Westminster & City News, January 10, 2017

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by  Capital Media Newspapers Ltd

Westminster
& City News
Established 1857, part of the London Weekly News group FREE TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017
TRAVEL OFFERS SPECIAL
SEE
PAGES
15-22
Mental-health campaigners
receive New Year accolades
MANY of London’s leading
mental-health campaigners have
been rewarded in the New Year’s
Honours for their efforts to fight
stigma around the illness.
Allies of the Duchess of CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
Cambridge in her crusade to
conquer the mental-health crisis
were among those to be ‘gonged’ last week.
The high-profile awards come as a boost to the
London Weekly News Change Is Possiblemental-health
campaign, which is making huge strides to improve the
lives of vulnerable Londoners.
Sue Baker, director of the Time to Change
mental-health initiative, was appointed OBE for her
efforts to challenge stigma and discrimination. And
documentarian Jonathan Benjamin was appointed MBE
for improving awareness of suicide. SEE PAGES 8 & 9
Weknowthatmovingcanbeverystressful.
Ifyouareconsideringmoving,thenletushelp
takethestressaway.
Local entrepreneur Charlie Mullins has slammed the education system for not properly preparing today’s youngsters for the world of work.
In a hard-hitting column on Page 4 of today’s Westminster & City News, plumber Mr Mullins says that the culture of education must change
Terror attack ‘could
cost economy £1bn’
SHOE & BAG
Mayor’s top security adviser says ISIS atrocity might drive banks away REPAIR
BY GEOFF BAKER As the Corporation of London highly sensitive to a hostile vehi- targets in the capital and he warns Drycleaning&keycopying
[email protected] plans to build a £5 million “ring of cle-borne security threat” and it that the cost of an attack could be
steel” to protect the heart of the will build the new protective ring massive. Bring5itemsormoreforREPAIR
THE feared Islamist terror attack capital’s financial district, City to border Liverpool Street, the “As the economic heart of the 20% DISCOUNT
on Central London could blow a Hall is closely studying a security Bank of England and Fenchurch UK, any attack in London would Andget
£1 billion hole in the city’s econ- report by Lord Harris which Street, an area which is home to have a significant impact on the
omy and drive banks to close and warns that a terrorist attack could some of the capital’s newest national economy,” warned Lord Shoes,Bags,Leather,Belts,Jewellery
move out of the capital, the wreck tourism and have “a signif- skyscrapers. Harris. (excludesalterations)
mayor’s chief security adviser has icant impact” on the economy. “This eastern section of the City “Security and a sense of safety
warned. Following advice from MI5 and of London is especially of impor- are important for inward invest- Mon-Fri8am-8pm Sat8am-5pm
Lord Toby Harris has told Sadiq counter-terrorism police, the Cor- tance in as much as there are go- ment, and we know that following
Khan of his fears that Britain’s poration of London plans to install ing to be a number of major land- major incidents tourism can be
JsFulham JsRepair
most at-risk city would suffer fi- manned checkpoints, rising street marks developed around the area badly affected.
nancial devastation if there is an bollards and crash-proof barri- that could be of interest,” said the “For example, recent data shows E:[email protected]
attack by any of the more than 400 cades by 2022. Corporation. that one million fewer tourists vis-
known extremists with ISIS com- The corporation said it had But Lord Harris has identified ited Paris between January and Tel:[phone]
bat training who are now at large. identified that the City “was that the City is just one of 50 terror TURN TO PAGE 3
621FulhamRoadSW65UQ
HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR NEW POINTS OF VIEW SECTION –SEE PAGES 6 & 7
2LONDON WEEKLY NEWS THE BIG INTERVIEW TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017
Show must go on for dance
CMN
star after cancer diagnosis
Part of Capital Media Newspapers Limited
The London Weekly News Group
Westminster & City News A
(Established 1857) TOP choreog-
Kensington & rapher and in-
ternational
Chelsea News
dance star has
(Established 1857 & 1869) told of his de-
Fulham Chronicle termination to keep his lat-
(Established 1888) est show on the road –
despite a shock cancer diag-
Hammersmith Chronicle
nosis.
(Established 2015)
Thomas Michael Voss,
Shepherd’s Bush Chronicle who has orchestrated rou-
(Established 2015) tines for some of the biggest
London Weekly News names in showbusiness,
said his health problems
(Established 2014)
had strengthened his resolve
ahead of his most ambitious pro-
DIRECTORS ject to date.
Philip Evans When London Weekly News
07796 951991 met Mr Voss in October last year,
Hannah Walker he was making preparations for
020 883 59721 a groundbreaking performance
Tim Dixon (Editor) at the Resolution dance festival,
setting out to defy stereotypes
07739300485
around disability and masculin-
Editorial email
ity.
[email protected]
But since then he has been in
News Editor Geoff Baker 07864 992274
and out of hospital after being di-
Reporter Jack Dixon 07973 565078
agnosed with a plasmablastic
Sport - Tony MacDonald 07711 169427
lymphoma.
Advertising
Despite being midway through
Sales Executive
a lengthy course of chemother-
Seniha Slowinski 0208 768 4930 /
apy and with his health still
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hanging in the balance, Mr Voss
Trades/
is getting back to work.
Services 0208 768 4920/22
In an exclusive interview, he
Recruitment: 0208 768 4923/24
told London Weekly Newshow his
Motors 0208 768 4925/31
cancer diagnoses had made him
Property 0208 768 4925/31
more determined than ever to
Leisure/Ents 0208 768 4921
finish what he started.
Retail Advertising Display Manager
“This life-changing experience
Garry Cole 0208 768 4926
has shown me how precious time
Classified and Customer Service
can be – sometimes we do not
Manager
have time even though we think
Candy Brown 0208 768 4919
we do,” he said.
Distribution
Hayley Bright 020 8768 4916 “It made me realise how im- Choreographer
portant it was for this project to Thomas Michael Voss
be done – it could be the last and, inset, with
thing I ever do.”
fellow dancers
Mr Voss, who lives in Parsons
Green, has worked on pop videos
for the likes of Mariah Carey, project from the start. Inspired flip conventional expectations by medium to take on a series of
Lily Allen and Craig David, as partly by his own experiences of exploring the artistic beauty of taboo subjects – from research
well as a long list of theatrical playground bullying, the care- Joshua’s limited physical capa- projects examining the effects of
productions over the course of an fully choreographed performance bilities and allowing him to take dementia to encouraging the el-
illustrious professional career. aims to break down barriers and the lead. derly to try out on the dancefloor.
In the autumn, the 43-year-old challenge stereotypes. “It’s about the question of While the cancer has threat-
ended a West End run working The cast includes a company of ‘What happens if you don’t fit ened to derail theQuaestioperfor-
with a star-studded cast on the 10 dancers whose movements fol- in?’,” he said. “Why is it we feel mance, which is due to take place
European stage premiere of F low the style of one disabled per- so uncomfortable around disabil- at the festival on February 1, Mr
Scott Fitzgerald’s final novelThe former, Joshua Robertson, who ity? Are we really all-inclusive or Voss is not allowing the complica-
Last Tycoon. suffered spinal-chord injuries as are we just ticking boxes?” tions of treatment to affect his
But his latest venture – Quaes- a result of a motorbike accident. During his career, the Ger- professionalism.
Queen inspires “in” look for spring –page 25 tio–has been a deeply personal Mr Voss said he is aiming to many-born dancer has used the “Some days I can forget that
I’m ill and others I wake up and
feel unable to get out of bed,” he
your council HAMMERSMITH & FULHAM said.
“But I am trying to keep a nor-
Adult social care Family information [email protected]<mailto:pa mal life as much as possible. My
0845 313 3935 service [email protected] main goal is my work – I do not
Benefits 020 8753 2450 Planning want to have that interfered with.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA C0l2e0a 8n7e5r3 G 6re6e8n1er hotline [email protected]<mailto:[email protected] 020 8748 3020 I am determined to make this
020 8753 1100 - 0845 313 3935 [email protected]<mailto:plan- happen.”
[email protected]<mailto:cl Libraries [email protected] The show has helped him to
Accessible Transport [email protected] Parking - permit [email protected] 020 7361 3610 Register Office
020 7361 2390 Family Information Services (renewals) Council tax [email protected]<mailto: li- 020 8753 2140 avoid becoming depressed and
[email protected] 0207 361 3302 [email protected] 020 7361 3019 020 8753 6681 [email protected] registeroffi[email protected]<mailto:reg- stagnant, he said – and it is keep-
Arts & Leisure Housing [email protected] Electoral services Parking control isteroffi[email protected] ing his mind off the cancer.
0ar2t0s a7n3d6l1e [email protected] h02o0u s7in3g6@1 3rb0k0c8.gov.uk P&a Ltiiaeinsto An dSveircvei ce e0l2ec0t 8o7ra5l3.s e4r4v6ic6e [email protected]<mailto: p02ar0k 7in3g7@1 l5b6h7f.8g ov.uk<mailto:park- Report it “Dancing is my life and I am
Benefits Land Charges 020 8962 4547 [email protected] [email protected] 020 8753 1100 fulfilling my dream every day. It
020 7361 3006 020 7361 3554 Planning Environment Parking permits Switchboard makes me happy and hopefully
[email protected] Libraries 020 7361 3012 020 8753 1081 020 8753 6681 020 8748 3020 that might help me get better, and
Council Tax 020 7361 3010 [email protected] CITY OF WESTMINSTER stay better for longer.”
020 7361 3005 [email protected] Registrars
[email protected] Parking - general enquiries 020 7361 4100 Mr Voss is appealing for people
Electoral Services 020 7361 3004 [email protected] Adult Services Children’s Services Housing waste and rubbish to donate towards Quaestioand is
020 7361 3444 [email protected] Streetline 020 7641 2500 020 7641 4000 020 7641 1000 020 7641 2000 looking for community or church
[email protected] Parking - penalty charges 020 7361 3001 [email protected] Libraries Planning Births, deaths and mar- General enquiries halls that could be used as re-
Education 020 7361 4383 Social Services 020 7641 6200 0 2 0 7 6 4 1 6 5 0 0 riages 020 7641 7000
020 7361 3009 [email protected] 020 7361 3013 Benefits Council Tax 020 7641 7500 020 7641 6000 hearsal space. He is on Twitter –
[email protected] Parking - permit (new applications) [email protected] 0800 072 0042 0845 302 3400 Elections Westminster City Hall @FosseyBear – and more informa-
Environmental Health 020 7361 4381 Tell Us Once Parking Licensing 020 7641 7500 64 Victoria Street tion is available on his
020 7361 3002 [email protected] 0207 361 3940 020 7823 4567 020 7641 6500 Household recycling, London SW1E 6QP
website,tmvoss.co.uk.
TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017 WESTMINSTER AND CITY NEWS LONDON WEEKLY NEWS3
Security chief fears banks
The memorial is made up of 82 shards which
represent each of the council officers who
fought and died during the First World War
will quit over ISIS attack
New tribute to
Keeping London safe is
now proving a huge task,
due to the large number
of both targets and council heroes
potential attackers
FROM PAGE 1
June 2016 compared to the
same period in the previ-
ous year, which has been BY GEOFF BAKER about their daily lives who responded to the call
[email protected] to fight for our values and beliefs. They went on
linked to the November
attacks. to do extraordinary feats in ‘the war to end all
“This is estimated to have THE City of Westminster has unveiled a wars’ and made the ultimate sacrifice. Their
cost the French economy intelligence agencies and the the knowledge and skills to memorial to commemorate council employ- commitment to doing their duty has ensured we
£644 million in lost revenue. police in keeping track of help each other. ees who fought and died during the First are able to enjoy the freedoms we do today. We
“It is easy to imagine that them. Their app, pocket book and World War. shall not forget them.”
the consequences of a similar “As the most visited tourist website suggest how best to The striking design placed next to City Cllr Robert Davis MBE DL, deputy leader and
attack in the UK could be over destination in the world, vis- deal with injuries in the im- Hall is made up of 82 shards which represent cabinet member for the built environment, said:
£1 billion. itors – both domestic and in- mediate aftermath of a mass each of the council officers who fought and “We have been marking the centenary anniver-
“It is also clear that major ternational – come to enjoy shooting or bombing incident. died during the conflict. The memorial has sary of the war and this year we have also re-
international companies, su- our history and culture at a The system includes in- been created during the centenary commem- membered the Battle of the Somme, so it is a
ch as banks and other finan- huge range of locations scat- structions on how to treat se- oration of the war in response to the coun- poignant time to stop and reflect upon the sacri-
cial institutions, who have tered across the city. vere bleeding –one of the ma- cil’s original Roll of Honour having been fices of our past as we look to the future.
flexibility in where they es- “Because of the nature of jor causes of death in these lost. “This memorial purposely placed next to
tablish themselves, take a these sites, and the large num- scenarios. A council spokesman said: “The names of Westminster City Hall will be a constant re-
keen interest in the safety of bers of potential victims avail- It guides people through those who served are inscribed on a circle minder for our staff and visitors to our offices,
their staff, including working able, these can again be a packing, putting pressure on surrounding the sculpture, and include offi- as well as passers-by, of all the people who
closely with the police and draw for terrorists. In fact, of and elevating a wound, and cers from sweepers to financial clerks, a sign served our borough and then went on to serve
others to ensure that they are the 73 highest-risk crowded how to use a tourniquet of how the horrific conflict didn’t distin- our country. They stand up for all that Westmin-
protected. places across the UK, 50 of safely. guish between people’s class and back- ster represents and will no doubt inspire future
“If London is not a safe those are in London. The programme also ex- ground. Eleven councillors also served leaders and role models.”
place to work, we will be less “It has become clear in re- plains how to prioritise those during the war.” Dignitaries were joined at the unveiling by
attractive to these companies. cent years, though, that while who need treatment first and
The unveiling ceremony mirrored the ser- children from Burdett Coutts and St Gabriel’s
“So, while it is our status a desire persists among ter- what to tell the emergency
vice held nearly a century ago for the unveil- who have been learning about the Battle of the
as the economic hub of the rorist groups to attack iconic services once they arrive.
ing of the original Roll of Honour with the Somme as part of the Community Covenant
country that contributes to locations, other sites where Meanwhile, counter-terror-
Dean of Westminster, councillors and coun- work with local schools.
London being a great city, this large numbers of people ism officers have renewed
status increases our attrac- gather can also be targeted. their appeal for Londoners to cil officers all present just as they were in Cllr Rachael Robathan, Armed Forces cham-
tiveness as a target, and could “Attacks and plots around help lessen the threat by be- 1921. School pupils played The Last Post and pion, said: “This new monument is a part of
be significantly undermined the world have demonstrated ing their eyes and ears in the read out the epitaphs they wrote to Private Westminster’s commitment to remembering our
if an attack occurred.” that crowded places, such as communities. Ernest Boots, a road sweeper who fought and past and supporting our serving personnel and
Keeping London safe is now shopping centres, sports sta- “If you suspect terrorist ac- died at the Somme in 1916. their families well into the future.
proving a huge task for the dia, entertainment venues tivity then report it in confi- The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Cllr “Through our Community Covenant work we
mayor and security services, and places of worship are at- dence to the Anti-Terrorist Steve Summers, said: “In replacing the orig- host a range of activities from regular work-
due to the large number of tractive targets for terrorists. Hotline on 0800 789 321,” said inal Roll of Honour, this memorial recog- shops with school children to providing advice
both targets and potential at- London, with its population a spokesman. nises the heroism of ordinary people going on housing in the borough.
tackers. of 8.6 million, has countless
Lord Harris has revealed such places.” Labour action team hits out over ‘disgusting’ BT phone boxes
that hundreds of extremists Because of the “highly
are being watched by counter- likely” terrorist attack, Lon-
terrorist police and secret ser- doners are being urged by a THE West End Labour they open the door to Action Team were at antisocial behaviour money into Neighbour-
vices. team of senior military and Action Team has fol- find the disgusting the forefront of calling being swept up the hood Watch.
lowed up residents’ condition many are in for greater police ac- road to Fitzrovia. “We will consult
He said: “It is thought that civilian medics to learn emer- concerns with West- in our prime tourist tion, designing out an- “We have now called with residents and
around 850 UK extremists gency first-aid skills. minster Council on the area,” said a Labour tisocial behaviour, on the council to en- businesses on the cre-
have travelled from the UK to Experts say people need to state of the “disgust- group spokesman. deploring the fact no sure better lighting ation of local Neigh-
Syria and Iraq to join the so- know how to help each other ing” BT phone boxes in “We are pleased that one monitors Westmin- and patrols around bourhood Watches
called Islamic State. because it could take some the area. two phone boxes have ster’s CCTV months Newman Passage in within West End Ward.
“Of these, around half are time before it is deemed safe Phone boxes have had their doors re- after we highlighted it. Fitzrovia and to moni- “We call on resi-
become a focus for an- moved in Soho to re- We continue to ask for tor residents’ feedback dents, Westminster
estimated to have returned, for paramedics to arrive on
tisocial behaviour in- duce antisocial greater co-operation to the new lighting at Council and BT to
and may have received com- the scene. cluding drug taking behaviour –but this is between neighbouring Ingestre Court. monitor neglected
bat and terrorist training and An app, called CitizenAID, and urination and just the tip of the ice- boroughs. “We are saddened to phone boxes to the
may additionally be moti- has been developed to provide their poor condition berg. “We are pleased to learn from Westmin- council and BT as soon
vated by their experiences step-by-step advice. has created an atmo- “ This neglect cre- see greater co-opera- ster Council that there as they see them so
and what they have witnessed Brigadier Tim Hodgetts sphere of neglect. ates a safe haven for tion already starting is no Neighbourhood that the wellbeing of
“Visitors to London antisocial behaviour with the first Camden Watch set up for Soho, the West End and the
whilst away. and Professor Sir Keith
and many residents and Westminster and Westminster po- Fitzrovia and Mayfair quality of life of its
“These individuals repre- Porter, co-developers of Citi- view the old-style tele- Council and BT need to lice surgery but are at the same time as the residents is no longer
sent a real threat and present zenAID, say it is a good idea phone boxes as iconic do more. concerned to hear re- mayor of London is in- taken for granted in
particular challenges to the for people to have a plan and and are sickened when “West End Labour ports of the problem of vesting time and 2017.”
4LONDON WEEKLY NEWS WESTMINSTER NEWS AND VIEWS TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017
Mayor plans £50m fund
Writing for you every week,
London’s most outspoken
entrepreneur
Charlie
to help city’s homeless
pipes up!
BY GEOFF BAKER “Rough sleeping can be very dan-
[email protected] gerous, and homeless women are
particularly vulnerable to abuse,
LONDON mayor Sadiq Khan has which is why the specialist services Education system
set out plans for a £50 million provided by places like the Maryle-
fund to help homeless people, in- bone Project and the Female Hidden
cluding former rough sleepers and Homeless Project that I am support-
victims of domestic abuse, by de- ing are much needed.” doesn’t prepare our
livering properties specifically The Marylebone Project is set up
earmarked for people needing to through a partnership between
move on from hostels and refuges. Church Army and the Portman kids for business
The move-on accommodation maining ‘invisible’, choosing domestic abuse, and a rough sleep- House Trust.
will help Westminster’s homeless, places to sleep which are hidden ers’ drop-in providing hot food and Meanwhile, Westminster City
including young people and from view and ‘disguising’ their showers. The project also offers Council is to target ex-Service per- I
women, who are ready to move homelessness. As a result, many of skills and training including CV sonnel who are rough sleeping on the T’S very easy to ing and computer science
into a home of their own after these women, including those es- writing, and IT lessons to support streets and help them find emergency think that the fu- is spot on and one that
spending time being supported in caping domestic abuse, are signifi- users into independent living. accommodation. ture of our economy needs to transform into a
hostels and refuges. cantly less likely than men to Mr Khan said: “Rising levels of Westminster is the first London solely depends on groundswell of opinion
The funding is available to access the help and support they homelessness and rough sleeping in borough to partner with Veterans Aid politicians, analysts across both academia and
housing providers as part of the need. London are beyond shameful in to tackle the problem of ex-Service and City fat cats. business that encourages a
mHoaymoers’ s P£r3o.g1r5a mbimllieo,n wAhfficohrd awbales has“ Taoll ohcealtpe da dfudnredsisn gth fios rt ha es pmeacyiaol-r oannde oift ’tsh ea riscahde sfta ccitt iethsa itn fthoer wyeoarlrds perOsountrneealc wh iwtho nrkoe bres dws itlol gnoo wto .refer But, in truth, it’s down to seismic change in the way
agreed with the government in ist service, the Female Hidden some of London’s most vulnerable any ex-Service personnel directly to each and every one of us to we teach future genera-
November’s Autumn Statement. Homeless Project, run by the Cen- people have been let down and ig- Veterans Aid, which will get them make a contribution that tions.
The mayor invests a further tral and North West London NHS nored. into emergency accommodation and can shape the country’s fu- Of course, changing the
£9 million annually in services for Foundation Trust. The funding will “Homelessness is a complicated make sure that they never have to ture. curriculum is one thing
rough sleepers in London, and re- contribute to the provision of dedi- problem and it will take time to spend a night on the streets. And that includes every but it’s the culture of edu-
cently launched his No Nights cated mental-health specialist sup- turn things around but I’m deter- Cllr Nickie Aiken, Westminster schoolchild sitting behind cation that has to change
Sleeping Rough taskforce –bring- port with an aim of providing a mined we do everything we can to City Council cabinet member for their desk in classrooms up and this is where I really
ing together government, bor- route off the streets for women who support people from becoming public protection, said: “It is espe- and down the country. Un- stand shoulder to shoulder
oughs and key agencies to focus have been rough sleeping for a long homeless and help them if they do. cially difficult to see those who have fortunately, our education with Sir Anthony.
on how to prevent rough sleeping time across London.” “This is why I’ve set out plans to served our country ending up on the system continues to let He predicts that within
and help entrenched rough sleep- Mr Khan made the funding an- invest £50 million in accommoda- streets. That is why I am so pleased kids down by not properly 10 years computers will re-
ers“. Rough sleeping is extremely nisot unsceervmicene t oinn aM viasriyt lteob ao nspe ectihaal-t ttieolsn fotor peloonpgle- tmeromv inign dfreopmen dheons-t Ltoo anndnoonu nbcoer otuhagth w toe wwiollr kb ei nth ed ifriercstt preparing them for life in place many of the skills
dangerous for everyone but espe- provides accommodation, training living, alongside the £9 million we partnership with Veterans Aid. They modern employment. that young people are cur-
cially for women, who are partic- and skills support for homeless spend every year on rough sleeping have a superb record of helping ex- Business owners seem to rently being taught. This
ularly vulnerable to physical women. services. I’ve brought together bor- servicemen and women and I hope be repeatedly banging their will leave them with very
attacks and verbal abuse,” said the The Marylebone Project offers oughs, government and the wider that this will continue to make a real head against a brick wall few options when they
mayor’s spokesman. 112 long- and short-term beds to housing sector –and it’s critical we difference in Westminster.” trying to close the gap be- leave school.
“Female rough sleepers often homeless women, as well as emer- work together to tackle the scourge In an appeal to residents, she said: tween education and em- Therefore, to ensure that
respond to these dangers by re- gency beds for women fleeing from of homelessness. “If you encounter a rough sleeper ployment. While we appear the skills taught have an
you are concerned about you can call to win the odd skirmish, end-game, in terms of
Streetlink on 0300 500 0914.” such as the government’s preparing kids for employ-
Of the 2,857 rough sleepers seen commitment to creating ment, Sir Anthony sug-
by Westminster’s Rough Sleeping three million apprentice- gests that league tables for
Team, 60 self-reported having served
ships, it is a war we are a schools shouldn’t be mea-
in the Armed Forces.
long way from winning. sured on exam results but,
Over the last three years, a little
more than two per cent of all rough However, it appears we instead, on how many stu-
sleepers in Westminster claimed to have a new ally, an enemy dents go on to get jobs. This
be ex-Services. This compares to within if you will, in the would, as he quite rightly
four per cent nationally, according to form of Sir Anthony Seldon says, force schools into
DCLG figures for autumn 2015. from the University of teaching entrepreneurship
Outreach workers will refer those Buckingham who has de- and more relevant employ-
who say they have served in the livered a very critical as- ment skills. This includes
Forces to Veterans Aid which can sessment of the way our moving the focus away
provide additional funding and help education system teaches from simply getting stu-
those with a service record. young people. dents through a job inter-
Dr Hugh Milroy, chief executive
He says that rather than view and preparing them
of Veterans Aid, said, “I wholeheart-
preparing kids for the ex- for the real world of en-
edly embrace this partnership which
will work on a number of levels. This citing and unpredictable trepreneurship.
charity’s operational HQ and drop-in 21st century, schools are, I would hope that Sir An-
centre has been in the heart of the instead, preparing them for thony’s views can also be
borough for over 60 years and we the last century, which had applied a little closer to
have been a former Lord Mayor of mass-production jobs whe- home in the higher-educa-
Westminster’s chosen charity. re workers had little need tion arena too.
“We share with the Westminster to think creatively. The gap between univer-
team a commitment to preventing If that’s not hitting the sity and employment is
and addressing street homelessness nail on the head, I don’t also still too large and con-
and the consequences of homeless- know what is. siderable reform needs to
ness – not by giving short-term hand-
It’s not often I agree with be made to a system full of
outs but by creating enduring
academics, let alone one worthless degrees and
solutions.
“We have an excellent record in who is a university vice- overlong courses.
dealing with homelessness among chancellor – but Sir An- That said, I whole heart-
veterans to the extent that is now a thony has a real point, edly support Sir Anthony
rare thing to find a genuine veteran especially when he says: Seldon’s views of reform-
on the streets. Our emphasis for some “In the coming years, ing schools and the way
years has been on ‘no first night out’ Britain will need a million our kids are taught.
through prevention. By working in small enterprises to com- Those with the power to
close partnership with Westminster pete against the best minds shape education don’t lis-
we hope to take our prevention work in new businesses starting ten to business enough.
on to a new level through direct re- across the world.” Perhaps they will pay more
ferrals from Westminster. We have a
His view that children attention to one of their
system of swift intervention that
need to be exposed to en- own – our economy de-
works –and recidivism among our
clients is uncommon. trepreneurship, engineer- pends on it.
“We are deliberately offering our
unique and effective service to help Views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of this newspaper
Westminster with its rough sleeping London’s leading service
issue. We aren’t asking for money company all day - every day!
here, we just want to play our part.
“We are an operational charity, 020 7928 8888
and the work we do is frontline. Peo-
ple who come to our Victoria Drop-
in Centre are desperate. We can’t tell
hungry, hopeless veterans to come
back in a few days.”
TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017 LONDON WEEKLY NEWS5
Neglected railway arches
Bankers and finance
workers pay record
taxes during 2016
to be turned into shops
CITY bankers and finance workers have
paid more in tax that ever before – con-
tributing £71.4 billion to the economy in 2016.
New figures published by City of London
A NETWORK of neglected rail- portunity” to further enhance the Corporation shows that the equivalent of al-
way arches next to Wood Lane area. most a quarter of the financial services’
station will be reopened as shops Sean Ellis, chairman of hous- turnover was given to tax.
and attractions as part of a plan ing developer St James Group, The total tax contribution for the financial
to “transform” the area. Alistair Shaw, managing director services was a 7.4 per cent increase on the
Around two thirds of the 31 for the Television Centre revamp, previous year’s figures and the highest in
arches could be up and running and Duncan Bower, Westfield’s the nine years that the report has been pro-
as retail outlets and community development director, all ex- duced.
spaces as early as 2018. pressed their support for the pro- The contribution, the last set of financial-
Transport for London is to posals. services tax data to be published before
make the largely unused units Hammersmith and Fulham Brexit negotiations commence, is 11.5 per
available to rent for up to three council said the extra pedestrian cent of total UK government tax receipts.
years. and cycle options would boost its It also shows that for every £1 of corpora-
The revamp coincides with ambition to make the borough tion tax paid – one of the largest direct
several other major develop- the greenest in the country. taxes –there is another £3.83 paid in other
ments in the north of the bor- direct taxes.
Cllr Andrew Jones, the local
ough, including the extension to The report, which was produced by PwC,
authority’s cabinet member for
Westfield shopping centre and shows banks and insurance firms were the
economic development and re-
the building of almost 2,500 new highest overall tax-paying sub-sectors, due
generation, also said the scheme
homes, office blocks and restau- to reforms in corporation tax and the bank
rants. The railway arches at Wood Lane Tube station would provide a hub for small levy.
and developing businesses to
Transport chiefs are yet to se- “These are the first of a num- John Lewis store at Westfield. Of emerge. The analysis shows financial firms paid
caurcrhe epsla bnuntin Hg apmermmeisrssimonit fho ra tnhde ber of arches that we are looking these, 13 will be for retail and He said: “It is important to en- ££78..64 bbiilllliioonn oinn tchoer pyoeraart iboenfo traex, ,w uhpi lefr tohme
Fulham council has already to develop to help us raise vital business use with three as walk- sure that there are opportunities bank levy saw foreign and UK-based banks
backed the proposals. revenue to reinvest in the trans- ways and three for storage and for independent retailers, busi- contribute £3.4 billion in the last financial
Graeme Craig, TfL’s commer- port network.” cycle parking. nesses and start-ups, as well as year – an increase of more than 25 per cent.
cial development director, said: The arches will be relaunched A further 12 arches closer to the major stores and big names Data from the report shows that the equiv-
“Opening the arches at Wood as a mix of commercial, leisure the A3220 West Cross Route will in Westfield. alent of almost a quarter of financial ser-
Lane will truly transform the and retail outlets while some be completed in the early 2020s, “Renovating and renting out vices’ turnover in the last financial year
area, supporting ongoing regen- have been earmarked as pedes- TfL said. the railway arches gives smaller went straight to the public coffers, with the
eration with new locations for trian walkways. Top developers and retail gi- companies a chance to benefit average financial worker paying more than
small and independent busi- TfL said it aims to open 19 of ants operating around the site from the huge increase in footfall £32,000 in tax.
nesses and improving pedestrian the arches early next year to co- welcomed the announcement of generated in Shepherd’s Bush in Mark Boleat, policy chairman at the City
connectivity. incide with the launch of the new the plan and hailed a “great op- recent years.” of London Corporation, said: “As the last set
of data on financial services’ tax contribu-
Community’s chance to put tech ideas to the test tion before the Brexit negotiations begin, it
is hugely important.
“In light of the UK’s decision to leave the
TECH bosses have unveiled plans prototypes of their tech designs, EU, these new findings not only demonstrate
for a new invention hub in White developing anything from mini- the significant contribution made to gov-
City in a bid to “open doors” for robots to smartphone apps. ernment revenues but are also key in help-
the next generation of en- Michael Taylor, headteacher at ing us to understand the potential impact
trepreneur designers. the Phoenix Academy in White of Brexit on different sub-sectors within fi-
Imperial College London is set City, said the project would pro- nancial services.
to launch the complex – the first vide “eye-opening experiences” “As one of the UK’s biggest service ex-
of its kind in the UK – this year. for students in a historically un- porters, it’s understandable the sector also
It will provide a platform for derprivileged part of London. contributes a considerable amount of tax.
people of all ages and back- He said: “We’re looking for- Despite this, the sector arguably stands most
grounds to put their creative ward to the new learning oppor- to lose as negotiations loom. It makes clear
ideas to the test with advanced tunities outside the classroom the argument that government should be
technology. and we are very grateful to Im- engaging with firms as it approaches talks
The development of the new In- perial College for giving our stu- with the remaining EU 27, and the pulling
vention Rooms is part of the uni- dents the chance to broaden their of the political trigger.”
versity’s efforts to share the horizons and to achieve more Andrew Kail, head of financial services
fruits of the borough’s tech boom with their future.” at PwC, said: “The City of London Corpora-
with members of the local com- The Invention Rooms will provide a space for members of the com- The project forms part of Im- tion report shows the continued importance
munity to try out their own tech ideas
munity. perial’s wider ambition to work of the financial-services sector to the UK ex-
It will be among the first build- neighbours and channelling their fice building in Wood Lane in closely with business partners to chequer and the wider economy.
ings to open on Imperial’s im- energy and ambition into cre- mid-2017. convert research ideas into “Specifically, the report highlights an in-
pressive White City Campus, ative projects. There is so much Detailed plans include work- breakthrough products. creasing reliance on tax receipts from bank-
which spans more than 20 acres we can learn from this commu- shops, design studios and an “in- It follows the launch at the ing and insurance firms. This is balanced
across the northern part of the nity, and their perspectives and teraction zone” for members of campus in October of Imperial’s against a backdrop of downward pressure
borough. experiences will help shape the the public to offer their own in- new I-HUB development complex, affecting return on equity for the banks in
Professor Maggie Dallman, as- world-leading research taking sights on the university’s pio- which provides office and lab particular, resulting from regulatory
sociate provost at Imperial, said: place at our new campus.” neering research. space for start-up businesses changes and the low-interest-rate environ-
“The Invention Rooms is about The so-called innovation space Youngsters will also be given within touching distance of the ment.
throwing open our doors to our will open inside a renovated of- the chance to draw up working university’s academics.
Council tenants to be offered accommodation two hours’ bus ride away
WESTMINSTER residents seeking the Zone 5 borough of Hounslow and owned land is likely to require afford- ther assessment by the authority’s by three members of the scrutiny com-
new council homes are to be offered this new scheme to transfer residents able-housing funds from private de- housing scrutiny committee. mittee. With two Labour committee
properties a two-hour bus ride away to outer London sets a deeply trou- velopments in order to be delivered, Cllr Hug said: “These worrying members for this further investigation
– in Hounslow. bling precedent,” said a spokesman as core funds are being allocated to plans see Westminster try to pass the to take place, a Conservative scrutiny
To keep costs down, Westminster for the Labour group. the Hounslow project. buck for delivering new social housing member must also make the request –
City Council is planning to build “A rush-hour journey between “Labour believes that housing to Hounslow.
but so far none have come forward.
24 homes miles away from the borou- Hounslow and Victoria by bus takes funds should be used to deliver new “The council should invest that
A council spokesman said: “Ap-
gh. two hours, according to Transport for social and genuinely affordable homes money in creating new council homes
proval of the recommendations will
Labour councillors have slammed London, and there is little clarity in in Westminster for local people, par- in Westminster rather than allowing
the proposals to use funds generated this plan about how these residents ticularly using public land. thousands of luxury flats to be built enable the city council to acquire 24
from selling off properties in Westmin- would continue to access Westminster Labour group leader Cllr Adam in our city while pushing out our new homes, contributing to the strate-
ster to build the new homes. City Council services and support. Hug and shadow cabinet member for council tenants to Zone 5.” gic aim of increasing the supply of af-
“These proposed homes are not “A separate plan to build new fam- housing Cllr Tim Roca have requested The threshold for enabling the fordable housing available to residents
where they are needed locally but in ily-sized council homes on council- that these plans are called in for fur- council's call-in process is a request of Westminster.”
6LONDON WEEKLY NEWS TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017
Points of view
Have
your say
Email Jack Dixon
[email protected]
Urgent need to
OPINION
act on pollution
WE are all aware that London is An open letter to London
now an international target for Mayor Sadiq Khan
terror. At a time when our news 2016 has been a year full of
headlines are dominated by horror air pollution lowlights. The
UK has the second highest
stories from Europe’s other major cities,
number of premature
we must all accept that London sits right
deaths in Europe owing to
in the firing line. bad air quality.
Yet we are told by defiant politicians London has suffered
and police chiefs –on what seems like a multiple high air pollution
daily basis – that we must not live in episodes.
fear, we must not back away from the And the national
very principles these aggressors set out government has been
defeated in the high court
to attack.
for failure to deal with air
With these constant reminders of the quality issues. There has
everyday peril we all face, how can we never been a more urgent
be expected to carry on as though time to take action.
nothing has changed? We welcome your clear
In this climate of fear, we look to those desire to deliver a step-
who can provide us with safety and change in tackling air
pollution in London by
security – the enforcers of the law.
doubling the funding
So in the face of massive reductions to
available and issuing air
police budgets we welcome the news that pollution alerts. And your
every single ward in London – all 629 of proposals to make the Ultra
them – will be guaranteed at least two Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
dedicated neighbourhood bobbies, plus a bigger, sooner with related
police community support officer, by the measures is a good first
step.
end of this year.
At a minimum, we hope
Sadiq Khan used his New Year
that the most robust version
message to identify keeping Londoners of these policies is
safe as his top priority for 2017 and he is implemented.
right when he says our local officers At the same time, we also
should know and be known by the know that to tackle the
community they serve. problems of oxides of
There are so many ways in which our nitrogen (NOx) and
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in
working lives are changing and the
London and make our air
Metropolitan Police must, of course, safe, diesel vehicles will
continue to strive for new and have to be completely
innovative ideas to keep us safe. phased out.
But the old-fashioned ‘bobby on the Almost 40 per cent of
beat’ is, for many Londoners, still the London’s NOx comes from
greatest reassurance of all. They have an diesel vehicles on our
streets and over 90 per cent
essential public engagement role to play
of NO2 exhaust emissions.
in our evolving struggle with terror and
They are responsible for a
we must fight to keep them on our range of respiratory and
streets. cardiovascular diseases
Greenpeace activists on Nelson’s Column in April last year, where they placed a mask on
UndiscoveredItaly Nelson’s face. At the subsequent tial of two people involved, the judge described them as
AustrianTyrol&LakeGarda 8daysfrom£799Flyingdirectfromanairportnear ‘principled’ with a ‘strong sense of social justice’ before fining them around £12,500. Now
8daysfrom£699Flyingdirectfromanairportnear you,May,Jun,Jul,Sep&Oct2017 environmentalists are calling on Mayor Sadiq Khan to ban diesel vehicles in the capital
you,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep&Oct2017 Takeintheoften-overlookeddelightsofItaly’ssun-
Apicture-postcard-perfect‘lakesandmountains’ kissedsouthern‘highheel’. resulting in loss of We, the undersigned, call Conservation to
holidaychoice. workdays and increased on you to join the leading
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üAfull-daytourofthelakeanditsglories üWitnesshilltopOstuni’swhitewalls being exposed to potentially later than 2025 to help clean Britain’s oldest national
üAscenicjourneybringsyouintothebeautifulAustrian üSeeAlberobello’sconicalTrullihouses irreversible health impacts up London’s air. conservation body, is
Tyrol üSpendadayontheAdriaticcoast from air pollution. Greenpeace, Clean Air calling on local authorities
üSpendfournightsindelightfulFügen,inthesunny üDiscoverBaroquetreasure-chestLecce The announcement from London, London and developers throughout
Zillertalvalley üTheBasilicadiSanNicolainBari the mayors of Paris, Sustainability Exchange, England and Wales to make
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Institution of Water and The society urges
Call03301607747 QUOTESLP Call03301607747 QUOTESLP governments should do Environmental developers to include
more –but there is no
Visitwww.newmarket.travel/slp17144 Visitwww.newmarket.travel/slp18336 Management, London registered village greens
reason why London should
Cycling Campaign, Cycling within their sites so that
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SinglesupplementsapplyStandardphonecharges SinglesupplementsapplyStandardphonecharges initiative.
TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017 LONDON WEEKLY NEWS7
your letters and emails
guaranteed green space for the social clubs. by the number of people
recreation which is This year’s special thanks who have been inspired to
preserved forever. It also go to the Big Lottery Fund – come forward and share
urges local authorities to thanks to their support we with us accounts of their
register their own land so will be able to organise the own personal struggles and
that even if it is sold, it is Parsons Green Fair on recovery, as well as their
protected. Saturday July 1st 2017 and unique interactions with the
The registration process hope to make it a yearly mental health system.
is simple; the only event for the whole This was our fundamental
requirements are to provide community. aim when we originally
proof of ownership, obtain Krzysztof Mikata-Pralat launched the campaign: to
the consent of any Director, Fulham Good provide a platform for lively,
leaseholder or chargeholder, Neighbours insightful discussions on
complete a form and send it mental health where all
to the commons registration Welcome voice for perspectives, from the
authority (county or unitary authoritative to the seldom
council). Once the land is the vulnerable heard, are given equal
registered as a town or weight.
village green, it is protected IT is three months since the In a climate where
by 19th century laws from launch of our Change is enduring stigmas still
development or Possiblemental health prevent so many from
encroachment, and local London Mayor Sadiq Khan wishes Londoners a wonderful 2017 campaign with the London opening up about the
people have rights of Weekly Newsand its sister distress they suffer, we
informal recreation there. dedicate new greens for many memories that I’ll your support we’ll be able to title the South London Press. believe it is critically
csbntpbgdgfrohheorreaoeermaeenSLndoroi geettpuisnoeoa chnnituf olc idiahitdb. afnbftt ote e o olilesoaT tr itlu oa df socsehotpfr u eh nceptatslehvhtahraeseitnhoe tl iuenanapj eroolpotrn o rdra mlaeeyaipoia,n nosm t vetinid idphgtrtaiedeei ld a sgacaernv veta aave.uceti ssnigtla,atl tl iohaii ananislp ongargtereeebsririaltsselyt VLtGrrAtLtrpohhheeepuoooosgmceeeTpccbsivr icaaoohNcplsieeienllrchtueraca etiCGdn iW btuatsreei imoloot ntonfaoitih uvccnhiejloneioeten ex.nnesaeysiyrceiett,lr ,nmr i yv c c tAAla mmuhu oslehsass lternkeaeuasnise mnvnitWoosnd n re tcdcat bwegisaiia ngeaOla srrostdhrtt ihinhfigis ttl gooete ys rtoLeinnhm e voftno e,e oeof t cntthfoaosel, obnmatmsypcauhfneorefycooTKSepueiyiksg cnurpowrhmetlhei do eeespfmahrbar ap hsutmaNeiotriao n itrnuof wyi rbtwoe hgngrip oi repnhha iit rreL’otniogvtvo.ihovu ool eoeTtlmue nrr uyh durbsl idoosta e t ebpaipotyru ueoewronenl rnnne aaldi oeiec nnhsc errthI d eesllus’teedlm o.pIspdc.’a tv aastefehonend eddis fG2wNdSMvT0reoaHeia1Illdsrow7iu Ayhh.viaonq mN eoYyrt trpKeK eoo eea eehu fh ryrvfya L asoeucnoao,lnue uldn lll ’amteo vdlo btn weoo rthao rneoaelrenlntas iaojt doaonhuenmnyirrkssedf duays lnet hadre I. soosausrvwdptheueafuliiiphsftrprraiIprceaoseinvvet porcel cplii i a omhidtcctdasnnhrlree yonyciwmeteas.ncnr d , tsiIcih eogta nnlseuohtarol turitp frieastambo vocsrhe otd ethiyne tdetehcwd hhnc is reaaiwnah eeetats–snwlv irope. yrco o aes yWa£uup hnsuiil5r nrrlsnata,er,e ore n0ov nw tntedhj0hfiedheneen0aec es tpvgrhtislns eaeya ooepvffrye ewofssiwbioaamsuivfpbyihm frIepppo tep ao hr–rpuorwpo syo mortlrCeemoy ovtrtti uuhe nlaitthyaidenhlnanefe sdreseteni ti , waitd s rr tghtnialoh hehe eawa cmhesc axosesiir eos tp tretaehba noheebePf lea td ro votstorseshiorhepdusin eene rbseyancc nyiuaotn lohcbwoibgkrtknekluo,ao he ssdeuarcgd. ot i,tphety htoooideuordsn
regardless of who owns it in and to persuade planning running on the Central, friends, especially at Assael gained the support of has been empowered to
future. This is especially authorities to require Victoria, Northern, Architecture, the Hollywood prominent political figures – discuss the issues it has
important in these times of developers to do so. Piccadilly and Jubilee lines, Arms, Fulham and Chelsea Neil Coyle, Chuka Umunna, touched upon with friends
aatlaourn esldo tles oareoni kotdyiu n,tt hwg. eht ope nufl boalgui cto hfifso trlhiikteieierlsy KGOaeptneeen Ar Sasplh sabecrceorsoe Stkaorcyiety mHtoruoaarpnk pcsiinpetrgoy r biattu t me sna ofisagrirehee rta . i tfsOfo o mugrrdea tank baienlbweogut LHWoaoSnmmpdmeeocnnei’ arsBsl Iomtnrhisoattuhnitg kuahsnt eogd foa F ntuodl htthhaeem. tKoHhfhe ewia dMnhi ia–Acyhlfoea wrxn aoetan fa sdLrteieocr ni oamdunomtdnc eoeSnvmasedeenilsqy okovre Meerprey ltta hhhteioisv pm emeso i.on sm tthhesna ttto uw mceo mgcaoening
Parish and community So proud to be for millions of commuters. Daisy Trust, the Rank proud. and ensure that the
councils can also dedicate I’ve frozen TfL fares for Foundation, the Percy Most importantly of all, campaign leaves a positive,
their land as green as, of London’s mayor four years and I’m pushing Charitable Trust and however, the greatest lasting legacy once it draws
course, can private the Government to freeze Yorkshire Building Society success of the campaign so to a close –not just for
landowners. This is a great I WANT to take this fares on their lines too. whose support enabled us to far has been the broad and Lambeth and Southwark
way to secure green space opportunity to wish all And our new Homes for buy new furniture and inclusive conversation Mind, but for the vulnerable
for everyone to enjoy. Londoners a very happy Londoners team is getting to kitchen appliances for about mental health that it members of our community
We say that 2017 should be New Year. This is a chance work on ensuring that we Rosaline Hall. has helped to initiate. to whom it has given a
the year of the green, when to reflect on the year just can build the thousands of If you have not seen them From local influencers to voice.
local authorities and gone and an opportunity to genuinely affordable homes yet or been to our premises campaigners, practitioners Ajay Khandelwal,
developers look forward with optimism London needs. I know with before, please do come and and some of our own service Chief Executive, Lambeth
at 2017. There are already so say hello or join us at one of users, we have been thrilled and Southwark Mind
Uni girl a student’s life in the capital
For many parents, having their child journalism is too “academic” for appreciate the fact that you have is often when you’re allowed be something that happens –
leave home to go to university can be me to be going to UAL, but then to probably won’t be able to retire at to wear trainers in a club –heels someone will get followed late at
a worrying time. Will they be safe? others it’s met with “is that an a good time in your life because are the devil and they often charge night, someone will get mugged at
Are they eating properly or drinking actual degree? It’s not a subject is you have to pay for my boys £20-plus entry. Is it worth it? some point, and although this is
too much? Are they getting any work it?” accommodation since my loan Only if it’s free drinks. very rare, someone may get
done? Both people who said this to me doesn’t actually cover it”. You miss your Mum and Dad, murdered outside your reception
Now, with a new occasional column, went to Imperial College London, This, however, does not mean pets and a decent bed. Being in to halls.
we bring parents the inside story on
they clearly forgot UAL beat them you won’t be in your overdraft –I London, I personally also miss That actually did happen. It’s
life at university from Issy
MacLennan, a first year student from by 150 points on University like to think of it as a game as to clean air. traumatic and horrible but the
Wiltshire who is studying journalism Challenge, but that’s alright. when I’ll actually be out of it. One of the closest friends from thing everyone has to remember
at the University of the Arts in Can I afford to eat? Not really, It’s not because I’m reckless my course I made through having is that you will always have
Holborn, reporting on what it’s like but I will spend £12 on Glenn’s with money it’s just that the cost horrific ‘fresher’s flu’ and her someone to protect you if you ask
being a Uni Girl in the capital vodka and GV Smooth, from of travel in London will always set having to give me her water in our for it; in uni you’re always
Tesco, not a kiosk, as although I’m you back at least £30 a week and first lecture because I thought my surrounded by friends and you
THE first term at uni taught burning money, I’m not burning part of your social life is very lungs were collapsing – I hadn’t create a new sense of family.
me multiple things. For one, that much. much based around alcohol (big begun socially smoking at this Overall, I’d say the first term of
the only way to do all of your Is this an issue? No, since I up Lambrini being sold for £1.50 in point, may I add. university gave me many things
work in one go is by going to the sleep through all meals. Some Tesco). Another problem was through to be aware of but more the sense
library and staying there until the people put on weight at uni, but Going out is brilliant, until the getting conjunctivitis from that I have more things that make
Tube closes –so you have nothing they’re the ones who actually have inevitable happens and either you wearing monthly contact lenses myself me.
to do but drink Red Bull and work. enough student loan to do so. or your friend gets spiked. on the Tube for two weeks solid I’m different to how I was before
Another thing I’ve learnt is that My number one tip of advice is The fear is very real and to be and my friend having to lend me a I left home because I’m
no matter how hard you try, Super make friends with people who frank it shouldn’t be –if you are tissue to wipe my eyes. surrounded now by people who
Noodles will never fill you – work in decent places. For dressed up and looking attractive I guess the main thing parents are more like myself, even if
they’re 49p for a reason. example, my flat mate, who gets 50 you should not be panicking about especially worry about when their they’re from completely different
I’ve been met with several per cent off at Bobbi Brown. So whether you covered your drink children go off to uni is whether continents.
things since starting my degree; yeah, Mum, you did get a whilst talking to that bloke or not. or not they’re safe. I miss home but I still feel like
apparently for some people Christmas present that said, “I The greatest night out you’ll The thing is there will always now I’m right where I need to be.
8LONDON WEEKLY NEWS TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017
Mental-health
of Duchess of
BY GEOFF BAKER BBC and Channel 4 about his Tramshed and Hixter Bank-
[email protected] battle with schizoaffective side, said : “I’m honoured
disorder, was famously once and delighted to be recog-
THE crusade to conquer the talked down from jumping nised by the British Empire –
capital’s mental-health crisis off a London bridge. what a way to start the New
has been given a major boost The 29-year-old has since Year.”
with awards in the New spoken in schools, prisons Londoner Barrie Marshall,
Year’s Honours for key allies and workplaces and will run the widely respected music
of the Duchess of Cambridge in this year’s London Mar- promoter behind concert ca-
in her spearheading of the athon to raise tens of thou- reers by artists including Sir
campaigns to eliminate sti- sands of pounds for Heads Paul McCartney, Sir Elton
gma around the illness. Together, a coalition of char- John, Lionel Richie, Taylor
Three Londoners who ities launched by the Duke Swift, Pink, Tina Turner and
have helped drive the royal and Duchess of Cambridge the late George Michael, was
appeal, which is also backed and Prince Harry. His initia- appointed MBE.
by the Duke of Cambridge tive, ThinkWell, will raise Mr Marshall, who said the
and Prince Harry and is run- awareness of mental health honour was for “all the gang”
ning in tandem with a cam- in secondary schools across at Marshall Arts, the Prim-
paign led by the Mind the country. rose Hill agency which he
charity with the London Mr Benjamin said: “I hope has led for more than 30
Weekly News, have been this accolade may give some years, was applauded by Sir
“gonged” in the latest hon- hope to others who might be Paul, who tweeted “A tip of
ours. struggling that there is life the hat, huge congratula-
The awards mark official after a diagnosis of mental tions, well done Barrie!”
Buckingham Palace recogni- illness and that such a diag- alongside a photo of him hug-
tion for the importance of the nosis should never put lim- ging his long-time promoter.
mental-health campaigns itations upon anyone. Clare Chamberlain, direc-
and will now add clout to the “I will use this honour to tor of children’s services for
growing wave of calls from push further for parity be- Kensington and Chelsea, and
all quarters for more to be tween physical and mental Andrew Christie, formerly
done to help the one in every health in all areas of society, director of children’s ser-
four Londoners who will suf- from healthcare to work- vices for the Triborough of
fer this year. places, and particularly wit- Hammersmith and Fulham,
Sue Baker, director of hin schools. Kensington and Chelsea and
Time to Change, the mental- “It doesn’t make sense why Westminster, have both been
health charity supported by mental-health education isn’t appointed CBE for their ser-
the duchess, has been ap- compulsory on the school vices to children.
pointed OBE for her crucial curriculum and yet physical Ms Chamberlain has led
work to challenge the stigma education is.” work on Focus on Practice, a
and discrimination faced by Also appointed MBE is programme to enhance the
people experiencing mental- Professor Miranda Wolpert, skills of children’s social
health problems. director of the Anna Freud workers and develop more ef-
Ms Baker set up Time to Centre for Children and Fam- fective help for families. A re-
Change in 2007 with charities ilies, the mental wellbeing cent Ofsted inspection of
Mind and Rethink Mental Ill- charity of which the Duchess children’s services rated the
ness. Since then it has grown of Cambridge is patron. royal borough’s service out-
into a national movement The honour for the pio- standing. It was the first in
with thousands of commu- neering clinical psychologist the country to receive this
nity champions and online is in recognition of more rating under the new Ofsted
supporters who have reached than 25 years of her dedi- framework.
millions of people across cated service to improving Ms Chamberlain said of
England. mental-health support for her honour: “I feel very for-
Mind chief executive Paul children, young people and tunate but I feel that the
Farmer said: “Sue is a phe- families. award also honours the hard
nomenal campaigner who Professor Wolpert said: “I work and commitment of the
has worked tirelessly to raise feel this honour is truly teams of social workers who
awareness of mental health shared with all the people I are dedicated to helping chil-
for more than 20 years. work with and for. I am priv- dren and their families. I’ve
“It is in large part thanks ileged to work with such tal- been a social worker for 35
to Sue that the nation is now ented and committed people, years and it’s great to see our
more comfortable talking dedicated to finding the best profession getting this recog-
about mental health whether ways to support child mental nition.”
it’s in workplaces, schools or health and wellbeing. Cllr Elizabeth Campbell,
in living rooms. “These are challenging the royal borough’s cabinet
“Under Sue’s expert lead- times but I feel we are mak- member for family services,
ership, Time to Change is ing progress in understand- said: “I am delighted that Ms
making a tangible difference ing how we best help young Chamberlain’s skill, exper-
to people’s lives with people’s people manage mental-health tise and hard work have been
reported experience of dis- difficulties and achieve the recognised and I want to con-
crimination reducing and goals in life that are most im- gratulate her on this very
more people having the con- portant to them.” well-deserved honour.”
fidence to come forward and Anya Hindmarch, the fash- Prior to being appointed
seek help when they need it. ion-accessories designer who interim director of children’s
“Sue thoroughly deserves creates one of the Duchess of services for Kensington and
this honour and everyone at Cambridge’s favourite bra- Chelsea, Westminster City
Mind offers their heartfelt nds of bag, has been ap- Council and London Borough
thanks for all her hard pointed CBE. of Hammersmith and Ful-
work.” Mark Hix, the super-chef, ham last May, Ms Chamber-
Jonathan “Jonny” Ben- restaurateur and London lain worked as the royal
jamin, another of the du- Weekly Newscolumnist, has borough’s director of family
chess’ allies in the fight for been appointed MBE for ser- services.
better understanding of the vices to the hospitality indus- Imran Amed, the Notting
widespread illness, has been try. Hill-based chief executive
appointed MBE for improv- Mr Hix, who spent 17 years and founder of the Business
ing awareness of suicide and as chef director at Caprice of Fashion blog which has
mental health. Holdings before opening Hix 1.6 million followers in 200
Mr Benjamin, who has Oyster & Chop House in 2008, countries, was appointed
spoken publicly and pre- then Hix Mayfair, Hix Soho MBE for his services to fash-
sented documentaries on the and Hix City as well as ion.
TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017 LONDON WEEKLY NEWS9
campaigners and key allies
of Cambridge recognised in
Also appointed MBE was Leslie New Year’s Honours
“Teacher” Palmer, founder of the mod-
ern-day Notting Hill Carnival, for ser-
vices to the London community. Mr
Palmer is credited with revolutionis-
ing the carnival when he was its direc-
tor in the 1970s.
According to Claire Holder, carnival
organiser from 1989 to 2002: “Leslie
Palmer brought the Caribbean commu-
nity together because at the time when
he became chairman of the carnival it
was a purely Trinidadian thing.
“Leslie said ‘There are so many as-
pects to Caribbean culture and it
should all be represented’. That act
alone didn’t just bring people into car-
nival; it actually impacted on our
whole perception as carnival people.
“His impact went beyond carnival.
It had an impact upon our existence as
black people in this country.”
A 27-year-old woman from Kensing-
ton has become the youngest scientist
in history to be appointed MBE.
Anne-Marie Imafidon was honoured
for her contribution to STEM –science,
technology, engineering and mathe-
matics.
As one of the top 10 women in STEM,
she becomes the youngest scientist to Sue Baker OBE Jonathan Benjamin MBE Prof Miranda Wolpert MBE Mark Hix MBE
be appointed MBE since the honours
system started 1890.
Ms Imafidon is also a pioneering
alumna of the multi-record-breaking
Excellence in Education programme.
She said: “I’m ecstatic beyond words.
This is divine, simply God-sent. I’m re-
ally surprised, honoured and humbled.
“Inclusivity in the STEM sector and
across society is important for all of
us –it’s an honour and a privilege to
do the work we do.”
TEL: [phone]
In other awards, four influential
London women have been appointed
dame.
They are Professor Elizabeth An-
ionwu, professor of nursing at the Uni- Barrie Marshall MBE Clare Chamberlain CBE
versity of West London, for services to
nursing; Inga Beale, chief executive of
Lloyds of London, for services to the
economy; Professor Amanda Fisher,
director of medical research in clinical
science at Imperial College, for ser-
vices to medical research; and Helen
Fraser, former chief executive of The
Girls’ Day School Trust, the UK’s lead-
ing network of independent girls’
schools, for services to education.
In the arts, appointed OBE are
Nicholas Logsdail, founder of the Lis-
son Gallery in Marylebone; James
Mackenzie, violinist with the London
Symphony Orchestra; Helen McCrory,
the actress who played Cherie Blair in
Imran Amed MBE Leslie Palmer MBE
the film The Queenand starred in three
Harry Potter films; and Tim Pigott-
Smith, the acclaimed Shakespearean,
stage, television and movie actor soon Anne-Marie
to be seen playing the lead in the BBC Imafidon MBE
adaptation of King Charles III.
And Ray Davies CBE, frontman of
The Kinks who immortalised London
with hits including Waterloo Sunset,
Lolaand You Really Got Me, has been
knighted for services to music and
charity.
Sir Ray said: “Initially I felt a mix-
ture of surprise, humility, joy and a bit
embarrassed.
“But after thinking about it I accept
this for my family and fans and
everyone else who has inspired me to Helen McCrory OBE
write.”
10LONDON WEEKLY NEWS TUESDAY JANUARY 10 2017
Community proves we’re better together
In the depths of a mental health crisis, Small room where
the mere thought of arriving at work
can trigger waves of anxiety and crisis can end and
panic. Even being around others in a
social environment may prove an recovery can begin
impossible feat. As part of the
London Weekly News and South THE clubhouse is home to several
London Press Change Is Possible different departments offering a range
campaign, reporter Jack Dixonvisits of support services – but perhaps none
the Mosaic Clubhouse in Brixton – a so valuable as the Evening Sanctuary.
remarkable charity project helping Opening five nights a week between
hundreds of people to feel part of a the hours of 6pm and 2am, it functions
community again as a place of quiet and calm for anyone
W caught in the grips of a mental health
E all have bad days. Days crisis.
when it feels as though the Staffed by a mix of Mosaic support
whole world is turning workers and clubhouse members, the
against us. Days when we Sanctuary offers a comfortable and
seem to fall short in everything we welcoming out-of-hours environment
do. Most people bounce back quickly for people at their lowest ebb.
from these temporary blips. They Visitors can pick up information
lean on friends and family for sup- about relevant services, access art, films
and music, chat with trained peer
port. They rest, recover and start
supporters or simply relax in a peaceful
again. They believe tomorrow will
environment.
be a brighter day. While only a small room next to the
But what happens when one bad clubhouse cafeteria, it provides a
day follows another? When the cycle hugely important service –both as a
never seems to break? What happens point of contact for users and a building
when loved ones are not there to block on the road to recovery for
help us through difficult times and members.
we begin to lose hope? Dawn, 48, joined the clubhouse in
Before joining the Mosaic Club- May and began working in the
house in Brixton, many of its mem- Sanctuary soon after. She had suffered
bers felt cut off from their with severe anxiety and social phobias
community. When they were diag- but quickly found her feet talking to
nosed with mental health condi- others who had struggled with mental
tions, barriers to their employment, health problems.
education and social lives appeared. After only a few months at Mosaic,
“Often when people are given a di- she is now part-way through her
transitional employment placement and
agnosis, hope is taken away from
Members of the Mosaic Clubhouse in Brixton – a charity project that is busy helping hundreds of people to feel part of a working towards a full-time job in the
them,” says the charity’s chief exec-
community again. Pictured centre are support worker Nancy Holden, left, and programme manager Bev Randalla health service.
utive Maresa Ness. “People self-stig- “I loved it, it was really good, helping
matise a great deal and that tends to our members, they are a vital part of There are dedicated education and at the clubhouse, which is one of people and talking to them,” she said. “I
lead to isolation and loneliness. So what we do,” explains Mosaic sup- employment rooms, with an IT suite only two centres of its kind in Eng- heard so many stories like, ‘if it wasn’t
we never discuss diagnosis at all. port worker Nancy Holden. for members to brush up on their land. for Mosaic I would not be here today’.
All we ever do is talk to people about “We all clean the toilets and sweep computer skills. Help is also at hand Around the world, however, there When I hear those words I know that it’s
their hopes and dreams, to help the floors. Members can even drive for drafting CVs and practising in- are hundreds – mostly in the United all been worth it.”
them get their confidence back. They our vans if they have a licence.” terview technique. States, where the model was born in The Sanctuary is available to Lambeth
just come here as human beings.” Many of the members are referred By the time members begin their the 1940s, but in northern Europe as residents over the age of 18 who live
Mosaic is the only accredited club- to Mosaic by GPs and other care pro- transitional employment placement well. with a mental health condition.
house in the country, with between fessionals, while some discover the (TEP) – a nine-month part-time paid Maresa helped to launch Mosaic,
300 and 400 active members. It func- clubhouse for themselves. job, secured by the charity – they are in Effra Road, back in 1994 and took
Share your story
tions as a self-sustaining commu- They aren’t contracted to work – ready to work once again. over as chief executive at the charity
nity, where everyone – regardless of but the charity’s unique ‘whole com- Z in 2012. As the first Maudsley mental Do you have personal experience of
their mental health history – pulls munity’ model gives them the plat- OOBIAMehboob, a 42-year-old health patient ever to be allowed to living with mental health problems?
together to get the job done. form to put their skills into practice. supermarket night-shift train as a Maudsley nurse – she went Has a friend or family member been
There is no distinction between The centre operates, says Maresa, worker, recently started her on to spend 30 years working in the affected? Your story could help
‘staff’ and ‘patients’ and every single like one enormous volunteering pro- TEP with the Lambeth Living NHS – her journey of recovery is per- inspire others to donate towards our
decision is made by consensus. ject. Well Network in Streatham Hill. haps the best example of all. campaign.
In fact, the clubhouse is an en- “People go away with this sense of When she first visited the clubhouse “Every single day I see the differ- Help us fundraise
tirely non-clinical environment. ‘didn’t I do good?’ It may be the first in January, she had been unem- ence that we make to people’s lives. Could you support our appeal by
Rather than coming for tests and time they ever feel valued,” she ployed for several years and was suf- It means that no longer do people organising a fundraising event or
treatments, members muck in and adds. fering from depression and anxiety. feel despair and isolation,” she says. setting yourself a sponsored
challenge? Every penny could be
help out with day-to-day tasks. “We really look forward to seeing “I was really upset when I came “Of course you need doctors when
crucial in helping us reach our
The centre itself is deliberately un- people but we never contract them to here, initially I didn’t find it very you are acutely unwell but you also
campaign targets.
derstaffed so that each individual is do anything. They have a choice helpful,” she says. “But clubhouse need something else, just to get you
an essential piece in the jigsaw – about what they do and it gives them helped me a lot, my support worker back on your feet. This model is so Make a donation
whether working on reception, help- back the power.” helped me get back into my work powerful. It’s my mission that there
ing out in the kitchen or maintain- At the heart of the project is an and get my confidence back.” should be a clubhouse in every To make a donation to our appeal,
ing the gardens. emphasis on helping people return There are countless stories of per- town.” you can visit the dedicated website
“We can’t run the centre without to work. sonal recovery and transformation www.givey.com/changeispossible
Alternatively, you can write to
Lambeth and Southwark Mind, 4th
HOW THE MOSAIC CLUBHOUSE HELPED US
floor, 336 Brixton Road, London,
Zoobia, 42 hopes to secure a permanent, full- forced her to get out of the house, to culture department. SW9 7AA. They will be pleased to
help.
time office job. be among other people again. His normal duties include every-
“When I came I was very down She initially worked in the busi- thing from emptying the bins and n For more information about
Zoobia was re- and depressed, but clubhouse has ness department entering data be- cleaning tables to laundry and getting involved with our campaign,
ferred to the club- helped me a lot to get my confidence fore moving on to Mosaic’s evening hoovering. please contact reporter Jack Dixon
house by her GP back.” sanctuary support service. With more than 10 years of club- on 07973 565078 or email him at
in January. She Dawn is two months into her TEP house experience, Byron says he this email address:
had been out of Dawn, 48 at Public Health England, where she now feels part of the team. [email protected]
work for around provides administrative support. “It’s a nice place to come and it
three years and She hopes to work in the health ser- gives me something to do – other-
was suffering Dawn only came vice in the future. wise I’d just be sat at home all day,”
from post-chronic depression and to Mosaic in May “I really value Mosaic for what he explains. “It’s fun talking to peo-
anxiety. but has already they do for people. They do not push ple and going on socials, there are slp
“It is so difficult to get a job [in made huge anyone. They give them space to lots of different things to do.”
London] and I found it really tough progress. grow, to develop. I don’t feel like an Byron’s TEP with the South Lon-
sfialylisn. g“ Io uwt also nrega allpyp luipcasetito tnhse,” fisrhset reBfeerfroerde sthoe wthaes outsider any more.” dSoHnA RaPn dm eMnatauld hsleeayl thN tHeaSm T croumste’ss CHANGE IS POSSIBLE
time I came to clubhouse.” clubhouse by the Lambeth Living Byron, 38 to an end in January next year.
With the help of a Mosaic support Well Network, her anxiety had be- He currently works one hour five
worker, she slowly regained her come uncontrollable. She was days a week, but would like to pick Follow our Change Is Possible
confidence to return to employ- scared to talk to people, refused to Byron is one of up a part-time job in a supermarket campaign every week in the South
ment. She now juggles 20 hours a travel on the Tube and rarely used the clubhouse’s or shopping centre. London Pressand London Weekly
week working night shifts at Sains- the bus. most active mem- “I hope to find something else to News, and read all the articles
bury’s with her TEP, an administra- “Most of the time I spent at home bers, arriving do as well as clubhouse. I’ll proba- published since the campaign
tive role at the Lambeth Living Well in my tracksuit feeling miserable. every day to help bly find a job stacking shelves in the began by visiting our website
Network in Streatham Hill. My body had shut down,” she says. out in the hospi- evenings.”
londonnewsonline.co.uk
At the end of her placement she Helping out at the clubhouse tality and horti-