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
News, comment and features
Articles are shown in publication date order - most recent first.
Talkies is a not-for-profit, volunteer-led society which gets no regular funding or subsidy. Through the generous support of Friends of Talkies, together with other fund-raising and ticket sales, in 2015 we were able to:
commission young film makers to create short films based in our area;
run HERE FILM FESTIVAL, which showcases local talent;
buy good quality equipment to improve your cinema experience;
establish two new local groups - one in Bowes Park/Bounds Green and another in Bush.......
All three councillors representing Winchmore Hill Ward have issued an appeal to residents of N13 and N21 to respond to the Crossrail 2 consultation by indicating a preference for the New Southgate branch to be routed via Alexandra Palace rather than Wood Green. The consultation runs until 8th January.
The two options for the New Southgate branch of Crossrail 2Councillors Barry, Hayward and Hurer have issued a leaflet explaining the advantages of a Crossrail 2 station at Alexandra Palace.......
Healthwatch Enfield's press release issued in connection with the publication of their report on GP waiting rooms (see this earlier report) sounds a noticeably more critical note than the summary that was issued with the report. In particular, it is evident that in three important areas - patient privacy, information about how to register, and provision for deaf patients - half or more of GP practices were found wanting.
The full text of the press release follows:
Press release -.......
Healthwatch Enfield has issued its initial report on the experiences of patients in GP surgery waiting rooms. The report looked at the following aspects:
Visible information regarding the following:
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
How to access out of hours care
How to complain
How to register
Publicity for online services
Availability of the GP Friends and Family Test (FFT)
Booking interpreters
The practice’s Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating
The Improving Access to.......
Enfield Council has announced a £250 prize for essays which bring to life some aspect of the London Borough of Enfield's past - including, of course, the time before the London Borough of Enfield was created 50 years ago from the former boroughs of Enfield, Edmonton and Southgate.
The David Pam Memorial Bursary is named after a renowned local historian who died in 2014. He worked for the Enfield Local History and Museums Service and after retirement became president of the Edmonton.......
The deadline for submitting comments on the Enfield Town and A110 (Southbury Road/Lea Valley Road) cycle lanes proposals is 18th December - this Friday. If the earlier A105 consultation is anything to go by, the deadline will fall at exactly midnight on Friday night, after which the system will no longer accept any input.
Consultation links
Enfield Town consultation
Southbury Road consultation
The debate about Cycle Enfield has been ongoing, on our forums and elsewhere, with.......
A Play Streets scheme that closes roads to cars opened Clare Rogers’ eyes to the idea of roads for recreation. Now she’s part of a grassroots campaign to revolutionise cycling in Enfield – but the battle isn’t over.
A consultation on the Mini Holland proposal to make Enfield town centre bike friendly closes on Friday. Photograph: Cycle Enfield
My sister Sally started it when she sent me a video about Playing Out – the seminal Bristol project which closes.......
The inaugural meeting of a new book club will be held on Tuesday 19th January between 7.30pm and 9pm at the Winchmore pub (formerly the Willow) in Winchmore Hill Road.
As well as talking about the group's first book - The Hundred Year Old Man who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson - the meeting will discuss how best to run the new club, eg times and dates, choosing books etc........
Starting on 20th February it will no longer be possible to have a blood test at Chase Farm Hospital without booking in advance.
Currently patients can either pre-book or just turn up and ask at reception. However, after 19th February the second (drop-in) option will no longer be available.
Adult blood test clinics run at the following times:
Monday-Wednesday: 8am-7.30pm
Thursday: 8am-6.30pm
Friday: 8am-4pm
To book a blood test either phone 020 8375 1471 or book online........
Everyone could do with a hero in their life and Enfield Council is launching a campaign to encourage more residents to volunteer their free time and help make the borough a better place for everyone.
It is estimated that 40 per cent of the population volunteer their time and Enfield Council wants more people to join this dedicated band of Enfield Heroes and encourage more people to help make a real difference to their communities by helping out in ways which include helping those more.......
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is asking for feedback from users of hospital services at the Royal Free Hospital, Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital.
The request for user input comes ahead of an inspection of the Royal Free London NHS Trust Foundation, due to start in February 2016. The three hospitals are all part of the Royal Free Trust (however, our other major local hospital, the North Middlesex, is not included in the Trust).
The CQC describes itself as "the.......
If you are registered with a GP in Enfield you can now access new evening and Saturday appointments from one of two hubs in the borough. The hubs in Edmonton and Winchmore Hill will be offering the extra appointments until 31 March 2016. Using the service will not affect registration at your own practice.
How to book
The easiest way to book is through NHS 111, which is free to call and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Simply dial 111 on your landline or mobile to speak to them. You.......