Could you transform a child’s life?
Foster carers make the biggest difference imaginable in the life of a child in need. It’s an incredibly important and rewarding role but unfortunately, the past decade has seen a dramatic fall in the number of people coming forward to fill this vital role.
This means there just aren't enough approved foster parents to look after all the children and young people in Waltham Forest who are waiting for someone to step in and care for them when their own family can't. There are currently over 200 children in the borough who, through no fault of their own, have been left without a safe, secure and loving home.
Our fostering team has been doing great work to recruit more carers – you may have seen this lovely film about one of them, Shqiponja. But we're not there yet.
To make a difference, we’ve teamed up with five northeast London boroughs to launch Local Community Fostering, aimed at inspiring more people from all walks of life to become foster carers.
Do you have a spare room and the time to transform a child’s life for the better? If so, you’ll receive up to £519 per week per child, up to 66 per cent off Council Tax, a dedicated social worker and out of hours team, plus access to a friendly network of other carers for help and advice, along with lots of other support. Please do check out the new website and help make a difference today.
As you will know, the Prime Minister called a general election this week, to take place on Thursday 4 July. I understand there's a lot of cynicism among some people about politics at the moment but this is a huge opportunity to have a say on how our country is run and what it stands for, so do please take time to check out the election section on our website.
You will find details of everything from registering to vote, to applying for a postal vote or a free Voter Authority Certificate. This will be the first general election that we all must have photo ID to be able to vote, so please do check what identification you will need and don't get caught out.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Please note, if your postcode is IG8, your nearest events will appear under E4. If you live in E7 or E15, check out E11. You can also find online events on our website.
 Do you want to discuss something with Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council?
You can now book for the next Meet the Leader surgery at Waltham Forest Town Hall, on Friday 7 June. All sessions must be booked in advance via the form below or QR code.
Please note, someone will be in touch to confirm your time slot. If we can’t accommodate all requested appointments, we will be in touch to offer another date. The next Leader Surgery is currently scheduled for Friday 28 June 2024.
 Head to the Untraditional Pub at CRATE St James this Saturday, 25 May from 2pm
We’re excited to announce the re-launch of the vibrant CRATE St James. Earlier this year, the leaseholder said they were looking to close down the site so we stepped in to take responsibility and support the 30 local businesses who trade there.
We’re working with valued names like Pillars brewery, Afrobean Kitchen and No Logo Hair, to promote CRATE, so do head to St James Street to check it out, grab some food and drink on the sun soaked terrace (when it finally stops raining) and support the great businesses you’ll find there. It’s right by the station.
We know how cherished the area of St James is, and Crate St James will be included in our future neighbourhood improvements for the area and the people who live there.
Stay up to date with what’s on, by following them on Instagram or signing up to the dedicated CRATE St James e-newsletter.
 Residents and community groups can now apply for the first 2024-25 Community Ward Funding round. We’re looking for applications that strengthen community ties, empower residents and unlock potential in your neighbourhoods. Watch our video to find out how Fiona (above) used Community Ward Funding to make her dance classes at Wee Movers more accessible and inclusive for residents.
You can apply for any amount to support a practical initiative or event in your community.
 Classifying books at Leyton Library, 1950
Waltham Forest Archives and Local Studies Library house collections which can be used to find out more about the history of our borough and its communities. They are moving to a new, more accessible home and will be reopening at Chingford Assembly Hall later this year. The official opening date will be announced closer to the time. The Archives are available to all Waltham Forest residents and can be used to discover more about your family history in Waltham Forest, the history of your house or your street, or to research the lives of past residents.
 Foster Care Fortnight continues until Sunday 26 May and we're celebrating the moments that define people's experience of fostering.
Shqiponja has been a foster carer with Waltham Forest for over five years. In this video she takes us through an example of special moments during her week.
 The full programme for the third-ever Waltham Forest Windrush Festival is now live.
Building on the success of last year’s Windrush 75 celebrations, this year’s programme will again showcase the very best in Afro-Caribbean music, food, art and history in honour of the Windrush Generation and its legacy.
From 11am on Windrush Day, Saturday 22 June, Fellowship Square will feature food and craft stalls, music and dance performances, workshops and family friendly activities brought to you by 16 local community groups in partnership with the council.
 PROBABLY NOT THE HAIRCUT is a short film celebrating Mario’s Barbers, one of the Leytonstone's oldest businesses from Idea Space, an arts charity based in Leytonstone.
The 15-minute film looks at the importance of community, giving you a glimpse inside the shop with Costa and his customers. The barbers on Leytonstone High Road has kept its traditional interior from the day it opened in 1967. It has affordable prices for local people, and has endured the test of time, thanks to Costa and his father Marios's reputations.
Find Idea Space on Instagram or email ideaspace64@gmail.com.
 The E17 Art Trail kicks off on Saturday 1 June and this year's programme includes two special events at William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow.
Thursday 6 June: What is the value of public digital art and digital making with local people?
Explore the value of public digital art and digital making as part of the E17 Art Trail in collaboration with art collective Compiler. A talk and panel discussion from 6.30pm to 8pm. Book: pay what you can.
Thursday 13 June: The Yes! Art Fair is a celebration of local emerging and established artists from this year’s E17 Art Trail. Selected artists will showcase seminal pieces of work, with some demonstrating the processes behind its making. This summer evening event will allow you to connect with artists and buy their work directly. From 6.30pm to 9pm. Buy tickets: £5.
Both events are part of the summer late opening programme at the gallery, so you can also explore the permanent collection, enjoy the Art Without Heroes exhibition and visit the bar at Deeney's Cafe.
 Waltham Forest Pride returns to Fellowship Square on Saturday 27 July – so save the date in your diary for another amazing day celebrating Pride in Waltham Forest. Run by the wonderful local charity elop, you'll find performers, activities, food and drink and more.
Would you like to get involved? elop is taking applications for performers and pitchers to be part of the festival, so fill in their application forms if you’d like to be a part of Pride.
 Sign up for the new cake decoration classes run by our Adult Learning Service.
Thelma, a talented cake designer will be your expert guide, leading you through each step to unlock your artistic talents. You will learn the basics, like filling a piping bag correctly, before delving into the techniques of sculpting and moulding exquisite sugar flowers.
Pop your apron on and enrol to satisfy your sweet tooth as you discover all the essential tricks and tips that will have your friends and family stunned by what you are able to create.
 Are you passionate about young people spending more time outdoors engaging with nature?
The Hive runs regular forest school sessions for families with preschoolers or primary age children. Follow the link below, then click 'Get tickets' and choose a one-off taster session or block book. Preschool sessions take place on Monday 10 and 24 June and 8 July, while primary age children can join on Saturday 1, 15 and 29 June and 13 July.
The Hive is also working with experienced trainer Laura Harvey, to offer OCN accredited Forest School Leader Level 3 training this autumn. It's for people interested in becoming outdoor education practitioners. This recognised qualification will equip you to plan and deliver high-quality forest school teaching at your setting (or as a freelancer) with confidence.
Sign up for Forest School Leader Level 3 training (Over 18s only.)
 We're awarding grants of up to £2,000 for community groups to create projects that promote recycling more and using less. Apply for the Waste Prevention and Recycling Initiatives grant here.
And don't forget, our Library of Things is up and running in Leytonstone Library. You can affordably rent items, such as carpet cleaners, power tools or waffle makers, instead of buying them.
 Project from Make It Happen 2023: Throw a Better Party, Showponies and Take the Jump with OrganicLea. Photographer: Nathan Wolf Grace
Congratulations to the successful recipients of our Make It Happen 2024 awards.
This year we have invested £125,000 into 16 inspirational arts and culture projects, many from residents and local organisations, which will be taking place from Chingford to Leytonstone throughout the rest of the year.
 World Bee Day was on 20 May and we swarmed to celebrate pollinator species such as bees and other insects, and the vital role they play enriching our local ecosystem and green spaces.
These fascinating insects contribute to our food security and are vital for conservation and biodiversity. You can show your support for bees, pollinators and other insects across the borough by creating a #BeeFriendlyNeighbourhood on your street.
🐝More about Bee-friendly neighbourhoods.
 Looking for an events space to hire?
One Hoe Street is a versatile venue in central Walthamstow available to hire for events, meetings, private receptions and more at a competitive rate. The space can be adapted to suit your needs, as well as having a kitchenette, tables, chairs, a projector, TV and WiFi on site to help your event running as smoothly as possible. If you’re a community group looking for a space for your next event, please contact venues@walthamforest.gov.uk for more information.
New operator to manage Vestry House Museum
We're looking for an innovative and experienced operator, or operators, to manage Vestry House Museum. This unique cultural site, bringing together a museum with workspace, public community gardens and café, is a welcoming, heritage destination where you can find a place to work, rest and discover the diverse stories of Waltham Forest and its people. It's temporarily shut to the public while renovations take place and is scheduled to reopen in 2026. If you’re interested in this opportunity contact us for more information.
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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