More support for people who are forced to flee their homes
Yesterday, Thursday 14 December, we announced at Full Council that Waltham Forest has been officially recognised as a Borough of Sanctuary. We join the wider City of Sanctuary community across the UK, strengthening our commitment to welcoming people seeking safety from persecution or conflict.
We have also opened the new Welcome Hub in Lea Bridge Library. It provides support to residents from refugee and migrant backgrounds, including people seeking asylum. The support includes helping them access support from volunteers who have experience resettling in Waltham Forest.
We have gained so much from people who have come here from around the world and enriched our community. We will continue to build on our work with other organisations and our amazing volunteers to acknowledge the trauma people arriving in the borough have faced to get here, and help them rebuild their lives. We provide essential support for all our residents who are experiencing difficulties, and it is particularly important as Christmas approaches that we help people who have experienced the pain of having to leave their homes and start their lives in a new country.
Sadly, one reason people are forced to leave their homes and seek sanctuary abroad is conflict at home. We have all been horrified by the death and devastation in the Middle East and before Full Council I invited faith leaders, community groups and residents to join me for a Vigil for Humanity in Fellowship Square. We stood united for two minutes of silent contemplation, one for each month of the conflict so far, to mourn all victims of the violence in Israel and Gaza, and to share our hopes for a lasting peace in the region.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Click the postcode nearest you to find events coming up around the borough.
From Christmas day into new year, your bin collection day will change. Click on the button below to find out more.
Your normal collection dates will return on the week commencing Monday 13 January.
The first residents have moved into their new homes in the Skyline building opposite Walthamstow Central station. The new development by Waltham Forest Council in former council offices at Juniper House, has 91 homes, with 50 per cent of them designated affordable, offering homes for social rent and shared ownership. They include three- and four-bedroom properties for local families.
The transformation is part of the council's plans to build more high-quality homes in the borough and improve the lives of residents.
New resident, Chloe said: “I moved to here having previously lived in the area. I never thought I'd be able to afford to live in such a prime location on my own, so it's been amazing being able to make this happen.”
Businesses in Leytonstone have been joining in the festive spirit. They've created brilliant window displays in the run up to Christmas, competing in a Best Dressed Business competition and spreading some seasonal sparkle at the same time. Organised by Leytonstone Town Centre Regeneration and Leytonstone Town Team, the winners were announced on Wednesday 13 December and handed their prizes by local ward councillor and Deputy Leader of the Council, Clyde Loakes.
Big congratulations to winners Backstage Studio, complete with snow machine. Popular local salon Artistry Loyal and its amazing rotating snowman was awarded second place, with Mind's glorious Frozen-style ball gown-centred display in third. Pop over to E11 to see them all for yourself, and click the link below to find out what else is happening in the area.
We are backing a new campaign which asks Londoners to think again about having wood burners and open fires. It may seem cosy, but these fires release small particles which can stay in the air and cause health problems such as stroke, asthma, dementia and lung cancer. In fact, domestic wood burning is thought to contribute to around 484 completely avoidable deaths per year. So, this winter, please help boost our borough’s air quality and avoid wood burners and fires.
The tent is up in Fellowship Square and Revel Puck started its brand-new show yesterday, Thursday 14 December. The Ruckus: Everyone's Invited is inspired by folklore and the myths and mysteries of London, and is going to a fantastic family friendly event for all to enjoy.
We’ve had a sneak peek of the performers practising and the show looks incredible. There are still tickets available, but shows are selling fast.
Performances continue until 1 January 2024, and Waltham Forest residents can enjoy a 15 per cent discounted midweek evening performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays using code WEEKNIGHT when you book.
Fancy becoming a parklet keeper? You can now apply to create a community parklet in front of your house or flat. Head to our website to find out more and watch our Instagram Reel with Toby as he shows us round the parklet near his home in Higham Hill.
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Walthamstow Market extra trading day
When: Monday 18 December
Where: Walthamstow High Street
Walthamstow Market proudly announces an extra shopping day for all you keen shoppers searching for gifts and presents, fruit and veg for the Christmas table, or simply enjoy the festive decorations and atmosphere of the Market.
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Christmas bookmark adult craft sessions
When: various dates leading up to Christmas
Where: libraries around Waltham Forest
Join a hands-on workshop to make Christmas bookmarks. The perfect stocking filler. Find your nearest session.
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When: Saturday 16 December from 11am to 6pm.
Where: ground floor, Leytonstone Library.
Our Business and IP Centre Local will be hosting a market with beautiful festivities including décor, music and food
Open your heart and home this Christmas
We are looking for people to take part in our Homeshare scheme, which matches people who live alone with a younger person who can provide companionship and help around the house. Do you have a spare room and could benefit from a little help with day-to-day tasks – or do you know someone else who might? Find out more below.
Financial support and information during the cost of living crisis
We know that many residents are struggling to make ends meet during this crisis, and that extra support is needed to help you during this difficult time. Whatever your specific challenges or needs, we’re here to help. Find information and support on our website.
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.
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website, and check out our LinkedIn.
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