While we admire and support the Christmas campaigns that we see pop up in December, we also know that help is urgently needed all year round, each and every year. As some people pack away after the festive break, we are still here.
Our support is not limited to a food package, but it leaps beyond - we form connections, we listen and respond to everyone who steps through our doors. We open up a warm, safe, environment which aims to feel like a home away from home.
For us to continue to thrive and grow, and keep supporting as many people as possible, we are asking you to become a Friend of Cooking Champions. Even a donation of just £5-10 per month can make a HUGE impact on the lives of those who come through our doors.
Pop to our People's Fundraising page to donate, and we promise to keep you updated with how your support is making a difference. Thank you, we appreciate you! Team Cooking Champions
Enfield Council is making changes to arrangements for collection of waste and recyclables. Aluminium foil and carrier bags can now be recycled, but from 5th October households will no longer be able to put out extra bags of general waste.
A recently published report into telephone befriending in Enfield during lockdown provides a snapshot of the issues affecting residents in the 'vulnerable' and/or 'shielding' categories and shows the value of telephone befriending and of other services that were provided, such as delivery of food and medicines. Most call recipients were pleased to receive the calls and a core continued to receive these throughout the period, not missing a call. The report recommends that the council should be ready to reactivate the service in case there is a second wave or a local lockdown.
Sian Berry, one of two Green members of the London Assembly, has issued her fifth report on cuts to youth services in the capital. Her data shows that, after nearly a decade of austerity, councils in London are still feeling forced to take money out of vital youth services with a further £2.2m removed. Enfield's youth services budget for 2019-20 amounted to a mere 14 per cent of the amount budgeted for 2011-12.
As of 6th July Barrowell Green recycling centre has been accepting a wider range of items for recycling or disposal. It remains obligatory to have an appointment and there is still no pedestrian access.
Enfield Council and its partners have set up a dedicated domestic abuse hub to help tackle increasing numbers of cases caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. The free phone number 0800 923 9009 is available Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Enfield Council's Fostering Service team has launched an urgent appeal for foster carers, as the Covid-19 outbreak has resulted in more vulnerable children of all ages being in need of foster care.
A collaborative effort by Enfield Council, Enfield Catering Services and Age UK Enfield will be providing hot dinners to the most vulnerable older people in the borough and to those at risk of homelessness.
Some of Enfield Council's services need additional staff or have staff shortages due to the coronavirus outbreak. These are temporary roles that need to be filled now and are open to anyone who is unemployed.
Enfield Council has posted updated information about waste collection services on its Facebook page. In summary: Barrowell Green recycling centre remains closed; All four household waste collection services are continuing; To cope with extra waste generated during the crisis, street cleaning teams will collect bags of 'side waste' - up to two additional sacks per collection; Avoid big 'clear-outs' and do not put out large items; Double-bag potentially contaminated items.