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Building inclusive economies
On Thursday 22 May I was joined by Waltham Forest councillors from across the borough to celebrate our proud record as a Borough of Sanctuary, a place where people seeking refuge from around the world are made welcome. I was proud to stand alongside my fellow councillors to reject bigotry and hatred.
 Last week, in partnership with my Borough of Sanctuary co-chair Averil Pooten-Watan, of St Barnabas Church, I sent a letter to the Home Secretary, urging Government to consistently stand up for our values in Waltham Forest.
Language matters, but backing up these words with actions is the most powerful lever we have at our disposal. The cost-of-living crisis has hit some communities harder than others. We are duty-bound to counter this by building accessible and sustainable neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive. This is a key part of our Misson Waltham Forest work around creating an inclusive economy where every family is given every opportunity.
This work includes the Town Centre Framework, an ambitious plan co-created with residents, businesses, and emergency and transport partners to foster future growth, development and investment opportunities in five key town centres across the borough.
The inclusive economy must provide support to those in most need. Our new framework will allow us to level the playing field. If you are struggling with energy bills and food costs, the cost-of-living page on our website provides savings tips and links to local free debt and financial advice.
We also have support options for those struggling to pay their Council Tax bill, as well as information on claiming free school meals if you are in receipt of Universal Benefit, Income Support or any number of other employment or tax-related benefits.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
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What's happening where you are |
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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.
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 We are celebrating World Bee Day by recognising the vital role that local pollinator species play in the borough’s ecosystem. Following the announcement of our 'call to action' for nature recovery launched last month, the council is pushing forward with wide-ranging measures to ensure green spaces and local neighbourhoods are managed in a way that allows biodiversity to recover and thrive in the future.
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All for one and Space4All |
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 Our Space4All programme offers safe, free spaces for young people to relax, have fun and meet friends. Some include dedicated homework clubs, while others offer sports and creative activities.
Most sessions are aimed at 11 to 25-year-olds, but there are also junior sessions for 9 to 12-year-olds.
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People’s Pavilion returns |
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 @ Luke O'Donovan
The People’s Pavilion is arriving at William Morris Gallery this summer. Co-designed and built by young people, the pavilion is going to be handed over to young people and community organisations to run events from 11 August to 20 September 2025.
Have you got an idea for a performance, workshop, film screening, art installation or something unexpected? We want to hear from you. Successful applicants will receive free support and a delivery budget. Apply by 8 June via the Beyond the Box website.
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 Last week, councillors Rosalind Doré, Clyde Loakes and Ahsan Khan joined artist duo Good Wives and Warriors for the official unveiling of their newest Leytonstone mural.
The mural sits on both sides of the footbridge across the A12, creating a decorative entrance for people as they go about their day. The site is already a grassy spot for weeds and wildflowers, and the mural has been carefully designed to organically ‘grow’ from this little patch of nature. At the centre of the mural is a stag beetle. These beetles are currently on the endangered species list, but Leytonstone, with its proximity to Epping Forest, is a hot spot for stag beetles, which lay their eggs in written oak wood.
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 Chocolate Mint, Lemon Balm and Sweet William are just a few of the herbs and edible flowers that have been planted in a new self-watering vertical garden, situated in the iconic red British phone box outside of William Morris Gallery.
Local artist Sean Rodrigo has transformed the disused telephone box into an innovative garden of hope that supplies a Waltham Forest food bank with healthy green produce.
The council-funded initiative will provide fresh and nutritious ingredients to residents and families in need of food donations, and harvests will begin from next month.
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 This Sunday, 25 May is our Try Out Cycling and Walking Day! Come along to Leyton Jubilee Park from 11am to 3pm, where we’ll have family-friendly activities, including smoothie and sprint bike games, a guided ride at 12 noon, and Dr Bike to give your cycle a free check up. Local bike shops The Cycle MOT and Mamachari will be there with a range of bikes for you to try out, including e-bikes, cargo bikes and kids’ bikes, and you can meet some of our fantastic local walking and cycling community groups.
No need to book, just drop in – though please note that the guided ride will be on a first come, first served basis, so do ensure you’re there in good time to take part.
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Changed your drinking habits? |
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 We're looking to speak to residents who have made changes to their drinking habits.
Have you recently made the active choice to reduce the amount you drink? Whether to support your mental wellbeing or physical health, to save money, or simply to break a habit, it's increasingly common for residents to consider their alcohol intake.
If this sounds like you and you're under 35 living in Waltham Forest, then we want to hear from you. We're not necessarily looking for people who have gone completely sober - just reduced their consumption or who replace some of their alcoholic drinks with low- or no-alcohol versions. Anyone chosen to be filmed in the campaign will get a £25 ChooseLocal shopping voucher.
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A spike in support for local nature |
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 The humble hedgehog. One of the most charismatic and recognisable creatures you might encounter in woods, parks and gardens - and sadly in serious decline in the UK. Waltham Forest has ambitions to be a place where hedgehogs can survive and thrive long into the future. Our declaration for nature recovery made last month commits to producing a Nature Recovery Plan to take steps towards this.
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X7eaven is a place on earth |
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 Leytonstone dance troupe X7eaven are staging a takeover Open Day at Sadler’s Wells East, Stratford on Saturday, 24th May. It will be a free, vibrant and inclusive family day of dance, celebrating creativity and community.
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 Every week at Leyton Sports Ground, explore K-Pop, Chinese and Japanese dance, gentle martial arts, mindfulness, and global styles like Hip Hop, contemporary, Bollywood, and urban dance at Mile Rainbow CIC's free East Asian Dance Class.
They take place on Saturday from 1.30 to 2.30 at 485 Leyton High Road, E10 6PY. No booking required.
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Your local pharmacist can help |
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 If you're feeling under the weather, your local pharmacist can help you in more ways than you might think. They are trained medical experts who can offer advice as well as medication without the need to book a GP appointment.
Many common illnesses, such as coughs or colds, can be easily treated by visiting your local pharmacy. Many are open late and at weekends, meaning you can get the treatment you need quicker.
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Meningitis Vaccination for Hajj & Umrah Pilgrims
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging travellers to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to get the MenACWY vaccine before they travel to protect against meningococcal disease, which can cause serious health issues. This is because of the ongoing outbreaks of meningitis (MenW) in KSA and the increased spread of infection linked to large gatherings of people. Symptoms may feel like flu at first but can quickly lead to serious illness. Teenagers are typically given this vaccine at age 13 or 14, but if you missed it, you can still get vaccinated for free up to age 25 – contact your GP for more information. Otherwise, you can obtain this vaccination privately through travel clinics or private health providers.
Find more information on recent MenW cases in KSA and the MenACWY vaccine
Pilgrims are also required to have received a flu and Covid-19 vaccination before they can perform Hajj.
All ability cycling club
All Ability Cycling Club half term sessions are back next week! These are free sessions where everyone is welcome to drop in and try out a range of cycles - including handcycles, tricycles, side-by-side cycles and much more. Those with physical, sensory or learning disabilities will be able to use a cycle that suits their needs, with the help of the friendly Bikeworks team. The sessions will all take place in Leyton Jubilee Park from 10am to 12 noon on Saturday 24 May, Tuesday 27 May, Thursday 29 May, and Saturday 31 May.
Reuse and repair
We’re saying a big ‘thank you’ to hundreds of local people who attended our first Reuse and Repair Fair of the year earlier this month in Langthorne Park, Leytonstone. You can get an idea of the workshops and activities which were on offer by watching this video, where Cllr Clyde Loakes MBE, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Air Quality meets a range local organisations there on the day.
Our next fair is on 6 July and you can see full details via the button below.
Those wedding bells
Our next Wedding Fair will be held at Fellowship Square on Sunday 14 September. If you’re a couple looking to get wed in Waltham Forest, you can reserve your places now via Eventbrite.
We’re currently on the lookout for vendors and traders to exhibit at this fair. If you’ve got a wedding-related business and you’re interested in attending, please get in touch with us by email on Ellie.murtagh@walthamforest.gov.uk
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Opportunities for residents |
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Join our resident panel
We’re looking for passionate, community-minded residents to help shape the future of our borough by joining our revamped residents panel. Members have a real say in council projects, policies and decisions, from quick surveys to in-depth focus groups and interviews for up to four hours every three months, starting with an introduction event in July. In return, you’ll receive a voucher for each set of activities you complete to thank you for your input and time. The deadline for applications is 20 June and you can apply by emailing the Council’s climate team here: Amber.DeRosa@walthamforest.gov.uk
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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