ISSUE 86 SUMMER 2021 mynews and informationmer from your council ton

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Take pride, take part Protecting our green spaces 2 New council chief executive biggest ever communityconversationbiggest ever we’ve launchedYour Merton, our That’sthe prioritiesshouldbe. why hearing fromyouwhatthink thanever.feeling better itsfeet, backuponto borough getourwonderful to determined disease.Butby thisterrible weare leftuntouched community hasbeen Wimbledon, or nosingleperson courtsin green orthetennis near ’s famouscricket recover.borough Whetheryoulive helpthe wecanto everything doing to the counciliscommitted ofthecoronaviruspandemic, impact recoverfromthe As weallstartto And wecan’t doitwithout writes Merton for My Allison, Mark Councillor The Leader of Merton Council, vital personal protective equipment to staff. equipmentto protective vital personal leadonLondon’sdirector forcarehomeresidents,andonproviding testing to response roleinthecouncil’syears. Shehasplayedakey Covid-19 the aswellbeing response, formalratificationbythe to Full Councilin July. asthenewChiefExecutive ofMertonHannah appointed Council,subject has been Doody Merton 17yearsatitsmostseniorofficer. after I’m thefutureof services inaborough about.”help shape andpassionate to committed both Full CouncilmeetingonJuly 7.

Hannah will take up the role immediately after the appointment is confirmed at the isconfirmedatthe theappointment after Hannah uptheroleimmediately take will ofCommunityandHousingHannah attheauthorityforpastfour Director hasbeen Hannah replaceoutgoingChiefExecutive Ged will retiringfrom be Curran,whowill to Hannah offeredtheopportunity havebeen said:“Iamimmenselyproudandprivilegedto

receive the coronavirus vaccine, receive thecoronavirusvaccine, more ofourfriendsandfamily sighofrelief.tentative Asmoreand help theirneighbours? many to workingtogether people so with that emergedinlockdown, learn from–thecommunityspirit How better? canwebuildon–and do too.Whatcanwe difficult stuff hearthe AndIwantto schools? ourleague-topping Or perhaps Ourparksandgreenspaces? best? like Whatdoyou school. work andgoto them. to what matters acrosstheborough hear frompeople (details onpage20).We wantto We summerbreathinga enter Merton live, issuchagreatplaceto

Leader ofMertonLeader Council Councillor Mark Allison future inMerton, together. the forwardto pride, wecanalllook renewed senseofoptimismand staysafe.With a around youto for helpingyourselfandeveryone tests, and flow taking regularlateral distancingguidelines,for social again thankyouallforstickingto normal. to feels thereisachanceoflifereturning ours,it councilslike closely with theamazingNHSworking thanks to I want to take this opportunity to to thisopportunity take I wantto

mymerton merton Issue 86 • Summer 2021 3 proud to be a Fairtrade borough merton.gov.uk

Do it online For information about council services or to report it, pay it or apply for it online, visit merton.gov.uk Keep up to date with the latest news in our newsroom: merton.gov.uk/news Contents Find out what’s on and post your own event on our events calendar: merton.gov.uk/events 6–12 18 Follow us Keep Take pride click Subscribe to receive our email news Merton and love Be the first to hear about the latest Safe where you news, events and services, plus live emergency alerts and updates. Sign-up: merton.gov.uk/newsletter @MertonCouncil @Merton_Council @whatsoninmerton 27 www.youtube.com/mertoncouncil Tuned In The jam Whenever you see this sessions logo that means there’s a striking a volunteering opportunity chord with to get involved in. the lonely mymerton is published quarterly and is distributed to 86,000 households in the borough. Cover: Kerry Davies, owner of KerryAnn’s Hairdressers and Beauty Salon For details about advertising and in with client Vicky Fountain. Photograph by Paul Tanner. editorial deadlines, please visit merton.gov.uk/mymerton The does not accept responsibility for or Community Discover more 16 endorse any products or services Merton parks and summer events offered by advertisers. News 4 Your Merton Designed by Domino4 20 [email protected] Our biggest ever www.domino4.co.uk Features community conversation

Printed and delivered by 5 minutes with 8 Meet your Cabinet 22 Cliffe Enterprise Print Partnership Diana Sterck, Chief Executive 0845 601 9478 of Merton Chamber Climate change [email protected] 25 www.cliffe-enterprise.com Working towards net-zero carbon Merton Together 13

My Merton costs only 12p a copy to produce. The magazine We’re here for you History 29 is printed on fully recyclable paper, which is accredited How a garden suburb was grown by the PEFC Council (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes). This edition of My Merton Transforming services 15 is distributed from 17 June 2021. A voice for people with Community safety 31 learning disabilities United against hate crime

When you have finished with this magazine please recycle it. 4 Keeping Merton informed news merton.gov.uk/falcons our webcam. hunt. to thefledglingshow teaching hungry chicksandthen rearingtheir have been amonthlater.all hatched four eggsinMarch, which forlife,laid world andmate inthe species are thefastest sixth yearinarow. centre inMorden forthe ofthecivic on theroof theirnestingsite returned to falcons A pairofperegrine return Peregrines Brunt, andbyDeputyMayor, CouncillorEdithMacauley MBE. New Mayor supports carers Watch themliveon Since then,theparents birds,which protected The find out more Councillor Brunt will be supported duringthecomingyearbyhisconsort, supported be Councillor Bruntwill hismother, Joan

previous three-arch bridge, to bridge,to three-arch previous A217, thanthe wider be will span rivercrossing,alongthe single place byacrane.The loweredinto beams, concrete with the bridge,together thearchof support helpto will each endofthebridge–these abutmentsat constructing been contractor, Land &Water, has council’sMitcham. The over theRiverWandle in new Bishopsford Roadbridge Work buildthe iscontinuingto building Bridge people at the end of their lives and their families. attheendoftheirlivesandfamilies. people public fundsandMarie Curie,acharitywhichsupports whohavenorecourseto helpforpeople and practical Merton,Association whichprovidesemotionalsupport Brunt’s chosencharitiesareChristianCARE leaveearlierthisyear.Irons wasonmaternity and Green whileCouncillorNatasha Spacesportfolio Cabinet Member, Environment coveringthe Local Brunt servedastheauthority’s ever interim first Cabinet Member fortheEnvironment. Councillor and isaformerleaderofMerton Councilandaformer Councillor Sally Kenny, representsFigge’s Marsh Ward celebrating theworkofcarers. and tosupporting hisyearinoffice has dedicated newMayor ofMerton, CouncillorMichaelThe Brunt, To thethemeforhisyear, reflect Councillor caring, Councillor Brunt, overtheroleinMay whotook from reopen later thisyear. later reopen to newbridge isexpected The running throughitsstructure. and hasarangeofutilities itinfluencesriver flow because particularly complextask heavy rainfall, isa following collapsing inJune 2019, partially last yearafter demolished forsafetyreasons be bridge, whichhadto garden. Replacingtheoriginal pavementandarain wider lane, cycle include asegregated from the north river bank from thenorthriverbank View of south abutment View ofsouthabutment telephone 07525205148. telephone [email protected] or contact theproject, helpwith please to volunteer to share orwouldlike HeritageLottery Fund. bytheNational supported heritage, preserve local and expand itscollections council’s heritageserviceto this summer, the workingwith takingplaceinMitcham project isforanewheritage This annualfair. thishistoric about recordyourmemories to like music onthemerry-go-round? smell ofcandyflossorthe oftherides, the excitement Mitcham Fair? Canyourecall goingto Do youremember of the fair memories All the fun The turnout was 42%. turnout was42%. The heldon6May.by-election ina 54% ofthevote new wardcouncillorwith result By-election If you have a memory to If youhaveamemoryto If so,DigitalDramawould by email byemail Alison Ramsey St Helier’s as elected Party was Labour from the Dollimore Helena fair in1989 Mitcham

merton.gov.uk/funandfood and educationalactivities. taking partinarangeoffun nutrition,aswell about healthy learn mealandwill serveda be and 16will five agedbetween people holidays. school in Merton overtheEaster pilot schemewhichwasrun followsasuccessful This Department forEducation. funded byagrantfromthe meals. for freeschool for childrenwhoareeligible holiday clubplacesavailable of increase thenumber andyouthservicesto sector thevoluntary working with families andthecouncilis and childcare. increased costsoffood ofthe on familiesbecause extra financialpressure most duringthepandemic. families havestruggledthe summer forchildrenwhose availablethis be places will More freeholidayclub fun food and Summer Children and young Children andyoung placesarebeing The Merton isagreatplacefor School holidayscanput find outmore Services atEaster doing aTake and Nyah Nelson, 11, Uptown YouthUptown Make session, organised by organised by

Heritage Discovery Day Discovery Heritage Mitcham Clubc1958 Cricket in Merton and be able to cycle. cycle. in Merton ableto andbe Your 10yearsorover, childmustbe liveorstudy provide Bikeability oneandtwo. trainingatLevels this summer, We atvenuesacrosstheborough. Our popular, coursesareback freechildcycling Children’s cycling courses l l retain yourrightsto: securesettledorpre-settledstatus. rights to oftheEUfortheirresidency membership ontheUK’s relying been had previously EUSSallowsthosewho June 2021.The Scheme thedeadline on30 (EUSS)before applyfortheEUSettlementcitizens to isstilltimeforEU, EEAorSwiss There EU Settlement Scheme Last chance to apply for enrol in education or study in the UK enrol ineducationorstudytheUK work intheUK With settledorpre-settledstatus,you’ll find out more www.cyclinginstructor.com the Polish Family Association. Citizens Advice Merton and andLambeth, from application, helpisavailablelocally eusettledstatus. Ifyou’re an strugglingwith l l l

You theEUSSat: canapplyto gov.uk/ travel inandoutoftheUK ifyou’repensions, eligibleforthem and access publicfunds,suchasbenefits the moment use theNHSforfree,ifyoucanat find outmore merton.gov.uk/EUSS Keeping Merton informed Outstanding by Ofsted. asGood arerated or in theborough cent ofschools and morethan90per preferred schools. were offeredaplaceatoneoftheir cent and 95per three preferredschools a placefortheirchildatoneoftop centoffamilieswereallocated 91.3 per offers,showsthat,school in Merton, Admissions Board,whichco-ordinates this September hasreceivedanoffer. placeinareceptionclassMerton school Every familywhoappliedfora primary Starting school Merton isagreatplaceforfamilies Data publishedbythePan-London or call 020 8545 3239 merton.gov.uk/heritage announcedfrom24July. be will 2021 DiscoveryDayprogramme full and onlineresources.The talks,competitions history local heritage trails,quizzes,bitesize displays, children’s activities, featurephotographic will event, 4pm, from10.30amto borough’s colourfulpast. The an annualshowcaseforour Heritage DiscoveryDay– return ofMerton’s popular Saturday 21August marksthe find outmore

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5 6 S and uncertainty. and buzzing againafter ayear of challenges Merton’s highstreets are openfor business streets high local Supporting your and may not be available elsewhere, availableelsewhere, and maynotbe whicharesourcedlocally items stock often Many businesses smallandindependent choicethannationalchainscanoffer.wider ourcommunity.which isvitalforrevitalising recoverandsafeguardingjobs, businesses to By shoppinglocally, residentsarehelping online. reviews pubandleavinggood a local adrinkormealin parade ofshops,enjoying having ahaircutatsalononthenearest foraloafofbread, thebakery into popping shops andbusinesses–whetherthat’s theirlocal support recovery bycontinuingto economy.the local that thecommunityneedsandboosting Shopping locally can give consumers a cangiveconsumersa Shopping locally playinthe partto haveakey Customers customers, providing the services providingtheservices customers, welcomingbacktheir been andhairsalonshaveall beauty hops, pubs,restaurantsand high street and businesses. high streetandbusinesses. foryourlocal please showyoursupport Merton liveandwork,so agreatplaceto merton.gov.uk/coronavirus/lateral-flow-test at yourtest Book take. are quickandeasyto tests flow spread ofthevirus,andlateral the stop to important be continues to sanitising handsfrequently. Regulartesting masks ifrequiredandwashing asafedistance,wearing include keeping safe.These everyone keep put inplaceto businesseshave measures thatlocal and followGovernment guidanceand vigilant be normal, itisstillessentialto fresh airandreducepollution. –ahealthy to enjoythe wayto walk orcycle closeenoughto bybeing footprint carbon reduceour high streets.Itcanalsohelpto our bringing varietyandoriginalityinto We playinmaking allhaveapartto Although lifeisgraduallyreturningto

tell everyone aboutit! or enjoyed awonderful meal, then received fantastic customer service If you have bought agreat product, great way of businesses. supporting and ageword of mouthisstill a Spread theword –even inthisday stuck for apresent idea. businesses offer gift cards ifyou’re Buy agiftcard –many independent follow andlike theirsocial media. an order, signupfor newsletters and Go online–visittheirwebsite, place social media. Tripadvisor, Nextdoor andon on sites suchasGoogle, Trustpilot, businesses withapositive review Leave areview your –support local often something abitdifferent too. offer agoodchoice of essentials and Shop local –independent shops can them: support firms. Here are some ways thatyou are smallbusinesses andfamily Many companies based inMerton customers Satisfied

to have us back and to seeeachother. haveusbackandto to whoarehappy our fantasticcustomers, for doingwhatwedobest be to delighted again.Weopen arereallybusyand of ourproducts. deliveries doorstep also madefreelocal mediaquizzes.Weand doingsocial giving Zoom lessons hairandbeauty brilliant. themsmilehasbeen make againand feelgood to helping people Having and thathumancontact lives. theireveryday goingabout people time. We missedseeingourclientsand also mentally. Itwassuchaworrying notonlyfinanciallybut tough, been Hair andBeautyAwards. newbusinessintheBritish and best salon recently wonanawardforbest servicesand of hairdressingandbeauty four years.We inallaspects specialise salonfor for 21yearsandthebeauty Green Lane,Morden. Hairdressers andBeautySalon in Kerry DaviesownsKerryAnn’s KerryAnn’s Case study: – longmayitcontinue.” treatments outstanding hairandbeauty andnotjustabout thepeople about me realisethatmy businessismore andmade so muchforgranted take to “This pandemic has taught me not pandemichastaught menot “This back be amazingto “It isabsolutely “We by didadaptduringlockdown closedhas andbeing “Lockdown Kerry said:“Ihavehadthehairsalon

customers are enjoying being back with us again, especially assummerishere.” usagain,especially backwith being areenjoying customers refurbishmentinsideandout,undergone extensive great. whichlooks We knowour yourfood. enjoying time, butit’s havingfunand inperson seecustomers ableto notthesameasbeing inMarch. andreopened in December We forsomeofthis dotakeaways wereableto inJune andreopened for theinitiallockdown fortakeaway, butthenweclosedagain seatingagain. enjoyourindoor areableto customers daughter, Lucy. backagain.We be to Shesaid:“Itissogood aresohappythatour Maria Jessiman ownsLu Ma her caféinWimbledon, whichshemanageswith But ithasbeen brilliant andseeing worried thatnobodywould turn up! such alongtime. We were also deliver aservice after what felt like could doit, speak to peopleand reopening –worrying whether we were booked to perform. and theartists andmusicianswho events, whichwas hard onourstaff cancel anentire programme of music Tier 4. Itwas tough andwe hadto of December, whenwe were putinto the live music.We closed attheend customers, to enjoy both ourfood and has beenfantastic to welcome back delighted to beopenonce again–it Lounge inMorden. restaurant andmusicbar The Sound has beenbooked atthevegan A fullprogramme of summerevents Case study: The Sound Lounge Case study: Lu Ma Café “It is amazing to see everyone again and it feels so good, especially as we have aswehave especially againanditfeelssogood, seeeveryone “It isamazingto “For alongupanddownyear. allbusinessesithasbeen We closedinMarch 2020 “We were allquite scared about Owner HannahWhite said: “We are

with thecommunity again.” people are too andjust to reconnect like ours. It’s really nice to hear how alocal,support independent business that peopleputthemselves outto has beenamazing.Itmeans so much faces we knew from before lockdown

7 8 Merton Chamber, visitwww.mertonchamber.co.uk and I believe the futureis#MertonTogetherand Ibelieve . inthistogether –wehavebeen of ourindividualactions Finally,wonderful borough. liesattheheart respect Ihope asustainablefutureforthis achieve to local andact local work shoplocal, thinkwecancommitourselvesto to like attheheartofbusiness.I’dplacing decarbonisation also foragreenrecoveryand arehugeopportunities There thatwehavealllearnedfromtheCovidexperience. I hope in the future? that will things return to ‘normal’ optimistic you cautiously Are community! have athrivinglocal –weallwantto locally and buying safelyand,importantly, reopen available, howto shopping promote to Business onthegrants council andthelocal Improvement Districts the handinwith informationandhaveworked businesses relevant online. We bring webinarsto launchedourReachOutandConnect totally In March be adaptourserviceto 2020,wemovedveryquicklyto How has the Chamber provided support? can. on trackasquicklythey others havedownsizedenormously, getback haveplans to will butthey Merton. to We’ve andverycommitted very enterprising lostsomeand methatmostbusinessesareresilient, to Covid hasreallydemonstrated What have the main challenges? been the futureholds. littleknowledgeofwhat forwardplanswith make andhadto doreopen they be Covid compliantwhen working remotely;to had stafflosingtheirjobs;had managestaff seenamassivedropinsales;hadto they’ve oflockdown, because It’s year forbusinesses,inthemain.Not suffered atorrid been onlyhavethey Merton? in businesses for past yearHow the has been I reachedmy thisMay, milestone 20-year it’s ablast! been haveHow role? long this in you been locally, regionally andnationally–sometimes internationally too. It helps local businesses to set up, develop and also represents them, with members, organisations andother businesses across theborough. 700 businesses. Itoperates like any other smallbusiness –working Merton Chamberisasocial enterprise owned by its members, approximately Chamber Executive, Merton Diana Sterck, Chief Five minutes with... minutes Five find outmore

For more information about

them as they adapt to new, adapt to them asthey Covid secure,waysofworking Maria support visitingbusinessesto Danehasbeen M them overcome thechallenges they face. with allbusiness sectors intheborough, offering advice to andsupport help continues aswe navigate theroad outof lockdown. The council hasworked the council throughout theCovid-19 restrictions duringthepast year and Merton’sSupporting businesses and highstreets hasbeenakey priority for safely business in Keeping Merton sectors to help them to move along the movealongthe helpthemto to sectors andhospitality for theretail,closecontact freeonlinewebinars working onproducing as understandingthelegalrequirements.” aswell aQRcode, create andhowto toolkit guidance, thecouncil’s theonline website, safe. We Covid themto havesignposted themselves, theirstaffandcustomers keep adviceto onboard andtake listen to willing remarkably wellandhavebeen ways ofworking. new,trade andadaptto Covidsecure, continueto helpthemto businesses to Recently, Maria’s rolehasalsoinvolved Maria said:“Businesses havecoped working directly with with working directly Practitioner, whohasbeen Environmental Health aria DaneisaPrincipal

stations, depots, food placesandoffices.” food stations, depots, includingtrain in workplacestheborough, involved investigating outbreaksofthevirus has Business ChampionforMerton. This Covid-19relating to aCovid-19 andbeing complaintsandqueries visits, dealingwith verybusydoingadvisory safe. Ihavebeen usall keep to outside asmuchpossible businesses,whileworking with contact face maintainfaceto to My priorityhasbeen allthechangesinlegislation. with date up to guidethemthroughandkeep thereto been which includestheCovidmarshals,have trade,ourteam, continueto businesses to testing oftheirstaff. flow lateral regular undertake encourage businessesto helping thecouncil’s to publichealthteam safely.roadmap outoflockdown Sheisalso Maria said:“As wellashelpingour

merton.gov.uk/reopening availablesupport for businesses, visit For more information aboutthe little biteasierforthem.” wehavemadeadifficultyearthat hopefully ourbusinessesand support rewarding to challenges ofthepastyear, very ithasbeen and healthsafety. diseaseinvestigation workplace infectious hygiene food relating to inspection, onissues pandemic, sheconcentrated Officer foralmost21years.Beforethe Maria theworryand said:“Despite Maria anEnvironmental hasbeen Health find outmore

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Take a test twice a week Anyone can catch coronavirus and anyone can spread it. All Merton residents have a crucial part to play in keeping the number of new infections down and protecting loved ones.

longside the rollout of the twice-weekly rapid testing. Now we are option if you are leaving home to go to vaccine, regular testing is an allowed out and about more, getting tested work. Ask your employer if they provide essential part of the easing of will mean you are doing your bit to protect rapid tests. ACovid-19 restrictions, helping to those around you. l Secondary school and college students identify variants and stopping individual are being given tests to use at home cases from becoming local outbreaks. How to get a test if you twice a week, throughout term time and Around one in three people with Covid-19 DON’T have symptoms the holidays. do not experience any symptoms and may, There are several ways for people who live l Collect test kits to use at home. You can unwittingly, be spreading the virus. Rapid and work in Merton to get a free, rapid collect up to two boxes of seven rapid testing, using what are known as lateral flow Covid-19 test. We recommend getting a tests to use twice a week at home from: tests, detect cases quickly – results take 30 supervised test first and then picking up a • Merton libraries minutes. This means that people who test regular testing kit, once you feel confident • Pharmacies positive can isolate immediately. By making doing the test on yourself. Book a l Home delivery. If you can't use the rapid tests available to everyone, more supervised test at a participating pharmacy, other options, you can order a box of cases will be detected, breaking chains of Morden Assembly Hall or the Civic Centre tests online or by calling 119. transmission and saving lives. in Morden. If testing at home, you will need to Every Merton resident without Covid-19 l Workplace testing is offered by many register the results online or by calling 119. symptoms is encouraged to take part in employers. This may be the best If you DO have symptoms, stay at home and get a Case study: Barry Causer FREE NHS test Barry Causer is Head of Strategic Commissioning in the council’s public health Get a free NHS test and stay at home team. He said: “I test regularly as I want to keep my family and community safe. if you have any of these symptoms: I have kids in the house and my wife works as a teacher in a secondary school, l a high temperature so we want to be as safe as possible at all times. We test l a new, continuous cough together every Wednesday and Sunday night and it’s now just l a loss of, or change to, your sense part of our routine, it’s very quick and easy! I would encourage of smell or taste everyone who is working or volunteering or going out and regularly mixing with different households to test, as To book a local, rapid lateral flow test, this is the way to protect those we are working with visit: merton.gov.uk/coronavirus/test and our families and friends.” For an NHS symptomatic test: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test just havingthatcontact.” normality; meetourfamilyandfriends, somesortof It meansgettingbackto Covid-19. andthisterrible lockdown weknowit’sbecause ourwayoutofthis He said:“We alljustwantthevaccination at theBaitulFutuh Mosque inMorden. inasingleday vaccinated be to people getting ourlivesbackanddoingbit.” the spring.Shesaid:“It’s towards astep vaccination atAFCWimbledon Stadiumin Among themisNatalie, whohadher their excitement, andgratitude. hope six monthsago. atthe first clinicopened Wilson Hospital receivetheirjabsincethe come forwardto community? and thewider vulnerablefamilymembers helping protect Or biggest vaccinationeffortinhistory? W been given inunusualvaccination centres. of residents across Merton have beenoffered theirjabs, some of whichhave Six months after theCovid-19 vaccine programme began,tens of thousands Dose of hope and gratitude Nadimur wasoneofmorethan1,000 of havespoken eachsession,people At More than10,000Merton residentshave normal? Being part of the normal? Beingpartofthe getbackto you? Achanceto coronavirus vaccinemeanto havingthe hat does

ground, before fans had been allowed in. allowed in. fanshadbeen ground, before first glimpseof AFC Wimbledon’s new centre inPloughLanegavethe public a vaccination Centre, Wimbledon. The inCentre CourtShopping clothes store places,includinginaformer unexpected answerarangeofquestions. on handto nurses andotherhealthprofessionalswere doctors, eachsession,local champions. At community faithgroupsto olderpeople, to 1,100 participants–fromcollegestudents morethan inMerton,events attracting the NHShasorganisedmorethan50 informed, people reassurance andkeep have thejabaneasyone.To offer who’ve comeforwardfortheirjab.” andtheresidents volunteers by NHSteams, vaccinating hasseenanextraordinaryeffort the pandemic.Ourfirstsixmonthsof ofawayout and offeringrealistichope – helpingusbringCovid-19 undercontrol coronavirus vaccinesaresafeandeffective his vaccination Nadimur having Vaccination heldinsome clinicshavebeen Not hasfoundthedecisionto everyone programme. He said: “The programme. He said:“The thevaccine to response welcomed theborough’s forMerton, GP BoroughLead Dr Vasa Gnanapragasam,

also holdsregular walk-in clinics. when it’s NHSinMerton yourturn. The anappointment book information andto nhs.uk/coronavirusvaccine forthelatest vaccine changesfrequentlysocheck Roma andtravellercommunities. ofGypsy, andmembers homeless people aswellfor and communitycentrestoo, mosques heldinchurches,temples, been Clinicshave those whoarehousebound. incarehomesand hundreds ofpeople vaccination centreandhavevaccinated a patientswhocannotgetto clinics goto out of thepandemic. realistic hope of away control and offering bring Covid-19 under effective –helpingus vaccines are safe and “The coronavirus The eligible age range for receiving the eligibleagerangefor receiving the The andpop-up Roaming vaccinators

11 12 www.better.org.uk/merton workouts orto tryanew sport. activity ready to resume their book inadvance andarrive customers, whoare asked to open againandare welcoming at theCanons inMitcham, are in Morden, Wimbledon and Our three leisure centres, centres open Leisure simple ways to take the first steps towards a healthier routine. towards ahealthierroutine. thefirststeps take simple waysto ofexercise. takingupanewtype to tipsandsupport, ideas, self-care frompreparingnutritiousrecipes aGPinMerton. with Itprovidesarangeoffree are registered again, there are lots of great ways to keep active outdoors. outdoors. active keep again, therearelotsofgreatwaysto havedone.With thesunshine onourside to we wouldhaveliked us athome,wehaven’t asmuchexercise take ableto allbeen many weather keeping of leisure centresclosedandthewinter inplaceoverthelastyear,With all therestrictions gymsand More Move I help Merton residents to make thissummerahealthy one. some healthier lifestyle changes andthere isplenty of available support to With summerholidays onthehorizon, now istheperfect timeto kickstart healthier and fitter Get Getting thehardestpart, isoften started soherearesome HealthBetter Merton wholive,workor isaresourceforpeople emotionally, financiallyandpsychologically. Covid-19everyone indifferentways– physically, hasaffected ourhealthandwellbeing. after look to thanever important f thelastyearhastaughtusanything, itisthatnowmore

One You Merton offerstipsforcomplete

beginners, including a couch to 5k 5k includingacouchto beginners, running app, and new ideas for running app,andnewideasfor people resuming their workouts resumingtheirworkouts people after a break. Wimbledon abreak.Wimbledon after Guild, Merton Moves and Age UKMerton are and Age also offering a range also offeringarange of activities. of activities. right for you: right foryou: of exercise which is of exercisewhich is findthetype tips to Here areourtop

merton.gov.uk/healthy-living/better-health Apple orGoogle PlayStore. you’re shortofinspiration. You ever candownloadthe appon delicious,easy, with app ispacked forif recipes, calorie counted calories, butOneYou free EasyMeals areallifesaver!This canbe obesity.living with thirds(63%)Nearly two ofadultsintheUKareoverweightor energy, andstrengthenyourimmunesystem. your mood boost Maintaining abalanceddietand healthy weightcanincreaseyour Healthy eating l l l l l more atmerton.gov.uk/walk4life and fitness levels andnobooking isrequired. Findout in parks andopenspaces. These are suitable for allages Walk4life Wear comfortableclothesandalwaysstayhydrated. reduceanxiety. –gettingoutsidecanhelpto Enjoy theoutdoors comfortable, particularlyifyouhaveahealthcondition. Onlydowhatfeels doawarmupforsomeactivities. to yourbody, to Start slowlyandbuildup–listen youmayneed exercisefun. and familycanmake Set friends aplan –movingmorewith simplegoalsandmake your newhealthierroutine. up youenjoy –thiscanreallyhelpyoukeep activities Choose Sometimes it can be hard to think of new meal ideas and count Sometimes thinkofnewmeal ideasandcount hardto itcanbe find outmore

The council isleading free healthy walks

is here for you. is hereforyou. Merton community available.The support bypandemic,thereisplentyof affected lockdown. theirmentalhealthdueto with over ayear, andthosewhohavestruggled for clinically vulnerable,whohaveisolated those recoveringfromthevirus, whohavelostlovedones, include people much longer. take will this journey These we mustnotforgetthatformany people l l l Services include: households. isolated Provides helpto Community Response Hub Merton’s Covid-19 A available, to ensure noonefeels alone. and stillfrom needsupport us. MyMerton finds outaboutthehelpthat’s that there are many residents whoare unableto take these next steps getting back outandaboutinourvibrant borough. However, we recognise With Covid-19 restrictions easing, friendsandfamilies are meeting upand We’re here for you and benefits and benefits Support accessadviceonmoney to Access prescriptionandmedication to Support shoppingandbasicsupplies with If you, or someone you know has been If you,orsomeoneyouknowhasbeen normal way of life after Covid-19,normal wayoflifeafter amore ofareturnto prospect recoveryandthe work towards s wecontinuethrough2021and

between 10am and4pm,Monday Friday. to between email If you,orsomeoneyouknowneedshelp, in danger. www.rapecrisis.org.uk . Call999ifyouare on theRapeCrisisLiveChatHelpline, visit Advisor, call02078011777. For information Merton DomesticViolence Independent from domesticviolence.To a to speak forresidentssuffering provide vitalsupport council’s The Shopcontinuesto OneStop Domestic violence l l Telephone befriending athome andindependent active stay Advice helpto andpractical

[email protected] orcall02086852272,

merton.gov.uk/coronavirus/residents Turn2Us. To findoutmore,visit WelfareLocal Support schemeand Support, Covid-19 grantscheme, winter coronavirus. Support includes:Council Tax provide helpifyou’ve by affected been aremany organisations thatcan There Money benefits and www.oneyoumerton.org Covid-19.low orworriedabout Visit: yourmentalhealthifyouarefeeling after Every Mind Matters, helpyoulook to advicefrom Italsohasexpert wellbeing. improveyour helpful tipsonhowto OneYouThe Merton isfullof website health Mental Monday Friday, to 9am–5pm). 0808 2082138 forfree(open wimbledon.foodbank.org.uk orcall Wimbledon Foodbank. Visit theirwebsite, andneedhelp,contact crisis point face goinghungry. Ifyouhavereached No oneinourcommunityshouldhaveto Food banks

13 MERTON COUNCIL Our Foster Carers change children’s and young people’s lives – could you be one of them?

Foster for Merton and we can offer you: On-going comprehensive training 24 hour support, 365 days per year An allowance of up to £514 per week, per child

To fi nd out more at our Information Sessions Call us today on 0800 073 0874 / 020 8545 4070 visit merton.gov.uk/fostering email [email protected] Follow us on Facebook: Merton Fostering At Merton we support our foster carers using an innovative approach called Mockingbird Family Model (MFM). MERTON COUNCIL feature Transforming services in the community 15 Our Foster Carers change children’s and young people’s lives Improving choices for those – could you be one of them? with learning disabilities The voices of people with learning disabilities, their families and their carers will be at the heart of shaping future services to meet their needs.

e are inviting people with As part of the Big Conversation, people of care for people with different levels of learning disabilities, their with learning disabilities, their families, need and preferences. families, carers and the carers and supporting professionals will There are a range of options online, Wprofessionals who support have the opportunity to express their including arranging meetings in small them to have their say on the future of day views about current day, evening and groups. opportunities, as part of an ambitious weekend services. For further information and to fill in the engagement programme to improve There are various ways for residents to survey online, visit Merton Council’s services in the community. contribute, including accessible and easy website merton.gov.uk/have-your-say-ld The council wants to improve choices for read paper surveys and online surveys on Anyone who would like to take part people with learning disabilities by the council’s website, in addition to virtual and has no internet access, can call Debbie providing day opportunities across the and in-person one-to-one conversations John from Community Catalysts on borough that are relevant and meaningful and meetings. There are also ways for 07990 515632. to those who use the services, and support people who don’t use speech or the internet their independence as much as possible. to engage in the process. Working together with social enterprise This service review is committed to Community Catalysts, the council is providing people with a learning disability inviting everyone to participate in the a better choice in – and more control over Big Conversation – an engagement – the services the council provides for process that started in May and will end them, reflective of changing needs and in mid-July. opportunities. It is about creating a model

Foster for Merton and we can offer you: On-going comprehensive training 24 hour support, 365 days per year An allowance of up to £514 per week, per child

To fi nd out more at our Information Sessions Call us today on 0800 073 0874 / 020 8545 4070 visit merton.gov.uk/fostering email [email protected] Follow us on Facebook: Merton Fostering At Merton we support our foster carers using an innovative approach called Mockingbird Family Model (MFM). 16 walking andcycling routes, wildlife andhistory atgoparks.london/merton Hood Memorial Fields. Playing Discover more aboutyour local park,including Dundonald recreationgrounds,South Park Gardens andtheSir Joseph facilities. OtherrecipientsincludetheAbbey, ColliersWood and markofquality,an international environmental standardsandexcellent Capability Brown. Park designer, bytheeminentlandscape –famouslycreated Lancelot Cannizaro Park, , South Park Gardens andWimbledon andhorticulturalsignificance,including fortheirhistoric England register Four ontheprestigiousHistoric inLondon. appear boroughs sites Merton parks andrecreationgroundsthatmake oneofthegreenest To Your Love celebrate Parks Week (12–21July), visitoneofthe100plus Love your parks this year, why not discover more of Merton. So, withso many of usplanningastaycation kids amused, of allintheheart your borough. to visitwithfriendsandactivities to keep the and entertainment, pluswonderful places Beautiful parks andopenspaces hosting events Merton istheplace to bethissummer! summer this of Merton Discover more John theGreen InnesParkachieve parksto isoneofsixlocal Flag Award,

by taking your Help keep our parks clean litter home

17

Events are back in Things to do Merton this summer! with the kids Jasper, one of the Join our what’s on newsletter and be the first to know about Download our Discover lambs born at the latest events in Merton: merton.gov.uk/newsletter Merton activity sheet Deen City Farm and inspire your kids to this spring The Luna Cinema is returning try a new experience to from 30 July To help occupy your kids during the school holidays, we’ve to 1 August put together the Discover Merton activity sheet. It will After months of staying encourage them to become a tourist for the day and follow the indoors watching movies Wimbledon Way route and then find a water wheel in Merton on the small screen, it’s Abbey Mills. They can even transport themselves back in time time to head outside for and follow a heritage trail though Mitcham. Or maybe they an unforgettable big- can pretend to be a farmer at Deen City Farm or discover the screen experience. The new playground at Canons House and Grounds in Mitcham. programme of films for Visit: merton.gov.uk/LoveMerton 2021 includes the must-see modern murder mystery Knives Out, 80s Tom Cruise classic Top Gun and the sing-along Make a splash version of the smash-hit movie musical The Greatest Showman. Being out on the water is a great way to spend a hot summer’s All tickets must be booked in advance and, due to social day. The council’s watersports centre has plenty of activities distancing capacities, are limited, so book your place early to for the whole family to choose from, including kayaking, avoid missing out! Book: thelunacinema.com/wimbledon-park windsurfing and sailing. You can book one to one tuition, paddlesports group Kayaking is Beautiful People Festival* is coming to one of the sessions, plus sailing on Saturday 4 September watersports and powerboating Presented by the team behind the legendary Southport on offer courses for adults Weekender, the Beautiful People Festival is an expertly- and school holiday curated mix of DJs and live acts spanning music genres sessions for children. such as US/Afro/Deep & Soulful House, Disco, Soul, To book an activity, visit: UK Garage, R&B, Reggae and Hip Hop. With over 70 merton.gov.uk/watersports artists such as Basement Jaxx, David Rodigan, Arrested Development, Grandmaster Flash & Louie Vega, this is one City farming of the highlights of the festival calendar in London. Goats, pigs, sheep and an alpaca are among the animals Book: beautifulpeoplefestival.com ready to welcome families back to one of London’s oldest city farms. Deen City Farm, a charity which the council helps to Dino Kingdom* in Morden Park fund, has a range of birds and livestock, including some from 14 to 30 August animals born earlier this year. The farm, which is also home Dino Kingdom, is a spectacular to a riding school, runs alongside part of the River Wandle outdoor dinosaur experience aimed and the Wandle Trail. This popular walking route is a journey at family audiences with impressive through some of the fascinating history of the borough. installations of 100 true to life Book your visit: deencityfarm.co.uk moving and roaring dinosaurs and creatures. Immersive 3D, AR, and Wild World Heroes Projection Mapping Wild World Heroes is the theme of this year’s technology makes Dino Summer Reading Challenge, which is being Kingdom the most run by the council’s award-winning libraries. unique event of its kind. With many more Children aged between four and 11 aim to activities and immersive elements of the read six or more paper books or ebooks kingdom to explore, Dino Kingdom is an Stay safe this summer borrowed during the summer holidays to experience that people of any age can by following all the latest be in with a chance to win rewards and a enjoy. More details to be confirmed Covid-19 guidelines: certificate on completion of the challenge. nearer the time. For the latest updates, merton.gov.uk/coronavirus Why not read each of your books in the sign up for our What’s On In Merton newsletter If you have any Covid-19 six gardens at Cannizaro Park! merton.gov.uk/newsletter Register: merton.gov.uk/libraries symptoms, stay at home

*Subject to licencing and get a test. 10 18 responsibly. We againstthosewhodon’t. action take oftheirrubbish dotherightthinganddispose that mostpeople blownacrossthestreet.by animalsandtheircontents We know not onlyunsightlyforthecommunity, open butthebagsgetripped bags,whichis several onebagattracts isbecause conviction. This environmental a offencethatcouldresultinaheavyfineor it’slike thebin,butit’s they’renextto okaybecause an fly-tipping.Itmightfeel binisactually astreetlitter next to most vulnerableresidents. the street, careforour social usedforvitalserviceslike couldbe on havedumped suchasmattresses,whichpeople and largeitems, W and doourbitto keep ittidy. pride intheirborough. MyMerton finds outhow we can allLove Merton community to helpusfight against thisunacceptable behaviour andtake people abuse ourparks andstreets withlittering andfly-tips. We needthe past year. But, aslockdown measures have eased, we’ve seen aminority of Our outdoor spaces have proved more important thanever before this where you live Take pride and Most don’t people realisethatputtingarubbishbagortwo which runsfrom 28 June–11 July, to recycle more too. encourage peoplevisiting theborough duringthetennis fortnight, The initiative willrunthroughout theWimbledon Championships to from endingupin thegeneral waste. and drinks cans andprevent them bins to recycle your plastic bottles evian water. Look outfor thecolourful recycling trial,whichisbeingfundedby Wimbledon, to launchthe#InTheLoop local organisations includingLove Merton andHubbub, from withsupport We’ve teamed upwithSustainable Recycle onthegoinWimbledon town centre picking uplitter, bins includingblackbagsnextto Every reported. 24 hoursofbeing penny wespend streets inthelast12months,96%ofthesewithin e clearednearly16,000fly-tipsfrom Merton’s

their local area. area. their local Sustainable Merton carryoutgroupandindividual clean-upsin to litter. thecounciland workwith wonderfulvolunteers These ofWastewe haveteams Warriors fightthe to whocometogether inourparksandonstreets, leavetheirlitter think itisokayto ittidy. keep live andwantto But whenasmallminorityofpeople manage to take your bulky waste to our household reuse and ourhouseholdreuseand to yourbulkywaste take manage to the fines,couldresultinacriminalrecord. ends aswelldogfouling.More to pay seriousoffences,orfailure Penalty Notices andcigarette (FPNs)weissuefordroppinglitter There’s dumprubbishofany noneedto kind.Ifyoucan’t These fines are in addition to thethousandsof£150 finesareinaddition These Fixed recycling centre at Garth Road, we can collect it for you. Visit centreatGarth itforyou.Visit recycling Road,wecancollect collect, pricing and how to book. collect, book. pricing and howto we formoreinformation,includingwhichitems our website Largely, Merton ourcommunitycareabout andwherethey

Feeling inspired? Here’s how you can do your bit: Love Merton campaign. merton.gov.uk/LoveMerton to get involved. waste service orfind outhow you can of bepart Merton’s new Request anew waste orrecycling container, book ourbulky for information onhow to report full litter binsandfly-tips. nearer the time. holiday. Checkour website normal ontheAugust bank scheduled to continue as collections are currently Recycling andrubbish Bank holiday collections waste inlitter bins. and never puthousehold in thestreet onother days Please donot leave rubbish by 6amonyour collection day. boundary of your property containers are onthe waste andrecycling Make sure your household Visit ourLove Merton webpage community clean up. organise ortake ina part recycle more. You could also lifestyle to reduce waste and and make changes to your Become aWaste Warrior rubbish home. park orstreet –take your this can beblown across the of rubbishnext to them,as bins are full,don’t leave bags park oranopenspace. Ifthe after yourself whenusinga Be considerate andclear up

19 19 20 O on how we can shape the borough’s future together. ever held,askingpeoplewholive, work andstudy inMerton for their views Your Merton isthebiggest community conversation thatthecouncil has Your Merton feature geographic locations across the borough. acrosstheborough. geographic locations commentonspecific youto map, allowing hasacommunityheat website Our dedicated Merton youand why. whichmeanthemostto and theirambitionsforthefuture. inMerton of living,workingandstudying people’sabout views,ideasandexperiences us.Wewith understandmore wantto sharetheirinsights to aspossible people askasmany heldto the councilhasever Your Merton, thebiggestconversation that shouldlook? future ofourborough buthowdoyouthinkthatthe before, were howthey exactly returnto never will thepandemic,weknowthatthings After thefuture. normal, wearethinkingabout somethinglike life isslowlyreturningto vulnerable residents. helpourmost to together the borough us throughthesedifficulttimes,bringing A renewedsenseofcommunityhasseen highstreets. andourlocal doorstep the abundanceofgreenspacesonour including rediscovertheborough, of usto formany anopportunity and thathasbeen lives. We’ve home timecloserto allspent in differentwaysandtransformedourdaily We areaskingwheretheplaces arein To findout, wehavelaunched Now areliftingand thatrestrictions The pandemic has impacted us us pandemichasimpacted The last year, asaresultofCovid-19. recognitionduringthe beyond ur wayoflifehaschanged

like. Yourlike. Merton foryou isan opportunity look idea onwhatwe wantourfuturesto delivered, allofushavean be services to thewaywe wantessential or changesto moretimeoutside, spend work, adesireto Britain. apost-pandemic adapt to andhowto keep, work outwhatchangesto inplacethefuture. keep to would like andwhichofthechangesyou and studying newwaysof working to you haveadapted duringthepandemic,how experiences last year. We your hearabout wantto how yourdailylifehaschangedoverthe areaand share yourthoughtsonlocal Whether it’s changingthewaywetravelor to allofus–istrying council–like The foryouto isalsoanopportunity There conversation biggest ever Join our

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21 feature

22 Being a councillor Introducing your Cabinet

hen Councillor Mark Allison half are from a black or ethnic minority. So, who are the people making the became Council Leader in There are now two joint deputy leaders, decisions which make Merton a great place November, he announced a instead of one. As well as representing for families, ensure that the council is run Wrecord-breaking cabinet, who their ward, each cabinet member is in a business-like way and help to bridge are the most ambitious and diverse in the responsible for a particular portfolio and the gap between the east and west of the borough’s 65 year history. Two thirds of for the first time there is a cabinet member borough? My Merton asked all our cabinet cabinet members are women and more than with Climate Emergency in their title. members to tell us a bit about themselves.

Councillor Mark Allison Councillor Eleanor Stringer Leader of the Council Cabinet Member for Children and I volunteer at a food bank in Mitcham, Education and Joint Deputy Leader “after having helped run one with my wife, “I work in education, funding projects for a charity worker in . disadvantaged pupils. I live in , and my daughter attends a local primary school. Why did you decide to become a councillor? Because I was asked! I’m interested in helping the community and want everyone Why did you decide to become a councillor? I wanted to get to to benefit from living in a great place. A friend thought I’d be good know my local community more, and play a role in making sure at it, and convinced me to apply. Merton continues to be a great place for children to grow up in.

Where is your favourite place in your ward, Lavender Fields? Where is your favourite place in your ward, Abbey? I’d struggle The water play area opposite Figge’s Marsh is a great spot, bringing to pick one, but I do love The Sultan pub. A great family-friendly enjoyment to children and families – and it’s free. pub that really benefits the local community.

What difference do you hope to make to Merton? Merton is a What difference do you hope to make to Merton in your portfolio great place with a great community and great facilities, and my area? I want young people’s voices to be heard in decisions job is to help the many fantastic people who work hard to keep it affecting them, and to ensure all young people, no matter what their that way. background, have access to the support they need to thrive.

Tell us a fascinating fact about you. I once scored a goal at Tell us a fascinating fact about you As a child, my sister and I did Stamford Bridge against Welsh international goalie Neville Southall. a bit of modelling. Nothing exciting, but my hand was on a shower gel advert!

Could you stand for" election to be a councillor?"

Do you want to influence the way local so why not you? Elections for Merton helping people in your ward to resolving public services are planned and provided? Council happen every four years and issues and getting more involved in Have you thought about representing the next election is due to be held in the community. your community? Have you considered May 2022. You do not need to be a Problem solving, communication and becoming a councillor? member of a political party to stand knowledge of the area are all important Whether you are a parent, a student, for election – you can become an skills to have as a councillor, although no retired, in a full time job, run your independent councillor. formal qualifications are required. own business, or anything in between The role of a councillor is very varied, find out more – all sorts of people become councillors, from attending council meetings and www.beacouncillor.org.uk "

“ “ very strong activists whofought for Ghanaindependence. Tell usafascinating fact aboutyou. Mymother andfather were safer for all. tackle any issues thecommunity. Therefore, thismakes Merton the police stronger, where they feel they can both work together to area? What difference doyou hopeto make to Merton inyour portfolio the community. town centre –Imeet so many wonderful peoplethere whomake up Where isyour favourite place inyour ward, Figge’s Marsh? The needed helpfrom someone they could trust inlocal government. a councillor because Iwanted to help peopleinthecommunity who Why didyou decideto become acouncillor? Idecidedto become and Ilove thecommunity. various groups, including thestreet pastors, I have aloving family. Ialso volunteer for Public Safety andTackling Crime Cabinet Memberfor Partnership, Councillor Agatha Akyigyina same day. and once watched theSimpsons withPrince Harry, butnot onthe Tell usafascinating fact aboutyou. Ionce hadtea withtheQueen, as they fight to retain local jobs. from thepandemic,I want inparticular to local businesses support area? differenceWhat doyou hopeto make to Merton inyour portfolio The cricket green inthesummer, thewar memorialinNovember. Where isyour favourite place inyour ward, Cricket Green? Why didyou decideto become acouncillor? To serve. owner whomoved to South London in1998 andnever looked back. Veteran, publicservant andsmallbusiness and JointDeputy Leader Recovery andtheLocal Economy Cabinet Memberfor Performance, Councillor Owen Pritchard I hope to make thepartnership between thecommunity and I want to helpboth thecouncil andthecommunity recover

" "

“ “ Tell usafascinating fact aboutyou. Ilived inVancouver for ayear. cleaner andgreener Merton. area? What difference doyou hopeto make to Merton inyour portfolio community of neighbours whoreally lookoutfor each other. Moreton Green. It’s anoasis-like green space surrounded by a Where isyour favourite place inyour ward, Ravensbury? opportunity to serve thecommunity thathadgiven meso much. as achildchangedthecourse of my life for thebetter. Iwanted an Why didyou decideto become acouncillor? Moving to Merton governor andworks inmarketing. Wife, mumandMitchamite, whoisaschool Environment andGreen Spaces Cabinet Memberfor Local Councillor Natasha Irons out great, somehow! often follow recipes precisely. Myexperimental bakes always turn Tell usafascinating fact aboutyou. Ilove to bake, butdon’t help themrecover. pandemic. Work of insupport ourleisure andculture partners to by Covid-19, so they are ready for work when we recover from the area? What difference doyou hopeto make to Merton inyour portfolio Wood Rec andWandle Park. These are very popular withresidents. isagreat place to live withtwo lovely parks, Colliers Where isyour favourite place inyour ward, Colliers Wood? are heard andconsidered indecisionmaking. was to represent my community onthecouncil to ensure theirviews active inmy community. Ithoughtthebest way to make adifference Why didyou decideto become acouncillor?have I always been internal auditor. adult daughters. IamaChristian andIwork asan I was borninLiberia,West Africa andhave two Cabinet Memberfor Culture, Leisure andSkills Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah Up-skill young people andresidents whose jobs are affected My ambitionisto work withourcommunity to create a

Being acouncillor

feature

" " continued >

23 feature

24 Being a councillor

Councillor Rebecca Lanning Councillor Tobin Byers Cabinet Member for Adult Cabinet Member for Finance Social Care and Public Health I was first elected in 2014. I work in law and am “I work in health policy, focusing on cancer, “Chair of the Board of Trustees at Age UK Merton. heart failure and asthma. I am also a Governor at St George’s Hospital. Why did you decide to become a councillor? After first moving to the borough in 2009, Merton became my Why did you decide to become a councillor? My parents dedicated home. I wanted to play an active part in the community to make their careers to giving back to the community. They inspired me Merton the best it can be for all who live and work here. to do what I can to improve individual lives, experiences and the environment of the borough in which I was born and raised. Where is your favourite place in your ward, Graveney? Graveney benefits from a central green space – Edenvale Play Space Where is your favourite place in your ward, Cricket Green? – and is adjacent to Figge’s Marsh. Both are hubs for the community. itself. The world’s oldest cricket ground, surrounded by nature, listed buildings and rich in heritage. What difference do you hope to make to Merton in your portfolio area? To continue to support those in our community who need it What difference do you hope to make to Merton in your most through council tax support and other measures, particularly as portfolio area? Covid-19 has exposed unacceptable inequalities in families continue to struggle as a result of the pandemic. society. Tackling them goes to the heart of what I want to achieve, from a sustainable solution to food insecurity, to improving the air Tell us a fascinating fact about you. Both my parents hated their we breathe. middle names so much that neither my sister nor I were given one.

Tell us a fascinating fact about you. I’m half Sri-Lankan. Colombo, where most of my family live, is my second home.

Councillor Marsie Skeete " Cabinet Member for Women and Equalities " I am a mother of one and I am fixed on fighting Councillor Martin Whelton for“ equality for all, regardless of race, colour, Cabinet Member for Housing, creed, religion and political affiliation. I will fight Regeneration, and the Climate Emergency for equality until my last breath. I have“ served on Merton Council since 2002. I live in Mitcham and am a campaigns officer for a trade union. Why did you decide to become a councillor? I decided to serve the residents with the same treatment I received when I was in Why did you decide to become a councillor? The opportunity to need. The MP for Mitcham and Morden helped me with a problem. make a difference in my local community by acting as a voice and a My time as a councillor has so far been excellent and I hope to do champion for local people and to make improvements which lead to more, given the circumstances. a better quality of life. Where is your favourite place in your ward, Longthornton. Where is your favourite place in your ward, Pollards Hill? My favourite place in the ward is Missen Corner, it provides a space Seven Islands on , which is an oasis of tranquillity, for residents to come to reflect on many things of the past and it beauty and nature. also provides a place of peace to reflect and move forward.

What difference do you hope to make to Merton in your What difference do you hope to make to Merton in your portfolio area? To implement measures which put the climate portfolio area? I would like to implement an open place for emergency at the forefront of all our work and protect the residents to express themselves freely and where we can all be environment for future generations. “friends” in a real world.

Tell us a fascinating fact about you. I was elected as the Tell us a fascinating fact about you. I am great in the kitchen. youngest Mayor of Merton and the only one born in the borough. I love cooking. Just tell me what you want and I can cook it for you! " " feature

Action on climate change 25 Taking action to become a net-zero carbon borough Since declaring a climate emergency, it has been one of the council’s top priorities to reduce carbon emissions, both within the organisation, and in the borough as a whole. My Merton finds out how we can all do our bit to help.

s part of our Climate Strategy and Action Plan, we aim footprint. Each month, we’ll be focussing on a different theme, to make the council a net-zero carbon organisation by looking at ways we can all tackle climate change. If you’re inspired 2030, and to make Merton a net-zero carbon borough by to make a difference, you can pledge to make one or more changes A2050. Reaching our net-zero carbon goals will require a – some big, some small – to your routines and habits. huge effort from everyone in the borough. Throughout 2021, we’ll Here’s a taste of some of the themes, and the pledges that be encouraging everyone in Merton to join the effort to make the Merton residents have already made: borough carbon neutral by taking steps to reduce their carbon "

April May June Buildings and energy Active travel Reducing waste Spring is often the time we start making As the weather improved and Covid One of the best ways to reduce your carbon home improvements, so we encouraged restrictions have eased, it’s the perfect footprint is to reduce the amount you throw local residents and businesses to think time to get active and enjoy the outdoors. away. Whether it’s the carbon associated with the about making their home or business more Walking and cycling improves your fitness, production and transportation of brand new energy efficient, investing in low carbon helps to make you happier and is low cost. goods, or the emissions caused by incinerated technologies or switching to a green energy Reducing the number of car journeys not waste, there are plenty of good reasons to cut supplier. These actions will help reduce only cuts carbon emissions, but it also down on waste. There are many ways to do this, energy consumption and reliance on fossil reduces congestion and air pollution, including avoiding single-use items, steering fuels for electricity and heating. making the borough a healthier and more clear of unnecessary packaging and recycling pleasant place to live. and upcycling instead of throwing things in the bin. It’s not just the planet you could save, you might save money too.

Get involved You can explore each month’s theme, and make your own pledges at merton.gov.uk/ClimatePledges. Don’t worry if you’re not interested by the current month’s theme, you can still make pledges from " previous themes at any time of the year. Live Festival on

Sunset: 15-19 Sept 2021

Book tickets at wimbledonbookfest.org

Outside in ‘sides-up’ marquees - Social distanced audiences

Actual Investors

WBF21 My Merton Sunset.indd 3 26/05/2021 09:21 WBF21 MyMerton Sunset.indd 3 Book tickets at wimbledonbookfest.org Sunset: 15-19Sept2021 Outside in ‘sides-up’ marquees - Social distanced audiences Live Festival on Wimbledon Wimbledon Common Actual Investors 26/05/2021 09:21 S with residents whohave experienced loneliness. championed by alegendary guitarist, hasbeenstriking theright chord An innovative performance project inMerton Space, Arts whichis loneliness tackle to noise Library group make some into force, participants have used their force,participantshaveusedtheir into music production. on afocus hasmovedonlinewith project sessionsfromtakingplace,the in-person andfriendshipgroups. connections helping individualsbuildsocial skills andgainknowledge,aswell musical shareanddevelop participants to all.Eachsessionallows and accessibleto loneliness isatitshighest–butopen those intheagegroup50+–where and Sinead O’Connor band). Jon Klein(ex-Siouxsee andthe Banshees eachsessionwith others, whofacilitates Scream andSinead O’Connor amongmany ofBrianEno,Bjork, thelikes with Primal Public whohasalsoworked ImageLtd, John Wardle), theoriginalbassistfrom the renownedmusicianJah Wobble (aka Merton Counciland between collaboration in Wimbledon isa Library. project The Now, came thelockdown oneyearafter However, sincethepandemicprevented targetsmen,particularly project The sessions attheMerton ArtsSpace Merton runningjam –hasbeen aimed atcombatinglonelinessin ince 2019,Tuned In–aproject

will be releasedon2July. be will in March andthenextsingle,Tuned In , was releasedbyCherryRedRecords album , fromtheupcoming Lockdown firstsingle,calledUptown release. The of songsreadyforacommercialmusic recordanumber enhanced digitalskillsto Jah Wobble

the singles,visit: merton.gov.uk/tunedin the project.” support albumto songs andtheupcoming downloadthese to encourage everyone of whatourlittleclubisabout. I’d and we’veexperience allhadoverthelastyear, andthisstrangeshared modernity this album. group forputtingtheirheartandsoulinto now partof. I’m reallyproudofthewhole formaclubthatIam as ifIhavehelped said: “Tuned my Iniscloseto heart, it’s for Tuned In_LDN). on theproject’s YouTube channel(search For further information to and listen to For to andlisten furtherinformationto “ Commenting ontheproject, Jah Wobble viewed jamsessionscanalsobe Previous is a song that explores isasongthatexplores Lockdown Uptown Tuned Inisasongthatgivesflavour Recording lockdown jam session jam session A Tuned In feature

27 Living Well with St Raphael’s Living well and being able to do the things that make life enjoyable is so important to all of us. When you have a condition that impacts your health, it is not always an easy thing to be able to do.

n May 19th, St Raphael’s will be launching The Living Well programme, which focuses on health promotion and wellbeing in an informal, friendly environment. The eight-week programme Ocan be accessed by anyone with a life limiting or long- term condition, their relative/carer. Sessions include; nutrition, how to improve sleep, relaxation, management of breathlessness and anxiety, as well as information about benefits, other practical support and an opportunity to socialise. We are aware how easy it is to feel isolated and disconnected from everyday things when you are not feeling at your best. It can also be difficult to find the services that will support you and those that are important to you. Sheila, Simon and Katie are inviting you to visit the Wellbeing Centre and to access the Living Well Programme. You can contact us directly at St Raphael’s Wellbeing Centre on 020 8099 1722 or Email: [email protected] Here for you How you can help St Raphael’s is the Hospice for Merton and One of the great positives to be taken from this last very difficult period is Sutton boroughs. We are an independent how our community has rallied round to support neighbours, the NHS and registered charity providing adult palliative charities, including St Raphael’s. This is such a hopeful sign for the future and end of life care for all who need it, and something precious we must make every effort to encourage even after free of charge. the crisis has receded. Our team of expert consultants, doctors, There are many ways that local people support St Raphael’s with nurses and healthcare assistants look after volunteering. Some offer practical help with administration or by using their patients in the Hospice’s 14 en-suite rooms with specialist skills, like IT or gardening; others volunteer in our shops or by around 80% of patients being supported in their driving the van. We have many volunteer roles within our Fundraising Team own homes. We also provide counselling and and we hope to grow a team of lottery volunteers to help raise the funds we bereavement services, and a Wellbeing Centre need every year. to help everyone to live well. If you could help support us by volunteering in any capacity, We are funded 25% by NHS and rely on the please get in touch, by calling 020 8099 7777, and we can talk generosity of our community to support us in raising the remaining £4-5m we need each year. about the opportunities and the training offered.

www.straphaels.org.uk Registered charity no: 1182636

Wellbeing_advertorial.indd 1 05/05/2021 14:55 Wellbeing_advertorial.indd 1 O and to accesstheLivingWelland to Programme. Sheila, Simon andKatieareinviting visittheWellbeing youto Centre you. to youandthosethatareimportant support the servicesthatwill things whenyouarenotfeelingatyourbest. tofind difficult Itcanalsobe socialise. to opportunity andan support otherpractical benefits, as wellinformationabout improve sleep,relaxation,managementofbreathlessnessandanxiety, condition, theirrelative/carer. Sessions include;nutrition,howto www.straphaels.org.uk or Email:[email protected] Wellbeing Centre on020 80991722 You can contact usdirectly atSt Raphael’s health, it is not always an easy thing to able be to do. so important to all of us.When you have acondition that impacts your Living well and being able to do the things that make life enjoyable is Living Well withSt Raphael’s We from everyday and are disconnected aware how feel easy isolated it is to raising theremaining£4-5mwe needeachyear. usin support generosity ofourcommunityto livewell. to helpeveryone to services,andaWellbeingbereavement Centre own homes.We alsoprovidecounsellingand intheir supported around 80%ofpatientsbeing patients intheHospice’s with rooms 14en-suite after nurses andhealthcareassistantslook free ofcharge. and endoflifecareforallwhoneedit, charityprovidingadultpalliative registered Sutton We boroughs. areanindependent St Raphael’s istheHospice forMerton and Here for you We arefunded25%byNHSandrelyonthe consultants,doctors, ofexpert Our team can be accessed by anyone with a life limiting or long- term accessedbyanyonecan be alifelimitingorlong-term with an informal,friendlyenvironment. eight-weekprogramme The in onhealthpromotionandwellbeing programme, whichfocuses n May 19 th , StRaphael’s LivingWell launchingThe be will

Registered charity no:1182636 about theopportunities andthetraining offered. please get intouch, by calling 020 8099 7777, andwe can talk If you could usby helpsupport volunteering inany capacity, year.need every helpraise thefundswe to volunteers oflottery growateam to and wehope driving thevan.We havemany ourFundraising roleswithin Team volunteer inourshopsorby ITorgardening;othersvolunteer skills,like specialist with administrationorbyusingtheir Some help volunteering. offer practical the crisishasreceded. even after to encourage effort every and somethingpreciouswemustmake charities, includingStRaphael’s. signforthefuture issuchahopeful This theNHSand neighbours, support how ourcommunityhasralliedroundto is period from thislastverydifficult taken be to One ofthegreatpositives How you can help There aremany StRaphael’s support people waysthatlocal There with 05/05/2021 14:55

Watery Lane name of the station from Lower Merton name ofthestationfromLower knownasManor became later House. Innes hadpurchasedashishome. This Farm, inWatery theproperty Lanewhich of DorsetRoadinMerton Park. Mostyn Roadandpart Road,Kingswood wide roadsincluding houses flanking onwards, hedesignedarangeoflarge architect. as thefirstestate From1870 employed Henry Goodall Quartermain the firstgardensuburbsandhe thearea. developing aviewto with founded theMerton Park Company Estate landinMerton, bought whereInnes Company his brother, with James. This Property founded theCityofLondon However, in1864he merchant.wine career asaLondon startinga before inBrighton, educated J John Innes, property developer, farming enthusiast andphilanthropist. do we know of MyMerton themanhimself? looks atthelife andwork of 2021 marks the50thanniversary of theJohnInnes Society, butwhat generousa spirit… Holly hedges and Innes even succeeded in changing the succeededin changingthe Innes even alsoredesignedManorQuartermain It wasJohn’s oneof create ambitionto in 1829 and in 1829and Hampstead in was born ohn Innes Innes John The church interior had already been hadalreadybeen churchinterior The St. Mary’s ChurchinMerton Park. to hiscoffin wagon conveying of hislargefarmhorsespulledthe pigs. award-winning particularprideinhis Innes took 1868. Keen onbreedinglivestock, Mordenand bought Hall Farm in and meetings. offered avariedprogrammeoflectures well astheadjacentManor Club,which as arangeofculturalevents, hosted Masonic Hall Road,which inKingston CharlesII. to by William Rutlish,CourtEmbroiderer centurybequest original seventeenth froman using fundsaccumulated wasbuilt Science School in1895.This thefoundationofRutlish forces behind hewasoneofthedriving trustee, for theparishchurch.Asacharity affairs, servingasaJPandchurchwarden high statussuburb. Mertonto Park,a of morebefitting When Innes died in 1904, four When Innesdiedin1904,four Innes wasafarmingenthusiast ofthe Innes fundedconstruction inlocal interest akeen Innes took

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find out more Kingswood Road Kingswood

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29 Help the NHS and social care services by returning unused equipment If you have items such as a bath lift, shower chair, or perching stool, which are no longer needed, please arrange a free collection by Croydon Community Equipment Service, which works in partnership with Merton Council. Your unused equipment will be safety checked and deep cleaned, so that it can be used to help someone else live more independently.

To arrange a free collection, email [email protected] or call 020 8664 8860

Courses for Work, Life and Wellbeing

DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES MERTON ADULT EDUCATION FREE short courses leading to nationally recognised qualifi cations Learn something new with one of our exciting Adult Education courses. which you can study in your own time. We have a range of A wide range of subject areas are on off er, including: short distance learning courses from the awarding body NCFE, which can be completed in 4 – 8 weeks. These are fully funded, • Business • Music meaning there is no cost to the learner. On completion you • Cake Decorating and Cookery • Musical Instrument Making and Repair will gain a nationally recognised Level 2 qualifi cation. • Childcare and Health Care • Computing and IT • Photography Courses on off er include: • Creative Arts • Pilates • Understand Specifi c • Understanding Nutrition • English, ESOL and Maths • Teaching and Training Learning Diffi culties and Health • Hairdressing • Training for Work • Understanding Autism • Understanding Safeguarding • Languages • Wellbeing • Understanding Behaviour and Prevent that Challenges • Equality and Diversity Courses that fi t around your lifestyle and working day, including • Understanding Children and • Creating a Business Start-up Saturday courses. The quickest way to enrol is online. You will need to Young People’s Mental Health show proof of your identity to complete your enrolment. Suitable ID See website for the • Understanding Common includes a passport, birth certifi cate, driving licence or Freedom Pass. Childhood Illnesses full list of courses For the latest course information, check our website stcg.ac.uk/merton Eligibility You need to have lived in the EU for three years and be aged 19+. You will need to be confi dent with written /adulteducationmerton Merton College, London English in order to meet the required standards. @AdultEdMerton Road, Morden, SM4 5QX 020 8918 7777 For further information please contact [email protected] /adulteducationmerton Party CentresandHate Reporting Merton, suchasourHate Crime Third crime. hate of organisations, haszerotolerance andotherpartner thepolice along with this isunacceptableandMerton Council, inthecommunity– sense ofbelonging thevictim’s Itcanalsoerode family too. buttheirfriendsand thevictim, affects aretransgender. they or religionbecause race,religion,sexualorientation perceived prejudice, basedonaperson’s or actual byhostilityor motivated be to is perceived their behalf. on areport andcanmake the police to submittingareport with assist people to been trained crime.Staffhave for hate centres thirdpartyreporting become both F hate isavailable crimeandwhatsupport for peoplewhohave experienced it. hate crime. MyMerton finds outhow they are helpingto raise awareness of Two Merton football clubs have become third party reporting centres for United against hate crime With the help of schemes here in With thehelpofschemesherein crimenotonly Being thetargetofhate crimeisacriminaloffencewhich A hate Tooting andMitcham have United crime. AFCWimbledon and hate saynoto upto have teamed Merton clubs fromtwo ootballers

against perpetrators. against perpetrators. action take iteasierto andmake victims Crime Advice Surgeries, wecansupport through athirdparty. or thepolice to crime,eitherdirectly hate Wehappen. canthenhelpyouandothers. andhowthey out wherethingshappen Yourthe borough. canhelpusfind report crimein hate to understand andrespond done. nothing thatcanbe orthinkthatthereis believed, not being arescared,worriedabout they because theirexperiences donotreport victims Manyincident shouldgounreported. crimeisunacceptableandno All hate hateReporting crime l l You directly: thepolice incidentsto canreport Police website: www.met.police.ukwebsite: a crimeontheMetReport Police In anemergency, call999 There are a number of ways to report report ofwaysto areanumber There By incidents,youhelpusto reporting

community safety website website crime,visit our more information onhate details,plus centres andtheircontact l l l thepolice. to talk directly havingto incidentswithout report ways to offer organisationsandservicesbelow The hate crime to report Other ways For afulllistofthirdpartyreporting anonymously. it report crime to information about oranyone anythat allowsvictims with Crimestoppers isanationalorganisation one place. in record audio,andhaveitallkept You and videos,pictures cantake atthesametime. and captureevidence acrime to report Confident allowsyou The Self Evident appfromWitness force. police yourlocal to submitareport you to it.report fundedandallows Itispolice crimeorincidentsandhowto hate True Vision providesinformationabout merton.gov.uk/hatecrime

Reporting

31 MERTON COUNCIL

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