11 new year's resolutions you can keep in Camden
January goes hand-in-hand with health kicks, limiting excess and trying new things. We've rounded up some of the best New Year's resolutions to help you get the most out of 2016.
1. Get online
We can provide hands-on support to help you use computers and get online – making it easier for you to access council services online with a Camden Account, search for jobs, stay in touch with friends and family, find out about local events and much more.
Pop along to one of the sessions below or visit camden.gov.uk/adultlearning to find out more.
Queen's Crescent Library, NW5 4HHFridays, 11am to 1pm |
Kentish Town Library, NW5 2AATuesdays 2 to 5pm and Fridays 10am to 5pm |
Margarete Centre, NW1 2LSWednesdays 2 to 4pm |
Pancras Square Library, N1C 4AGWednesdays 10am to 1pm |
2. Volunteer
Why not give up some of your spare time to support the people and causes that matter to you? There are hundreds of local opportunities to choose from.
Talk to someone at Volunteer Centre Camden on 020 7424 9990 or visit volunteercentrecamden.org.uk to find out more.
3. Have a health check
If you're aged 40 to 74 (or 30 to 74 if you're of South Asian origin) start 2016 with a free NHS Health Check. It's free, simple and takes as little as 20 minutes – and can lower you risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. Book a check at your GP surgery or local pharmacy.
Visit the NHS health checks website to find out more.
4. Discover more of your borough
From museums and libraries to markets and parks – there's plenty on offer to keep you entertained right on your doorstep.
Visit lovecamden.org to find out more about local events and activities near you.
5. Get active
There are lots of ways to get active in Camden. Try out the fantastic facilities at our leisure centres, with a range of membership options including many concessions. Over 60s can swim for free on weekdays from 7am to 12pm, and kids can swim for as little as £1.
You can find lots more free and low cost community activities including health walks, outdoor gyms, physical activity and sports sessions at camden.gov.uk/active.
6. Register to vote
Registering to vote means you will be ready to have your say in the London Mayoral and London Assembly elections on 5 May. From time to time, elections can be called at short notice and with an EU referendum planned before the end of 2017, now is a good time to make sure you're on the electoral register.
It's quick and easy to register oneline at gov.uk/register-to-vote. Alternatively, contact Camden's elections team on 0207 974 6000.
7. Sing out loud
There are loads of music groups and choirs across the whole musical spectrum looking for people like you to join them. For a list of choral and classical choirs, therapeutic and culturally diverse groups in Camden, visit camden.gov.uk/choirs.
8. Shape up
Get inspired in the new year with Shape Up, a free weight management programme to support you to achieve your goals with advice on exercise, healthy eating and keeping going. Sessions start in January across the borough.
Find out more at camden.gov.uk/shapeup.
9. Kick the habit
Tight on cash after buying all those Christmas presents? Quitting smoking can save you money as well as reducing your chances of chest infections, asthma and lung cancer
With help from Smokefreelife Camden you're four times more likely to quit for good. Offering free expert advice, one-to-one and group support, a personal quit plan and a range of tools and treatments to help you beat the cravings – there's never been a better time to kick the habit.
Pop along to one of these stop smoking events in January, or visit smokefreelifecamden.co.uk or call 0800 1070 401 or 0203 317 3861 for free advice and support all year round.
10. Find a new job
Looking for a new job? A range of information and advice is available – from help with your CV and interview tips to ideas of how to build up your experience through volunteering and work placements. A range of local apprenticeships are also available for 16 to 24-year-olds in everything from retail and catering to construction and mechanics.
Visit camden.gov.uk/jobsandskills to find out more.
11. Cut down your drinking
Lots of us enjoy a drink from time to time, but regularly drinking too much alcohol can lead to serious health problems such as chronic liver disease.
Kick start a new approach to alcohol consumption by taking part in Dry January – a national challenge to banish booze for 31 days. Find out more at dryjanuary.org.uk.
If you are concerned about your own drinking, or someone close to you, we can help. For free advice and support visit icascamden.org.uk or call 0300 303 2420 (24-hour freephone).
Find out more
020 7974 4444