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Hello everyone,
The weather was glorious towards the end of last week and over the weekend and I do hope you all managed to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Going outside and getting some fresh air always helps me feel more energetic and refreshed.
So, we all want our residents to have a good quality of life, but the reality of inequality means that not everyone has the same life opportunities. And what makes Mission Waltham Forest different is that you all have a role in developing and shaping how this will be delivered.
 One of our Missions is to ensure that every family and child has equal opportunities. Waltham Forest is home to families of all shapes and sizes, each contributing to the rich culture of our borough.
Unfortunately, not every child can fully fulfill their potential without support. Enter foster carers and social workers – the unsung heroes who make a difference.
Foster Care Fortnight (13 to 26 May), is our chance to celebrate and express our thanks to all of our foster carers and celebrate the amazing care they provide all year round for our most vulnerable children.
I also want to acknowledge the incredible work of our fostering service and their dedicated supervising social workers for the wonderful work they do to recruit, support, and guide our amazing foster carers. Together, they make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in care.
As a Council, we proudly stand as a fostering friendly employer. In addition to our great offer for all foster carers, we offer up to five extra days of leave at full pay per year to employees who are registered foster carers.
During Foster Care Fortnight there will be a virtual event, a Foster Walk around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and much more to help raise awareness and celebrate the invaluable work of foster carers in the borough.
Could you be the one to offer a loving home to a young person and #BeTheOne? Visit the website to learn more.
Let’s celebrate the moments that define fostering journeys, both big and small!
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Last Wednesday (8 May), thousands of guests gathered at Buckingham Palace for the King's Garden Party. Among them was two of our own, Charlene Young, Internal Communications Manager, and Lisa Shukla, Business Manager, Executive Support Office.
The pair were able to see something of the Palace and its beautiful grounds in the presence of the Royal Family including King Charles, Queen Camilla, Princess Anne and other senior royals – mingle with the other guests; and of course, enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.
They said:
It was such a special honour to be chosen to be invited representing Waltham Forest, and we were blessed with warmth and sunshine during the day – thank you to Linzi and Eddie.
We just had the best afternoon, full of excitement – one to be cherished.
If you see Lisa and Charlene in the Town Hall, be sure to ask them how their schmoozing with royalty went. A curtsy is optional.
 L to R: Lisa and Charlene, King Charles, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh and Anne, Princess Royal
Dee Tocqueville has dedicated an impressive 50 years of her life serving as a school crossing patrol officer in Waltham Forest. She’s about to hang up her iconic lollipop for good as she will soon be retiring. Her outstanding service has not gone unnoticed – she recently received an award in recognition of her long and unwavering commitment.
Newport Primary School in Leyton, where Dee currently works (and where she was once a pupil herself!), is planning a special assembly to honour her before her last day. Watch a touching tribute to her on Instagram.
The impact she has had on generations of children cannot be overstated, and I want to extend my gratitude to Dee for ensuring their safety over the years.
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Farewell to Marie Rider
We also bid a happy retirement to Marie Rider from our Waltham Forest Catering team this month. Marie had been a part of the team for over 35 years, and has left a lasting impact. I know a lot of colleagues and children will miss her presence. I would like to thank Marie for all her hard work and loyal service over the years, and wish her a long and fulfilling retirement.
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Anyone who knows me, knows that I like a sweet treat every now and then, so it's no surprise I was eager to get my teeth into the Leadership and Comms bake off.
We had a wide selection of bakes from lemon cookies to brownies. There was even a Linzi cake (thanks to Marnie Cotton for that creation). I can definitely see a resemblance. Who knew we had such incredible bakers in our midst!
 L to R: The Linzi cake. Alice Hodge, Emma Smith, Linzi Roberts-Egan, Eddie Townsend, Marnie Cotton and Aasiyah Mohammed
Proof was in the pudding and top baker voted by Eddie Townsend (aka Paul Hollywood) and I, went to Emma (aka Delia) Smith in Comms for her delectable lemon and blueberry loaf.
Alice Hodge secured second place with her chocolate brownies, while Aasiyah Mohammed took third place with her Hungarian tart.
We know who to come to if we need a sugar fix!
 Our Leadership and Comms master bakers with their tasty creations
Mental Health Awareness Week
We’re already halfway into the May Steps challenge, and I’m keeping pace with the competition. The half way leaderboard will be anounced in tomorrow's Your News, so keep your eyes peeled for that!
Whether you’re participating or not, prioritise your mental wellbeing during Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health.’ Find time for daily movement, whether it’s a walk, chair exercises, or some stretching .
We are committed to supporting mental health and during this week we have several events that support mental health and exercise. Do try and join them!
Remember, mental health is everyone’s concern. By embracing movement, supporting each other, and fostering kindness, we create a healthier, more resilient community. Thank you for being part of this important journey.
Have a good week.
Linzi
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