 This week, the government announced that we will be coming out of national restrictions on Wednesday 2 December, as initially planned. This means we will be moving into a local tiered approach, similar to the system in place throughout October.
It's good news that the period of national restrictions will come to an end and London will move to tier 2 (high alert), but the risks remain and I urge you to take all the necessary precautions to keep our borough safe. Tier 2 means no mixing with other households indoors, following the rule of six (not meeting more than six people while seeing others outdoors) and remembering the basics of hands, face, space.
For now, lockdown isn't over until next Wednesday and the current rules apply. Please follow the rules and stay at home where possible, except for specific purposes outlined in government guidance. The tiers will be reviewed again before Christmas, so we all need to ensure we follow the rules to keep rates of infection down. I know it’s tricky to keep on top of the changes but it’s vital we all play our part to protect each other.
Remember support from the council is available. We have a dedicated phoneline to assist vulnerable residents and people at the highest risk of severe illness from Covid-19.
The phoneline can be used by vulnerable residents (or their families or carers) who need help or have an urgent requirement during this difficult time. The number is 020 7364 3030 and is available Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm, so please contact us for help if you need it.
We are working through what the tier 2 restrictions will mean for our services and will keep you informed. Thanks to all of you for your efforts to help keep Tower Hamlets safe. I know it's a tough time but we're getting through this together.
Stay safe,
Mayor Biggs
 Current Covid-19 rules remain until 2 December
A reminder to everyone that while the government has today announced London will soon move to tier 2 (high alert), the current Covid-19 restrictions remain in place until Wednesday 2 December.
You must continue to follow these national restrictions, which mean:
- You must stay at home, except for specific purposes
- You must avoid meeting people you do not live with, except for specific purposes
- Certain businesses and venues must remain closed.
Please make sure you are following the rules and doing everything you can to protect yourself and others.
 Our Covid-19 teams hit the streets to offer support
 New A12 noise barrier a first for UK
A new barrier has been fitted on the A12 next to Bromley-by-Bow station, aiming to dramatically reduce the impact of traffic noise on people passing by.
The project, led by housing association Poplar HARCA and funded by the council and Transport for London, is working to enhance the area for people walking and cycling.
The busy road sees more than 15 million vehicles moving along it every year and noise levels have been found to consistently exceed 78 decibels by The University of East London. The barrier is made from ‘Silk Metal’ noise resistant material and is the first of its kind in the UK. Its unique design means it also functions as a public artwork.
 ELBA Toy Appeal 2020 – let’s end the year on a high!
December is nearly here and that means the East London Business Alliance (ELBA) is gearing up for its annual toy appeal, which brings a bit of happiness to children in east London and Islington at Christmas.
The appeal runs from Thursday 3 December to Friday 18 December. Donated toys will be distributed to a range of organisations that work with families and children experiencing hardship, such as families who flee from domestic violence, those living in emergency temporary accommodation, refugees or children with disabilities and additional needs.
If you're able to buy an extra toy for a local child this Christmas, please bring your gift, unwrapped, to the drop off point at Jubilee Place Lower Mall, Canary Wharf (Monday to Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm).
If you're unable to bring a gift to the drop off point but would still like to get involved, you can also donate online.
Consultation on day support services – engagement events
We want to hear what you think about our proposed changes to day support in adult social care, so please let us know on our online consultation and engagement site, Let’s talk Tower Hamlets.
We have also now set up two online engagement events on Wednesday 2 December and Thursday 10 December. These sessions will be an opportunity for anyone interested to share their views about our proposals.
Find out more information and how to share your thoughts online.
 Supporting businesses to go online
We’re working with local businesses and traders to set up a digital presence to adapt how they sell goods and deliver services in challenging trading conditions.
Free training and support is available to set up a website, use social media and offer ‘click-and-collect’ or home delivery.
Simply email towncentres@towerhamlets.gov.uk if you’re interested in setting up shop online.
 Liveable Streets Bow consultation results published
Over the last 18 months, the Liveable Streets team has worked with the Bow community to understand the improvements they would like to see to streets and public spaces.
In July this year, the team shared proposals and asked for feedback in a public consultation. From more than 2,100 respondents in the area, 70 per cent supported the overall scheme.
Residents in Old Ford Road in Bethnal Green can have their say on similar proposals in their area.
 Canary Wharf launches Connected by Light
A vibrant collection of inspiring light artworks is set to captivate visitors to Canary Wharf from Wednesday 2 December to Sunday 31 January. Igniting the sky through vivid displays, Connected by Light is a curation of artwork which exudes warm glows, subtle hues and expressive colours – all beneath the setting of the Canary Wharf skyline.
The collection of nine light artworks will showcase the intricate work of UK artists and provide visitors with the opportunity for moments of calm and reflection.
Careful steps have been taken to ensure that winter activities at Canary Wharf can be enjoyed in a Covid-secure manner and Connected by Light is no different, with light works found glowing across the estate’s parks, gardens, squares and open spaces.
 White Ribbon Day kicks off 16 Days of Activism
Yesterday marked White Ribbon Day and the start of 16 Days of Activism, which highlights the importance of standing up to violence against women.
Violence against women and gender violence refer to a range of abuses that stem from gender inequality and include violence occurring in the family, within the community and abuse condoned by society.
We are working with partners to deliver online training, virtual events and information sessions across the 16 Days of Activism.
 How is your child doing this lockdown?
We’re calling on parents and carers of children aged 11 - 18, and up to the age of 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), to encourage their young ones to complete a survey and tell us how they're feeling.
We worked with a group of 15 young people to design the questions, which ask children and young people how they're feeling during this period of national restrictions and what we can do to support them.
Please ask your child to complete the survey online by Friday 4 December. It should only take around five minutes to fill in and the results are anonymous.
 East London Mental Health Crisis Line is now free to call
If you're struggling, please know you're not alone – free telephone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and includes information and advice about local mental health services from mental health professionals.
The service has been designed as a first port of call for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis and to remove the need for people, including children and young people, to seek help through hospital A&E services.
The Tower Hamlets Mental Health Crisis Line freephone number is 0800 073 0003.
The previous local call rate number will still work until mid 2021.
 Free World AIDS Day online concert
It’s World AIDS Day on Tuesday and LGBT+ organisation Elop, which works across London, is hosting a special (and free!) online concert. It will broadcast live at 7pm on Tuesday 1 December and be available to stream for a week afterwards.
Featuring local choirs, musicians and artists, it will also act as a fundraiser for Tower Hamlets based charity Positive East, which does great work supporting people living with HIV. Don't miss out, register your place ahead of time!
Positive East will also be hosting its own very special World AIDS Day edition of TECHNICOLOR as a Facebook live event at 6pm on Monday 30 November. It will include monologues from HIV voices, a short film called 30 years of living with HIV and a question and answer session with a special guest. For more information or to submit a question to the panel, email technicolor@positiveeast.org.uk
 It's not too late to share your views
At 10am on Wednesday 2 December, the Inequalities Commission will be discussing employment. This will include how to tackle the barriers faced by Black, Asian and minority ethnic people accessing good jobs, and how to support more people from these backgrounds into senior leadership and management roles.
It’s not too late to give your views on this and other subjects being investigated by the commission, so please share your ideas and experiences.
 Tell us your local priorities
This year we are spending £1.2 billion gross expenditure (£354.5 million net budget) on public services to support people and improve lives. The Covid-19 impact has been huge, and we continue to work with our partners across the borough to support those greatly affected by the pandemic.
We've already worked hard to save £200m since 2010, and now have to save a further £30m by 2024. Please help shape our budget and give your feedback by 5pm on Wednesday 9 December.
Useful links
Thank you for reading
We hope you have found this bulletin useful. Share this with your family and friends to ensure they have the latest advice on coronavirus. Anyone can subscribe using this link.
Updates in other languages
If you know someone who would like to receive advice in Bengali, they can subscribe to 'Bengali newsletter' for weekly news and updates.
|
