Residents' News 20 January 2022

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Residents' News

Walthom Forest

January is always one of the most challenging months for the NHS, and the added strain of the ongoing pandemic has put Whipps Cross hospital under immense pressure this winter.

We are in regular contact with Whipps and when the rapid surge in infection rates driven by Omicron hit over the festive season, the Council’s Covid Operations Team were ready to step in and take over the testing on site so that frontline workers could prioritise patient care.

But we know the first-rate care staff provide is undermined by the third-rate building that care is provided in. So join us in the fight for a new hospital by signing our pledge to send a clear message to government that #WhippsWontWait.

In related news, the government yesterday announced that 'plan B' measures will end, including mandatory face-coverings indoors on Thursday 27 January, with working from home guidance ending immediately.

Locally, infection rates are still high but are falling, it’s still as important that we take care and test regularly, and get the jab. There are clinics across the borough throughout the week.

Thanks for listening

Grace


Plan B

safe

The government has announced that Plan B restrictions introduced to fight the Omicron variant will all come to an end.

  • From 19 January: no need to work from home
  • From 20 January: masks not needed in classrooms
  • From 27 January: masks not mandatory on public transport and indoor spaces
  • From 27 January: Covid passes not required at large events

It is still a legal requirement to self-isolate if you test positive for Covid-19. The use of face coverings in crowded areas is still encouraged.

Stay safe


Vaccine clinics

vaccine

With the spread of Covid-19 and the serious health risk it poses, the first dose of the vaccine is strongly recommended for everyone aged 12 and over. Getting the second and booster dose will provide longer-lasting protection against the virus.

All our community vaccine clinics are walk-ins and you can visit during their opening times. Make sure to book in advance if you want to guarantee your vaccine.

Friday 21 Jan

  • One Hoe Street, E17: 3pm-7pm

Saturday 22 Jan

  • Wood Street Health Centre, E17: 9am-5pm
  • Walthamstow Library, E17: 10am-4.30pm

Sunday 23 Jan

  • Jubilee Centre, E11: 10am-2pm

Clinics


Carers First in Waltham Forest 

Jacquieline

Read Jacqueline’s story, a Waltham Forest mum who never considered herself a carer but has found encouragement, support and gained confidence through Carers First.

If you're an unpaid carer, aged 18 and over, and supporting someone in Waltham Forest, Carers First are here to help with online help and advice, as well as 1-2-1 practical and emotional support.

The Council is also working with the NHS and Carers First to understand the support available to unpaid adult carers, please complete the survey.

More info  


Fostering

fostering

Could you provide a safe and nurturing home for a local child?

Join our online coffee morning on Wednesday 26 January at 10.30am, where the friendly fostering team and a foster carer will tell you all about fostering with us and answer your questions.

Please visit the website to find out more on fostering in Waltham Forest.

Register


Fellowship Square fountain

Fellowship

Fellowship Square fountain is currently closed while essential maintenance work takes place.

The fountains are expected to reopen in a week's time, please also check out other activities in Waltham Forest.

Events


Covid isolation cut to five days

isolation

As of 17 January, people with Covid-19 can stop self-isolating after five days, provided they have negative results on days five and six.

This means that after two consecutive negative tests you can leave isolation at the start of day six, instead of seven which is the current rule.

You should not end your isolation early if you still have symptoms.

For those who have not had two doses of the vaccine, you still have to isolate for 10 days if you test positive or are a close contact of someone who has the virus.

If you have to stay at home, self-isolation support is available for you and your family.

Guidance


BBC spotlight on Waltham Forest HGV Scheme

HGV

BBC London News interviewed one of the first cohort of our pioneering HGV training and employment scheme. The fast-track scheme, which connects residents with local employers in need of drivers using personalised Council support, is intended to help stem the national HGV driver shortage and get residents into good jobs.

Ian McCusker, who lost work as a taxi driver during the pandemic, was successful in getting on the scheme and being hired by a local employer, who will also take him on while he trains. 

Watch Ian’s BBC interview


Feel Good Walks

Feel Good Walks

Cllr Paul Douglas joined the Highams Park Feel Good Walk last Friday, one of many free exercise sessions taking place across the borough every week.

Feel Good Walks helps local people to make new friends and get exercise outdoors while exploring new areas of the borough’s many beauty spots.

Get walking


Chingford primary school raises £500 for sickle cell 

Sickle Cell

The Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr  Elizabeth Baptiste hosted the School Council from Chingford Church of England Primary School at the Town Hall, and accepted an invitation to see the mace made by pupils at the request of the late Mayor Cllr Chris Robbins, so it can be used at school council meetings. 

Tia, a school council member, was inspired by the Mayor’s talk about supporting sickle cell and arranged a charity pyjama day at the school to coincide with the Mayor’s visit, with more than £500 being raised.

Sickle cell awareness


Sweet Harmony exhibition at Vestry

sh

Sweet Harmony: Radio, Rave & Waltham Forest, 1989-1994 looks at a significant five-year period in UK dance music history. 

The exhibition celebrates the contribution that young people living and working in Waltham Forest at the time made to it, preserving them for future generations.

More info


Affordable workspace survey

business founders

Are you currently renting or looking to rent workspace or commercial space in the borough?

Contribute to our survey on affordable workspace to help inform the Council's work in this area.

Have your say


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