March 2021

Dear Neighbours, 
 
We hope that everyone is looking forward to lockdown rules easing and to the spring coming! 
 
If you are 55+ years old and have not yet had a vaccination, you can apply here for an appointment. On the topic of vaccines, Islington Council have produced a video on why getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID. Please do share the video if you like it.
 
Below you can find updates from our working groups, with lots of opportunities to get involved.
 
Project Update: Improving the local area
 
NGAG are continuing to support Islington Council’s project to improve the area where Ferntower Road meets Newington Green - and we’re really excited by the progress that’s been made so far!
 
The Council has commissioned a landscape architecture practice and the first site visit was last week. Council officers from a range of departments attended, along with one of our local councillors and representatives from NGAG and The Garden Classroom. We fed back what we have heard from residents and businesses so far.
 
The architects and the council will now go away and draw up some ideas. As part of that process, they are also making sure that all the people who live in the flats overlooking the site are given a chance to input their ideas. So far, there is wide agreement about the desire to green the site and make it a more pleasant place.
 
Calling all local historians, artists, and creative people!
 
As part of the efforts to make the space nicer and to recognise Newington Green’s past, present, and future we are hoping to have some art work on the white wall next to the Paradise Fish Bar. The owner has kindly agreed in principle and we hope it will be a good way to engage the local community.
 
Project Update: Food Justice
 
We have been successful in securing some seed funding for a couple of pilot projects that address food insecurity in the Mildmay and Newington Green area. The first pilot project is an estate-based food co-op project that is starting this week. 
 
The co-op model is different from the model from the Newington Green Food Hub that we ran at the Mildmay Club last year. The food co-op will be owned and organised by its members, which means that there isn’t as much of a need for extra volunteers. However, the space we’re using for the project could use some improvements, so if you have any spare shelves or some DIY skills you would like to put to use, please email us at food@newingtongreen.org.
 
We don’t need any extra funds (at the moment!) but there’s a project a few miles away, on the Kingsmead Estate in Homerton that does. Please donate to them here if you can. 
 
Project Update: Environment
 
Many thanks to all those who attended our February meeting. We are in the process of turning the inspirational ideas that were shared during the meeting into projects, and will be in touch again soon about getting involved. 
 
If you would like to join the environment group, please contact us at environment@newingtongreen.org 
 
Project Update: Community support:

We are continuing to facilitate support between community members. Examples of how people can help include running errands, speaking to a neighbour on the phone, or giving career advice to young people. To facilitate this, we continue to pair up volunteers with those who need assistance, either on a one-off or ongoing basis. Please help us spread the message and let people know they can contact us for support. 
 
If you or anyone you know needs support, you can contact us here: 

 
In solidarity, 
 
Team NGAG

NewslettersNewington Green Action Group2021