Crowdfunding closes tonight - Can you help us hit £40,000?

This is the last chance for any residents whose circumstances allow to donate to our Crowdfunder, which closes at midnight tonight. Thanks so much to everyone who has donated so far and helped us raise over £39,000!

We’re so thankful for each and every donation, which will be directed to voluntary and charity organisations helping vulnerable residents in Waltham Forest. We are aware that there are many voluntary and charity organisations who have funding needs at this time and you can email the Connecting Communities team if you need tailored help and support with funding applications.

Are you a budding David Attenborough?

Suntrap Forest Centre has launched an exciting new film making competition for all Waltham Forest residents who are 16 and under. Up for grabs is a magical night for yourself and seven guests under the stars at Suntrap in our four-berth wooden camping pods - post coronavirus of course.

Why not create an indoor Savannah for a toy animal; build a bird hide on your balcony or film an insect hotel in your garden?

To enter send us a one-minute nature documentary style film. Winners will be judged by the Urban Birder David Lindo.

Deadline for submissions Sunday 31 May 2020. Head to At Home page for more information.

Pearl's story

Staff in Waltham Forest have been redeployed to help in the fight against Covid-19.  Although Pearl had experience of working in Adults Social Care many years ago, she usually works with children and young people  - but is now providing support to people being discharged from hospital as the Council continues to work with the Whipps Cross hospital help relieve the pressure on the NHS.

Pearl says “The move from children’s back to adults has been a big change as the hospital discharge process has changed so much over the years.  Both young people and adults that I have worked with show a lot of resilience and both groups need support.  The older and the younger generations have so much to offer each other and I would love to see them working together more in the future.”

Read Pearl’s story

Do you need financial help?

We're pleased to say we have now given out over £20 million in grants to support local small businesses during the pandemic.

Payments have also been awarded to 1,000 residents and families under the Discretionary Council Tax Hardship Scheme.

If you require financial relief or assistance, we may be able to help. We know that this is a difficult time for many people so have pulled together a list of useful links and advice if you are struggling with money. 

Visit our website for options and support. This could range from housing payments, help with paying Council Tax, or welfare assistance for bills or food.

Reopening Chingford Cemetery

It is important to us that people are able to visit the graves of their loved ones, especially at this most difficult of times. Following a slight change to Government guidance we are reopening Chingford Mount Cemetery to the public at weekends only, between 9am to 4pm from this Saturdays 25 April. It is important that whilst visiting, people still follow the social distancing guidelines.

Due to the continued need to protect mourners and cemetery staff during the coronavirus crisis the cemetery will be closed to the public on weekdays, when it will continue to only be open for those attending funerals.

Worried about someone's safety?

As families stay at home to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, some children and young people may face increased risk of abuse or neglect at home or from strangers online. 

To further protect children from harm, the Department for Education are continuing to support NSPCC’s Childline support services and are working with them to expand the adult helpline. This means children have someone to call, and more adults will be able to raise concerns and seek advice about the safety and wellbeing of any child they are worried about.

Domestic abuse support

Domestic abuse is an issue whilst people are staying at home, which is why local services like Solace Women’s Aid are working to ensure survivors have the support they need.

We spoke to a Solace refuge worker, asking what advice she would offer a survivor seeking help during lock down:

“I would say to them that we are here to help and we will believe you. We are independent and support anyone experiencing domestic abuse even if they don’t want to leave their partner.

Some very basic safety advice we give to survivors is to keep your phone on and charged.

Our services are open and our staff are here to support you either by phone or email. Some people think that the lockdown means staying with the abuser, but you can leave and we can help you stay safe.

Finally, remember that you can call 999 and dial 55 if you are unable to speak to tell the Police that you need help.”

Read more on support available and watch a video on how to access help.

Council Services

A number of Council services have been affected but we are working hard to ensure that vital services continue.

Visit our website for up to date information on our services and how to access them.

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