Friday 11 October 2024
Havering Council has again joined forces with local police to offer advice on keeping safer as part of the annual Autumn Nights campaign.
Traditionally at this time of year, there can be an increase in anti-social behaviour and a small rise in the levels of violence.
As part of the campaign, advice will also include reminding residents to be safe if taking part or attending events, such as Halloween and Bonfire Night.
Council officers will also continue to carry out unannounced visits to businesses to ensure that fireworks are sold safely and under legal regulations. They will also be doing further on-the-spot under-age sale checks to make sure retailers and licensees are not selling products they shouldn’t to those under 18.
Autumn Nights offers residents advice and tips on how to stay safe both at home and when out-and-about as the nights draw in and the days are becoming shorter.
Key messages for residents include:
- Remember to lock your doors and windows at night and when leaving your home unattended – even if you’re only popping out for a short time.
- Ensure your home is well-lit. A house in darkness is easy for a burglar to identify as a target.
- Check and set your house alarms if you have one.
- Lock tools away and secure your shed or garage in the same way you would for your home.
- If you feel less confident as it becomes dark early, plan your trips and consider asking a friend/companion to accompany you.
- If you are walking home alone at night – be aware of your surroundings. Make sure to tell friends or family where you are.
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Havering Council is asking residents for their views in a survey as it prepares to introduce a separate food waste collection service from next year.
The Government has made separate food waste collections a requirement by law and all Councils must have this in place by March 2026. It is giving funding to Councils to help them introduce or develop the service, although we are challenging the Government that it does not cover the true cost to the Council.
Havering is planning to rollout this service from October 2025. In order to get an understanding of how best the Council can provide this service for residents, a survey has been launched to get their views.
The questions include asking residents to let the Council know what food waste they currently put in their black bags. It also asks what they need in place to support them in separating and storing food waste, cooked and uncooked, for it to be collected.
The average household wastes around £470 per year on throwing food away, that could be used again. The food waste collected can be recycled into fertiliser and biogas for generating energy. It is also one way to help reduce carbon footprint.
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Havering joined local authorities across the country to celebrate World Mental Health Day yesterday (Thursday 10 October).
Several factors can impact the mental health of young people including self-esteem. Self-esteem is how you see and feel about yourself. It is not just about looks – it is about self-confidence too.
Pupils at Hall Mead School have produced a short film in response to findings from the Havering Youth Wellbeing Census and share the importance of reaching out for support. You can watch the film on YouTube.
The census took place in 10 secondary schools and used the #BeeWell survey to understand more about the wellbeing of young people in the borough.
#BeeWell is a programme that encourages young people to lead change and makes the wellbeing of young people everybody’s business. More than 2,000 pupils in Havering completed the survey during summer 2023. The next wave of the census will take place in summer 2025.
Visit the YoungMinds website for more information about self-esteem and accessing support.
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Young people considering their next steps took part in Havering’s Moving On event this week.
The annual Raising Participation Age and Transition event gives young people between the ages of 15-18 the chance to find out what options are available to them post 16.
They had the chance to learn about volunteering and training opportunities, higher education, apprenticeships and job opportunities from organisations such as the Police, New City College and the local hospital trust.
Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, a former apprentice joiner, was on hand to meet stallholders and to give encouragement to the young people at the event at the YMCA.
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Havering came out top in the recent London in Bloom awards, picking up a huge bouquet of accolades. For the second year running, it won the overall borough award.
Gold awards were also given to many of the borough’s parks for different categories, with Hornchurch Country Park and Raphael Park also bagging the top award for their respective groups.
Romford, Crow Lane and Upminster Cemeteries all maintained their gold status along with the South Essex Crematorium. The areas are maintained by Council staff, with the assistance of volunteers all year round.
The full list of awards are:
- Bedfords Park – Gold – (Country Park category)
- Bedfords Park – Gold – (Large Conservation area category)
- Bedfords Park Walled Garden – Gold (Walled Garden category)
- Dagnam Park – Gold (Large Conservation area category)
- Hornchurch Country Park- Gold and category winner – (Country Park category)
- Hornchurch Country Park- Gold (Large Conservation Area category)
- Langtons Gardens – Gold– (Park of the Year category)
- Raphael Park – Gold – (Extra-Large Park of the Year category)
- Raphael Park – Gold and category winner– (Conservation Area category)
- Spring Farm Park – Gold (Large Park of the Year category)
- Upminster Park – Gold – (Large Park of the Year category)
- Town Hall frontage – Silver Gilt – (Small Park category)
- Romford, Crow Lane and Upminster cemeteries - Gold (Large Cemeteries category)
- South Essex Crematorium - Gold - (Large Cemeteries category)
- London Borough of Havering – Gold and category winner (City category)
The picture shows members of Havering Council's Parks team with Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O'Sullivan, receiving the awards.
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We know it’s hard to stop smoking and may take several attempts before you break the habit, but we know with the right support you can do it!
That is why Havering residents that smoke can now access free quit smoking support which includes face to face appointments, and free nicotine replacement products, including vapes*, to help you with that journey.
It’s never too late to give up and you’ll notice the difference as soon as you stop.
According to the NHS, you’ll notice your pulse rate returning to normal within 20 minutes of quitting; within 48 hours carbon monoxide is flushed out and your sense of taste and smell start to improve; after 72 hours your breathing will feel easier and energy will increase. These are just some of the benefits.
So why not join thousands of other people preparing to quit smoking for 28 days this Stoptober. You’re five times more likely to quit for good. Over 2.5 million people have successfully quit smoking with Stoptober.
Free stop smoking support is available at the following pharmacies:
- Crescent Pharmacy, Harold Hill
- Mim Pharmacy, Romford
- Asvacare Pharmacy, Rush Green
- Orchard Village Pharmacy, Rainham
- Williams Dispensing Chemist, Rainham
- Ardleigh Green Pharmacy, Hornchurch
Pop in and book an appointment or scan the QR code for information on all the free stop smoking support services available to Havering residents.
*subject to availability
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Following on from May's Women's European U17s Championship final, Hope McSheffrey, formerly of Sacred Heart of Mary Girls School, has been selected for England Women’s U17 squad for the forthcoming FIFA U17s Women’s World Cup.
The competition is being held in Dominican Republic, with the young Lionesses facing Group C opponents Kenya, North Korea and Mexico on Thursday 17, Saturday 20 and Wednesday 23 October respectively.
The former Tigers JFC goalkeeper is in the squad of 21 who left the UK on Monday in preparation for the competition.
England Women’s U17s last qualified for the World Cup back in 2016 which was England's second appearance at U17s World Cup.
Since May, Hope has received national backing from Sports Aid. She said:
"I'm really looking forward to playing for England at the World Cup. We will take each game as it comes and enjoy the event. I've been overwhelmed by the local support I received during the European Championship journey".
You can follow Hope and the young Lionesses on FIFA website and FIFA+ app.
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Havering Council’s licensing and trading standards teams have been out across the borough to prevent local retailers selling age-restricted products such as knives and vapes to young people aged under 18.
The teams visited 10 different premises in Elm Park, Hornchurch, Romford, Upminster and Rainham recently, with volunteers all aged under 18 as part of the operation.
The volunteers help officers by going into the businesses to attempt to buy a knife or a vape, also known as e-cigarettes or tobacco. These products are illegal to anyone under the age of 18 to purchase.
One retailer did go to hand over a vape initially after receiving payment, but after asking for ID from the young volunteer, the sale was quickly cancelled and the customer refunded. Havering’s officers then spoke immediately to staff at the business to remind them of the law and will make another unannounced visit to ensure they are complying with the regulations.
All the other businesses refused to sell the products to the young volunteers. Any business found selling the products to those underage, could face prosecution and the loss of their licence.
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Havering Council has marked Baby Loss Awareness Week 2024 with a special ceremony of remembrance.
On Wednesday 9 October, The Mayor of Havering, Cllr Gerry O’Sullivan, joined parents and families for the ceremony at Havering Town Hall, Romford, to commemorate much-missed babies.
At the ceremony, a minute’s silence was also observed following a dedicated prayer from Revd Father Hingley, St. Alban Protomartyr, Romford.
Attendees were invited to light LED candles and place personalised written messages on tree branches outside Havering Town Hall, which will be lit up pink and blue to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.
This year is the 22nd year of Baby Loss Awareness Week (Monday 9 to Sunday 15 October) nationally. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of baby loss, whilst recognising the important role of bereavement support for parents and families.
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Feeling lost with the internet, email, apps, or even AI?
Get Online Week (Monday 14 to Saturday 19 October) is the UK’s largest and longest-running digital inclusion campaign,
Havering Adult College is hosting a range of free events and workshops designed to boost your confidence with digital technology.
To book a course visit Get Online Week.
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As we head into the colder months, remember that COVID-19 and flu can be especially dangerous for those at higher risk of severe illness.
Find out if you're eligible and book your vaccinations via the NHS App or website.
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As part of London Challenge Poverty Week, running from 14–20 October 2024, Havering Council is reminding residents of the key help available locally to help with cost-of-living pressures this winter.
The Emergency Assistance Scheme (Havering Helps) continues to provide financial aid to residents in urgent need, helping with essentials like food, heating, and household appliances. It supports pensioners, working-age adults, and households with disabilities.
In addition to financial aid, we will shortly be announcing other local offers including Warm Spaces, School Holiday Meal Schemes and Benefits Checks. These initiatives aim to help residents manage costs and ensure they receive the full range of support available.
For more information visit the Council's website or call the Cost of Living Helpline on 01708 432280.
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 We're always looking for help to improve services across the borough. This section of the newsletter features live consultations from the Council and partners so you can share your thoughts.
Have your say on all live Council consultations through our website.
Romford Masterplan consultation
The public consultation of the Romford Masterplan is seeking your views on the future of Romford.
The consultation will ensure that the voices of residents, businesses and stakeholders are heard and incorporated into the development plans.
The Romford Masterplan was approved for consultation by Cabinet on Wednesday 18 September following extensive public consultation earlier this year.
Its key features include improved public spaces in particular the marketplace, re-naturalising the River Rom, and enhancing other green spaces. It also includes new housing designed to meet the needs of a growing population, and supporting the delivery of infrastructure.
Residents are also encouraged to attend the consultation drop-in sessions held at Romford Library, where they will have the opportunity to review the proposed plans, ask questions and provide feedback. These will take place on:
- Thursday 17 October, 5pm to 7pm
- Wednesday 23 October 2024, 12noon to 2pm.
The closing date is Monday 11 November, at 11:59pm and feedback from the consultation will be used to refine the masterplan before it is finalised and submitted for adoption in early 2025.
Social Value spending consultation
Social Value projects are about making good choices for our community and businesses. Social Value helps us spend money and provides services in a way that benefits everyone. This way of adding value is increasingly used across public sectors to describe the total positive impact of an organisation or a project.
The Social Value Act requires the Council to reflect on our values, core services and products, to consider how we might design and deliver these in a way that generates even greater value for our communities. For more details, please take a look at the Social Value Act.
The funds or projects are donated by Havering's contractors to give something back to our community.
Violence against women and girls (VAWG) police survey
The Metropolitan Police is asking Havering residents to have their say in a survey around the work and support against VAWG.
They want to hear from those who may have experienced violence in this way and to come forward in confidence to share information, so continuing improvements can be made in how this crime is tackled and dealt with.
The survey is being run to find out what the needs are so that the work can be carried out to do more in making the borough safer.
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 To submit events for possible inclusion in this section of the newsletter, please use the form on our website or send an email
Havering Museum is hosting Romford - Growth & Change in the 19th and 20th Centuries. This illustrated talk with Simon Donoghue will present how the historic town has changed over the last 200 years, from its dramatic growth in the 19th Century to the introduction of modern shopping in the 1960s.
The talk takes place on Wednesday 16 October, 1:30pm to 3pm. Book your place online.
Havering Museum is also sharing the story of Forgotten Heroes - Bomber Command and their role and impact on the Second World War. Over 55,000 young men died fighting for Bomber Command, and this talk will explore their local connections. The talk takes place on Thursday 17 October, 1:30pm to 3pm. Book your place online.
All Saints Church is hosting a Family Harvest Fun Day featuring farm animals, crafts, games and refreshments for the whole family. The event takes place on Saturday 12 October from 11am to 4pm at All Saints Church, Ardleigh Green Road, RM11 2LG, and is completely free to enter.
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As a council we are committed to combating modern slavery.
We will be marking Anti-Slavery Week (Monday 14 to Sunday 20 October) including Anti-Slavery Day (Friday 18 October), to raise awareness of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation and to encourage action to address them.
Why not come and visit us at our stall on Friday 18 October in The Liberty Shopping Centre outside Holland and Barrett from 10am until 4pm to find out how to spot the signs and report modern slavery, as well as gaining some general advice for how to keep yourselves safe.
St Lawrence Church in Upminster is hosting an Autumn Fayre on Saturday 12 October, 10am to 3pm to raise funds for a church building project to modernise the facilities at the church.
The Fayre will feature stalls, refreshments, games and a raffle (kindly supported by Sweet Rose Cakery and Tesco), and takes place in Main Hall, St Lawrence Church, Corbets Tey Road, Upminster, RM14 2BB.
A member of Havering Council’s waste and recycling team will be at Hornchurch Library, on Monday 14 October, 12noon to 4pm, to talk about the forthcoming food waste collection survey, recycling and more. Pop in to learn more.
The 6th Romford Scout Group meet weekly at St Edward the Confessor Catholic Church in Romford to provide Scouting opportunities for young people aged 6 to 14 years. The groups (Beavers aged 6-8, Cubs aged 8-10, and Scouts aged 10-14, offer live skills and fun games led by Scouting volunteers. Membership costs £7 per month, and you can learn more on the website.
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Upcoming road closures
There are no planned road closures scheduled by Havering Council this week.
Public transport
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Engineering works between Basildon and Leigh-on-Sea, and between Standford-le-Hope and Pitsea will effect services on all c2c lines on Sunday 13 October as follows:
The c2c Basildon line will start and terminate at Basildon. The c2c Ockendon line will start and terminate at Grays. The c2c Rainham line will be extended to Stanford-le-Hope, and call additionally at Tilbury Town and East Tilbury. Rail replacement services will be in place for closed sections.
Check the website for full details on all c2c service changes.
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