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I’m delighted to welcome you to the first Residents’ News of 2026. It’s shaping up to be a very busy year – there’s lots happening around Waltham Forest for everyone to enjoy together, learn from, and make new friends.
It’s incredibly important that young children have every chance to enjoy playing, being active, and learning new skills in an engaging way. Access to play helps improve a child’s cognitive, physical, mental, and social wellbeing. We are fortunate to have a lot of brilliant playgrounds across the borough, and the family hubs directory on the council website contains an extensive list of activities for young children and families such as the fantastic Lloyd Park Children’s Charity.
However, we know that access to play and open spaces is not equal. Some groups, including families in temporary accommodation, young carers, children and young people with SEND, and migrant families are not as able to enjoy play as others.
That’s why we’re starting the new year by unveiling our new Together We Play project, whereby we’re investing £50,000 to help local organisations create new inclusive play opportunities right across the borough.
Any constituted voluntary, community, or recreational group working within Waltham Forest can bid for up to £5,000 to deliver play projects that support one or more of the groups listed above. It’s a great opportunity for those who want to give something back.
The deadline to apply to be involved is Thursday 19 February. If you’re interested in being involved, please visit our website where you can read all the information about how to enter and access the terms and conditions. Life is better when we can all play together. We can’t wait to receive your applications and support these important initiatives!
As I’m sure you are aware, we are currently experiencing a cold snap. Although our gritting teams work hard to keep main routes, transport hubs, and town centres clear of ice or snow, it’s an extremely difficult task. Residents who are able to help spread grit in quieter areas such as back streets or cul-de-sacs can join our volunteer crew of Snow Angels. You’ll receive grit, protective gloves, and a shovel – find out more including advice on safe gritting on our website.
In the cold weather, it’s really important to keep a close eye out for the most vulnerable members of our community. Please check on elderly or less mobile neighbours or relatives – if you’re concerned about someone who may be sleeping rough, please use the StreetLink smartphone app to connect them with local support services.
Stay safe Waltham Forest!
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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 The Federation of Tamil Organisations of Waltham Forest invites you to celebrate Tamil Heritage Month in January, a time for the richness of Tamil culture to be shared, learnt and embraced with other communities in our borough.
A special flag will be hoisted by the Waltham Forest Tamil Sangam at William Morris Gallery to mark the official date of the Thai Pongal – the festival of thanksgiving and harvest, on Tuesday 14 January 2026 at 1:30pm.
Followed by a day of community celebration on Saturday 24 January 2026. All events are free and open to all.
Photo by Tavi Ionescu
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William Morris Gallery in January |
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 There's a range of great events coming up throughout the month at the William Morris Gallery.
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Mini Morris: Bunny Ears and Bunny Tales - Thursday 15 January, 10am or 11.30am
Inspired by Morris’s Brother Rabbit design and the Brer Rabbit stories he read to his daughters, we'll create our own bunny ears, sing songs and listen to tales about a clever rabbit who outsmarted more powerful enemies! Toddler-friendly crafting for ages 2-5.
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Family Day: Bauhaus Lanterns - Saturday 17 January, 1pm to 4pm
Make tealight lanterns inspired by the vibrant, abstract patterns and primary colours of the Collier Campbell 'Bauhaus' design, on display at Women in Print.
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An Introduction to Women in Print With the Curators - Tuesday 20 January, 11am
Learn more about the ideas behind the exhibition with this introduction to the show’s objects and themes. With the show's curators Rowan Bain and Róisín Inglesby.
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 If you have a real Christmas tree, we may be able to recycle it for you free of charge. Your tree must meet certain requirements that you can check on our website.
If eligible, please place it next to your brown bin ready for pick up on collection day. You can help our crews by making sure it is visible from the road. For those living in a communal property, you will need to book a collection via your My Account.
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 If you’re expecting or have little ones under five, the new Best Start in Life timetable is packed with free and affordable activities to help you make the most of this special time.
Sessions include baby massage, sensory play, rhyme time and play sessions for toddlers, all happening at Family Hubs, community spaces and libraries near you.
Pick up your free copy in Family Hub waiting rooms or in the children’s book section at your local library. You can also find a digital version of the timetable and link to the Best Start in Life event pages on our webpage.
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 We’re excited to be progressing proposals for Whipps Cross Corridor in 2026 following a public consultation.
The proposed upgrades will improve safety, encourage active travel, connect people to key locations like Whipps Cross Hospital and make the area a nicer place to travel through.
The decision follows thorough analysis of the feedback you gave us during the consultation period. Read about the feedback and how we’ve used it to shape the plans via the link below.
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Support for parents and carers |
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 Every family deserves support that makes life a little easier. If you live in Waltham Forest (or your children attend a school here), you can access a wide range of free programmes for parents and carers, designed to support you at every stage of your child’s development.
These sessions offer an opportunity to connect with others, share challenges, and gain practical tools to help with communication, behaviour, and family life. Some programmes are available online, while others take place in person. Download the January 2026 Parent and Carer Support Programme guide to explore all available sessions and book your place.
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Dash Dot Dance offers inclusive dance classes for disabled children and young people in Waltham Forest, part-funded by the council. Held fortnightly on Monday evenings at Queen's Road Family Hub, they host playful family dance sessions for children (ages five to 11) and creative contemporary dance classes for youths (ages 12 to 25).
Dash Dot Dance is the only provider of the IRIS syllabus in East London. New classes begin 12 January at a cost of £2.50 per session, free concession spaces available.
Email Artistic Director Vicki at hello@dashdotdance.com to register.
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 Sign up for FREE workshops taking place at William Morris Gallery on Saturdays from January to March 2026! Learn beautiful hand-stitching techniques with crafter Elizabeth Joseph and help to create a special Windrush Quilt celebrating the contributions of African and Caribbean communities in the UK, to be displayed at Waltham Forest Libraries in 2026. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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The UCAS deadline is fast approaching on 14 January. With only a few days left to submit your university applications, there is still time to secure a place at your local University, the University of Portsmouth London. They offer a wide range of undergraduate courses in computer science, business, marketing and accounting & finance. Waltham Forest residents are eligible for a £1,000 E17 Degree Discount.
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 Congratulations to everyone who got engaged over the festive period! If you’re beginning to plan your dream day, we’d love to welcome you to our free wedding fair next month.
You’ll get to meet our friendly and experienced registrars, view our wedding suites and talk with a fantastic selection of wedding vendors, including photographers, caterers and more, who can help tailor your wedding day to make it extra special.
Date: Sunday 1 February
Time: 11.30am to 3pm
Location: Waltham Forest Town Hall
Image credit: Alexandria Hall
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Important info about postal votes |
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Preparations are well underway for this year’s local elections that will take place in May. Our canvass team is out across the borough, visiting households to make sure that everyone entitled to be registered are included.
There are new requirements in relation to postal voting, and many of you who have previously voted by post will have received a letter advising you that you need to reapply. The letter details the new online application system, which will make it quicker and easier for many residents to reapply. You can also complete a paper form, which can be returned by post, hand delivered to libraries or the town hall or a photograph emailed to the electoral services team.
The council is able to accept applications from friends, family or neighbours where residents are unable to complete digitally.
If you have any queries about the process or would like a paper form, contact the team on 020 8496 3000 or at electoral.services@walthamforest.gov.uk.
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 Kick off 2026 with our biggest Space4All youth offer yet.
This year, we’re bringing you 28 free weekly sessions across Waltham Forest, plus a weekly drop-in employment and training session at Leytonstone Library. Activities are tailored for different age ranges, from junior sessions for eight to12 year-olds to programmes for young adults up to 25. These include sports, dance, skateboarding, creative workshops, music production, and VR gaming. Many venues also provide hot meals and snacks, making them the perfect place to hang out, get creative, and stay active.
Explore what’s on and plan your new year with the updated timetable on our Space4All webpage.
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Housing consultations - last chance |
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Are you a Waltham Forest Council tenant, leaseholder or shared owner? Then we’d love your feedback on the following consultations.
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Housing contractors – we’re renewing our Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) contract, the service that keeps your home safe and comfortable. Tell us what’s worked well, what could be better, and what should be included in the new contract.
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Rent setting policy – we’re reviewing our policy to make sure it’s fair, transparent and affordable. Find out how rent is calculated, how changes are reviewed, and how we keep things clear and fair.
Be quick, as both consultations close next week on Monday 12 January 2026. Thank you for sharing your feedback!
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Opportunities for residents |
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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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