in London (seventh in the country). However, in 2015, 20% of adult Camden residents were estimated to be inactive. The number of people whose work largely involves sitting down is also increasing.
The story so far
We’re starting to speak to local people about why some people are active and some aren’t, and what it would take them to be more active. This will inform the borough’s Health and Wellbeing strategy.
Who is working together on this issue so far
- Local schools and colleges
- Organisations including UCL’s Institute for Sport, Exercise and Health, Pro-Active Camden (PAC), London Sport, Better, Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives Taskforce
- Health sector, Public Health, voluntary and community organisations
Camden 2025 ambition
Camden should be safe, strong and open, and everyone should be able to contribute to their community. Children should be given the best start in life, with the opportunity to develop all their capabilities.
You told us
Young people and parents told us they are worried about the rise in youth violence and that more must be done to keep our young people safe.
Young people want more activities to do in the borough and more support to stay in education, training and employment. Parents said they want better information about where they can go for help.
The facts
In the last year, there were 100 victims of knife crime with injury aged under 25 in the borough. Overall, knife crime with injury offences increased by 38% in Camden.
The story so far
The Camden Youth Safety Taskforce has spoken to young people, parents, other residents, professionals and the voluntary sector to find out what more can be done to tackle this serious problem. The Taskforce has made key recommendations, calling for a whole community approach to tackle youth violence.
As part of the Council’s £500,000 investment to help the Council, partners and community act on the Taskforce’s recommendations, in February 2019 the Youth Safety Fund will open for applications from local organisations for work supporting youth safety.
Who is working together on this issue so far
- Young people and parents, schools, community groups
- Voluntary youth services, sector professionals, local police chiefs