Camden Council

08/08/2026

Calling all young inventors in Camden! 🛠️♻️

Children aged 4–12 are invited to take part in the Broken Umbrella Challenge by creating a brand-new invention using old or broken toys and household items.

There are prizes to be won, and finalists will be invited to a special celebration event.

Need materials? Free kits are available to collect from Camden Town Library and Kentish Town Library while stocks last.

To enter, upload a photo of your invention along with a short description to https://www.scienceowl.education/broken-umbrella-challenge-summer-competition

08/08/2026

If you’re proud of your gardening efforts - enter our Camden in Bloom competition.

There are seven categories that you could enter, including one of our new categories, the Treemendous Trees Award - recognising residents that take the time out to water our trees – helping them to grow.

We also have the usual favourites including best community garden, best front garden (including window box or balcony) and Camden young gardener.

For more information and to enter, go to camden.gov.uk/camden-in-bloom

07/08/2026

Heavy summer downpours can sometimes lead to flash flooding, even in places that don't usually flood.

The Mayor of London's guidance explains some simple tips to stay prepared, especially if you live in a basement or lower ground floor flat, which can be more at risk during very heavy rain.

Top tips include:
Check the weather forecast if heavy rain is expected. 🌧
Keep important phone numbers handy. 📱
Make sure essentials like medication, a phone charger and a torch are easy to find. 🔦
Never walk, cycle or drive through floodwater. ❎

A little preparation can make a big difference. Read the full guidance below.

Flash flooding can happen anywhere. This information will help you prepare for flash floods.

07/08/2026

We know it’s hot 🥵 and we’re all looking for ways to cool down.

It might be tempting to swim in canals, but it’s not safe.

• Water quality is poor and could make you ill
• Swimming in or around canal locks is incredibly dangerous
• Hidden objects under water could cause you serious harm – like sharp metal and thick weeds.

Stay safe this summer – only swim where there’s a lifeguard.

If you see someone struggling in open water, always call 999.

07/08/2026

Head down to The Amphitheatre in Camden Market on Saturdays this August to enjoy an exciting musical line up of live music.

Events are free to attend. Find out more: https://camdenmarket.com/events/camden-crescendo-2026

All events are run by Theme Ltd, a professional recording studio in the heart of Camden that works with local artists, and is supported by the Future Camden Fund - https://www.camden.gov.uk/future-camden-fund

Join us for free live music and DJs on Saturdays throughout August. From local up and coming artists to surprise headliners.

07/08/2026

Answer our survey about air quality in Camden and choose to enter our prize draw for the chance to win one of two £100 shopping vouchers.

The air we breathe affects all of us. That's why we're asking for your views on Camden's draft Clean Air Action Plan 2027–2030.

The plan sets out the practical actions Camden Council and our partners will take over the next four years to reduce air pollution, improve air quality and help protect people's health. It also includes advice on how everyone can reduce emissions and limit their exposure to air pollution.

Whether you live, work, study, run a business or visit Camden, we'd like to know whether you think we've got the priorities right in our new plan for cleaning Camden’s air.

📅 Consultation closes on 7 September 2026.

Find and participate in consultations run by We Are Camden.

06/08/2026

Last month, to mark International Stamp Out Spiking Day, our Camden Safety Bus was stationed in King’s Cross and Camden.

Residents and visitors got the chance to step into real-life scenarios through a VR headset, where they learnt how to identify spiking and other risks. The training also included how to intervene safely.

If you believe you have been a victim of, or witnessed spiking, please contact the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

👉 For advice and support visit camden.gov.uk/spikeawareness

🚌Our Camden Safety Bus is a safe place to visit for help or advice during a night out.
📍 Located on Camden High Street, near Camden Town Tube station, Fridays, and Saturdays, 9.30pm to 2.30am.

06/08/2026

Do you recognise any of these places? 📸

Inspired by stories uncovered by Year 6 pupils at Hawley Primary School, we are looking back through our archives and sharing some photos from Camden's past.

Funded by our Community Response Fund, pupils worked with residents and local theatre practitioner Sarah Toogood to gather memories and transform them into a This Is Your Life-inspired performance celebrating decades of Camden life.

A fantastic project that helped build community connections across generations through creativity, curiosity and shared experiences.

Do any of these places or faces look familiar? Were you there when these photos were taken, or do they bring back any memories?

We would love to hear your stories, memories and local knowledge in the comments below 👇

Images are copyright of Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre (CLSAC). Many thanks to the CLSAC team for providing them.

06/08/2026

Safe Havens provide temporary safe spaces for anyone feeling vulnerable and in need of support.

See a map of your nearest Safe Haven at: https://www.camden.gov.uk/safe-havens

06/08/2026

We’ve got a new name!

Our Children’s Centres and Family Hubs are now called Best Start Family Hubs.

This is because the Best Start in Life offer has been extended across the UK, helping families recognise and access support wherever they live.

You might start to see new logos, but we’re still the same trusted service.

Our Best Start in Life offer (pregnancy to age five) includes:

Our free support includes:

Midwifery and health visiting

Baby feeding support

Parenting classes

Drop-in activities for under 5s

Find out more: https://families.camden.gov.uk/