Hate crime can take many forms, but we can fight back
This week is National Hate Crime Awareness Week, which is about coming together and tackling all forms of prejudice and hate.
Hate crime can take many forms and it can sometimes feel that we’re powerless as individuals to fight it. Which is one of the reasons I’m so proud of our Bystander Intervention Training, which gives Waltham Forest residents the skills to become allies to anyone experiencing hate and hostility. Sign up to our No Space for Hate Ambassador training here. You can also download our Safe Streets app to report street harassment in your area.
I've recently mentioned our Pride of Waltham Forest Awards and we've already had over 450 nominations! As it's National Hate Crime Awareness Week, I'd like to highlight one category that's designed to recognise groups who are working hard to bring different communities together. Why not nominate a brilliant organisation doing outstanding cross-community work for the Waltham Forest for All Award today?
This week I met with Borough Commander Simon Crick about how we can work together to make Waltham Forest safer. He agreed with me that improving trust and confidence in our police has to be the top priority and increasing their physical presence will play a big part in this. I understand many people's concerns around community safety and will share more information around these plans as they develop.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Air quality in Waltham Forest has improved in recent years but we know much more still needs to be done to create cleaner air to improve the health for everyone who lives and works in, and visits Waltham Forest.
Our Air Quality Action Plan will set out how we will continue to improve air quality in our borough, and we want to hear your views on how we can achieve this goal.
Have your say today- we’ll consider everyone who shares their views in our Air Quality Action Plan for 2023-2027, due to be published next spring.
Image: Prashant Gupta/Unsplash
World Singing Day is one time you definitely won't have to be quiet in a library!
It takes place this Saturday, 15 October in Waltham Forest Libraries. Head to Wood Street Library for free storytelling with Emily Hanna Grazebrook who will take you on a magical, musical story telling adventure for all the family. More information and book your place.
The following weekend, Saturday 22 October, Walthamstow Library is hosting a free craft event to celebrate Diwali. You will have the chance to make your very own diya clay lamps - a great way to celebrate the festival of light. Please register here.
On Monday, 10 October, two more School Street schemes were launched, at Riverley Primary School and Downsell Primary School.
School Streets involves temporarily closing one or more roads surrounding a school to most vehicles for a short period at the start and end of the school day. The 20 School Streets in Waltham Forest help create safer streets for everyone. School Streets bring improved road safety for all road users and fewer vehicles on the school run. This reduces traffic and makes it easier for pupils, parents, carers and staff to walk, scoot and cycle to school. They also improve air quality around the school gates due to reduced vehicle idling.
Last autumn we visited Newport School in Leyton to talk about how School Streets has helped make children safer and healthier as they walk to school. Watch our video here.
Black History Month 2022 continues with lots of events, including foraging and history walks, a loom weaving workshop, and a celebration of Nigerian Independence Day on Friday 14 October from 5 to 9pm in Fellowship Square.
Placing local community groups, museums, libraries and local schools at the very heart of operations, Black History Month in Waltham Forest offers a jam packed programme of events and activities in honour of our Black community.
Albert Crescent in Chingford Mount will be bus free and carbon friendly for this annual event, all contributing towards a more sustainable future. There will be a range of chic vintage and preloved stalls with local vintage market Go East Vintage, food from the popular Sunday Social market, and a pop-up bar.
There'll also be family entertainment, with fun activities such as face painting, balloons, local herb gardens and a climate friendly resource hub.
There's still time to have your say in our survey on how we can improve recycling in Waltham Forest.
We are keen to hear from all residents, so share your thoughts, experiences and recommendations. Whether you live in a house or flat, rent or own your home, all opinions are valuable and will help us improve our service. Your feedback is invaluable as we shape our future recycling strategy.
Get ready for our Guy Fawkes Night Extravaganza in Fellowship Square on Saturday 5 November.
There will be no fireworks this year, but the evening kicks off from 5pm and features street food from local vendors including Hanoi Ca Phe, Delice London and Pillars Brewery, as well as a fountain party and silent disco.
Entry to the Guy Fawkes event is free. Tickets cost £8 per headset for the silent disco and are available now.
Leyton Orient are riding high in second place in League Two and face their toughest test of the season when they take on third placed Northampton Town this Saturday 15 October at The Breyer Group Stadium. A win could see them reclaiming top spot and tickets are selling fast. Don't worry if you miss out, as tickets are also on sale for the home game against Salford City on Saturday 29 October.
Polio is a dangerous disease that can have a devastating effect on a person’s life if they catch it.
Mahfuzur Rahman, 35, caught the disease as a two year old in Bangladesh and has lived with a shorter and weaker left leg ever since. He urges every parent in Waltham Forest to get their child vaccinated. Read Mahfuzur’s story in the Walthamstow Echo.
Book a polio booster vaccination for your child today.
Deeney's haggis toastie
We’re excited to announce that The William Morris Gallery café has reopened with a fresh new look and new operators, Deeney’s.
Deeney's has made a huge name for itself at its Leyton High Road outlet over the last few years and the team will be bringing its warm hospitality and signature flavours to the Gallery.
The café is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm and the menu features a range of cakes, hot drinks and toasties, including Deeney’s famous haggis toastie, The Macbeth, and its vegetarian alternative, the Lady Macbeth.
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Have your say on NHS services by 20 October
The NHS wants patients who need neurological and stroke rehabilitation support in the community to receive a consistent service that's accessible to everyone who needs it. The NHS wants to hear from patients and carers about these changes to shape the service and help ensure they get it right. Tell them your views.
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Talking Therapies
Talking Therapies is a confidential service for people in Waltham Forest aged 18+ who are registered with a GP in the borough. The service offers a range of support, such as helping you if you’re having difficulty coping with daily life and relationships. Residents can make a self-referral by completing the online form or by calling 0300 300 1554 option 4, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. Find out more about Talking Therapies.
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Closing soon: adult social care transport consultation
Have your say on adult social care transport policy in Waltham Forest. Visit our consultation portal to:
– download the proposed policy and information pack
– find out about face-to-face and online information sessions
– complete both standard and easy-read online questionnaires.
For questions or paper copies, please e-mail dementia.hub@walthamforest.gov.uk or call the Dementia Hub on 020 8558 0647.
You have until next Friday, 21 October 2022 to fill out the consultation.
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Free history walks in Walthamstow
Explore the history of Walthamstow’s famous High Street on Saturday, 15 October and 29 October from 11.15am. Join expert tour guide Joanna Moncreiff, who will be hosting a free historic tour on both days of Walthamstow Town Centre. Book your place.
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Adult Learning website. Explore available job opportunities and apply for roles that suit you.
And you can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website or LinkedIn.
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