Welcome to the February issue of the Brent Environmental Network Newsletter. In this edition we are shining a spotlight on some of the inspiring community climate action projects taking place across the borough. We also have an extended section on funding opportunities – so check out what’s currently available to support your local community become more environmentally friendly.
We know that in order to achieve the scale of carbon emission reductions needed to tackle the climate emergency, a collaborative effort from all our residents and community groups is essential. Here in Brent, we have no shortage of individuals motivated to help mitigate climate change. This edition of the BEN Newsletter highlights just some of the brilliant initiatives that have been carried out by local groups, with funding provided by Brent Council.
Brook Way Biodiversity Project Brook Way Community Biodiversity Project CIC has been working with local schools and residents to highlight the importance of biodiversity, and to transform neglected areas into wildlife havens. In total, 43 new trees have been planted and 825m2 of new green space has been created. The opening of a new biodiversity mural on the Kenton Railway Bridge brought together over 150 residents for a celebration of achievements to date.
Jason Roberts Foundation – Climate Change Olympics
Using sport as a means of engaging young participants, the Jason Roberts Foundation hosted fortnightly football leagues that coincided with environmental workshops. Players were encouraged to take on challenges such as switching to walking or cycling, buying a reusable water bottle, and taking shorter showers. The Foundation also hosted quarterly Climate Change Olympics; a fusion of a sports tournament with social action initiatives, all focused on the core issue of tackling climate change.
Clube dos Brasileirinhos – Bags For Life
130 children and young people took part in a project that raised awareness about the damage caused by single use plastics. Participants were taught about the importance of reducing our impact on the environment and wildlife through practical workshops during which they were invited to create their own personalised cotton bag for life.
Mums for Lungs – Air Pollution Awareness Campaign
Mums for Lungs is a movement that cares deeply about the issue of air pollution, especially the impact it is having on the younger generation. In Brent, an air pollution awareness and clean air art creation project was undertaken at three local schools: Furness Primary, Park Lane Primary and Mitchell Brook Primary. Pupils were involved in the creation of artwork to go on display outside the schools, delivering key messages such as “air pollution needs a solution”.
Sustainable Development Training for Youth Workers, Volunteers and Practitioners
Young Brent Foundation worked with Start Easy to deliver a programme of workshops, providing youth workers, staff and volunteers with the tools, information and practical experience to feel confident running their own sessions to help people reduce their carbon footprint. Each participant attending the course pledged to transfer the skills they learned to at least 20 young people/ families based in Brent.
Local Environmental News
Join us at the next Church End & Roundwood Environmental Network Meeting!
Date: Saturday 2 March
Time: 11am-1pm
Venue: St Mary’s Church, Neasden Lane, NW10 2TS
This is an open invitation to local residents who are interested in taking climate action together, and building links with other residents, community and faith groups in the area. We will start to co-create local projects, as requested by local residents, to make the area greener and carbon neutral.
Teas, coffees and refreshments will be available.
Please rsvp: Nadia.khan@brent.gov.uk
Library of Things at Willesden Green Library – give it a try this year!
Why buy when you can borrow?
Adopt some new sustainable habits this year by joining hundreds of others who are deciding to borrow and re-use items, rather than buying new. Borrowing can not only save you money, but is intended to save on the energy and carbon emissions which go into the creation of new items.
Instead of cluttering your cupboards with stuff you don’t use often – why not give borrowing a try this year? From carpet cleaners, to drills, or projectors – Willesden Green Library of Things is there to meet your borrowing needs.
We’ve also partnered with eStreet to deliver useful things you need for your home, projects and adventures – right to your door. eStreet can collect and return your things within a 3km radius of The Library at Willesden Green
FREE Brent Well and Warm service
Are you struggling to keep your home warm and pay your bills? Help is available!
The council has partnered with the Green Doctors from Groundwork London to help you save money and keep your home warm and more energy efficient. The Green Doctors can provide a variety of support, including personalised advice on improving the energy efficiency of your home, accessing grant funding available, controlling your heating, managing energy-related debts, and pointing you towards additional services available.
To be eligible, you must be a Brent resident and your household must include at least one of the following:
- Anyone in household over age of 60
- Anyone in household with long term health conditions
- Anyone in household who is pregnant
- Families with children under 12
To book your FREE appointment please contact the Green Doctors directly by booking online or calling 0300 365 3005.
Connect with us on the brand new Brent Council WhatsApp Channel
Follow us and be one of the first to receive news and information from across Brent, straight to your phone. 📲
This is the quickest and easiest way for you to stay connected with what’s happening in your area. You will also be able to forward messages on to your friends, family and neighbours at the click of a button!
Follow Brent Council’s WhatsApp Channel
To access WhatsApp Channels, make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp downloaded on your phone and go to the ‘updates’ tab at the bottom left-hand side of the screen.
Events and Activities
Repairing broken electrical devices – Take part in a London-wide survey
Have any of your electronics or electricals (mobile phone, computer, ear buds, toaster etc) broken down recently? Whether or not you decided to repair your device, Imperial College London is looking for participants to take part in a short survey to share their experiences. The survey is being conducted to find out more about how Londoners use or consider using repair services for electrical goods. Data collected will be used to encourage people to repair which will help them to save money and reduce the environmental impacts of small household electrical and electronic products. The survey is anonymous and will take around 8 minutes to complete. Please note that you need to be 18+ years-old to take part. Once you have completed the survey, you will be invited to enter a raffle to win one of four £25 IKEA vouchers. |
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Join an Orchard Planting Day at Longstone Avenue Open Space Calling all pupils, parents, carers, and local residents! Come and help plant fruit trees in Longstone Avenue Open Space (near the entrance to Newfield Primary School). This orchard will provide habitat for nature and free, fresh fruit Wednesday 6th March 10am – 4pm 🍎 All tools and gloves provided 🍐 Come dressed with suitable clothing including footwear 🍒 Hot drinks and snacks provided If you have any special requirements or are unable to join the events but would like to be involved in the community orchard, please email climateemergency@brent.gov.uk. |
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Energy bills discount – are you eligible?
The government is encouraging people on low incomes to check if they can benefit from a £150 rebate on their energy bills.
The help is available to over three million households in Great Britain that are most at risk of fuel poverty, with many receiving the discount automatically. However, some customers in England and Wales have been sent a letter asking them to confirm their details by calling the Warm Home Discount Helpline so they can check their eligibility and get the rebate. Customers should stay alert to potential scams and report them to relevant authorities where they are suspected.
Households who need to provide more information should call the helpline on 0800 030 9322 by 29 February to get the support they are entitled to. |
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Brent Private Renters Fair
Do you rent privately? Then we are excited to invite you to our Private Renters Fair, a unique event designed to inform, support, and empower the borough’s vibrant population of private renters. The Fair will be a one-stop shop for everything our private renting community needs, combining exhibits, stalls and presentations. There will be a stall providing advice on energy and waste issues. Date: Wednesday 6 March Time: 3pm – 8pm Venue: Grand Hall, Brent Civic Centre For further information, or to register your interest, please click the link below. |
Funding opportunities
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