children firstWestminster

Issue 21, May 2014Your magazine to find out more about children’s and young people’s services

Win tickets to ride at the Olympic VeloPark!Meet your new Youth MPTop tips for a healthy family summer

Dear Parent or Carer,Westminster is full of amazing opportunities for young people, you just need to know where to look.I believe every young person in Westminster should be able to succeed and be healthy.

For some this is harder than others, particularly those in families that are going through difficult times. But there is support for these families in Westminster and fun, free activities that the whole family can enjoy.

These include activities at Westminster’s many leisure centres, parks and libraries. The Tour de France is coming through Westminster this summer and, in August, an eight mile loop of central London will be car free for RideLondon, so we can all get on our bikes! There are also so many opportunities for teenagers to get into training or work in Westminster and enjoy a brighter future.

Having won the Youth Elections in March – in which over 17,000 young people voted – it’s my turn to listen to young people and encourage them to make the most of what’s on offer in Westminster. As Youth MP I hope I can encourage all – children, teenagers and parents – to seize these opportunities.

Soleen Rashed Youth MP Westminster

To contact Soleen visit westminster.gov.uk/youth-council.

Contents5 Guidance for

teenagers

6 Tips for a healthy summer

9 Staying safe online

10 What’s on

12 Cycling events, tips and offers

14 Help for troubled families

17 Protecting teens from abusive relationships

18 Meet your new Youth and Deputy Youth MP

19 Fostering in Westminster

New for 2014! Stay up-to-date with the latest news, activities and discounts for parents and carers with the Families First monthly newsletter. To subscribe, visit westminster.gov.uk/families-first.

Westminster City Council

Westminster City Hall 64 Victoria Street London SW1E 6QP

BE CYCLE CONFIDENT TH IS SPR ING/SUMMER

TYRESInflate tyres

until firm

SPOKESCheck for missing or

broken spokes

SADDLESecure

saddle & adjust height

& angle

CHA INClean & lubricate

BRAKESTest

brakes for stopping power

LI GHTSCheck that lights shine

brightly

Can you spot the difference?

For more information call 020 3031 6730 or visit cycleconfident.com/westminster

Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 3

Are you reaching your potential? Choosing what to do after Year 11 is a big decision.

Reach Your Potential is a futures fair for teenagers to get

a taste of college life, learn about apprenticeships, meet

employers and make the right choice for your future.

While many Year 11 students have

already made plans for the next two

years, those that are still

unsure have a unique

opportunity to explore

their options at an

exciting education,

training and jobs fair,

Reach Your Potential, on

Wednesday 25th June.

Having attended

the fair last year,

17-year-old

Mohammed

Wadi said:

“I visited just

about every

stall. I didn’t know these opportunities

existed before, so I’m glad I went.

I signed up to a programme which

helped me send out my CV to lots

of IT companies and find a job.”

Held at City of Westminster College

- Paddington Campus, Paddington

Green, W2 1NB - businesses

will be on hand to answer any

questions and you will also have

the chance to meet apprentices and

hear about their experiences.

Places at Reach Your Potential

are limited. If you’re interested in

attending email reachyourpotential@

westminster.gov.uk.

FOR TEENAGERS

LITTLE BOOK OF WESTMINSTERIf you’re 16-24, you can now find details of the free support and advice available to you in one place: the Little Book of Westminster.

The directory lists the local services that can support you on your journey to further education, training or employment. Visit westminster.gov.uk/little-book-westminster.

First World War Commemorations There are over 30 special events taking place within Westminster to commemorate the First World War, including themed walks and story sessions with Westminster Libraries. For more information and to find full listings, visit westminster.gov.uk/first-world-war.

Summer in the CityKeep the whole family active this summer with Summer in the City – a round-up of events and activities for children and young people over the holiday. This year’s guide is packed full of ideas for a fun and healthy summer, with activities for all ages, every day of the week. From mid-June you can pick up a copy at your local library or leisure centre, or download Summer in the City at westminster.gov.uk/summer-activities.

Free First World War themed music workshops In partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Westminster Music Library will be running Behind the Lines, a series of free interactive workshops exploring the composers and music influenced by the First World War. The workshops are open to young children and their parents

or carers, and provide a fun musical introduction to classical music, professional musicians, and group music-making. Booking is essential, visit musicbehindthelines.org.

Follow @CityWestminster for the latest news, views and events from Westminster City Council

The latest news from around Westminster NEWS

Apply for primary and secondary school places in 2015The deadline to apply for a secondary school place from September 2015 is 31st October 2014. The deadline to apply for primary school places to start from September 2015 is 15th January 2015. For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/school-admissions.

4 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 5

Top tips for a healthy summerWe’ve put together our top tips to ensure an active, healthy and fun summer for you and your family.

Keep activeCheck out our Active Guide for

information on sport and physical

activity. There’s information about

junior gym sessions, holiday sport

camps, activities for 0-5 year-olds,

disability clubs and much more.

Copies are available in leisure

centres, libraries and on our website

at westminster.gov.uk/active.

Remember the sun creamWe all look forward to the sun after the long winter months, but too much of a good thing may be harmful to your health. Babies and children under four are two of the groups most at risk. Be sure to listen out for heatwave warnings from the Met Office and to take precautions. For advice on keeping cool this summer visit nhs.uk/summerhealth.

Enjoy a family day outCome and support the Bupa Westminster Mile, a one mile running event in St. James’s Park on Saturday 24th May. There’ll be lots going on in Green Park throughout the day – sporting tasters, challenges, food and drink – so it’ll be a real family day out. For more details visit bupawestminstermile.co.uk.

Swim for free

Cool down in the heat and make

the most of Westminster’s five

swimming pools. Under 19s get

free swimming and you may be

entitled to free or discounted

swimming if you’re a:

Westminster City Save card

holder (60% off). To sign up visit

westminster.gov.uk/citysave.

ActiveWestminster card holder

(free swimming). Visit your

local leisure centre to sign up

(conditions apply).

Join free activities with Park MakersPark Maker volunteers run free activities in Westminster’s parks and open spaces to help you and your family stay healthy and active. Just turn up and join. Each Saturday there is an Active Family session on Westbourne Green open space from 10.30am – 12 midday. For a full list of activities visit westminster.gov.uk/parkmakers.

Get involved in the London Youth GamesThe London Youth Games is an annual, free competition for seven to 18-year-olds who live or go to school in the capital, with activities from angling to weightlifting. For a full list of sports and trial dates visit westminster.gov.uk/london-youth-games-2014.

Go to a Bouncing with Health partyBouncing with Health parties are free events that bring together families with young children and early years health professionals. There are healthy eating workshops, advice from the oral and dental health team, tips from the speech and language therapist and much more. To find your nearest Bouncing with Health party, or if you’d like to know more, call 020 7641 8969.

Make a smart swapYou can make a healthy change to your family’s diet by swapping a high fat or calorie item for something healthier. Pick a swap - there are five to choose from - and find out more at smartswaps.change4life.co.uk.

You can get free health advice and checks at your local library. Visit westminster.gov.uk/libraries.

6 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 7

Staying safe onlineThe internet is a fantastic resource for young people, but

there are also risks associated with going online. With so

much time spent online, it’s important to understand how

you can help your children to use the internet safely.

Reassure your

child that they

should come to

you or their

teacher if they

get any nasty

messages. They

should not reply.

Equally, remind

them that they

should not send unfriendly

messages to others.

Remind them

that anything

you say online

stays there forever – so

they should

think carefully

about what they

say online.

There are reporting functions on

most social

media sites – if

anything upsets

or concerns

your child they

can use the

‘report it’ button.

Tell them not

to give out any

personal details online

– particularly

their full name,

contact details

or school.

To help them

keep their personal details private,

ensure that

privacy settings

on social networks only

allow friends to

view or access

their page.

Warn your child

that, even if you

have been speaking to

them for a long

time, people

online are still

strangers

unless you know them.

Warn your child

that online friends should

remain online

– if they are

invited to meet

an online friend

in the offline

world, remind

them to tell you,

their teacher

or another trusted adult.

Suggest that

your child leaves

their Bluetooth

settings on ‘undiscoverable

mode’ so that

they don’t receive

unwanted messages or photos.

Remind them

that they should keep

their passwords

safe and not

tell anyone

else. They should also

remember to

change their

passwords

occasionally.

If you’re worried

about your child’s

safety online

or want more

information, visit

thinkuknow.co.uk

or childnet.com.

2014EDITION

westm

inster.gov.uk/summ

er-activities

Low cost and

FREE summer

activities

Pick up your free booklet at your library

or leisure centre from mid-June

Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 9

Follow @ActiveWCC on Twitter for the latest sports activities for your family across Westminster.

Tuesday To FridaySwim SchoolTime and date: 27th – 30th May, 10am-12 middayVenue: Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1ELCost: £20.60 or £18.60 with a Westminster City Save card020 7630 5522

Holiday Sport Camps at St. Augustine’s Sports Centre (Multi Sports)Time and date: 27th – 30th May, 10am–3pmVenue: St. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Oxford Road, NW6 5AWCost: £53.80 or £28.16 with a Westminster City Save card020 7641 3642 ext 205

Wednesday 28th MaySpartanfam Youts body weight trainingTime: 5.30–6.30pm Age: 14-19Venue: Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PDCost: Free020 7641 2012

Thursday 29th MaySpring flower papercraftTime: 2.30pm Age: 6+ Venue: Victoria Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD Cost: Free

020 7641 6200

Pimlico youth music workshopTime: 4-6pm, booking requiredAge: 7-18Venue: Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Estate, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3HYCost: Free

07870 251 766

Friday 30th MayDirty Bertie themed storytelling and games Time: 2–3.30pmVenue: St John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PDCost: Free

020 7641 6200

There are plenty of fun things to do in Westminster this half-termFor summer holiday listings pick up your free Summer in the City booklet in libraries and leisure centres from mid-June.

For the latest updates visit westminster.gov.uk/summer-activities.

Dates for your diary this summerFree West End theatreWhen: 21st-22nd JuneWhere: Trafalgar SquareWest End LIVE is packed full of performances from your favourite West End musicals and exclusive previews from never seen before shows.West End LIVE will be bigger and better than ever before, as 2014 marks the tenth anniversary of Westminster City Council’s annual showcase event. Don’t miss out on the biggest free event for you and your family this summer.

westendlive.co.uk @WestEndLive facebook.com/

westendLIVE

Get festival fever at Paddington Festival When: June-SeptemberWhere: Across PaddingtonThe Paddington Festival returns for its second year, kicking off with the WECH Summer Festival on the Harrow Road on Saturday 21st June. Events and activities are taking place across Queen’s Park, Harrow Road and Westbourne and everyone is welcome to join in. From free film screenings, one-day festivals and dance performances, there’s something for all the family.Pick up a festival programme from local libraries, leisure centres and other community venues or visit paddingtonfestival.co.uk for full listings.

Summer Reading ChallengeWhen: Throughout the summerWhere: Westminster libraries Head to your local library this summer and sign up for the the Summer Reading Challenge. This year’s Mythical Maze theme challenges you to find your way around a labyrinth full of fantastical creatures from the world of legend and mythology. There are stickers and rewards for reading your books and, if you read all six, you’ll receive a certificate. The Summer Reading Challenge is free and open to all children. Check with your library to see what special events they’ll be doing to guide you through the Mythical Maze. Visit westminster.gov.uk/libraries.

Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 11 10

20% off Pimlico computers

Offer: Computer running too slowly? Get 20% off computer health checks and services with Pimlico Computers. How to claim: Mention Westminster City Save when booking.

pimlicocomputers.co.uk

To apply for your Westminster City Save card, register online at westminster.gov.uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000 (Mon-Fri, 8am - 6pm).

Terms and conditions apply. For full details and the latest offers visit westminster.gov.uk/citysave

Free led cycle rides

Offer: Experienced cycle marshals will take you on a seven mile led ride covering the highlights of rock and pop in Westminster.Date: 10th and 24th August.How to claim: Limited places available and booking is required.

cycleconfident.com/westminster

Visit London’s gardens on your bike

Offer: As part of the Open Garden Squares weekend (14th-15th June), take part in a guided cycle tour and get 10% off your ticket entry to London’s hidden gardens. How to claim: Purchase your tickets online at opensquares.org and enter the code Westgsw14.Venue: Tours leave from the Albert Memorial at the south side of Kensington Gardens on 14th and 15th June.

opensquares.orgTerms and conditions apply. For full details and the latest offers visit westminster.gov.uk/vfm

n your bikeCycling is a great activity for all the family and, with two exciting cycling events coming to Westminster this summer, now is the perfect time to get on your bike.

Get peddling Kids love cycling. It’s a cheap activity to get them out of the house and a great way to keep healthy. It improves fitness, tones muscles, relieves stress and helps both you and your children keep your hearts healthy.

Get a bike check-upFeel more confident on your bike with free Dr Bike sessions. Experienced cyclists and mechanics will check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears, tyre pressure and more. For full details of the next Dr Bike session near you visit cycleconfident.com/westminster.

How to cycle safely Wear a helmet

When riding as a family, stay together and communicate with each other

Have an adult lead the route with the children in the middle of the line protected by the adults

Ride at the slowest pace so no one is under pressure to keep up

Make sure the bike is the right size for the rider and is properly maintained

Fit a bell or horn and use it to tell others you are there

Win tickets to ride at the Olympic VeloParkSurprise your children with two tickets to cycle at the same venue that saw Sir Chris Hoy and Dame Sarah Storey ride to victory during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We have three sets of tickets to give away, so enter now and be in with a chance to race on the road track, attempt world class mountain bike trails or tackle the BMX track.

To apply email childrenfirst@westminster.gov.uk stating VELOPARK and tell us your favourite place to cycle in Westminster. You can also send a postal entry to: Children First Competition, Westminster City Hall, 18th Floor, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. Competition closes 30th June.

Minimum ages apply: BMX, seven years-old; mountain bike, 10 years-old; road track, 12 years-old. Prizes are as stated and cannot be transferred or exchanged. No cash alternative will be offered.

offers and discounts for westminster residents

The Tour de France comes to LondonTime and date: Monday 7th July, 3pm (estimated arrival time of cyclists)Get involved: Watch some of the greatest names in cycling compete for the famous yellow jersey as the Tour de France crosses Westminster. See the cyclists as they pass along the route or visit a fan zone area at Trafalgar Square or Green Park. To find out more visit letour.2014stage3.com.

Enjoy London’s traffic-free streetsTime and date: Saturday 9th August, 9am-4pmGet involved: Cycle the traffic-free streets of London with the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle in August. The eight mile loop passes landmarks including Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, so take your family and get cycling. All ages and abilities welcome. Register online to get your free tabard. Visit prudentialridelondon.co.uk/freecycle.

Plan your journeyThere will be travel disruption in some areas of Westminster and around London as a result of the Tour de France, 7th July, the Prudential RideLondon FreeCycle on 9th August and the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on 10th August. To find out more and see which areas will be affected visit tfl.gov.uk/tourdefrance.

12 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 13

Liz Green* is a single parent with four children and lives in Westminster. Her eldest son Carl* suffers from autism and his behaviour had become difficult for Liz to manage. Liz’s daughter Kate* needed an operation that would leave her in a wheelchair for several months. As the family did not have access to a lift, Kate’s operation was on hold.

Liz was alone, depressed and struggling to cope: “I was worried and it was very stressful. My daughter’s operation was on hold because of the housing situation and Carl would hit the walls in fits of anger and try to climb out of the window.”

Unaware of the issues facing Liz’s family, neighbouring tenants had complained to the council about the noise coming from the flat, mainly due to Carl’s behaviour. As Liz was out of work and living in a council flat, the Family Coaching Service was asked to contact Liz and find out what was going on.

Free support for parentsAs many as 75% of parents and carers say they would welcome help and advice about parenting. The council offers several different parenting courses throughout the year, all of which are free. There are courses that help you improve communication with your children and others that work with you to improve relationships across the family.

For information about all of our courses contact Madhu Chauhan on 020 7641 7346 or email mchauhan@westminster.gov.uk. You can also visit our website to find out what other parents think about the courses: westminster.gov.uk/parenting.

“I received a letter out of the blue and thought - maybe they think I’ve done something bad to my kids?” says Liz.

The Family Coaching Service assigned a coach, Philippa, to visit Liz’s family. Philippa worked with Liz to teach her coping strategies for the issues she was facing including how to manage Carl’s behaviour. Philippa also contacted the hospital to find out about Kate’s operation and got legal advice for Liz about her housing options. Philippa worked with Liz to make sure she was moved into suitable accommodation so Kate could have the operation she so badly needed.

Liz says that there have been real improvements in her life since: “Everything Philippa has done has helped me a lot. She even took the children to the cinema to help me relax. My daughter has had her operation and it was successful and we have moved to permanent accommodation. I’m happy!

“I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. I never thought the council would help, but when Philippa came she gave me hope. Life is still hard because I live by myself, but it’s getting better. I’m thinking about the future now and by next year I want to have done a course.”

*Names have been changed.

The Family Coaching Service is a free

service that helps families tackle the big

problems in their lives, especially those that affect their children.

If you have a problem with your child’s behaviour, attendance at school or if they are involved in anti-social behaviour or offending, the Family Coaching Service may be able to help.

Call: 020 7641 2525

Email: triboroughfamilyrecovery @westminster.gov.uk

Online: westminster.gov.uk/familyrecoveryprogramme

I didn’t know what to do or where to turn...but she gave me hope.

14 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 15

Stay up to date with our new e-newsletter and Facebook pageThere’s a lot to “like” about our new Families First Facebook page and monthly e-newsletter for parents and carers.

Stay up-to-date with the latest news on health and council services, activities and events. There are even exclusive money

saving discounts for you and your family.

Sign up for our monthly Families First e-newsletter: westminster.gov.uk/families-first

Like our Families First Facebook page: facebook.com/WestminsterParents

Get vaccinatedThe MMR vaccine is a free and safe way of protecting yourself and your children from contracting Measles, Mumps and Rubella which are very common and highly infectious. Make sure you’re protected. Children or adults who have not been or are unsure if they have been fully immunised can arrange a catch up MMR vaccination with their GP.

For a list of local GP surgeries, visit westminster.gov.uk/health-and-medical-care

Support and advice for your family

Adolescents are susceptible to sexual, emotional and physical abuse in relationships with their peers. Sometimes this can be difficult to recognise as teens are more likely to accept mistreatment by their peers and less likely to speak out. This can mean it is hard for a young person to disclose their experiences and access help.

Where can it happen?Abuse in a relationship can happen to anyone, anywhere and is never ok. Young women in particular are susceptible to sexual exploitation by groups of young men either at school or in the local neighbourhood. It is therefore important for parents and carers to be aware of any changes in your child’s behaviour. Your child may stop spending time with their circle of friends, struggle at school or skip school altogether or become withdrawn, quiet or angry.

What help is available?If you’re concerned that your child is in an abusive relationship there are services available that can help. It is important to remind them that they are not alone and that help and support is available.

The Advance Advocacy Project offers a specialist support service for young women suffering from abuse. Call 020 8960 7016 or visit advanceadvocacyproject.org.uk for more information.

The Home Office’s ‘This is Abuse’ campaign is another helpful resource for young people to recognise abuse and report it. Visit thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk.

For more information on how to seek help visit westminster.gov.uk/about-domestic-violence.

Relationship abuse: protecting your teen

From cheeky monkeys to leaping lemurs, noisy otters to snuffling coatis, who will you come face to face with?

Plus our fun play area for kids of all ages!

Battersea ParkChildren’s Zoo...who will you see?

www.batterseaparkzoo.co.ukVisit our

websiteTel: 020 7924 5826 Battersea Park, Chelsea

Bridge Gate, Battersea London SW11 4NJ

we’re passionate about wildlife

16 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014 17

“ As Youth MP, I’m looking forward to achieving real change”

Youth MP - Soleen Rashed, 14, Victoria “I’ve always been passionate about bringing about change for young people, so I saw the Youth Elections as an amazing opportunity. It was a tough four weeks–speaking to young people about my manifesto - but totally worth it.

“As Youth MP, I’m looking forward to achieving real change. I want young people to be judged for who they are, not the way they dress. I’m also passionate about helping young people out of gangs and will be spending this year supporting Westminster’s Youth Secure Streets anti-violence campaign.”

Deputy Youth MP – Selina Solomon, 18, Maida Vale“As Deputy Youth MP, my job is to represent the young people of Westminster – not myself. So I spent my campaign listening to others and am determined to direct their concerns to decision makers.

“Over the next year I want to help create opportunities for young people to get work experience. At the same time, I want to increase recognition of young people’s achievements in Westminster. There are young people doing amazing things for their community and this should be recognised.”

A record 17,000 young people voted in the 2014 Youth Elections in March. Here the winners tell us what they hope to achieve during their one-year term.

GET HEARD: If you’re aged 11-19 and live in Westminster join the Youth Council and have your say on the issues that directly affect young people. Meet decision makers and help young people in Westminster get their voices heard.

For more information on joining the Youth Council visit westminster.gov.uk/youth-council

JOIN THE YOUTH COUNCIL

I hope my experiences in this fostering series give you an insight into what it’s like to be a foster carer. Most people are eligible to foster so, if you’ve been thinking about it, take the first step and find out more.

Call 0800 169 3497, email fostering@rbkc.gov.uk or sign up for a fostering information event:

29th May, 6-8pm Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX

12th June, 6-8pm Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU

19th June, 10am-12 midday Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU

3rd July, 6-8pm Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP

23rd July, 10am-12 midday Hammersmith Town Hall, King Street, W6 9JU

For more information visit westminster.gov.uk/fostering

In the first of a series of regular articles from mum and foster carer Cathy, we learn why she chose to foster and what it was like to welcome her first foster child.“Fostering was something I’d always thought about, but I wanted to wait until my own children were a bit older. When my youngest turned six, I thought it was a good time to find out more so I called the council to see if I was eligible.

“Once I had been approved I couldn’t wait to get started. I went out and shopped for all the things a baby would need, all of which was paid for by the council. I was so excited. I chose to foster babies as I thought they would fit well into my family and I didn’t need to have a spare room. The unknown is also quite exciting; you don’t know when you’ll be needed to give a child a home. With my first child we were given a couple of hours notice before the baby arrived, so it was good that I was prepared!

“I’ve had a really enjoyable experience as a foster carer. At times it’s hard, but having a great social worker and support network means I never feel alone. I want to carry on doing this even when my children have grown up. Foster caring is my future; it is a career choice for me. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

The foster carer diaries

Soleen Rashed

Selina Solomon

18 Westminster Children First, Issue 21, May 2014

WAES Open Day Saturday 21st June Lisson Grove Centre

Join us at the WAES Summer Open Day and get a taste of the adult courses on offer in 2014 . Our open day is the perfect opportunity for you to try your hand

at one of our courses – and the great thing is that you don’t need any previous experience, and they are FREE – just come along and have a go!

For more information visit www.waes.ac.uk/opendays or call 020 7297 7297 Find us at 219 Lisson Grove London NW8 8LW.

Adult learning in the heart of Westminster