Your coronavirus update: Over 80,000 residents vaccinated, why it's still important to get tested and Dr Bike is back!

Having trouble reading this email? Click here to view in browser

Leader of the Council Clare Coghill green background

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 

Walthom Forest

As of the 25 March a huge 80,000 residents have now been vaccinated against Covid-19. With the recent additions of Chingford Leisure Centre and Walthamstow Library as vaccination sites, we are seeing thousands more residents being vaccinated.

I’m very happy to announce that from Thursday this week our most vulnerable residents in the south of the borough will have the opportunity to be vaccinated at Leytonstone Library. The Council is working in partnership with a mobile vaccination unit that operates from the Excel Centre. The facility will be available to those who are invited to book a vaccination by their GP. The Council is currently working to identify and secure more mobile and temporary vaccination facilities throughout the borough.

We also know carers across Waltham Forest play a crucial role in caring and supporting friends, neighbours and family members, so want to make sure that you and the person you care for are as safe as possible. If you are an unpaid carer, over the age of 18 who is caring for someone clinically vulnerable, you can now book in your vaccine. It's really important that you get this protection, as the threat of Covid-19 is still here and very real especially to our vulnerable residents.

By taking this step and protecting yourself and your loved ones against this dangerous virus, you are helping to get Waltham Forest out of this pandemic. 

Test and Trace

Don’t guess, take a test

Test and Trace

Now that we’re able to see family and friends again, it’s even more important to take a test to keep them safe.

Remember, if you have at least one symptom of Covid-19, no matter how mild, you must self-isolate and get tested.

The walk-in sites below are open 7 days a week for testing from 8am to 1.30pm*.

These sites are deep cleaned for an hour and open again at 2.30pm* for Community Collect (home test kits).

Find your nearest test site

*These are updated timings


Don't turn up early to your vaccination appointment

Test and Trace

It's great news if you have your vaccine booked in!

Please make sure you stay safe when you go by: 

  • Not turning up early, as you won't be seen until your appointment time 
  • Wearing your face covering if you're able to
  • Keeping apart from other people

And remember to give a big thumbs up to the volunteers and staff who are helping this process!

Thank you for helping us make Waltham Forest safer for the future. 

Learn about the vaccine 


Help us help you

111

Need urgent medical care?

The best way to receive the most appropriate service in a safe and timely way, is to contact 111.

Your NHS 111 advisor will be able to assess you on the phone and, if needed can direct you to book an appointment with a GP, pharmacist, Urgent Treatment Centre, or can book a direct time slot at A&E.

They may also be able to give you the advice you need without using another service.

If you do have life-threatening illnesses or injuries then you should continue to dial 999.

Learn about NHS 111


Apply for postal voting ahead of May’s elections

Postal Votes

Want to vote from home for this year's elections for the Mayor of London and London Assembly?

Polling stations will be made safe for residents and staff with PPE, socially distanced queues and regular cleaning, but this may mean that voting takes longer than usual.

We’ve made registering for postal voting easier than ever for those residents who may not want to visit the polls to cast their vote.

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

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

Register for postal voting


Feeling anxious about restrictions easing?

mental health

Although many of us will be glad that restrictions are easing and life is slowly returning to normal, this can also bring additional anxieties and worries to us too. 

If you're struggling with your mental health and wellbeing, it's really important that you get support. On our website you'll find helpful information, advice and signposting to the services that can offer you further support. 

Don't go it alone - there is help available. 

Get mental health support 


Council services update

Test and Trace

Our brilliant officers and teams are making sure we provide key services to our residents throughout this stage of lockdown and we 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 



Remember the rule of 6 this week

Test and Trace

It's brilliant news that lockdown is easing this week, but it's still paramount that we don't bend or break the rules. 

If we do, we risk not moving out of the next stage of lockdown. So, if you're getting together with friends or family this week remember: 

  • You should only be meeting outdoors 
  • Only meet in groups of up to six people or as two households 
  • Keep apart from those you don't live 

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable week. 

Read the restrictions 


Tackling vaccine hesitancy within our communities

Vaccine

This week, our friends at Waltham Forest Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association (WFTA) have published a brilliant video with several women from the Black Caribbean community, including former nurse and midwife, Bernice Brown MBE and WFTA Chair Mervin Ceaser-John.

This video aims to tackle misinformation within the black community and empower residents to take the vaccine when it's their turn. It's vital that every resident feels informed and confident in taking it, so please do watch the video to learn more. 

Watch the video 


Are you worried about domestic or sexual abuse?

domestic violence

If you or someone you know is experiencing any kind of domestic or sexual abuse there is support for you here in Waltham Forest and nationally.

For national domestic abuse advice and support, visit the Refuge website.

Or you can find out more about other national and local services by visiting our website. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Get support 


Dr Bike is back!

Dr Bike

We're pleased to announce the return of Dr Bike, with five upcoming sessions across Waltham Forest over the first two weeks of April. 

Dr Bike mechanics offer you a free maintenance check on your cycle, checking your gears, brakes and answering any questions you might have too. You'll need to pre-book your slot and remember to wear your face covering if you're able to and keep a safe distance from the mechanic and other residents whilst you're there. 

Learn more about Enjoy WF 


Stay Safe Champions head back to school

Test and Trace

This week, our Stay Safe Champions have visited three schools across Waltham Forest, including Newport Primary in Leyton and Chapel End Infant School in Walthamstow. 

Our brilliant team have spoken to parents and carers about the importance of still taking preventative measures, as well as how they can get tested for Covid-19 and more information on the vaccination programme. 

By taking action such as keeping apart from other people and wearing face coverings wherever possible - families are helping to stop the spread of Covid-19, so thank you. 

Become a champion 


Vaccine
Subscribe

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.

 

Sign up for email newsletter

Choose which emails I receive

Want to stop receiving emails from Waltham Forest Council? Unsubscribe

Privacy Policy

Contact us

Help

TwitterFacebookYoutubeInstagram