London,
28
March
2019
|
14:57
Europe/London

We make Camden: Celebration day to bring communities together

"We want to make Camden a better borough – a place where everyone has a chance to succeed and where nobody gets left behind. Together, we will create a place that works for everyone, and where everybody has a voice."

This is the central aim of Camden’s community vision ‘Camden 2025’ – an ambition to tackle inequality, to empower all residents and to move forward together.

However, achieving this aim is threatened by issues which risk dividing our communities including Brexit, youth violence, the housing crisis and austerity.

To respond to this challenge Camden Council will be hosting its first ‘We make Camden’ event at the Greenwood Centre in Kentish Town on Thursday 4 April 2019, as part of a day which will unite and celebrate Camden’s communities. All residents are invited to the culmination of the day, the ‘We Make Camden’ public celebration’.

6pm - 8pm public celebration
Thursday 4 April 2019

Greenwood Centre, 37 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB
Book your place for free

The event will include food and refreshments (from 5.30pm), music, speakers and performances from local Camden talent. Compered by Councillor Hai, performers and speakers include:

  • Amies Freedom Choir: working with Pan Intercultural Arts in Camden, young women from a diverse range of backgrounds perform songs from each others' cultures and languages.
  • Fortune: spoken word from Camden young people working with Pan Intercultural Arts, many of whom have arrived recently from very difficult situations around the world.
  • Small Green Shoots: Charity giving young people not in education, employment or training an opportunity to engage with music and the arts, and to use these experiences as a springboard for their future.
  • Faye Hamilton: local gospel singer and comedian.
  • Dr Ossie Stuart: An academic researcher and independent equalities consultant, who has written key works on race, disability and social care, previous chair of Camden Disability Action.
  • Phoenix Collective: Irish music from the original West End cast members of Once the Musical.
  • Banglar Sur: local Bangladeshi musicians and vocal act.

The Council is also encouraging residents to share their experiences, memories, hopes, journeys and reflections about their time in Camden via social media. We hope these stories will create a shared sense of pride and build a picture of the people that have helped to shape our borough and communities.

Residents can share their stories and photos with us on our social media using @CamdenCouncil , #WeMakeCamden and on facebook.com/lbcamden.

Camden resident Anitia did just that, and said: “I moved to Camden from Dubai in 2006. I’m from Lebanon and wanted to move back there but couldn’t after the outbreak of war. Starting afresh in a new country wasn’t part of my plans. I didn’t know anyone or the systems, and all my money went on renting a box room in a shared house.

“I soon started working at an opticians in Kentish Town, and within a year was promoted, but the first few years were difficult.

“Making a friend who was a student from Brazil was what I needed. It helped to open up and find good in this place. Now Camden is home.”

Earlier on 4 April councillors and key partners will hold an afternoon summit exploring how the borough will can tackle potential issues head on and deliver a clear message that promotes Camden as a place that embeds social integration. Speakers at the summit will include Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement at City Hall. 

Councillor Abdul Hai, Cabinet Member for Young People and Cohesion at Camden Council, said: “We want to celebrate the diversity and strength of the communities in Camden and use this to both explore how we can tackle potential issues head on and create a whole new raft of initiatives to instil a sense of belonging in Camden.

“Civic pride is important. It’s important to be proud of where you’re from, both you heritage and where you make your home. Camden is special because of the huge variety of people who have influenced its history and we want this diversity of experience to continue for many years to come. So please share your stories with us.”