Residents' News 16th September 2021

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

Residents' News

Earlier this week we launched the Waltham Forest Refugee Appeal, a crowdfunding campaign to support local groups providing essential support to refugees in Waltham Forest and the surrounding areas. The donations will help local charities and community groups working tirelessly to support new and existing refugees and asylum seekers in Waltham Forest.

Just as we did during the Syrian refugee crisis, the Council is welcoming Afghan refugees and asylum seekers into our borough, while at the same time ensuring new arrivals have the necessary support to get settled and find their feet. I am proud of our boroughs history of welcoming people from across the globe to Waltham Forest.

This week I visited the former Granada / EMD in Hoe Street where we are creating the largest comedy and entertainment venue in outer London. The transformation is well underway and I share peoples excitement about having the building finally restored to its former glory as well as the obvious economic and community benefits it will bring. This council investment in our cultural venues is complemented by having the excellent Soho Theatre operate the site attracting big names whilst also ensuring local talent get the platform they deserve.

Last but by no means least, Lea Bridge Library is due to reopen next week as part of our £4 million library investment programme that has already seen a completely new library open in Wood Street. Our libraries have been even more popular during the pandemic as many reconnected to their local community – please do make best use of the new facilities!

Grace

World Car Free Day

A series of exciting, family-friendly events to promote active travel will take place between Saturday 18 and Sunday 26 September to open up the joys of active travel, walking, cycling, and even kick-scooting to all.

The week’s events are being organised to mark World Car Free Day on Wednesday 22 September, and include All Ability Cycle Club sessions to increase the confidence of new riders, Peddle My Wheels second-hand bike markets for anyone looking for two-wheeled bargain, and Dr Bike sessions if your cycle needs some expert TLC.

Residents are also being encouraged to make new friends in their local areas by hosting car-free Street Parties; anyone who applies during September will receive a free Street Party pack to help make their event a success.

Find out more

The University of Portsmouth campus in Waltham Forest

The University of Portsmouth is in discussions with the Council to work together to open a University of Portsmouth campus in the borough.

A full business case will now be prepared by December 2021 and, if it is taken forward, the first cohort of students could start learning in the borough in 2023.

The proposed project could create new jobs for Waltham Forest residents, provide a boost to local supply chains, and create degree apprenticeship opportunities for young people.

Find out more

Leyton Cricket Hub open for vaccines this Thursday!

If you’re yet to have your first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, then why not book into our clinic on Thursday? Leyton Cricket Hub will be open between 10am-7pm.

16+ welcome
No ID required
First dose must have been 8 weeks ago, to get your second

To book your slot, please visit our website below. If you need to find a site more local to you, please visit nhs.uk or call 119.

Book 10am-3pm

Book 3pm-7pm

Mayor's Memory Walk

On 25 September 2021, the Mayor of Waltham Forest will be leading a 10km walk to raise money to support people living with dementia and their carers in the borough.

The walk will commence at 10am from the Ridgeway Park Tennis Hub, Chingford, and will be led by trained volunteers from the Council’s Feel Good Walks. All donations will be shared between the Waltham Forest branches of Age UK and the Alzheimer's Society.

Sign up

The Waltham Forest Refugee Appeal

The Waltham Forest Refugee Appeal aims to harness the community spirit and desire in the community to support local groups supporting refugees and asylum seekers, locally.

Donations made to the Crowdfunder will go towards local frontline organisations who are providing vital services and support for new arrivals and existing refugees in Waltham Forest who also face an uncertain future.

Crowdfunder

Find your dream job in hospitality and culture

Finding your dream job has never been so much fun! The Waltham Forest JobsFest on Thursday 23 September, 4pm-8pm, is the perfect opportunity to find the job you want in the Hospitality, Events and Culture industries. Masterclasses, live DJs and practical tips from experts will give a taste of what it’s like to work in these sectors.

The event, hosted at Truman’s Social Club near Blackhorse Road, will feature a session by MasterChef winner and guest judge Steven Wallis, plus employers ranging from CRATE St James Street to Soho Theatre, Pizza Pilgrims, Our Park Life, CollinsKing Recruitment, National Youth Theatre and many more.

JobsFest

Play sports like a pro

Did you know that heavyweight boxing prospect Daniel Dubois, Leyton Orient and the Spurs Academy, all train in Waltham Forest Council’s sports facilities? And while we might not all be able to become one of the best boxers or footballers around, everyone can reap the benefits of sports and exercise in Waltham Forest, whether you’re looking to socialise, have fun or simply get a bit fitter.

In the past year Waltham Forest Council invested £175,000 upgrading facilities across the borough and offers some of the best equipment in London, whatever your ability level may be.

More information

Let's spread hope, not Covid

The pandemic has had a significant impact on all our lives and if we carry on working together to help stop the spread of the virus in Waltham Forest, our hope is that we can continue to get on with our daily lives. In the seven days up to 10 September, there were 700 cases of people catching Covid-19 in the borough. Let’s still protect ourselves, family and friends.

Here’s how you can stay safe:

Wear a mask
Keep a social distance
Wash your hands
Get vaccinated
Test regularly

Covid-19 guidance

Choose which emails I receive

Want to stop receiving emails from Waltham Forest Council? Unsubscribe

Help