|
Holocaust Memorial Day
On Tuesday 27 February, Holocaust Memorial Day, we remembered the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution, and subsequent genocides across the world.
In light of increased tensions at home and around the world, it offers a warning from history about the dangers of division and a stark reminder of what can happen when we lose sight of our common humanity. It is a reminder of the responsibility we all have to make sure such horrors are not repeated.
Waltham Forest Council will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day next week with the Association of Jewish Refugees. In keeping with this year’s theme of ‘Bridging the Generations’, young people from across the borough will hear from Eva Clarke, a Holocaust survivor, in the spirit of passing down the lessons of the past to the next generation.
We will do everything in our power to tackle antisemitism, unite our community and show there is no place for hate in Waltham Forest.
At this time of reflection, it is fitting to be reminded of the rich heritage and diversity that exists here in Waltham Forest. Last Saturday, 24 January, I attended a traditional harvest celebration with Waltham Forest Tamil Sangam as part of Tamil Heritage Month commemorations in the borough.
There, members of the community gathered to cook and share the sweet rice dish, Pongal, symbolising prosperity and unity. William Morris Gallery was also decorated for the occasion and hosted activities for children throughout the day.
Thank you to everyone working to bring our community together.
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
 Cllr Grace Williams with members of Waltham Forest Tamil Sangam
|
|
What's happening where you are |
|
|
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.
|
|
 Listening to the views of residents is important to every aspect of the council’s work.
As the Leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Grace Williams holds surgeries, creating a space for residents to speak to her directly about the issues that are important to you and the changes you want to see locally.
Whether you want to discuss local services or the council’s long-term strategy – no question is too big or too small.
Surgeries will take place in Waltham Forest Town Hall, Fellowship Square, E17 4JF. The next scheduled surgery is on Tuesday 24 February, from 11am to 12pm.
Please note, Leader’s Surgeries are strictly by appointment only.
To book your appointment, please email leader@walthamforest.gov.uk and provide your personal details, contact phone number and your Waltham Forest postcode. We are only able to give appointments to people who live or work in the borough.
Unfortunately, we will not be able to offer any appointments if you haven't received a confirmation of booking. The Leader and Cabinet Members will be holding regular surgeries over the coming months. For information on upcoming dates please email leader@walthamforest.gov.uk.
|
|
Let's be friends (of Lloyd Park) |
|
 Would you like to help support the maintenance and development of Walthamstow’s most beloved green space?
The Friends of Lloyd Park Annual General meeting (AGM) is your opportunity to find out more about Friends of Lloyd Park and join or help us select a new board/committee.
Please come and join us to find out more and share your ideas.
|
|
 that it is to lower the threshold for a home-screening kit to trigger urgent cancer testing from next month. This means they'll be checking thousands more people identified with even smaller traces of blood in their poo. The NHS estimates the change could help detect around 600 more bowel cancers early each year in England – around an 11% increase – and find 2,000 more people with high-risk polyps in their bowel, allowing patients to have preventative surgery before any cancers develop.
The home-testing kit is quick and easy to use, and is offered to everyone over the age of 50, every two years.
|
|
 Are you the person who always fixes the TV, or helps the family with their tech problems? Are you passionate about live events and wonder how it all works behind the scenes? Then the Future Technicians Programme is for you.
We're excited to offer 16 training opportunities and subsequent week long paid placements to Waltham Forest residents aged 18 to 30. You'll learn backstage skills including rigging lights for live shows, how to operate a sound and lighting desk and the basics of looking after a professional working stage. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 4 February 2026.
|
|
 Only a few days to go until our Wedding Fair on Sunday 1 February. We’ll be joined by amazing local vendors, ready to bring your dream wedding to life. Whether you're looking for clothing options, bakers, performers, or just want to nosy round our historical town hall, you’re welcome to join us. You’ll also get a free glass of bubbly and a goodie bag on arrival.
|
|
Rollin' 'n' strollin' fund |
|
 The council’s Community Walking and Cycling Fund is once again welcoming applications from community and volunteer organisations. Now in its eighth year, the fund provides up to £2,500 each to projects which help people to get active, meet new people, access sustainable transport, and help residents be more active. You can read the full list of the nine groups who successfully received funding last year and apply yourself via the link below.
|
|
Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week |
|
 From 2 to 8 February, we're supporting Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of sex-related crimes. Any sexual activity that happened without mutual consent is sexual violence. It does not always include physical violence, or leave injuries, and might involve manipulation, coercion, or alcohol and drugs. The perpetrator is often known to the victim and could be a partner, spouse, friend or family member.
If you have experienced any form of sexual violence, it was never your fault, no matter your relationship to the perpetrator, how much you had been drinking, or what drugs you had taken. Anyone of any gender or age can be a victim of sexual violence. Below is a list of local, national, and specialist services who can offer free and non-judgemental support.
- Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line - 0808 500 2222
- East London Rape Crisis - 0800 160 1036
- GALOP (for LGBTQ+ people) - 0800 999 5428
- Survivors UK (for male and non-binary people) - 0808 801 0332
You can also reach out confidentially to our specialist council team by emailing
|
|
X7eaven is a place on earth |
|
 Leyton-based performing arts school X7eaven presents Spoken Minds, a youth-driven and creative arts programme that connects Black boys and young men (ten to 25 years-old) with wellbeing support through culture, creativity, and peer voice.
The project will take place over the February half-term from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February and is fully funded by Waltham Forest Council.
|
|
 Chingford's E4 Chess Club takes place every Sunday from 5pm to 9.30pm at Friday Hall, 56 Friday Hill East, Chingford, London, E4 6JT.
It is a fun community club for people of all ages and abilities.
|
|
Opportunities for residents |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
