Your coronavirus update: Restrictions to easy on Monday 17 May, book your vaccine in Leyton this weekend, Mental Health Awareness Week and more

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

Earlier this week, the government announced that restrictions will be easing from Monday 17 May, moving us further out of the pandemic.

I know this will come as welcome news for all of us and personally I cannot wait to spend more time with friends and family and see our borough get back to the fun and vibrant borough we know and love. The current low rates of covid 19 are down to the sacrifices we’ve all made and it is testament to our community pulling together that we are now in a place we can confidently begin to reopen.

Ensuring we are all vaccinated will ensure we don’t return to restrictions on our lives, and it's so brilliant to see so many getting protected. This Saturday, we're holding a pop up vaccine clinic at Masjid Tawhid Mosque in Leyton - and have slots available for anyone aged over 40 or clinically vulnerable. You can book yourself by calling 0208 496 3000 or by booking online. Thanks to the mosque and our NHS partners for working with us to get this session organised and do book in if you're eligible! 

And finally, Eid Muburak to residents who have reached the end of Ramadan and will be celebrating with their loved ones tonight or tomorrow. Cann Hall Mosque and PL84U AL-SUFFA have filmed a short video for us, which talks about the significance of Eid and how we need you to continue to keep safe during this time. Watch the video on YouTube. 

Stay safe and speak to you next week. 


Next week: What's changing?

Test and Trace

From Monday 17 May, restrictions will be easing, moving us one step further out of the pandemic. These changes include: 

  • Being able to meet indoors in groups of six or two households 
  • Outdoor gatherings can happen with up to 30 people 
  • Indoor entertainment to reopen 
  • Organised indoor sport to reopen 

When meeting with friends and family, the government have recommended that we can now take personal responsibility in relation to staying two metres apart.  Remember that the risks of close contact may be greater for some, so please always take action to protect those most vulnerable in your life.  

Read the restrictions 


Home test result positive?

Test and Trace

If you did a rapid lateral flow test at home and the result was positive:

  • You and anyone you live with should self-isolate immediately
  • Report your rapid lateral flow test result on GOV.UK as soon as possible
  • Get a PCR test (a test that is sent to a lab) to confirm your result
  • Continue to self-isolate until you get the PCR test result – if it’s negative you can stop self-isolating

Visit our PCR test sites any time between 8am-8pm every day, or book online at GOV.UK or call 119.

Find a test site 


Looking for a way to help others?

Check in and chat

We've been amazed at the community spirit across the borough and are seeing this continue even as we move out of the pandemic. 

Our Check In and Chat volunteers are getting busy calling the 20,000 vulnerable residents we have in Waltham Forest and we're looking for more volunteers to join this effort. 

We chatted to Jude and Sarah, who along with other volunteers, have helped make over 20,000 calls during the last year. Not only have they helped other people, they've found that volunteering has helped them too. 

Watch their story and if you can, why not sign up to join them. 

Hear from Jude and Sarah 


Mental Health Awareness Week

mental health

The pandemic has taken it's toll on our wellbeing and for many residents has impacted our mental health. 

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and the national theme is Nature.

Did you know that connecting with nature helps you achieve two of your 5 ways to wellbeing at once- Be Active and Take Notice. It also increases your creativity, empathy, and helps reduce stress, while raising your mood.

With so much green space in Waltham Forest, why not connect more with nature? You could take part in the Plant Lovers Walk in Lloyd’s park, visit one of Waltham Forest’s nature reserves, or share your best nature snaps on social media using #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.

Get involved


Could you provide care for a child?

fostering

Our vulnerable children need your support following the Covid-19 outbreak, and we urgently need local people with a spare bedroom to provide care for Waltham Forest children.

We need people from all backgrounds and professions who are willing to dedicate time and commitment to caring and supporting our children safely in your home.

Pauline and Julien who have been fostering for 17 years shared;

“Anyone who can offer a loving home with warmth and have time to spend with young people should consider fostering, as with the challenges come the immeasurable rewards.”

Think you could help? Join our online coffee morning on Tuesday 18 May at 11 am or visit our website to find out more about fostering in Waltham Forest. 

Register for the event 



Cllr Chris Robbins CBE

Mayor

Last month our much-loved Mayor of Waltham Forest, Cllr Chris Robbins CBE, passed away unexpectedly. He was a dedicated public servant, passionate about Waltham Forest and its people and will be so greatly missed. 

Cllr Robbins’ funeral will be held on the afternoon of Thursday 13 May, attended by his family and loved ones.

The family have welcomed residents to show their respect as the cortege as it goes past if they'd like to, The cars will pass Leyton Cricket Ground around 1.25pm and then will travel on Bakers Arms, Hoe Street, Bell Corner, turning left towards the William Morris Gallery. Cars will travel around the Gallery roundabout and after a moment of reflection turn left out of the William Morris Gallery, driving past the Town Hall complex on Forest Road.

Many of you who knew Cllr Robbins over the years will wish to pay your respects which you can do through the online Book of Condolences. 

Book of Condolences 


Shahid shares his story

Vaccine

Shahid is a community leader within our South-Asian communities and took the time to speak to us about the Covid-19 vaccine. 

Like others, Shahid had many concerns about having the vaccine, so made sure he got the facts and was fully informed. This helped him decide to take the vaccine when it was his turn.  

Are you worried about taking the vaccine? Watch Shahid's video to find out why he decided to take it. 

Shahid shares his story 


Local creative artist to work with Council to challenge street harassment

No Hate

Research by Plan International found that over half of women and girls experienced public sexual harassment during the summer of 2020 alone. A trial in which misogyny will be classed as a hate crime is to begin across England later this year.

Determined to play a part in putting a stop to this locally, creative artist Lemzi is teaming up with the Council through the No Space for Hate programme to teach boys and young men how to proactively stop street-based harassment and challenge problematic behaviours.

Lemzi has also signed the No Space for Hate pledge.

Learn more - get involved 


Caring for someone you love? Book your vaccine today.

Vaccine

If you have caring duties for someone in your life, it's really important that you book in your Covid-19 vaccine. By booking it in, you'll get the protect you and the person you care for need. 

You're eligible to book if you are over 18 and: 

  • Registered with a GP as a carer
  • Eligible for carer's allowance
  • Receiving support from Waltham Forest Council or a carer's organisation
  • Caring for someone clinically vulnerable to Covid-19

Book and get your protection today. 

Book your vaccine 


Spread the word about NCS

No Hate

Designed especially for 16 and 17 years olds, NCS (National Citizens Service) is a youth movement that’s available for young people in Waltham Forest to develop skills, make friends and have fun.

The two week programme aims to help young people develop confidence and turn passions into actions that that will be empowering and may create positive change in the local community.

It costs £50 all in, but bursaries are available if the cost is a barrier to entry.

Watch their video

Sign up


Council services update


Corporate Strategy - Newsletter Footer

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 


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