Coronavirus update: Tell us how coronavirus has impacted your life, Community Ward Funding applications open, employment support and much more

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Leader of the Council Clare Coghill green background

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Dear residents,

We understand that the current situation is affecting our residents in various different ways and we would like to understand the impact and how we can effectively support you.

We are launching a survey to gather your views and to assess the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on your lives.

We want to hear about how your lives have changed, how you are coping and what your thoughts are on life after this crisis. Your answers will help to shape our response to the current crisis as well as our plans for the future.

Please take a few minutes to complete this survey by Sunday 3 May 2020.

Crowdfunding smashes target - over £40,000!

Last week we marked the end our Crowdfunding campaign to raise vital funds for organisations who are supporting older and vulnerable people through the Coronavirus crisis.

The generosity of people saw us raise £42,750! The whole community’s response has been incredible. We’re so thankful for each and every donation, which will be directed to voluntary and charity organisations helping vulnerable residents in Waltham Forest.

Got an idea that will benefit the community?

Applications for Community Ward Funding 20/21 have now opened until 30 May 2020.

So we can support our communities as much as possible, the application process is simpler and groups of any size can apply for any amount of funding up to £10,000 in every ward.

This will enable us to help our residents during such a challenging time and support projects that will have a real impact on the local community.

More information is available here, with what kind of projects are supported, what projects were awarded funding last year, like the Waltham Forest Cricket Festival pictured above, and the application form.

Hardback over an eBook? The library now delivers!

We can now deliver books to your home for free. Want to discover more worlds for free? Just let us know which books you would like from our catalogue and one of our fantastic volunteers will deliver them to your door in the next three working days.

Make sure you sign up to our library service online for free before requesting a delivery.

Plus, we know that keeping the little ones entertained at the moment is hard. With this in mind, we’ve made Rhymetime and Storytime a virtual experience! Join us on Facebook live from 11-11.30am Monday to Friday for half an hour of stories, songs and more.

Do you need financial help?

We're pleased to say we have now given out over £26 million in grants to support over 1,800 local small businesses during the pandemic.

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.

Do you need employment support?

The Rapid Employment Service has been set up to support residents affected by Coronavirus. It is for those who may have recently lost their jobs, are at risk of being made redundant or are self-employed and struggling.

If you are a resident, working or have worked in Waltham Forest, or are unemployed or economically inactive then please get in touch.

Mental Health Resources for Young People

We know this is a difficult time for many in Waltham Forest, including our young residents.

If you need support, there are many online resources that can help. Kooth is a FREE, safe and anonymous online tool for young people where you can find advice, counselling and support. If you're worried about the impact of Coronavirus on your mental health Young Minds has plenty of resources to help you find the support and information you need.

For confidential suicide prevention advice check out Papyrus or call Samaritans for free at all times at 116 123.

Find more on our website

Are you the next Masterchef and don't know it?

Each week the Virtual Culture programme brings you new events with at least two happening online every day for all age groups and abilities.

This week we’ve got four new virtual sessions, which include online cooking demos, dance classes and an at home jam slam!

On Tuesday at 7pm, there is also the Last Frame Lockdown Film Festival, where you can check out the submitted lockdown films.

Here is the full schedule and details of each event.

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.

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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