Celebration of Bangladesh to mark 50 years of independence, new film thanking our incredible community

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Newsletter banner 2020

Bangladesh at 50 poster

Celebration of Bangladesh to mark 50 years of independence

An exciting programme of celebrations is now underway in Tower Hamlets to mark the 50th birthday of Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan.

Beginning on 26 March 1971, following a declaration of independence, modern day Bangladesh was forged out of a conflict which concluded on 16 December 1971.

We are working with residents, artists, community organisations, businesses and the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK, to run events and activities from March to December 2021.

Our Local History Library & Archives is also hosting discussions, exhibitions, talks, art installations, story telling sessions and other events between now and May, as part of the ‘Bangladesh 50 Years’ project led by the National Portrait Gallery.

Visit Bangladesh@50


Real network logo

Communicating Covid-19 clearly 

Are you a disabled person or a person with a long-term health condition based in Tower Hamlets? Or are you involved in a group or organisation that works with disabled people in Tower Hamlets? If so, Real want to hear from you!  

Real are working on a project together with different groups of disabled people to co-produce new and improved Covid-19 health messages. The work will help ensure vital health information is understood by everyone in the local community.  

You can find out more about the project, including how to get involved, on the council website or by calling Real on 020 7001 2170.

Get involved >


An image of men and women standing against a wall

LIFT – your future in science and technology

Technology, life science and digital businesses have thrived despite the Covid-19 crisis and are key to our economic recovery. We've partnered with Camden, Hackney and Islington councils on a project called LIFT (Leading Inclusive Futures through Technology) to help local people and small businesses get a fair share of opportunities in their area.

Over the next six months we'll be running employability and enterprise ‘incubator’ programmes for residents and a ‘survive and pivot’ programme for local businesses. 

Learn more >


Quit smoking before Ramadan poster

Quit smoking before Ramadan

Ahead of Ramadan, the Muslim community and those observing Ramadan are being encouraged to quit tobacco before the holy month begins. Ramadan is one of the most important events of the Islamic calendar as it is a time for fasting, praying, forgiveness and purification. It is seen as a time to start positive habits, making it an ideal time to stop tobacco.

Quitting smoking before Ramadan begins reducing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Smokers are up to four times more likely to stop smoking for good when they get support and this year Quit Right is offering support through their helpline on 020 7882 8230. Get in touch and quit smoking for good.

Get support >


Mental wellbeing support poster

Supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing

Good Thinking’s new enhanced platform for young people is live and online for those aged 13 to 18-years-old who are having problems with sleep, stress, anxiety, depression and more, including those who might need 24/7 wellbeing support.

So far over 100,000 Londoners have used Good Thinking to find innovative and personalised ways to improve their wellbeing.

All resources on Good Thinking are reviewed by an NHS Specialist Clinical Psychiatrist for their suitability.

Find out more >


Tower Hamlets Together video thumbnail

In case you missed it - new community film marking the first anniversary of lockdown

A national day of reflection was held on Tuesday 23 March, to mark the first anniversary of the first UK lockdown. It has been an incredibly difficult year, during which the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the lives of everyone in our borough, with devastating consequences.

But it is at times of challenge that we also see the very best of the human spirit, and the response of our community over the past twelve months has been extraordinary.

Through our #TowerHamletsTogether film, we want to say a very big thank you to everyone who is helping to keep Tower Hamlets healthy, safe and supported - from key workers and volunteers to all those who stayed at home, got tested, self-isolated, and took the vaccine when it was their turn.

Watch the film on:

Watch the film >


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.