The feedback from the Safe Space Forums, organised by Redbridge Staff Women’s Network, highlighted that the safety of women is a concern for staff. The Council are taking the feedback very seriously and have organised a dedicated Walk and Talk specifically for staff. 

We would also like to highlight the Violence Against Women and Girls event, organised by the police.

These events are the beginning of the practical steps the Council are taking to ensure women's safety remains a priority. We want everyone to feel safe on their journey to and from work, and for staff who live in the borough too.

Staff Walk and Talk with the police

The dedicated staff Walk and Talk will be taking place on Wednesday 27 July from 5pm to 6pm starting outside Lynton House to discuss women’s safety in the community and how this can be improved.

During the Walk and Talk, you will walk with female police officers around the spaces that are of concern to you, such as the staff car park and down the high street to Ilford station. This will be an opportunity to share your experiences and raise any safety concerns you have with the police. In turn, they can share with you the work they are doing to keep staff safe. They will also be handing out panic alarms for those who would like one, too.

Our CCTV Manager, Hayley Roberts, will also be on the walk and will point out the CCTV that is in operation and share some of her knowledge from the CCTV perspective to reassure staff.

If colleagues are unable to attend this session or would like another staff-specific Walk and Talk near their offices, then please contact Paree Bhanu from the Community Safety Team.

Violence Against Women and Girls event

The police would like to welcome colleagues to their Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) event today, Thursday 21 July, from 2pm to 4pm in Ilford Town Centre. They will have a stall located by the Metro Bank on the Ilford High Street, and they will also conduct a Walk and Talk from the stall at 3pm.

We hope you can join both events, find out more information, and feel safer in Redbridge.

South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM) started on Monday and runs through to Wednesday 17 August.

If you would like to learn more about our diverse South Asian communities, their history, and celebrate your colleagues, then make sure you join the various events bought to you by the Redbridge Staff BAME Network, Council’s services, and Councillors.

The next event will be an in-person potluck lunch/culture day where all staff are welcome to dress up, bring a dish to share, or a cultural artefact to discuss, and celebrate our South Asian communities.

The event will be held in the Business Lounge on the first floor of Lynton House on Wednesday 3 August from 12pm to 2pm.

Sound good? Get it in your diary so you remember to head to Lynton House on the day – Add to calendar

If you’d like to find out more information about SAHM, please visit the intranet.

Have you watched this week’s video blog (vlog) from our Chief Executive? Claire highlights upcoming events for South Asian Heritage Month and information about the corporate plan launch.

Missed out on previous updates? Catch up now by visiting the intranet.

You should have received an email (or three!) from no-reply@ihasco.co.uk reminding you of the iHasco training.

There are several different topics, including fraud prevention, display screen equipment, conflict resolution, and more. The training aims to benefit you by providing important information and making you aware of potential issues.

Please aim to complete all of the modules as soon as possible.

We are currently running a survey to find out what people know about high blood pressure (hypertension) and how we can prevent, detect, and manage it better.

In 2020-2021, more than 107,000 people were diagnosed with high blood pressure in Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, and Havering, with many more people at risk of developing the condition in the future.

NHS North East London wants to hear your views on how it can help stop people living in these communities from getting high blood pressure and improving treatment for those who already have it. 

The online survey is for those who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and those who haven't. 

Please complete the survey by midnight on Friday 29 July. The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete. 

If you have any questions, please email bhr.communications@nhs.net.

Based on today’s prices an average smoker could save over £300 a month by quitting smoking. That could be over £3600 per year! What would you spend it on? 

We can help you quit today with free support. Free Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) help manage any cravings. Using NRT products more than doubles your chance of quitting for good. You’ll also be supported by your own dedicated specialist practitioner.

Visit Everyone Health Redbridge today and make this your first step to a smoke free life. Alternatively, call 0333 005 0095 or text QUIT to 60777.

Our employee assistance programme is available 24hrs a day and seven days a week.

If you're struggling at the moment due to things like your workload or uncertainty about the future, our employee assistance programme can offer you support, counselling, and guidance through this emotionally difficult time.  

Don’t wait for a crisis to happen before you access this support. Staff who have used the programme have given positive feedback with comments such as, “It really helped me”, “I wish I called them earlier” and “I feel so much better now”.

This service is open to staff and their families by self referring. Call 0800 328 1437 or go to the employee assistance website (password Redbridge).