Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
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Dear residents,
Thank you to everyone who continues to follow Government advice and helps stop the spread of coronavirus, it isn't easy and I appreciate that. Please only go outside for essential travel, grocery shopping or exercise. By staying in you are helping to save lives.
I know that the green spaces and parks in the borough are a lifeline to many of us and we are determined to keep them open whilst also ensuring that everyone follows the government guidance around social distancing. We have brought forward the time the parks are closing to 6pm, so that we can reduce the anti-social behaviour and congregating many residents have been witnessing recently. This will also alleviate some of the pressure on stretched council and police resources that have been spent trying to deal with the minority of people putting all our lives at risk by flouting government guidance.
We continue to provide essential support through the Community Help Network, more than 800 food parcels have been distributed, as well as delivering food supplies to local food banks. It’s important that the helpline service for those over 70, or advised by the NHS to self-isolate, is only used by eligible residents who do not have access to anyone else to help them. If you are currently supporting someone in your local area, please continue to do this valuable work. This is so we can ensure we are able to continue to support those most in need throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Thank you again for everything you are doing.
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The response so far from residents and businesses to our call out for PPE has been amazing - thank you so much! Donations of over 20,000 gloves, 2,500 overshoes, 500 protective glasses, 5,000 face masks and more, are currently being distributed to protect care workers and volunteers at the Community Help Network. Pictured here is Council Care Manager, Christina, receiving some PPE donations today.
PPE items that have, and can still be donated include disposable masks, aprons, and foot protectors, protective eyewear such as goggles or protective glasses, anti-viral gloves, hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes.
Learn more about donating here and about the Community Help Network here.
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 From tonight (Tuesday 7 April) we will be closing all parks in Waltham Forest a bit earlier than normal - daily at 6pm.
All parks will reopen the following morning at their usual times, so you can still get your regular exercise in the morning if you're an early bird.
This decision is due to a minority of people not respecting government advice, drinking in parks and congregating in groups.
To relieve pressure on enforcement officers and police we need to discourage those flouting the rules and stop them using spaces for antisocial behaviour by closing parks early.
Read more here.
Waltham Forest Council has launched a free Virtual Culture Programme, to support residents during this challenging time. From Monday 6 April, there will be free online activities including activity sheets, live and recorded videos to follow along with and workshops. 30 fantastic local artists and creatives have put together a varied programme for all ages and abilities and topics will include things such as book clubs, music lessons, photography, African dance, bag making and so much more.
These enjoyable and fun activities will give residents opportunities to learn new skills and safely interact with others during isolation so they will still feel involved and included with their community.
 Our Youth Offending Service continue to support vulnerable and at-risk young people (aged 13 to 18) who are subject to serious court orders, to ensure they are complying with them and are supported with any challenges they are facing during this time.
The Youth Offending Service runs seven days a week, day and night, with officers like Steve (pictured) making up to 125 home visits per week, which could be via Skype or Facetime or Skype or in person (social distancing of course!)
Any young people struggling with their mental health will have the opportunity to receive rapid support, via Skype/ FaceTime, from the Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) worker in the Service to help support them.
Find out more about Waltham Forest’s Youth Offending Service here.
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 Our vulnerable children need your support during the COVID-19 outbreak. We urgently need local people with a spare bedroom to provide care for Waltham Forest children on a short-term basis.
We need people from all backgrounds, perhaps you’re a relative or a teacher who is willing to dedicate time and commitment to caring and supporting our children safely in your home.
Wherever possible your application will be fast tracked for temporary approval to support local children during this uncertain time.
To find out more or to register your interest, please email us with your full name, postcode and phone number. Or visit here for more information.
 We know that COVID-19 will have serious impacts on the lives of our residents. The borough’s local services are still working, where support advisors like Zahra (pictured) can provide support and advice over the phone or online.
We’re encouraging all survivors to carry a mobile phone at all times if possible. If you are in immediate danger do not be afraid to call 999. If you need help you can:
- talk to a trained domestic abuse specialist call the following free 24/7 domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Visit here for online support.
- Come to Leyton Children and Family Centre (215 Queens Road E17 8PJ), between 10am and 4pm every week day, to speak to a specialist worker who can offer support.
- Remember, always call the police on 999 in an emergency.
If you or your partner have experienced a change in your financial circumstance due to COVID 19, you may now be entitled to apply for free school meals for your children.
Your child will be entitled to free school meals if they go to school in Waltham Forest, and you or your partner get a wide range of income based benefits including Universal Credit.
Full details of eligibility and how to apply can be found here.
Following Government instructions some Council services are being reduced to ensure the safety of both residents and staff.
A number of services have been affected but we are working hard to ensure that vital services continue. You can get up to date information on our services and how to access them by clicking here.
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Information and advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The Council will be using email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date.
If residents have questions please visit our website, and use live chat to talk to one of our team, it's quicker than phoning.
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