Safe and fulfilling lives for young people
While we have a relatively low rate of serious violence in Waltham Forest compared to similar boroughs, knife crime among young people is an enduring challenge and a key concern for residents. When violence does occur, the impact can be devastating - not just for the individuals involved but the entire community.
Earlier today we launched our new . It lays out our plan for addressing the root causes of violence, working closely with the Metropolitan Police, the NHS, the Probation Service and the London Fire Brigade - also known as the SafetyNet partnership.
Serious violence, particularly knife crime, is felt unequally by our communities. It disproportionately impacts young, Black residents who are far more likely to experience its damaging effects. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to engaging with young people, their families, and our communities to understand how violence impacts them, and to work alongside them to find solutions that meet their needs.
A great example of the SafetyNet partnership in action is the A&E Navigators programme. When young victims of violence enter the A&E department at Whipps Cross, two embedded Navigators are trained to step in and offer post-medical support, including advocating for young people, linking them with partner organisations, and dedicated follow-up support for up to six months afterwards.
The Serious Violence Strategy is about making sure the resources and services of our SafetyNet partners are used to address youth violence in the most effective way possible. We all have a role to play, so keep an eye out in the coming weeks for more information about how local organisations are working to make Waltham Forest a safe place for all residents.
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.
 Our new food waste collection service is getting underway across the borough. If you live in a kerbside property in the south of the borough, food waste collections start from next week (Monday 23 September) on your usual collection day. If you live in a kerbside property in the north of the borough, your food waste caddies are being delivered from Monday 23 September, with collections starting on Monday 14 October. If you do not receive your caddy pack, please email us and include your address.
The Council is currently rolling out food waste collections to communal properties and is about a third of the way through so far. All communal properties will be able to recycle food waste by March 2025.
Got a food waste collection question? Check out our website for a full list of FAQs.
 Our latest Resue and Fair is just over a week away. Make sure you pop along to Handsworth Primary School, Highams Park on Sunday 29 September from 12pm to 4pm.
There will be support from local community groups on reuse, repair, repurposing and upcycling for all manner of everyday items. Members of the local community are also talkin’ tools on a new podcast from Artillery Arts, which is well worth a listen for anyone who wants to know more about the Fair on 29 September.
 Enjoy an open weekend of design, craft and making across Blackhorse Lane and Argall Industrial Area, with accompanying events at William Morris Gallery and other venues around the borough. All celebrating the richness of Waltham Forest’s past and present creative community. This Friday 20 September to Sunday 22 September.
 The Francis Road Festival is this Saturday 21 September from 10am to 10pm!
A free family friendly festival celebrating Leyton’s eclectic community through film, music, food and fun.
The amazing line-up includes:
- 🎥 An outdoor film screening with Stow Film Lounge and DJ takeovers Dreamhouse Records and Yardarm
- 🎵 Live music, Drag Queen Cabaret and Academy Breakin' Convention performance
- 🏴A Kids Ceilidh and arts and craft workshops
- 🥪 Delicious food stalls from Deeneys and Jerk and Juice
 Brothers Through Boxing is a free programme starting on Friday 4 October at the East London Boxing Club in Walthamstow, aiming to support young men (16 to 25 years) to live longer, happier, and more confident lives. Contact aidan.lyons@boxing-futures.org.uk if you are interested in this weekly six-month programme.
YMCA Youth Services and Leyton Orient Community Trust Youth run weekly girls-only multisport activities for ages up to 18 years, funded by our Space4All youth programme.
 The Hive is on a mission to have a Climate Ambassador volunteer for every Waltham Forest school this academic year. The role of a Climate Ambassador is to provide dedicated support to a school to help develop a practical climate action plan over one term.
The UCL Climate Action Hub is providing training and a step-by-step process for volunteers to work through with a school of their choice so it is perfect for local parents and people with links to a school.
 We host monthly introductory online fostering events so you can find out more about how to make a real and lasting difference to a child’s life. Our next event takes place on Tuesday 24 September at 11am.
There will be the chance for you to speak a social worker and an experienced foster carer about what it’s really like being a foster carer, find out more about the application process and the training, benefits, and support.
 Family Hubs offer services for all parents and carers of children through the Early Help Service.
This free and easily accessible support is both at the hubs and online, and includes topics such as:
- Benefits and money advice
- Housing and homelessness
- Alcohol, drugs, and smoking
- Mental health
- Bereavement
- Employment ...and much more
 Get involved in the Discover Local Trail for a chance to win prizes by visiting twelve local independent businesses using a fun map created by Angry Dan. Funded by William Morris Big Local, the trail passport can be downloaded or collected from one of the participating businesses until 30 September 2024. The project is funded by William Morris Big Local and is part of a wider initiative to raise awareness of the great independent business we have here in Walthamstow. For more information visit the link below.
 Are you planning a wedding this year and in need of some inspo? If so, then why not come along to the Waltham Forest Ceremonies wedding fair on Sunday 29 September.
You'll be treated to a free glass of bubbly and goodie bag upon arrival, before touring our wedding suites and meeting over 30 local vendors who will be exhibiting their services or goods to hundreds of guests. A great way to curate your special day!
Come and have a nosey around.
 Bargain £5 Monday tickets ae coming to Forest Cinemas!
Bookings are also open for Joker: Folie à Deux, premiering on Friday 4 October. This comes alongside an already packed programme including Beetlejuice, Deadpool & Wolverine, Despicable Me, Afraid and Alien: Romulus.
Give cancer a shake with coffee and cake
Walthamstow Central Baptist Church at 101 Orford Road, E17 is hosting a Macmillan Big Coffee Morning and Cake Sale on Saturday 28 September 2024 from 10.30am to 1pm.
Come and enjoy some delicious homemade cakes and homemade jams while supporting the fight against cancer.
NEET careers guidance
Our Participation Service are offering weekly one-to-one careers guidance appointments for 16 and 17-year-olds who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Personal appointments with a level 6 qualified careers adviser are available every Thursday at Leyton Library from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Sessions could include:
- One-to-one careers guidance to help you plan your next steps.
- Details on open days and vacancies.
- Support with applying to college and applying for jobs.
- How to search for an apprenticeship or jobs and writing a CV.
- Interview practice.
Those interested - including parents and carers - should email participationservice@walthamforest.gov.uk or telephone on 020 8496 1920 between 10.30am and 3pm on Wednesday to Friday.
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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