Enfield News - Winter 2024

Supporting children and young people to thrive and grow

Hundreds of families, carers and young people from Enfield will have access to a wide range of health and wellbeing support and cost-of-living advice in newly launched hubs in the borough.

Enfield Council is investing in supporting families and local communities, and the launch of the Youth and Family Hub in Ponders End is one of the commitments set out in the Council Plan for 2023 to 2026.

There is access to help and support, from pregnancy up until children are age 18 years or 25 for young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

Visitors will find a broad range of support programmes including sessions with health visitors, breastfeeding clinics, welfare benefits advice, after-school clubs and sports such as family boxing sessions and postnatal fitness.

Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Ergin Erbil, cabinet members, councillors, project partners and neighbouring families visited the recently opened Youth and Family Hub.

Guests took part in activities such as boxing demonstrations, arts and crafts, karting and face painting at the hub at 129 South Street, EN3.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Enfield Council, Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, said: “The opening of the new Youth and Family Hub marks a one-year transformation journey led by Enfield Council and supported by many partners and services.

“In Enfield, we have gone the extra mile redesigning service delivery to integrate the Family Hub within the Ponders End Youth Centre, creating a warm, welcoming, and accessible place for children, young people, and families, providing a fantastic range of services and support to help them thrive.

“Our doors are open, providing support for any family, child or young person living in Enfield who needs it.

Our hub has opened at a critical time when families are still being impacted by the rising cost of living. Enfield Council will offer as much support and advice as possible so families and young people can access the help they need to lead fulfilled, healthy lives.”

A second hub at Craig Park, in Edmonton N18 has opened and will officially launch a full programme in the near future. To find out how to access the hubs, see Youth and Family Hubs.

The new offering has been supported by grant funding from the Department for Education to create family hubs and develop the Start for Life programme.

Enfield’s biggest recruitment day arrives this spring

Following the success of last year’s Enfield Recruitment Day, Enfield Council is preparing for an even bigger opportunity for job seekers this spring.

Taking place on 20 March at Southbury Leisure Centre, EN1 1YP, Enfield Council will be more than doubling the size of the previous Recruitment Day, to meet increasing demand for good-quality, local jobs in the borough.

As well as companies and recruiters, Enfield Council will again invite local colleges to showcase a range of courses on offer to help people further their employment prospects. There will also be additional support to help people facing additional barriers to taking up work, and advice on better wellbeing.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Spaces, Culture and Local Economy, Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu said: “We know that the cost-of-living is still putting immense pressure on families and individuals, which is why it’s more important than ever that we support you to find, decent, secure and long-term employment, skills and training. Jobs mean security and better wellbeing which in turn help to nurture stronger and happier local communities.”

Anyone interested in the upcoming Recruitment Day should follow Enfield Council on social media or sign up to the Council’s monthly Jobs and Training digital newsletter - click on the 'Newsletter' link at the top of this page.

The last Recruitment Day, held at Green Towers Community Centre in Edmonton in October, was hosted in partnership with the skills and employment team at Enfield Council, Local London and Maximus, the delivery partner for employment programmes.

Watch a video and listen to what attendees had to say.

Elections: No ID, no vote

Voters in England must bring physical photographic identification when voting in person at polling stations.

For residents in Enfield, this will mean that when voting in the Mayor of London elections this May 2024 and in any other UK parliamentary, local government or referendums, photo ID such as a driver’s licence, passport or travel pass will have to be shown.

According to the new rules, anyone who intends to vote in person must hold an original form of ID - not a copy on a mobile phone or tablet device - otherwise they will be turned away from the polling station. A list of some of the accepted forms of ID are in the table below.

Don’t have an ID? Residents in England can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, which acts as a photo ID when voting in person at a polling station. Alternatively, voters can opt-in for a Postal Vote as it does not require a photo ID and can be applied for easily online.

Enfield Council’s Returning Officer and Chief Executive, Ian Davis, said: “Everyone who is registered to vote should have their opportunity to have their say in elections. This is why it is extremely important to get prepared from now, check what kind of photo ID you have and to make sure you bring it with you to vote.

“Another easy and efficient way to vote is to do so by post. For this you will need the address where you are registered to vote, and your National Insurance number or other identity documents, such as a passport. By registering and applying now, you can be sure your vote will count.”

For more information, see our Voter ID page.

You need to be registered to vote before applying to vote by post or for a Voter Authority Certificate. To register, please visit GOV.UK - Register to vote.

The next Mayor and London Assembly elections are on Thursday, 2 May 2024.

Remember:

• Register to vote
• Choose how to vote (proxy, postal or polling station)
• Bring any form of accepted photo ID if voting at a polling station

Accepted ID:

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
• Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state
• Biometric immigration document
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• Blue Badge
• National identity card issued by an EEA state
• Older Person’s Bus Pass
• Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• Oyster 60+ Card
• Freedom Pass
• Voter Authority Certificate or a temporary Voter Authority Certificate

For further queries, please contact Electoral Services on 020 3821 1813 or email elections@enfield.gov.uk.

Raring to go at Reardon Court

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, said: “The thoughtful design of this scheme will encourage healthy, active and sustainable living, emphasising social inclusion and community engagement to prevent isolation and loneliness. Our aim is to improve the lives of older adults, balancing independent living with an enhanced sense of security.”

Cabinet Member for Social Housing, Cllr George Savva, added: “We are proud to be delivering this genuinely affordable, specialised housing for older people in the borough to help them live independently but with access to care and support. For some it will be an essential alternative to residential care and for others it’s an opportunity to downsize to a more accessible environment. Importantly, we are increasing the supply of affordable rented accommodation in Enfield.”

Enfield Council successfully secured £10.5 million of affordable housing grant funding from the Greater London Authority to move the project forward. Construction is expected to complete by late spring 2024.

To register your interest email reardoncourt@enfield.gov.uk or call 020 8132 0942. A care assessment will be carried out to understand your needs and determine if you are eligible for the scheme.

To be eligible, people will need to be:

• aged 55 and over
• eligible for social housing under the Enfield Council Housing Allocation Scheme
• eligible for social care services under the Care Act and require the availability of on-site care
• in need of an accessible and flexible living environment
• living singly or as a couple

Helping Enfield become greener and safer

Flood management projects in the borough continue apace, protecting thousands of homes, combating the impact of climate change and supporting our green spaces and waterways.

Enfield Council is committed to enhancing biodiversity, protecting our parks, homes, open spaces, woodlands, watercourses, trees and shrubs. Our aim is to become the greenest area of London.

Take a look at our most recent projects in the borough.

Wilbury Way (Upper Edmonton Ward)

The most recent wetland to be completed in Enfield is at Wilbury Way. The open space has been redesigned to enhance the local area, provide a safe space for wellbeing and relaxation and it make a feature of the Pymmes Brook. Importantly, the wetland is part of series of similar projects across the catchment that work together to store water and slow the flow in rivers. There are around 1,000 properties at risk of flooding in the Pymmes Brook catchment. Storing water in the wetland during periods of extreme rainfall reduces this risk.

Trent Park (Cockfosters Ward)

Works have begun to create 2 toad ponds in Trent Country Park as part of the wider Salmons Brook Natural Flood Management project, with support from the Environment Agency and Defra. The 2 ponds have been designed by Enfield Council in collaboration with Thames21 and the wildlife charity Froglife, to maximise wildlife benefits whilst also ensuring they are integrated into the landscape. These ponds will provide an excellent new habitat for toads, as well as multiple flood storage benefits.

Green Lanes Suds (Palmers Green And Winchmore Hill Wards)

Rain gardens catch pollutants coming off roads, preventing them from entering into nearby watercourses such as rivers and streams. A stretch of Green Lanes has recently been completed, bringing the benefits of rain gardens knowns as SuDS, or sustainable drainage systems. The rain gardens will help this area, which is prone to flooding.

Boundary Brook Park (Ponders End And Jubilee Wards)

One of the most recent projects underway and led by the Council’s watercourses team is Boundary Brook Park. A small car park, which has in the past suffered from anti- social behaviour, is being converted into a landscaped green space with better access to the entrance of Boundary Brook Park. The flood alleviation works will help deal with flooding issues on the Hertford Road. The water stored will slowly drain back into the Boundary Brook after storms have subsided. In addition, the improvements will make the park more visible and welcoming, benefitting visitors, local shops and residents alike.

Climate action work lowers gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions produced by Enfield Council’s operations continue to fall at a faster rate than expected, according to the latest data.

The Enfield Annual Emissions Report has found that there has been a 14 per cent decrease in Council greenhouse gas emissions from last year and a 30 per cent decrease in the Council’s direct emissions in the last 4 years.

This means Enfield Council is on track to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, a target embodied in the Council’s Climate Action Plan.

Enfield Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, said: “We are making excellent progress as an organisation to reduce our carbon emissions, helping Enfield to become a greener and cleaner place to live and work in. In addition, our decarbonization initiatives mean we are reducing energy costs, contributing to our green credentials but also making sure we remain prudent.”

Enfield Council is committed to providing clean and green spaces, enhancing biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, keeping streets and public spaces welcoming, and more. For more information, see our Climate action page.

Lose yourself in the DAC immersive experience

In celebration of the Festival of Industry, Dugdale Arts Centre (DAC) and the Museum of Enfield have partnered with Platinum Performing Arts to bring ‘Lost in the DAC’, an immersive experience, to the residents of Enfield.

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the Platinum takeover is an interactive experience with multiple hands-on zones, a magical maze, and a performance – in true Platinum style – for adults and children to explore and get stuck in.

This unforgettable experience will ask participants to become curiouser and curiouser about past inventions and objects related to Enfield, guided by the Mad Hatter and Caterpillar of Wisdom. Tickets can be booked online for 16, 17 and 18 February.

The Festival of Industry was officially opened in July 2023 and will be running until March 2024. The Festival offers various dynamic programmes exploring Enfield’s past innovations and future industrial identity for residents to participate in.

The festival is being delivered in collaboration with Enfield’s creative sector through specialist art commissions, workshops, open studios, exhibitions of public artworks and the immersive museum project and community theatre co-produced with local people.

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Spaces, Culture and Local Economy, Cllr Chinelo Anyanwu, said: “As a council with a rich industrial history, we are proud to celebrate the heritage of what makes Enfield. These events provided by the Festival of Industry will not only offer opportunities to learn but also explore how our future industries including our creative sector shape our neighbourhoods.”

In addition to 'Lost in the DAC', the Festival of Industry will also bring:

• Festival of Industry Showcase: 2 March
• Woolly Mammoths of Enfield by Chickenshed: 16 March
• Enfield’s Industrial Evolution: Past, Present, Future: ongoing until 3 March
• Southgate Library Commission by artist Dan Maier: launching this February
• Under The Jet Plane Sky by Owen Wall Ceramics: launching this March

Interested? You can view and book all events and workshops by visiting Festive of Industry - What's on.

The Festival of Industry is being delivered by Enfield Council and funded by the Arts Council’s Place Partnership Initiative.

FOMO? Stay updated with @EnjoyEnfield

Have a fear of missing out, also known as FOMO, or simply want to stay updated with any events flourishing in Enfield? The easiest way to do so is by following @EnjoyEnfield on Instagram and Facebook.

We are dedicated to feature exhibitions, workshops, and a range of events across Enfield, including those being held at Forty Hall, Dugdale Arts Centre, and Millfield Theatre, for residents to enjoy and participate in. From supporting local businesses borough-wide to celebrating Enfield’s rich culture, @EnjoyEnfield is the platform to share it all.

Would you like to promote an upcoming event with us? Follow @EnjoyEnfield on Instagram and direct message us!

News in brief

Angel Edmonton to receive £11.9M funding - Investing in Enfield

Enfield Council has been successful in its bid for funding from the Levelling Up Fund with up to £11.9 million being pledged to go towards projects to improve the lives of Upper Edmonton residents and regenerate the Angel Edmonton area. The provisional award of up to £11,902,562 from the fund’s third tranche aims to increase footfall, create local jobs, reduce crime, encourage active travel and create a more attractive environment.

New street sweepers in every ward - Cleaner Enfield

A new approach to street cleaning has been rolled out across Enfield. Residents will now see the same dedicated Enfield Council street cleansing operative sweeping their ward on a regular basis. The street sweepers will pick up litter, remove weeds and report any large, dumped items to the fly-tipping team for investigation and clearance. Visit Enfield Council on YouTube to watch a video of one of our street sweepers.

A fresh vision for Broomfield Park - Greener Enfield

Enfield Council has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their project ‘Unlocking Broomfield Park for the Community’. Made possible by National Lottery players, the funding will develop a plan for dismantling the derelict, burnt-out shell of Broomfield House and reconnecting the House and Park through memorialisation, interpretation, and landscaping which will include restoration of the unique Baroque water garden.

Raising the participation age - Supporting young Enfield

There are many pathways for young people to choose from after their GCSEs. This could be a route to higher education, further education, apprenticeships or a career. Enfield Council’s participation and inclusion team are on hand to support you with advice and information. See Careers information for young people for the latest information on drop-in sessions, case studies and resources. For the latest on the Meridian Water Skills Academy, where you can upskill or train in the construction workforce, visit Meridian Water - Jobs and skills. For more information on the upcoming recruitment day, see above 'Enfield’s biggest recruitment day arrives this spring'.

Action taken against ‘car meets’ - Safer Enfield

Enfield Council has responded to calls from residents whose lives have been blighted by people who congregate at ‘car meets’. The Council is looking to secure a court injunction to give Police and enforcement officers extra powers to protect residents. Evidence to apply for the injunction is currently being compiled and will be presented before the courts. Find out more about how we are tackling car meets.

What’s on

Dugdale Arts Centre

For more information and to book for these and other events, visit Dugdale Arts Centre.

Write2speak Speak Up

Dates: 6 February, 5 March, 2 April and 7 May

Write2Speak Speak Up is a brand new series of free spoken word workshops and events taking place in Enfield. This project aims to give everyone the chance to express themselves through spoken word poetry, whether you’re a novice or an experienced wordsmith.

Festival Of Industry Showcase

Date: 2 March

A day of arts, performance and creativity from some of Enfield’s artists and arts organisations including Clang Studios, Extraordinary Design, Tiger Monkey UK Ltd, Colour Your City and more. Expect activities, screenings, exhibitions and talks from artists followed by Chickenshed’s family musical Woolly Mammoths of Enfield, and An Evening with Enfield Poets.

Nerdverse: Anime and Gaming Festival

Date: 30 March

DAC is teaming up with The Nerd Council, the UK’s premier Black podcast and platform dedicated to film, TV, gaming, comics, and anime to bring you Enfield’s biggest, boldest homage to all things nerd-culture. Expect live panels, tournaments, cosplay competitions and much more.

Forty Hall

For more information and to book for these and other events, visit Forty Hall Estate.

Forty Hall Jazz Club in association with Ziggyclub.com

Date: 16 February

Experience an unforgettable evening of magical jazz at Forty Hall. With mesmerising rhythms set against the stunning backdrop of the Hall, this is a one-of-a-kind event that promises to delight and enchant.

The international GAB Trio is the brainchild of French guitarist/band leader Clement Regert. Not one to be missed.

Enfield Poets live readings

Date: 6 March

The Enfield Poets are Poets in Residence at Forty Hall and invite you to experience the beauty of the hall through live readings. Immerse yourself in the power of poetry as our talented poets share their work in this captivating setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the magic of words brought to life in the enchanting surroundings of Forty Hall.

Forty Hall Makers’ Market

Dates: 27 and 28 April

Come and wander through our beautiful period rooms and outside in the Historic Courtyard where there will be stunning creative stalls with a wide selection of high-quality handmade products. Shop locally and treat yourself or a loved one to a unique handmade gift, including some from local makers.

To find out more about what’s going on around the borough, follow @EnjoyEnfield on Instagram.

You can also download our Enfield News - Winter 2024 (PDF, 1424.96 KB).