Friday 22 December 2023
Dear neighbour,
Christmas is a time when we all come together to celebrate, be with loved ones, and give back to those who are less fortunate.
This week, I had the privilege of donating gifts to children in council accommodation and helping to prepare food parcels for local families in need.
2023 has been a year to remember in Redbridge. As a borough, we celebrated the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the 120th year of our outstanding Redbridge Institute of Adult Education, and the opening of a world-class university medical school campus in Ilford.
We’re also forging ahead with plans to deliver a ground-breaking new Police Hub in Woodford, bringing Police back into local communities.
We’ve delivered almost 100 homes for local families, supported the creation of a Community Grocery Store, and opened a brand new Engagement Hub – bringing vital services into the communities that need them most. We’ve also worked closely with partners in the Police to keep our streets safe.
I’ve been so grateful to see our neighbours come together through 2023, supporting one another and remaining united in the face of adversity during these challenging and unsettling times.
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Jas
Cllr Jas Athwal,
Leader of Redbridge Council
Don’t forget there will be changes to your usual bin collection day over the festive period and New Year. Don’t forget to jot down your revised collection dates so you don’t miss it!
Once the festivities are over, we’ll also collect real Christmas trees for free to recycle. To ensure collection, you must:
- Leave your tree at the boundary of your property by 6am on Monday 8 January
- Remove all decorations
- Ensure your tree is clearly visible
We’ll be collecting your tree anytime between Monday 8 January 8 and Friday 19 January.
Alternatively, you can take your Christmas tree and other items to Chigwell Road Reuse and Recycling Centre; remember to check opening hours over the festive period.
There are still places for eligible children to book a space on our Christmas Holiday, Activity and Food (HAF) Programme.
HAF will be running until Wednesday 3 January across Redbridge. All sessions offer sports, arts and crafts, free hot food and much more! To secure a place book via our location map
For any further queries email haf@redbridge.gov.uk
There is nothing better than grabbing your friends and family and heading down to the theatre for a pantomime, and this year, the Kenneth More Theatre is hosting one you won't want to miss out on!
The cast of Peter Pan are preparing to sweep you off your feet with lots of panto fun and have you rolling in the aisles with laughter with our magical adventure to Neverland!
Prepare for lots of giggles and fun as this classic story comes to the stage this festive season.
Tickets are selling fast, with limited availability for certain dates.
Book your tickets now to secure your preferred date and time!
We've provided warm packs to more than 600 older people vulnerable to the cold weather to help them stay safe and warm this winter.
Warm packs include a light fleece blanket, gloves, neck warmer, hat, socks, and an insulated mug. Each pack also contains a £50 voucher, which can be spent on energy bills, warm clothing, or grocery essentials, enabling more people to afford hot meals this Christmas.
These form part of our wrap of winter support, which includes opening heated community living rooms, providing bespoke budget planning advice and supporting an affordable community grocery store in Ilford.
Many NHS doctors (junior doctors) will be on strike for three days from Wednesday 20 December to Saturday 23 December and then six days from Wednesday 3 January to Tuesday 9 January 2024.
A&Es will be very busy, and you may get the help you need more quickly from a pharmacy, GP or NHS 111. Find your route to urgent help below. If you have appointments, it is really important that you attend them as usual unless you hear otherwise.
If you need a little more help during the festive period, or if you are experiencing difficulties with your mental health, then contact your GP or doctor. They can offer advice and care or refer you to specialist services.
Support can also be found at:
My Life Redbridge
Redbridge Youth Hub
Mental Health Direct
Please be advised that the council and its offices will be closed over Christmas. If you have an emergency during this period, please get in touch with us on 020 8554 5000.
Lynton House (Ilford High Road)
Lynton House will be closed from Monday, 25 December to Wednesday, 27 December 2023 (inclusive) It will be open as usual on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 December 2023.
Lynton House will be closed on Monday 1 January 2024, and open as usual from Tuesday 2 January 2024.
Redbridge Town Hall (Ilford High Road)
Redbridge Town Hall will be closed from Monday 25 December to Wednesday 27 December 2023 (inclusive). It will open as usual on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 December 2023.
Redbridge Town Hall will be closed on Monday 1 January 2024, and open as usual from Tuesday 2 January 2024.
If you're a council housing tenant with an emergency, please get in touch with Mears on 020 8498 8000.
We wish you a happy Christmas.
|