London Repair Week
As the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on household finances, we're always looking for new ways to help families save money wherever possible. We also believe that doing our bit for the environment - whether through renewable and efficient energy use or the promotion of active travel and environmental conservation efforts - should help to cut costs at the same time.
That's why our programme for this London Repair Week, between Monday 3 to Sunday 9 March, is about offering residents in Waltham Forest the chance to both save money and reduce unnecessary waste by giving their possessions a second life. Throughout the week and beyond, we're running a range of borough-wide events and initiatives to help make it easy for you to repair, reuse and save money.
On this Saturday 8 March alone, two walking tours will give residents behind-the-scenes access to repair and restoration specialists across the borough, and the free Dr Bike service will operate out of Ridgeway Park, E4 from 10am to 4pm. The ever popular Reuse and Repair Fair will also return to Waltham Forest this year on Saturday 10 May at Langthorne Park, Leytonstone.
Additionally, I'm pleased to announce the upcoming launch in April this year of a new Repair Voucher scheme giving you 50 per cent off electrical repairs in partnership with The Restart Project, ReLondon and fix1.today, powered by FixFirst.
We're determined to hit our target of being a zero-waste borough by 2030, and changing our approach to waste - from sprucing up old clothes, learning basic DIY skills and locating expert repairers in your area - can both tackle the climate crisis and put more money in your pocket.
This Sunday also marks the COVID-19 Day of Reflection, to remember those who passed during the pandemic. It’s a moment to remember the family, friends, neighbours and colleagues who we lost, a time to acknowledge that grief and support those who were bereaved, and an opportunity to reflect and remember.
We will not forget them.
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.
 This International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting key services across Waltham Forest that support women’s health.
There are certain health and wellbeing areas where women face disproportionate or poorer health outcomes. Through our work to create a healthier and more equal borough, and alongside many partner organisations, we want to support and empower women across our borough to take care of their health and make choices that best suit them.
 If you have an idea to positively contribute to your local community, then Community Chest Grants could be for you!
Any constituted voluntary, community, or recreational group working within Waltham Forest can bid for between £1,000 and £9,999 to deliver projects addressing things like: the cost of living emergency, mental wellbeing and loneliness or increasing community access to health services and health information.
Previous recipients of the grant include the Good Grief Café (pictured), Mile Rainbow CIC and Blossom.
 A UN Women UK survey conducted in January 2021 found that 71 per cent of women of all ages said they had experienced sexual harassment in a public space.
Would you know what to do if you witnessed someone being harassed while out and about? It can be difficult to know how to help in the moment, which is why we provide bystander intervention training to give you the resources to know how to safely intervene and help someone who is being targeted. 'Stand By Her', which is specifically about how to support women and girls who are being harassed, will take place on Monday 24 March, from 6pm to 8.30pm over Zoom.
 As part of the revitalisation of Walthamstow Town Centre, the former Granada Cinema building will be re-opening this year. We will be welcoming our new operators Soho Theatre Walthamstow, a local theatre with a national profile - bringing a packed programme of the biggest names in comedy, cabaret and live performances.
We are so pleased to announce that they are looking to recruit up to 100 staff members to join their team. There will be a mix of roles in audience experience and food and beverage teams ranging from full-time, part-time to flexible positions.
Soho Theatre is committed to London Living Wage. You must be over the age of 16 to join the team, and anyone selling alcohol is required to be over the age of 18.
Information and applications close on Monday 17 March at 12pm.
 It’s your last chance to apply to this year’s Community Walking and Cycling Fund!
The fund is for projects that will help get people in Waltham Forest walking, cycling, and socialising. Maybe it's a walk and talk project in the tranquil surroundings of the Walthamstow Wetlands, guided cycle rides that help people to discover more of their local area and gain confidence on their cycles, or lessons in looking after and making the most of your cycle - we'd love to hear your ideas.
The fund closes on Monday 10 March.
 University of Portsmouth (UoP) are hosting an Open Experience Day at their Walthamstow campus, Hoe Street, E17 9PP on Saturday 15 March from 11am to 1.30pm.
Get a hands-on look at the subject you're interested in, connect with academics, meet future classmates, and access all the information and support you need as you prepare for university life.
 This year’s Young Carers Action Day falls on Wednesday 12 March.
The theme of this year's day is ‘Give me a Break’ which aims to focus attention on giving rest and respite to young carers. We know how young carers have so much responsibility on their shoulders and how this can leave them with little time for themselves.
To talk to someone from the Young Carers Programme please email us directly at young.carers@walthamforest.gov.uk
 Join us on Saturday 15 March from 2pm to 4pm at All Saints Church, E4 9QZ for a one-stop hub of opportunities for young people.
The Highams Park Youth Fair is free and will give young people and parents the chance to discover youth clubs, activities, and services in Highams Park.
 Resident News is a newsletter that goes out to all council tenants and leaseholders across the borough.
If you'd like to keep up to date with all things housing, you can access a digital version via the link below.
William Morris Gallery upgrades
Essential environmental upgrades start at William Morris Gallery on Monday 10 March, thanks to funding from Arts Council England’s MEND fund. These are part of the Gallery’s 75th Anniversary Programme and will help to better protect the building and collection for years to come. To make this happen, the Gallery’s displays will be closed from Monday 10 March to Friday 4 April.
Deeney’s Café will remain open, with access via the rear entrance in Lloyd Park. Wheelchair and buggy access will available via the main entrance. The Gallery fully reopens on 5 April 2025 for the Morris Mania exhibition. Contact wmg.enquiries@walthamforest.gov.uk if you have any questions.
Looking toward fraud
Throughout the year, the council’s Corporate Anti-Fraud Team work with Housing Officers to prevent and detect housing fraud that occurs at the expense of taxpayers. Between 1 April 2024 to 3 March 2025, the council has:
- recovered 59 properties where there is an allegation of tenancy fraud
- served eviction notices to 11 properties
- refused 16 housing succession applications
- filed civil legal court action against 39 properties
- stopped eight right to buy applications valued at £1,091,200.
If you have a genuine suspicion that a council property is being used for fraudulent activity, please report it anonymously to our Fraud Team.
Found a job
Looking for work or new skills? Passport to Work is a free programme for unemployed Waltham Forest residents, offering one-to-one coaching, work experience and access to job opportunities in hospitality, retail, health, and the public sector. The Passport to Work programme can lead directly to employment or enable you to gain skills for future employment.
Join an information session at Queens Road Adult Learning Service on 17, 24, or 31 March from 10am to 12.30pm. Call 020 8496 2974 to book.
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.
|
