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Welcome to the Waltham Forest Communities and Participation team newsletter.
In June, the Communities team have been working alongside VCS partners to deliver the Windrush Festival, Refugee Week and Volunteers Week.
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On Saturday 22 June around 5,000 residents visited Fellowship Square for the Windrush Festival 2024.
Waltham Forest’s 25,000 strong Afro-Caribbean community were celebrated with food, music, dance, art and history - including a speech from veteran Donald Campbell (pictured with Yvonne).
The Festival was one of a series of events that took place across the borough led by different community organisations.
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For those of you who attended the recent Community Partnership Network meeting, you'll know that we will be updating you about Community Voice shortly. Look out for a special edition of this newsletter for more information.
If you have any questions about this month's newsletter or support available to your organisation, please get in touch.
This month we meet the head of our Communities team Yvonne who is the Assistant Director, Communities & Participation.
Yvonne (fourth from the left) and the team at the Windrush Festival in 2023.
"I started at the council in November 2020. My role was to support the VCS community response during the pandemic. Since then, the Communities team has grown and diversified in response to emerging and changing resident needs, as well as an increased awareness of the importance of VCS organisations in this type of work.
"The best bit of my role is when I can work together with VCS partners to solve problems. For me it’s all about bringing people together to create a sense of community and belonging.
"That’s why I value the Windrush celebrations. My parents arrived in the UK and joined a community in Stamford Hill. There weren’t many people in the area who looked like me, but as a child I saw my parents create deep bonds and networks with neighbours from different backgrounds and cultures. That’s what we all do in our work.
"I’m continually grateful to the VCS for their openness and willingness to work alongside us to build and shape a better Waltham Forest for all residents."
Legends of the Forest Volunteer's Week Celebration
Above left: Legends of the Forest photo competition winning pic. Above right: photographer Hernando receiving his prize.
Congratulations to all those recognised at the Legends of the Forest Volunteers’ Fair. It was a great night recognising the impact of volunteering to support residents in the borough.
Volunteer Week included an unveiling of the winning photo of the year competition. Will one of your volunteers win the prize next year?
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Refugee Week 2024
Refugee Week 2024 events
The Refugee Week programme saw a range of events take place across the borough.
Many partners came together to organise 'The Taste of Home: A Community Feast' event in Lloyd Park. This event brought together refugees, people seeking asylum and the organisations and individuals that support them, over delicious food from around the world with speeches and music.
Supporting Asylum Seekers and Refugees to get online
This is an open forum for attendees to speak to other people supporting asylum seekers and refugees to get online, run by National Digital Inclusion Network, Good Things Foundation. Session will include speakers and networking.
- 1pm to 2.30pm on Thursday 11 July.
Waltham Forest Pride
elop are hosting a full day of events and activities, with performances, speakers, refreshments, music and dancing. All welcome, with activities for children as well.
- 3pm to 8pm on Saturday 27 July in Fellowship Square, Forest Road, London E17 4JF.
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Free Safeguarding training
The council and partners are hosting a programme of online safeguarding awareness-raising events, training and a one day conference during Safeguarding Week from Monday 8 to Friday 12 July.
The free training is open to VCS staff and volunteers.
Effective Planning and Risk Management
This ELBA event will focus on providing insight into effective planning, and managing organisational risk.
- 9am to 1pm on Thursday 1 August in-person at Dashwood House, London EC2M 1QS.
Turning Data into Impact sessions
Different topics led by ELBA and volunteers with experience in data management and governance.
- Thursday 25 July: Article 30, GDPR & Record Processing.
- Thursday 22 August: Subject Access Requests.
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Community Health Champion Programme Recommission
The council are re-commissioning the Community Health Champions programme for a further two years. The contract is for £200,000.
Community Health Champions play a vital role in challenging health inequalities at the hyperlocal level and driving sustainable health focused behaviour change.
The council are looking for a VCS organisation, or consortium of organisations, that can engage and empower residents from underrepresented groups, and support them to access better healthcare and wellbeing.
- Deadline: Monday 15 July.
LBWF Carbon Offset Fund
The Council’s Carbon Offset Fund for carbon reduction projects within Council buildings (including offices and housing stock) or on public highways, has a total of £760,000 available. Email COF@walthamforest.gov.uk with questions.
Funding opportunities
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City Bridge Foundation Grants available across several thematic areas and issues, with a focus on reducing inequality and supporting disadvantaged groups. Deadline: Unspecified.
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Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants available for projects that make a positive difference to the health of local communities. Deadline: Sunday 30 June.
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Rosa - Stand With Us Fund grants available for not-for-profit women’s and girls’ organisations delivering frontline services in the UK addressing male violence against women and girls. Deadline: Tuesday 30 July.
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Asda Foundation - Investing in Spaces and Places Grants available to improve community spaces and places where local people can be together and thrive. Deadline: Sunday 28 July.
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Tesco Stronger Start Grants to support projects that provide food and support to young people. Deadline: Unspecified.
Council funding awards
The council is pleased to announce the list of successful applicants for recent funding opportunities. Find out which projects were successful by clicking on the links below.
Supporting residents in the hot weather
With temperatures rising, we know VCS groups will be checking in on vulnerable people within their networks.
There is more information about how to look after each other on the council website.
Problematic drug and alcohol use
Are you concerned about drug or alcohol use within your community? If so, the council's drug and alcohol team can provide a confidential and judgement-free service.
There are 2 free and confidential services within the borough:
For additional support designed specifically for the residents in your network, contact: Shazda.Ahmed@walthamforest.gov.uk
This bespoke offer could include:
- Visits to talk in community settings, including places of worship.
- Online meetings.
- Individual referrals.
Free tours at the William Morris Gallery
William Morris Gallery is inviting VCS groups for free curator-led tours of its latest exhibition, Art Without Heroes: Mingei. Dedicated to the Japanese Mingei movement, this exhibition is a celebration of the beauty and craftsmanship found in everyday objects.
Tours available Monday to Friday. The Gallery is closed to the public on Mondays, should your group prefer quiet visiting times. Group capacity: 15 people.
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Guide for opening, running and growing a cultural or community space in London
Grow London Local has published a guide for 'Opening, Running and Growing a Cultural or Community Space.'
The guide takes readers through the practical steps needed to operate a cultural or community space. This includes: Writing a business plan; Common Legal issues; Finance and Fundraising; Running a space.
Community and Commercial Spaces available
The property team at the council would like the borough's VCS to be aware of these opportunities. Follow the links below to find out more, and for the relevant contacts details.
- All are welcome to the Salaam Peace Eid Cup event from 11am to 2pm on Saturday 29 June at Leyton Sixth Form College, Essex Road, London E10 6EQ. Including: Football, keynote speakers, award ceremony.
- The Salaam Peace Girls and Women Tennis Festival is from 10.30am - 12.30pm on Saturday 6 July at Edinburgh Primary School, 97 Queens Rd, London E17 8QR (entrance via the back gate on Kirk Road).
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‘Discover Your Summer’ is a full programme of mostly free local events and activities, with something for everybody.
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The Change Grow Live Marsham Court (642 Forest Road, Walthamstow) Rough Sleepers Hub is now open. Support for those with a history of rough sleeping includes facilities for: washing, cooking, IT and home entertainment. Open Monday to Friday. Please contact Naomi.Ibe@cgl.org.uk for more information.
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Space4All youth provision timetable of support for young people.
London-wide Faith and Belief Awards 2024
Nominations are open for the London Dangoor Awards 2024 (formerly Faith and Belief Awards).
In 2023 Waltham Forest organisations won 10 awards. So please encourage your networks to nominate again this year, to recognise and celebrate the hard work that happens across the borough.
- Deadline: Sunday 21 July.
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