Safe and secure neighbourhoods
Earlier this week, I was invited to meet the Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson OBE alongside local Met Police to talk about how we're working to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB). We were joined by Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, MP for Leyton and Wanstead, Calvin Bailey, and CEO of charity Resolve ASB, Rebecca Bryant OBE.
We talked about our partnership work to keep the community safe, including SafetyNet and our Combatting Drugs Partnership that has achieved a 75 per cent reduction in drug-related ASB reports in Leyton and Grove Green. Cllr Limbajee shared some residents' recommendations from the recent Waltham Forest Citizens’ Assembly report, and we also visited the Leyton Custody Centre and toured local ASB hotspots.
Everybody has the right to feel safe in their home and community. As part of ASB Awareness Week, we're focusing on efforts to reduce poor public behaviour and ensure residents are living peacefully in secure and clean neighbourhoods. Remember, ASB - including intimidation, aggression & noise nuisance - can be reported online. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in danger, and use 101 to report non-emergency crime.
I'm sure you've noticed the temperature drop and the first few flakes of snow fall this week. Councils and charities all across London are taking extra measures to support homeless people. If you suspect someone is sleeping rough, contact StreetLink London online or call 0300 500 0914. Your report will connect local support services with the individual.
It’s also especially important to look out for people who are more vulnerable at this time of year so please check on elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours regularly. Stay safe Waltham Forest.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
 Cllrs Grace Williams & Khevyn Limbajee, Calvin Bailey MP, Rebecca Bryant OBE, Dame Diana Johnson and local police
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.
 Join us for the grand opening of The New Score Centre, 2 Coronation Square, Leyton E10 5UJ on Thursday 28 November from 1pm to 4pm.
Residents are welcome to come and tour the leisure centre, take part in free taster sessions such as social Pickleball and Body Conditioning, and even watch the London Pulse HUB programme showcase tournament. No booking required.
This weekend is the Better Leisure Centres Open Weekend, so you can try out the New Score Centre – and every other Better Leisure Centre in Waltham Forest – for free, from swimming to fitness classes. Claim your free pass and see what’s on.
 Applications are now open for our flagship Make It Happen grants programme for arts and culture projects in Waltham Forest. You will need to make your submission by 6 January 2025.
This year we will be supporting new projects that align with Creative Health. Read through the guidance pack for more information or join one of our tailored workshops designed to help you throughout the application process.
 If you’re struggling with your finances this winter, you may be able to get help via Local Welfare Assistance (LWA).This can include referrals to charities, food banks and other agencies, vouchers or financial assistance to help pay for essentials. We look at each claim on a case by case basis. Our dedicated cost of living website page guides you through all the support on offer in Waltham Forest.
 Plans for new Community Healthcare Spaces, combining GP services, screenings, tests and community services, are being developed by Waltham Forest health partners (the Council, the NHS and the voluntary and community sector).
Healthwatch Waltham Forest is running a survey to make sure local people help shape these plans – they would like to know how healthcare spaces can support you to stay as healthy as you can. Three lucky people, randomly chosen from those who complete the survey, will get prizes of £50, £100 and £150.
 Between April and November this year our Tenancy Officers and Corporate Anti-Fraud Team (CAFT) have recovered 37 properties from tenancy fraud, blocked ten illegal applications, pursued 43 properties in the courts and prevented five fraudulent Right-to-Buy applications.
Help us stamp out fraud for this International Fraud Awareness Week. Every unlawfully sub-let council property deprives a genuine Waltham Forest housing applicant of the chance of a home. If you have a genuine suspicion that a council property is being used for fraudulent activity, report it anonymously to our Fraud Team by calling 0300 003 1099 or emailing fraud@walthamforest.gov.uk.
 Don’t miss our next Reuse and Repair Fair on Saturday 30 November from 12pm to 4pm at Big Creative Academy in Walthamstow, E17. You can find new ways to reuse, repair, repurpose and upcycle your everyday items just in time for Christmas thanks to the local community organisations that will be there on hand to help.
 Join us for some magical events at The Hive this winter, perfect for bringing festive cheer to the whole family.
Saturday November 30 is Winter Craft and Create, a chance for children to use pinecones, leaves, twigs and acorns to make beautiful holiday decorations by the campfire.
On Saturday 14 December we have Hygge at The Hive including a family winter trail, natural decorations, food by the campfire and activities in the Lodge! Finally, Monday 23 December is Jolly Christmas Postman Woodland Storytime - a woodland adventure!
 Fostering fits into your life. If you can open your heart and your home, get in touch.
Visit localcommunityfostering.co.uk and complete a short enquiry form or join the Waltham Forest fostering information coffee drop in event at Lea Bridge Library Café, Lea Bridge Road, E10 7HU on Tuesday 26 November from 10.30am to 2pm.
 A range of festive events are taking place across the borough in the lead up to Christmas.
A magic Christmas lights switch on event will kick off Leytonstone’s festive events programme on Thursday 21 November from 4pm to 7pm at St John’s Churchyard. You’ll find Santa’s Grotto, bouncy castles, reindeer rodeo, mulled wine, a DJ and more at the town centre’s popular annual switch on event.
Walthamstow Library will host a Family Festive Fun Day on Wednesday 11 December. All drop-in activities from 3pm to 6pm are free, and include meeting Santa, arts and crafts, a magic show, a storytelling session, and games with prizes.
Wood Street Wonderland will take place in Troubridge Square, Wood Street on Friday 29 November from 4pm to 7.30pm, filled with Christmas cheer and activities for the whole family to enjoy.
 Image © Jenna Selby
International cuisine meets creativity at our upcoming festive fusion market at Lea Bridge Library, Saturday 7 December between 12pm and 4pm!
You’ll be able to taste sensational flavours, make your own crafts, and more. Ash Bibi, a local resident and star from popular television series 'The Traitors' will also be joining us. Ash is passionate about food and will be shopping and dining in Lea Bridge in the run up to the event, uncovering hidden stories behind the local businesses. No booking required.
 Around 1,000 water butts have been installed in neighbourhoods at risk from extreme rainfall as part of our successful Lower Floods campaign.
If you live in Chingford Mount, you can get a FREE water butt for your front or back garden, installed by Service Store - all part of our continued work to support local people to tackle the climate crisis in our borough.
 Many people in Waltham Forest are familiar with the work of William Morris, but did you know that many of his famous patterns were influenced by his admiration and study of art from the Islamic World? Come along to the gallery on Friday 29 November for an ‘Uncovering Similarities’ event with the co-curators of the Gallery’s current exhibition William Morris & Art from the Islamic Word, Rowan Bain and Qaisra Khan, with journalist and producer Navid Akhtar from 6pm to 9pm. Book your ticket with donation (pay what you can). Includes a curator-led tour of the exhibition.
Friends of Lloyd Park Festive Fayre
Join us on Sunday 15 December from 12pm to 5pm for an afternoon of seasonal entertainment with festive drinks and snacks and childrens’ craft activities. Friends Of Lloyd Park Stall will be selling mulled wine, hot apple (with/without rum), and hot chocolate. Entertainment will include Ukelele17, Natural Voice Choir, Sing27, La Touche Gospel Choir and much more.
Road Safety Week
It’s Road Safety Week this week, and there are schemes available to help keep everyone safe on the roads. Community Roadwatch gives anyone the opportunity to work side by side with their local police teams, and to help identify speeding vehicles in their communities.
TfL offers free online and face to face motorcycle and scooter training courses for those thinking about taking the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) and for newly qualified riders.
Finally, to help keep you safe on your cycle this winter, we have lots of Dr Bike dates coming up – bring your cycle along and the Dr Bike mechanics will check it over for free.
Council Tax Support Scheme consultation
Our consultation will close this Sunday 24 November around proposed changes to the Council Tax Support scheme. The proposals, which would come into effect from April 2025, aim to balance targeting support to those that need it most with introducing a more affordable scheme overall. Find more information on our website and give your views on the Council Tax Support consultation page.
Learning New Skills in Waltham Forest
Want to improve your job options or learn new skills? Taking an accredited course can help. Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service offers adult education and work-based training. Enrolment is open for January 2025, with courses in Childcare, Digital Skills, Accounting, Business and more. All are part-time and many are free or discounted by up to 70% based on eligibility.
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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