A message from Cllr Grace Williams, Leader Waltham Forest Council
https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/events/mile-long-street-party-walthamstowThe green spaces of Waltham Forest are one of the things people love about our borough and I am proud to say we’ve planted 8,000 more trees during the past year. This not only means we have more trees in the borough than ever before, but also improves the air quality and environment we all live in. You can help ensure these new trees thrive by watering them – more details below.
It's now only a fortnight before we kick off the Queens jubilee celebrations. Our Summer Starts Here programme will continue throughout the summer but kicks off over the Jubilee weekend with four totally free large events taking place, as well more than 100 local street parties taking place in every corner of the borough.
It’s hard to imagine, but the Queen is the first ever British monarch to reach a platinum jubilee – I can’t wait to come together and celebrate this fantastic achievement.
Grace
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Friday 20 to Thursday 26 May 2022
Walk to School Week 2022 took place this week with more than 23,000 children in 52 schools participating in Waltham Forest.
While over 50 per cent of pupils in Waltham Forest already walk, even more pupils could feel happier, healthier and reduce pollution and congestion by strolling to school. To encourage them, the children receive a card with stickers for each day they walk to school or walk for 20 minutes.
Students have also entered the fun flag design competition for a chance to win a flag to display at their school.
More about National Walk to School Week
The Council planted over 8,000 trees in this year’s planting season, and the borough has more trees than at any point in its history. Now we invite residents to help us keep them healthy where they are able!
This year’s spring has been unusually dry. Although our teams water all street trees regularly during the hot summer months they may need a little extra TLC.
Help by giving a young tree near you two large watering cans every two days until the end of the summer. Watering a tree is quick and easy, just pour the water into the green bag located near the stem of the tree, or pour half the water into the irrigation pipe and half at the base of the tree. Watering should ideally be carried out in the early morning or evening.
Every bit of extra water helps.
Find out more.
We’re holding another Ukrainian information event on Thursday 26 May, 5pm to 7pm, at Fellowship Square.
Residents who have been affected by the crisis in Ukraine are invited to drop in for information and support from a variety of services including NHS, Mind and Citizens Advice. If you know someone in Waltham Forest who might find this event useful, please feel free to share with them.
Attendees do not need to pre-book and do not need to provide any personal details if they do not want to, including immigration status.
Sign up for Ukraine event
Help and support - Ukraine crisis
 As we mark Dementia Action Week between Monday 16 and Friday 20 May, Waltham Forest has been recognised as a Dementia Friendly Community by the Alzheimer’s Society. Beloved local museums William Morris Gallery and Vestry House Museum have also been named as Dementia Friendly Venues, meaning they offer a range of dementia-friendly resources including clear signage, designated calm zones, and staff training.
Visit our website to find out more about the Waltham Forest Dementia Hub, a service for people living with dementia and their carers in the borough.
May is Share a Story month and to celebrate we’re hosting great storytelling sessions in venues all across the borough. Alongside the fantastic range of events at local schools and libraries, we are delighted to welcome families to Magic Box interactive storytelling sessions at Vestry House every second Wednesday until 13 July.
But wait – there’s more! Our friends at The Together Project have been working in Waltham Forest on the inspiring intergenerational We Are Friends project where children and care home residents enjoy spending time reading and sharing stories.
The Council has paid the Government Council Tax energy rebate for eligible properties in bands A-D to most people who were paying by Direct Debit. We are currently writing to people where there has been a problem with making a payment to resolve it.
Work has now started on paying people who do not pay by direct debit. We started writing to people in respect of Band A properties on Monday 16 May and will next move on to bands B through D.
If you do not pay Council Tax by Direct Debit, you do not need to do anything. The Council will contact you when we are ready to make your payment.
If you do not want the money paid into your bank account, or if you take no action, we will credit your Council Tax account with £150. This will take slightly longer – the Government has given the final completion date of 22 November 2022 for the Council Tax rebate.
Get more information on the Council website
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Where to get your Covid-19 vaccine
Everyone aged 5 and over can get their vaccine in a number of walk-in vaccine clinics within the borough. Our website lists all the community clinics and pharmacies offering the first, second or booster/spring booster for you or your family. Check timings and age limits.
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Need financial support? Get in touch
We’re aware of the pressures that come with the rising cost of living and we want to support you. From access to free and affordable food to advice on how to best manage your finances, reach out to us now to help us get the right support for you. Don’t delay, head to our website for details on how to get in touch.
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