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Khat becomes a class C drug Khat consists of the shoots, leaves and stems of the Catha edulis plant. It contains stimulant amphetamine-type substances cathinone and cathine, which are already controlled drugs. see below Help to start again Providence Row tackles the root causes of homelessness to help people get off, and stay off, the streets. www.providencerow.org.uk News Dependency help available as khat ban comes into force BY POPPY TURNER THE drug khat will become a controlled class C drug from June 24, under new legislation introduced by the government. This means that, under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, it will be illegal to produce, possess, supply and import or export khat without a Home Office licence. Khat consists of the shoots, leaves and stems of the Catha edulis plant, and is chewed for its mild stimulant effects. It contains stimulant amphetaminetype substances cathinone and cathine, which can produce mild dependence. These are natural ingredients which are already controlled drugs, both in the UK and internationally, because they are harmful. Cllr Ohid Ahmed, cabinet member for community safety, said: “Although khat has been used for many years by a small number of people in Tower Hamlets we are keen to ensure that the recent changes are well communicated so that people do not fall foul of the law. “The council is ensuring there is a wide range of local drug support services available for residents who wish to access services to help them quit khat.” After June 24, police will be able to issue warnings and penalty notices for disorder for £60 to adults. This means they can give a warning for the first offence of possession, give a penalty notice for disorder (a £60 fine) for a second possession offence and arrest for a third offence. Young people aged 17 years or under could be considered for a youth caution, youth conditional caution or prosecution. Supplying khat to friends, even if you give it away, is also considered ‘supplying’ under the law. Residents can contact the following services for advice and support: Young People’s Service (under-19s) – Unit 26 Skylines Village, Limeharbour, Marsh Wall, E14. Tel. 3069 7878. Community Drug Team (over-18s) – 71 Johnson Street (off Cable Street), E1. Tel. 7790 1344. Nafas (over-18s) – The Davenant Centre, 179-181 Whitechapel Road, E1. Tel. 7377 0676. Somali Project (over-18s) – Mind in Tower Hamlets & Newham, Open House, 13 Whitethorn Street, E3. Tel. 7510 1081. (Somali speakers available). Isis Women Only Service (over-18s) – C/O Hopetown Hostel, 60 Old Montague Street, E1. Tel. 7426 0399. News in brief Post office revamp A POST 0ffice in Bethnal Green will close for improvements on Wednesday, July 16 and is due to re-open on July 30. The branch at 365 Bethnal Green Road will be refurbished to provide a modern, open plan environment for customers, and will open for longer hours. Eastern Post Office at 206 Whitechapel Road is moving to new premises at 208a Whitechapel Road. The new branch will feature wide automatic doors at the entrance and eight serving positions. The current branch is due to close at 5.30pm on Tuesday, June 24 and the new branch is due to open the following day. Visit www.postoffice.co.uk for further information. West Bank show TOWER Hamlets Jenin Friendship Association is hosting an event featuring a theatre group from Palestine. The Freedom Theatre is based in the West Bank where it is developing the potential of arts as a catalyst for social change. The group will be appearing at Wilton’s Music Hall in Graces Alley, Wapping on Monday, June 23 from 7.30pm, in preparation for a tour next summer, 2015. Tickets are £5 on the door. Market at farm SPITALFIELDS City Farm has launched a summer market and café. Opening every Sunday until the end of September, the farm, market and café in Buxton Street, will feature live folk music, DIY craft stalls, home cooked food and much more. Visit www.spitalfieldscity farm.org for more information. DLR audio guides PASSENGERS on the DLR can now use free audio guides to their journey in east London. The guides outline the history of the area, including information about landmarks visible from DLR trains. Download your copy at www.tfl.gov.uk/planet-dlr TOWER Bridge is hosting a series of celebrations with special offers and events to commemorate its 120th anniversary. Said to be the most famous bridge in the world, it was officially opened on June 30, 1894 by the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). All visitors who purchase a ticket for the Tower Bridge Exhibition on June 30 this year, will gain entry for a special anniversary price of £1.20. Each visitor will receive a special ticket which replicates the design of the original invite to the 1894 opening ceremony and can buy a limited edition commemorative pin badge. Visitors can look out for ‘Victorians’ on the bridge, including policemen, tourists and engineers. Tower Bridge and its events management partner, Seasoned Events, will also host an exclusive, summer evening event on the bridge walkways on June 30. Visit www.towerbridge.org.uk Call for better health work A HOMELESSN E S S S charity based in Tower Hamlets has called for more joint-working across the sector, to ensure the health needs of homeless and vulnerably housed people in London are met. Caroline Hattersley, deputy chief executive of Providence Row, was speaking after the fourth in a series of five sessions organised by the London Health Commission to help improve Londoners’ health. The session, hosted at Providence Row’s centre in Spitalfields, included a panel discussion focusing on homelessness and housing. Ms Hattersley said: “Setting up joint working, systems and protocols does require initial investment but, if done well, can increase efficiency across the board, helping more homeless and vulnerably housed people access the health services they desperately need.” Games promote wellbeing PATIENTS, carers and staff from East London NHS Foundation Trust took over the Copperbox at the Olympic Park for the trust’s Wellbeing Games. More than 360 people attended, trying activities including boxing, Zumba and yoga. There was also a competitive element to the day with teams and individuals competing in table tennis, and running and egg-and-spoon races. Professional table tennis player Darius Knight (pictured), a member of Team GB at London 2012 and an ambassador for UK Sport, went along to give some ping pong tips. Trust chair Marie Gabriel, who presented certificates at the end of the day, said: “It has been great to see so many people from across the trust coming together and taking part. “I’m pleased we have been able to support people to learn more about different types of exercise, the benefits of being active and more importantly to have some fun. “The venue has made the day extra special for everyone and added to the team spirit.” 12 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 23 – 29 JUNE 2014


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