Residents' News 19 November 2021

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Residents' News

To mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women next Thursday on 25 November, our partners Communities Inc will be delivering Stand by Her training at the Town Hall. Stand by Her aims to empower men to become allies to women and challenge harmful behaviour they see in their environment. Email to book your place.

I’m really looking forward to the festive season, but it’s still important we celebrate safely as Covid-19 hasn’t gone away. The NHS is under great pressure so be sure to get your Covid-19 vaccination, whether it’s your first dose or a booster, with those aged 40 to 49 now eligible for booster jabs. We had over 700 new Covid-19 cases recorded in Waltham Forest over seven days, and the majority of the 34 patients in Whipps Cross with Covid-19 are unvaccinated. Tragically, three local people lost their lives to the virus. I’d like to extend my condolences to those who are grieving.

Grace

Help us create a more equal Waltham Forest

Earlier this year the structural inequalities in Waltham Forest were highlighted in our State of the Borough report- watch our short film on the main findings.

The Council is continuing to speak to residents and leaders from the communities most impacted by inequalities about how we can make Waltham Forest more equal, starting with making a decent living.

We’ve created a survey so that everyone in Waltham Forest can provide their views. As a thank you for taking part, everyone that completes the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win a £20 online shopping voucher.

Have your say

Storytelling event at Vestry House Museum

To mark World Nursery Rhyme Week on Saturday 20 November we are celebrating with a storytelling event at Vestry House Museum.

There's no need to book, all children between 18 months and 6 years old can attend to listen to Lottie, as she reads a story from inside the magic box. And while you're here, why not enjoy the newly opened Vestry Garden Cafe.

Vestry House Museum

Get help this Alcohol Awareness Week

Alcohol Awareness Week - Change Grow Live case study screenshot

This week is Alcohol Awareness Week and there is lots of support available in Waltham Forest to help you cut back or quit drinking.

We spoke to Becky, who works at Change, Grow, Live (drugs and alcohol support service) and Seamus, a resident who has used the service to get sober.

Through the support at Change, Grow, Live Waltham Forest, Seamus is now sober and has taken part in a peer mentor course too.

If you think you need help to deal with drug or alcohol abuse, you can reach out for help on our website.

Alcohol Awareness Week

International Fraud Awareness Week

All this week until 20 November, Waltham Forest Council is highlighting its work to tackle fraud as part of International Fraud Awareness Week.

To report suspected fraud call our fraud hotline 24 hours a day on 0300 003 1099 or email the Fraud team.

And to help residents in Waltham Forest be savvy and avoid common scams, all throughout International Fraud Awareness Week, we’ve been sharing the Met Police's Little Guides on our social media channels.

Report fraud

Youth Climate Summit

Last week thousands of students from across the borough participated in Waltham Forest Council’s first Youth Climate Summit.

This culminated with students from ten schools and colleges meeting at the Town Hall with the Leader of Waltham Forest Council Cllr Grace Williams and local climate groups, to discuss their vision for the future and how we can all work together to address climate change. Watch our video about the summit.

Climate Change

Stay Safe Waltham Forest

In the past seven days up to Saturday 13 November, there’s been over 700 cases of residents catching Covid-19 in Waltham Forest.

We’ve been sharing a series of short video stories from local people about their own experiences of living through the pandemic and what they are doing to stay safe to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Meet Trevor, a local resident, to find why he wears a facemask when out in the borough with his wife.

Watch

Calling all men – sign up for Stand By Her training

The Council is partnering with Community Inc who will deliver Stand by Her training on 25 November from 6pm-8.30pm.

The free training at Waltham Forest Town Hall aims to empower men to become allies to women as part of the No Space for Hate campaign. The training launches 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, a UN campaign calling for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.