Your coronavirus update: Domestic violence support, new vaccination centres open, postal voting and more

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Leader of the Council Clare Coghill green background

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

We have all been appalled with the recent murder of Sarah Everard. My heart goes out to the family and friends of Sarah but also to those that knew Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman who were murdered only last year. What these families, and the hundreds like them every year, go through is unimaginable.

A woman is killed at the hands of a man on average every three days in the UK, not to mention the countless others subjected to violence every day often in their own homes. Our services have continued throughout the pandemic with over 1000 women accessing them in the past year alone. For those that portray violence against women and girls as anything other than endemic in our society, you are wrong. If you are suffering please read below about how to get help. You can also read my full statement about this issue on our website.

This week, two new vaccination centres have been launched, one at Walthamstow Library and one at Chingford Leisure Centre. It's great news that two council sites have been chosen by our heath partners to build on the success of the vaccine rollout in Waltham Forest and we are proud to support this by providing these locations as well as staff vaccinators and volunteers. Over 60,000 residents have had a vaccine so far!

It is our number one commitment to do everything we can to make sure that all our residents are vaccinated and that no matter where you live, you find it easy and convenient to get your Covid-19 vaccine. We have offered more sites across the borough to our partners and will continue to work in partnership with them to rollout the vaccine as efficiently as possible. For more information, please visit our website.

Stay safe this week and speak soon.

Do you need domestic violence support?

If you are in need of support, then please do reach out.

You can visit the Leyton Children and Family Centre, 215 Queens Road E17 8PJ which is open between 10am and 4pm every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to speak to a specialist worker who can offer support.

You can also call Waltham Forest Solace Women’s Aid on 07340 683382 or visit their website for advice and support

If you are worried about your own behaviour and think you might be at risk of hurting your partner or family contact the Respect help line on 0808 802 4040 or Visit Respect.

Or, visit our support page for more information.

Find out more

The AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots: What you need to know

Some of you may have been concerned by recent news stories from other countries about small numbers of people with blood clots. However, in the UK, where millions of doses have been given, there is no sign of higher levels compared to what we see in a normal year.

Our local Clinical Commissioning Group have posted a frequently asked question covering this issue.

Is the AstraZeneca vaccine linked to increased blood clots?

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has said "It has not been confirmed that the reports of blood clots were caused by the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Blood clots can occur naturally and are not uncommon. More than 11 million doses of the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca have now been administered across the UK, and the number of blood clots reported after having the vaccine is not greater than the number that would have occurred naturally in the vaccinated population.

Do you want to share your Covid-19 story?

We're working with many residents across Waltham Forest, to share their Covid-19, testing and vaccine stories.

These residents have shared quotes, photos or filmed videos with us to share their thoughts. It's fantastic to be able to share your experiences with other residents, giving them real insight into what life has been like for our wider community.

We're welcoming residents to get in touch, so if you would like to share your story or experiences, please do email us for more information.

Email the Stay Safe Team

The Census is coming

Are you ready to take the Census2021 survey on Sunday? You should have now received your Census letter, including your unique code to access the survey online.

By completing the Census you'll be able to help the Government understand your needs and those of your community, so that they can plan services in your area, such as transports, healthcare or education.

Remember, help is available if you’re unsure how to complete it or you need further support. You can also find help and information in a variety of languages and formats.

Visit the census website

Home test kits for households of nursery children

Families and households with nursery children can now collect home test kits for regular Covid-19 testing.

They join families with children going to primary and secondary school and college who are already taking advantage of this offer in a number of ways:

By visiting a test site – no need to book
By picking up a home test kit at the test sites at Stanley Rd, Linford Rd and Church Lane – now 1pm-8pm
By ordering a home test kit online

This also applies to those in bubbles, and if you live with someone who works in nurseries, schools, or colleges.

Find your local test site

Finding things overwhelming at the moment?

Even though many people will welcome the thought of restrictions being lifted, we know it can be overwhelming for some.

If you have found the last couple of weeks stressful and feel your mental health and wellbeing are being effected, then please do reach out for support.

On our website, you'll find lots of useful information, advice and resources where you can get help.

Mental health support

Saira gets her vaccine

This week, we caught up with Saira, the CEO of PL84U AL-SUFFA, a foodbank based in Walthamstow.

Saira shared: 'I was very reluctant about the vaccine and I was sort of anti-vaccine.

But since I had Covid-19 in early January, and I thought, you know what, we need to have, everybody needs to have the vaccine, because that's the only way we're going to break the cycle.'

You can watch Saira's full video on YouTube.

Hear from Saira

Register for postal voting online

Voting at the Mayor of London and the London Assembly elections in May this year may take longer than usual.

We will be making sure polling stations are safe for residents and staff with PPE, socially distanced queues and regular cleaning.

Why not register for postal voting? You won't have to visit the polls to cast your vote.

Apply via the link below by Tuesday 20 April at 5pm.

You only need to provide us with your signature and date of birth, you don’t need to give a reason to apply to vote by post.

Register for postal voting

Council services

We are making sure we provide key services to our residents throughout this stage of lockdown and keep our website updated with the latest service information.

To find out information about a particular service, please visit our website.

Info on council services

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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