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Shining a light on our carers
I am pleased to see the CQC report’s recognition of our successful partnership building approach, our use of data to target provision effectively – and most importantly – how service users themselves feel included, independent and catered for.
But we are not complacent. The report also demonstrates further opportunities for improvement, including more robust training for staff and greater monitoring of residents placed outside the borough.
Ahead of next week’s Autumn Budget, we have been asking residents to join us in calling for the funding Waltham Forest needs. Our borough has received less money than neighbouring boroughs for many years now, with Waltham Forest’s public health budget, for example, less than half of Hackney’s despite our higher population.
While we are a well-run council and have managed our finances sustainably, we have made the case that our funding should reflect the degree of need in our community. With the support of residents, we have told ministers that we risk being left worse off by £9.5m per year under new plans, making it even harder for us to continue the essential services on which residents rely.
This needs to change, and we have benefitted from your amazing support to make our case. By signing our call to action, you can still be a part of our campaign and tell us exactly why Waltham Forest’s future funding, and our services, matter to you. Every signature helps.
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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 In response to the UK Government's proposed reforms to the asylum system, Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council, and fellow Co-Chair of the Waltham Forest Borough of Sanctuary, Averil Pooten-Watan, have published a joint statement.
"The recent announcement from the Home Office on proposed reforms to the asylum system has caused understandable concern for many in Waltham Forest. We recognise the significant pressures on the national asylum system and want to see a fair and effective system governing immigration. But we are deeply worried about the tone and direction of the proposals."
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Transgender Day of Remembrance |
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16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence |
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 Every year people all around the word mark the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which starts on Tuesday 25 November (UN Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls) and ends on Wednesday 10 December (Human Rights Day).
This is a time to celebrate survival, re-energise, reflect, and come together as individuals and communities to commit to working together to end violence and abuse. Please get involved by attending our incredible collection of workshops and training sessions.
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 Applications are now open for Make It Happen 2026,
With our Make It Happen 2026 grants programme we will be funding projects led by young people aged 18 to 25 in Waltham Forest. Whether you are a young person or an organisation working with young people, you can apply for up to £10,000 to deliver a creative or cultural project in the borough.
Head to our website to read through the guidance pack and sign up for one of the support sessions, including an online Information session the evening of Wednesday 26 November. The deadline for submissions is 6th January 2026 at 11pm.
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C-C-C-Cold weather advice |
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 It's been a cold week and although it should get slightly warmer, it's good to be prepared next time the temperatures drop! Our website has tons of tips and guidance for keeping yourself and others safe and well this winter, including how to keep your home warm, and financial support you may be eligible for.
When overnight temperatures drop below 0c, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated, which supports rough sleepers by getting them shelter. If you see someone sleeping rough, you can share a report with Streetlink.
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 Our local Library of Things is (LoT) making its thermal imaging cameras free to borrow throughout November and December, just in time for the coming cold snap. A thermal camera helps you isolate the spots in your home that are losing heat, meaning you can take action to insulate, stay warmer and save on energy bills. What’s more, borrowing one saves you more that £300 compared with buying new. If you’re new to the LoT, based in Leytonstone Library, there's a one-off £2.50 membership fee. After that, your thermal camera borrow is on us, just use code WINTERREADY15 at the checkout when booking the camera.
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 Better leisure centres across Waltham Forest are opening their doors for a Winter Open Weekend this Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 November.
There's tons of free activities for all ages, from swimming and mindfulness to cardio classes and family-friendly fitness. If you've been wanting to give a new activity a go, now's your chance! Each centre has its own schedule online, so check what’s on near you.
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 A huge thank you to everyone involved our seasonal and sustainable Reuse and Repair Fair at Big Creative Academy, Walthamstow on Saturday! It wrapped up a brilliant programme of events in 2025, designed to help fix and reuse their household items. Thanks to the efforts of local people, we welcomed 2,262 participants, prevented more than seven tonnes of waste from being chucked, and repaired more than 100 electrical household items and 211 bikes.
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Nursery rhymes just got serious… |
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 Last week we celebrated World Nursery Rhyme Week, with libraries and Family Hubs joining the fun. Watch as Cllr Gardiner, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, gets grilled by the toughest interviewer in town, testing her nursery rhyme knowledge. Will she shine like a Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, or will she fall like Humpty Dumpty?
Visit your local library and Family Hub for free and discounted Best Start in Life sessions for children under five.
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 Flu is currently circulating at higher levels than usual for this time of year. If you're eligible for the free flu vaccine, it's important you get it. It's there to protect you and others at higher risk of getting seriously ill and to reduce the spread. Flu is never fun, so get your jab to make this winter a little easier. You can check eligibility and book on the NHS booking service.
If you are not eligible to get a free flu vaccination, you may be able to pay for it at some pharmacies.
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 It’s currently National Road Safety Week (17 to 22 November) and we have extra Dr Bike roadshows and cycle maintenance sessions taking place across the borough to mark the occasion. Keeping your bike in good order is a great way to reduce the chances of accident and injury on the road and you can find a maintenance session via the link below.
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 Our festive winter programme is taking shape with a range of events across the borough for the whole family.
From Wednesday 24 December, Queen Elizabeth Park is launching its Winter Adventure - a new festive tradition that will bring the park to life with seasonal events, inviting visitors to explore its spaces in new ways while celebrating the spirit, creativity, and and vibrant communities of east London.
Find out more about what's going on in Waltham Forest via the link below.
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See you in (Priory) Court! |
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 We’ve hit a major milestone in the regeneration project for Priory Court Estate. Alongside our development partner, The Hill Group, we celebrated the completion of Block 3's highest point of construction – the first of three new infill sites.
This brings us closer to delivering 83 affordable homes and creating a neighbourhood designed for everyone. But it’s not just about housing, it’s about building community spaces for all. Families already enjoy the colourful new children’s play area, as well as the state-of-the-art Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) for football, basketball and cricket. There’s even a spectator zone, toilet, storage area and repurposed outdoor gym next door. The estate will also benefit from enhanced street lighting, the installation of increased CCTV, and landscaped communal spaces to make the area feel safer and more welcoming. Together, we’re building homes and creating opportunities for local people to thrive.
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Holiday Activity and Food Programme
This Winter, the Waltham Forest Holiday Activity Programme will be running free activities for school aged children who are in receipt of benefit related Free School Meals (FSM) from Saturday 20 December 2025 until Friday 2 January 2026. The programme provides children and young people free fun range of enrichment and sporting activities and enjoy a daily meal.
Bookings open on 24 November 2025 and is essential for all eligible children on all activities.
A Snug's game
Mental health charity and Pride of Waltham Forest award winners, The Snug, are hosting an open day at the Greenleaf Road Baptist Church Hall, E17 6QQ on Friday 28 November from midday to 3pm.
The afternoon will feature the premiere of an exclusive member video, engaging workshops led by our Mental Health Group Leads, and a vibrant exhibition of music and art.
You can donate to The Snug here.
Have your say on High Road Leytonstone
Do you have suggestions or questions about making High Road Leytonstone more sustainable, support businesses to thrive and create spaces for everyone to enjoy?
Complete the online survey and come speak with the project team in person, at:
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Drop-in event: Tuesday 18 November, Leytonstone Library, E11 1HG, 4.30pm to 7pm.
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Pop-up stall: Saturday 22 November, Jubilee Gardens, E11 3JW, 1pm to 3pm.
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Guided walk: Saturday 29 November, meeting at Leytonstone Library, E11 1HG, 11.30am to 1pm.
The consultation closes on Sunday 7 December 2025.
Find out more and complete the survey via the link below.
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Opportunities for residents |
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Do you have a physical activity story?
We’re looking for residents with inspiring stories about getting active! If you once thought exercise wasn’t for you but now enjoy it, we’d love to hear from you. Maybe you’ve rediscovered dancing through local salsa classes, found joy in walking badminton, or completed your first lap of the park in years. Whatever your achievement, big or small, share your journey and help motivate others to get moving. Plus an opportunity for one hour’s photography work, in exchange for a £50 shopping voucher.
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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