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The cost of living crisis isn’t over: don’t axe our lifeline
This is no way to treat people
Many of you will be as concerned as I am about the imminent removal of the people seeking asylum that have been housed in two hotels in Waltham Forest.
We received formal notification from the Home Office on Tuesday, 17 January, stating they would close the hotels in April 2024. Just hours later, occupants of the hotels were contacted by the Home Office’s contractor managing the hotels, Clearsprings, and told that the hotels were being closed in January. We received no such notice at the council.
The news, especially at such short notice, is causing considerable distress to the many people, including approximately 100 children, who have called Waltham Forest home in the last two years. Friendships have been made, both by children at their schools, which they will now have to leave, and adults who have become part of our community, many with no idea where in the country they will end up.
One family has one child receiving ongoing medical treatment, while the dad is due to have surgery locally in a few weeks. Another child is currently doing their GCSEs. This is no way to treat people.
I know the local community and voluntary sector have taken our recent arrivals into their hearts, with many helping with food, clothing and a thousand other essentials to make them feel welcome in Waltham Forest. A fund has been set up to help purchase luggage that will make the move away easier. Anyone can donate here.
The lack of notice for the closures makes it virtually impossible for our dedicated staff to plan properly and offer support. We have asked the Home Office for urgent assurances for every family and individual currently at the hotels, and will continue to provide support in any way we can. You can read my letter here.
Waltham Forest has a proud tradition of welcoming people fleeing persecution and conflict. I know that residents will share my shock and sadness at how people in our borough have been treated.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Click the postcode nearest you to find events coming up around the borough.
Listening to the views of residents is important to every aspect of the council’s work.
As the Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Grace Williams holds surgeries, creating a space for residents to speak to her directly about the issues that are important to you and the changes you want to see locally.
Whether you want to discuss local services or the council’s long-term strategy – no question is too big or too small.
Surgeries will take place on Friday mornings in Waltham Forest Town Hall, Fellowship Square, E17 4JF. The next scheduled surgery is on Friday 2 February, from 10am to 11am.
Please note, Leader’s Surgeries are strictly by appointment only.
To book your appointment, please email Leader@walthamforest.gov.uk and provide your personal details, contact phone number and your Waltham Forest postcode. We are only able to give appointments to people who live or work in the borough.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer any appointments if you haven't received a confirmation of booking.
The Leader and Cabinet Members will be holding regular surgeries over the coming months. For information on upcoming dates please email Leader@walthamforest.gov.uk.
Holocaust survivor Dr Agnes Kaposi speaks at last year's Holocaust Memorial Day event in the Council Chamber
Saturday 27 January is Holocaust Memorial Day - a time to remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust, and in other genocides since.
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, will be hosting a special event with the Mayor of Waltham Forest at the Town Hall next week to mark the occasion.
Watch a recording of last year's Holocaust Memorial Day event, with Holocaust survivor Dr Agnes Kaposi.
You may have seen on the news that cases of measles are going up in some parts of London. Although this doesn’t currently include Waltham Forest, it’s crucial that as many people are vaccinated as possible to protect yourself and others. Measles is more than just a rash – it’s a serious, very contagious condition that can lead to severe illness. It’s never too late to get vaccinated, and adults who haven’t had both MMR vaccinations are still eligible. Check your vaccination status and enquire about a vaccine with your GP. Halal MMR vaccines are available.
Have you ever thought about what happens to your recycling once the collection crew pick it up?
Once collected, your recycling goes to Biffa’s Materials Recycling Facility in Edmonton where it’s met by the Sorting Squad. These workers are diligent and hardworking, making sure there is no rubbish in the recycling so the materials can be made into new items.
Last year the Sorting Squad sorted 255,178 tonnes of recycling (the weight of 1,293 Victoria Line trains). Help the Sorting Squad by learning some recycling tips.
This week's Video of the Week is from TikTok and shows some of the people who work for you here at the council (plus a couple of extras who happened to be passing!)
Have you got a story to tell about Waltham Forest or the people who live here? Get in touch with us at campaigns@walthamforest.gov.uk and you could be starring in our next video!
Calling local businesses, community groups, makers and creatives in Waltham Forest.
Are you looking for a fantastic space to showcase or sell your work, or share your skills with residents? Look no further: there's an opportunity to take over our space ‘228’ in Chingford Mount – and it's free!
We’re looking for interactive projects and pop-ups to occupy the space. The space, renovated by the Council, supports local groups and businesses to provide exciting activities, from crafts and culture to sustainable living.
It’s Great Mental Health Day tomorrow, Friday 26 January, themed around the power of meaningful connections to help your wellbeing.
Studies show that connecting with others, whether it’s small interactions or strong long-lasting relationships, is one of the best ways to achieve happiness and support our mental wellbeing.
From starting small and saying hi to your neighbour, to joining a choir or a knitting club, there are many ways you can establish positive connections that could benefit you and others. Take the first step towards building connections and developing strong relationships with other people by using some of the inspiration, tips and resources we’ve rounded up?
We want to hear about your favourite places to walk and ride in Waltham Forest, to update our Tour de Waltham Forest routes and Waltham Forest Wanders suggestions. Let us know by filling out a quick form.
Our Young Carers programme is working closely with schools to identify young carers in Waltham Forest. A young carer is someone aged 18 or under who has caring responsibilities for a parent or sibling.
We can offer whole family support, as well as clubs, positive activities, support with education, training or employment, school holiday activities, days out and residential breaks.
If you are or know someone who might be a young carer and want to find out more, visit the young carers section on our website for support and information on activities to try.
Image: Still from Great Sale Wood © Michaela Davis, 2024, part of Film Night
Looking out for things to do this winter? Head to William Morris Gallery, where you'll find events for residents of all ages.
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Family Day: Saturday 27 January, 1pm to 4pm
An exciting family-friendly Wild Wired! workshop inspired by the recent Radical Landscapes commission from HERVISIONS. Also celebrating Tamil Heritage Month and the Pongal Harvest Festival, with more activities to enjoy around the Gallery. Free. Drop in.
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Waltham Forest: A Radical Landscape, Wednesday 31 January, 6pm to 9pm
Panel discussion with Radical Landscapes commissioned artists Abel Holsborough, Zaiba Jabbar and Graeme Miller, followed by a private view of the exhibition. Pay what you can as a donation.
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The Quiet Map Project, Sundays 28 January and 4 February, 2pm to 4pm
Welcoming neurodiverse participants to map-making workshops with artist Richard Lockett, contributing to a public artwork for Leytonstone Library. Free.
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Film Night: Radical Landscapes, Thursday 8 February, 6pm to 9pm
An evening showcase of four short films by independent filmmakers, exploring the natural world as a space for artistic expression, spiritual connection, and political and cultural explorations. Pay what you can with donation.
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This Saturday, 27 January sees Tamil Heritage Month celebrations happening in Walthamstow.
From 11am to 1pm there will be Pongal celebrations at the Bedford Road Car Park, Pongal is a harvest festival held to honour the sun for a bountiful harvest. From 2pm to 5pm there will be an exhibition on Tamil and its antiquity, reflecting Tamil heritage, language, culture and traditions at the Fredrick Bremer School, Siddeley Road. This will be followed by an evening programme in the main assembly hall from 5pm to 9pm, with dancing, music and traditional arts.
Learn English in Waltham Forest
Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses help you to live and work confidently here. We run regular daytime, evening and Saturday classes across Waltham Forest and you will find:
- small, friendly classes
- fully qualified teachers
- nationally recognised qualifications
- all levels, from beginner to GCSE equivalent
- progression to vocational and functional skills classes.
For more information please text ESOL to 07423 502126 or email adult.learning@walthamforest.gov.uk
Come to our Apprenticeship Fair
For Apprenticeship Week Waltham Forest Council, in partnership with Waltham Forest College and the DWP, will be hosting an Apprenticeship Fair to champion the amazing opportunities apprenticeships can provide. Whether you are interested in becoming and apprentice for the first time or are currently employed and would like to discover how an apprenticeship can give you the skills to take your career further, come along and find out more.
Do you know a NEET young person?
Do you have a 16 or 17-year-old child who's not in employment, education or training? (Otherwise known as NEET.)
Then tell them about our free career guidance appointments at Leyton Library, every Thursday from 10.30am to 4pm. To book, simply email our 16 to 17 Participation Service at participationservice@walthamforest.gov.uk.
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.
Don’t axe this vital lifeline!
When the cost-of-living crisis hit in late 2021, the UK Government launched the Household Support Fund to help the most vulnerable.
This fund will end on Sunday 31 March 2024. We are urging the Government not to axe this vital lifeline so we can continue to provide vital food, warm spaces, advice and support for those still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
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