We want all our children and young people to achieve their potential
It's always good to see people who grew up in Waltham Forest go on to do well. So I was delighted to hear so much recently about some incredible people who were raised in our borough and are achieving amazing things.
Sir Jony Ive, who made his name creating iconic tech like the iPod and iMac for Apple, went to Chingford Foundation School and is behind the recently revealed crest that will be used for King Charles III's coronation in May. Steve Rosenberg, who has been keeping us informed with his important reporting from Moscow as the BBC's Russia editor, is also a former Chingford Foundation student.
And they're not alone. There's also Leyton Orient footballer Omar Beckles, who was born in Leytonstone and provides tireless community work within the borough. He's just been elected chair of the Professional Football Association. And former Walthamstow School for Girls student Naomi Ackie has just been nominated for a BAFTA Rising Star award for her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the biopic of the singer.
We want all our children and young people to achieve their potential like Jony, Steve, Naomi and Omar, which is why projects like our youth hubs pilot and children and family centres are so important. We can't all go on to run John Lewis, like former Connaught School student Sharon White, who is the retail giant's current chair. But their very visible successes make them role models for young people in Waltham Forest. They show that you really can achieve your dreams.
You can find lots of support for children and young people on our website. And huge thanks too, to all our amazing teachers and school staff who help our children to achieve great things day in, day out.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Best Buds: volunteers at Abbots Park, Leyton
Do you want to volunteer to help tidy up Waltham Forest by collecting litter in your local area? Then join The Great British Spring Clean between Friday 17 March and Sunday 2 April? Forest Flora will help connect you to a volunteer group near you. You will help your community, make new friends, and keep Waltham Forest looking beautiful, all at the same time.
Email Forest Flora to find out where you can help at hello@forestflora.co.uk.
Thank you to everyone who recycled their Christmas trees and food and garden waste this winter and throughout the year. Food and garden waste recycling in Waltham Forest in January this year was up by 32 per cent compared to January 2022.
Find out more about how you can recycle more things, more often in Waltham Forest.
The NHS Healthy Start scheme supports pregnant women and young families to eat well and get the vitamins they need for healthy development, helping you give your family the very best start in life.
If you are more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you could be eligible to get a pre-paid Healthy Start card, to help to buy nutritious food and milk, such as fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk, or formula. You can also get up to three bottles of Healthy Start vitamins.
Apply for the Healthy Start card.
Four community organisations in Waltham Forest will benefit from funding and volunteering hours from the North London Heat and Power Project initiative.
Funded projects across Waltham Forest include a school outdoor classroom gardening project, a community living space and sustainable food pantry, forest school sessions and renovations at a synagogue and communal gardens. A new round of funding applications is expected to open in the summer.
Find out more about the awards and the initiative.
Repair Week is coming up next month and we want as many residents as possible to get involved.
From Monday 20 to Sunday 26 March, Waltham Forest will take part in an annual repair celebration. You are invited to fall back in love with your stuff and get things repaired rather than throw them away, to help the environment and save money.
If you're hosting a repair event as part of this week and would like us to help you promote it, please contact wasteteam@walthamforest.gov.uk.
The Mayor of London has launched a scrappage scheme to provide financial assistance to help eligible Londoners scrap their highest polluting vehicles ahead of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion across all London boroughs from Tuesday 29 August 2023.
From 4 May 2023, voters in England will need to show photo ID to vote at polling stations in some elections. This includes local elections and UK parliamentary by-elections. From October 2023, it will also apply to UK General elections.
We don’t have any elections scheduled in Waltham Forest this year but it’s not too soon to check if you already have photo ID that will be accepted at polling stations. If you’re not sure, you can apply for free photo ID now.
Types of photo ID that are acceptable include passports, driving licences, Freedom passes, 60+ Oyster cards and Blue Badges. You can find a full list here.
Out of date photo ID will be accepted providing you look like the photo. The name on the photo ID must be the same as the name you used to register to vote. If you want to check which name you are registered to vote with, email Electoral.Services@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day at the button below.
Applications for the Community Walking and Cycling Fund close at the end of February. The fund helps community-focused projects that support health and wellbeing through walking, cycling and other modes of active travel.
In 2022, 11 projects reached an estimated 450 residents through projects including 60+ cycling skills, group rides, wellbeing walks and social exercise classes.
If you would like to discuss your idea or have any questions, contact the team at CWCF@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Want to talk to a police officer about crime and anti-social behaviour in your area? Then head to your local Pop-up Police Station, happening every week across Waltham Forest.
You'll be able to talk directly with local police officers and Council Anti-Social Behaviour and Neighbourhoods officers in a relaxed and informal setting. The pop-ups are a partnership between the Council and the Metropolitan Police.
The Town Hall has stunning rooms for romantic ceremonies
If you’re looking for the perfect wedding venue, our Town Hall has a range of gorgeous, romantic rooms in a stunning setting, and all at affordable prices.
Fellowship Square in Walthamstow is perfect for your big day and a wonderful backdrop for photos too. Visit an Open Day in March to find out more. We'll advertise dates in Residents' News and on our Instagram channel, so follow us now.
Also head to Instagram if you’re just looking for a romantic hangout. Dozens of you told us your favourite Valentine’s spot in the borough – check our Highlights section to see them all.
Big Penny Social near Blackhorse Lane has become one of north east London’s biggest cultural and hospitality venues. It employs 55 people and hosts flea markets, theatre shows, charity collections, and recently opened a free-of-charge pop-up space for small local retailers (so far including barbers and artists).
The venue is hosting its first Beer Fest this weekend, featuring 150 casks from 50 regional breweries over five sessions. It runs from today, Thursday 16 February, until Saturday 18 February, tickets £10. Each session is headlined by a different live music act and the festival includes child-friendly afternoon sessions from 2pm to 5pm, which are free for under-18s.
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Concerned about your drinking?
Take the Drinkcoach alcohol assessment to understand your drinking habits and learn how to cut down if you want to. You will be able to access free support using the code WFPROMO.
If drinking is negatively affecting your life or someone you know, support is available. Our partners at Change, Grow, Live (CGL) offer a free, safe and confidential drug and alcohol service for all adults, young people and families in Waltham Forest at Change, Grow, Live.
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Help to shape Adult Social Care services in Waltham Forest
Want to have your say on how we can make Adult Social Services better for everyone? Now you can share your ideas, meet other people, and tell us your thoughts. There are lots of ways you can get involved in our work. Sessions are online and in-person, and you will be reimbursed for travel and your time. Get involved.
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Take part in a focus group and claim a £15 high street shopping voucher
The Council has launched the Waltham Forest Housing Commission to look at what more can be done to tackle the housing crisis. We've gathered a panel of experts to examine the barriers councils face and make recommendations on how to overcome them. The Commission is hosting a series of focus groups online and in person to hear your stories and give residents a chance to tell us what could make a difference in your community. Groups will take place between Thursday 23 February and Wednesday 1 March and last around an hour. Participants will receive a £15 high street shopping voucher as a thank you for your time. If you're interested in taking part, complete this short survey or contact Israel on 07498 449 747; israel.amoah-norman@prdemail.co.uk.
A career in social work
The Step Up to Social Work programme is an opportunity to receive support while training for a new career in social work. On the 15-month programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in real-life social work teams through placements in local authority settings while earning your qualification. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, allowing you to apply to register and practise as a social worker. The Department for Education will cover the full cost of your university tuition fees on the programme, plus you will receive a tax-free bursary of £19,833 to support you during your training. Full details and entry criteria.
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Waltham Forest Jobs 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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