|
This month we are starting 'Stories of Sanctuary'. These stories are direct from those seeking asylum in our Borough of Sanctuary, as well as the wider community supporting them.
In this first edition, MK uses his own words to share his story of arriving in Waltham Forest.
Stories of Sanctuary: MK's journey
"All I had with me was my bag, as you can see in the photo... [I had] dried fruits of peace that my late grandmother gave me long before the tragic incident. My grandmother used to tell me that “Whatever the difficulties in life, chew them and the sweet taste of this fruit should be the same as the taste in your daily life"."
MK
MK's journey included meeting the council’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) team and becoming a Board member for I Speak Football, which supports displaced young people in learning English through football.
Update from Ben and Silvia in the SPOC team:
"It has been a busy start to the Academic year for the SPOC team. We have supported 179 students with accessing ESOL as well as adult education classes between August and October at different colleges in Newham and Waltham Forest."
The SPOC service supports refugees and migrants with accessing education, employment and training opportunities. They have provided drop-in services at contingency hotels, hostels and libraries within the borough.
Contact the SPOC Advice Service for Migrants:
Community Participation Network Meeting
Come to this regular meeting to network, share ideas and develop partnerships with colleagues and volunteers from other VCS organisations across the borough.
At the last meeting before the Christmas break, there will be updates about:
-
The set up of 'Waltham Forest CVS' from the Community Voice Transition Board.
-
Supporting residents to apply for Pension Credit.
-
The North London Community Fund.
All served with hot drinks, mince pies and followed by lots of networking,
- In-person from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday 28 November 2024 at Harmony Hall, 10 Truro Road, London E17 7BY.
Free community tours at the William Morris Gallery – ‘William Morris & Art from the Islamic World’
 William Morris Gallery (WMG) is inviting VCS groups for free curator-led tours of its latest exhibition, William Morris & Art from the Islamic World. This is the first exhibition to explore the influence of art from the Islamic world on William Morris, one of Britain’s most important nineteenth century designers and thinkers. Curated by Rowan Bain, principal curator WMG, and Qaisra M. Khan, Curator of Islamic Art.
- 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.
Can you make use of a shipping container?
A business working with the council have kindly offered a free shipping container to an organisation that supports Waltham Forest residents. There is 1 empty shipping container available measuring 8 foot x 20 foot, similar to the one in the photo. It will be delivered locally for free, but the organisation needs a location to store it.
Deadline: Sunday 17 November.
|
The North London Community Fund
 Launching in November: The North London Community Fund from North London Waste Authority.
The Fund started in 2017 and has since awarded 59 community organisations with grants to carry out waste prevention activities in north London.
Application timeline:
- Applications open: Monday 4 November 2024.
- Deadline: Wednesday 18 December 2024.
Attend an online Meet the Funder Q&A webinar to hear more from the team:
Register for a Waltham Forest VCS Funding Portal demonstration.
How to Make the Best of Community Assets with Locality
This session led by Locality focusing on building management and utilisation will include:
- Financial planning.
- Developing business strategies.
- Facilities management.
- Identifying Unique Selling Points (USPs).
- Governance.
5.30pm to 7.30pm, on Tuesday 5 November, Online.
Launch of the The Making Every Contact Count (MECC) e-learning module
MECC is about using the power of short conversations to help residents stay well, access the support they need and cope better.
This 30 to 40 minutes e-learning training will teach attendees the MECC approach and help to play a role in this important initiative to prevent ill health and promote wellbeing.
- Suitable for staff and volunteers in Waltham Forest VCS organisations.
|
North London Community Online Workshops
The North London Waste Authority and Acciona have developed a series of capacity building workshops for VCS organisations. Attendees will have the opportunity to follow up training events with 1-2-1 support.
Topics include:
- Social media marketing.
- Project finance and fund-raising.
- Organisational strategy.
Dates vary.
|
East London Business Alliance Sessions
|
No Space for Hate bystander intervention training
Stand by Me and Stand by Her online and in-person training from 6pm to 8.30pm to empower individuals and communities to support and show solidarity to those affected by hate and hostility.
- Several dates available, click below to book.
Council Tax Support Scheme consultation now open
The council is asking for views from residents on proposed changes to the Council Tax Support scheme from April 2025, which aims to balance targeting support to those that need it most with introducing a more affordable scheme overall, in the context of difficult financial challenges the Council is facing.
The proposal is for an income-banded scheme which provides up to a maximum of 85% support to people who fall into defined financially vulnerable groups.
For other eligible working-age residents, support would be given up to a maximum of 57%. All support given depends on residents’ level and type of income, their household composition and their level of capital.
Healthwatch Waltham Forest survey
Waltham Forest Council, the NHS and VCS partners are working together to develop community healthcare spaces where GP services, screenings, tests and community services can all be provided in one place.
Healthwatch Waltham Forest is running a survey to make sure local people can help shape these plans. They would like to know how healthcare spaces can support your communities to stay as healthy as possible.
Respondents could be in with the chance to win prizes up to £150.
Immigration documents eVisa changes
The UK Government is replacing physical immigration documents with digital proof of immigration status called an eVisa to demonstrate proof of right to study, work, rent, access public services and claim benefits.
All non-EU migrants with permission to live in the UK for at least six months must change their Biometric Resident Permits (BRPs) or similar physical permits before end of December 2024.
If you think anyone in your network might benefit from this information, please make sure to pass this on, as well as the link to the Government’s website to find out more.
Affected or concerned residents can also visit a Community Drop In for assistance. Community Drop In events take place across the borough from Tuesday to Friday.
Office space sought
Waltham Forest Migrant Action are looking to hire accessible office space where they can work, set up desks and office equipment, store records and interview and meet clients privately. Please contact Clive with offers or suggestions.
Free support for older residents with their devices
The council are working with AbilityNet to provide free tablet and smartphone classes in Walthamstow and Chingford (attendees must bring their own device).
Walthamstow, Priory Court Community Centre, 11 Priory Court, E17 5NB, 11am to 12:30pm.
- Friday 1 November – Staying safer online.
- Friday 8 November – Solving problems.
Chingford, Friday Hill TMO, 19 Chingdale Road, E4 6HZ, 11am to 12:30pm.
- Tuesday 12 November - Getting to know your tablet or smartphone.
- Tuesday 19 November - Staying safer online.
- Tuesday 26 November - Solving problems.
Find more support with getting online and using your device across the borough with our directory, or through your local library.
|
Winter Fuel Payment/ Pension Credit Drop In
The council have scheduled weekly drop-ins focused on Pension Credit.
Residents may be entitled to receive Pension Credit if they are over the State Pension age and on a lower income. It's important for eligible residents claim it as soon as they are able (from four months before you reach State Pension age), as payments can only be backdated by a maximum of three months.
- 1pm to 3pm, every Monday until Monday 16 December, in Walthamstow Library, High Street, London E17 7JN.
VCS events for residents
Have you seen the Online Digital Noticeboard? It's a space for you to advertise your events and activities so staff and volunteers from other VCS organisations know about the work you deliver for residents.
|
