Welcome to our 50 steps newsletter for July and August 2025  

As we embrace the summer season, this edition shines a spotlight on the work of Newham Council’s Leisure and Sports team and its partners in championing an active borough. 

With activities taking place across our leisure centres and a selection of parks, from family fun swims to multi-sports in parks to soft play, there are plenty of options to keep kids and families busy and healthy during the holidays right on your doorstep.

We also encourage you to read and share our top health tips for residents and professionals this summer, on our Summer wellness page. 

Wishing you a happy, active and fun-filled Summer! 

Best wishes, 

Carly Clarke

Have you heard of the BetterPoints Newham challenge? 

Newham Council has partnered with BetterPoints to deliver the BetterPoints Newham Challenge, an app-based programme and dedicated website, aimed at encouraging users to walk, wheel, cycle, run or play tennis, in order to improve their health and wellbeing. 

By simply downloading the BetterPoints app we can all contribute to a positive change. 

Please share across your network and read on how residents can participate here

Newham physical activity map

The Newham Physical Activity Map provides residents with an easy way to find local facilities and activities on offer across the borough to get and keep them active.

There is something for everyone! 

Please share across your network and view the map here

Equipment lockers

Newham residents can enjoy free sports equipment across Newham’s parks this summer. 

For residents who fancy a game of football, basketball or table tennis but don’t have their own equipment, thanks to a partnership with London Sport and Equip, we have fifteen free equipment lockers located across our parks. 

Read more here and kindly share across your network

GLL summer programme

Better has a range of activities on offer to keep children entertained and active over the summer. From Family Fun Swims and Soft Play, to Junior Gym sessions and sports activities across Newham parks.

Please share across your network and find more information here

Summer holiday tennis camps in Newham!

This summer, children aged 5-15 can take part in a fun and engaging Tennis Camp at Stratford Park or Gooseley Playing.

These fun-filled sessions are perfect for beginners and young players to learn tennis skills, stay active, and make new friends. 

Please share across your network and find more information here

Activate with Joe Wicks

This summer, Joe Wicks has released a new animated physical activity series, Activate, which aims to get children moving and having fun. 

Activate is made up of short, five-minute episodes, each offering a burst of movement and energy. Parents and teachers can easily integrate these short exercises into their day at home, school or summer activity clubs. 

Physical activity is essential for growing bodies and minds. But over half (53%) of UK children are not meeting daily activity guidelines. Activate aims to make fitness fun and spark a love of movement in children, by bringing together bright and energetic new characters, alongside well-known upbeat music from exclusive music partner Universal Music UK. 

Read more here and kindly share across your network

Nutrition support for Newham families

The Early Start Nutrition Team delivers FREE online nutrition support to Newham families, including webinars and online course. 

Toddler Meals and Snacks webinar will be hosted 26th August providing families with information, tips and recipe ideas, plus a chance to ask questions.

• Toddler Meals and Snacks webinar will cover meal planning advice, what foods to offer, creating a positive mealtime environment and many more. 

Please share across your networks and read more here

How our Family Hubs are supporting Newham families

Newham Family Hubs is celebrating its 4th anniversary! With thousands of sessions delivered and around 3,500 local residents registered, the team is dedicated to giving every child in Newham the best start in life. 

The Newham Family Hubs team is launching the "Newham Family Hubs: Start for Life" Impact Report, created in partnership with the Parent and Caregiver Panel. They have also produced a short video to showcase their achievements.

Please share across your networks, read the report and watch the video here

World Breastfeeding Week

Newham Council supports World Breastfeeding Week: Friday 1 to Thursday 7 August. This is a global campaign celebrating the benefits of breastfeeding for both babies and parents.

This year’s theme, “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents”, highlights the importance of workplace support for those returning after parental leave.

Read more here on the support available and please share across your network to help parents access the support they need!

Newham Healthy Schools celebration event

On Wednesday, 25th June, the London Borough of Newham proudly hosted the annual Newham Healthy Schools Celebration Event bringing together over 65 attendees from across the borough including  Healthy School Leads, PSHE and Wellbeing Leads, Designated Safeguarding Leads and many more professionals. 

The theme, "Belonging in Newham," celebrated the inspiring work taking place across our school communities to promote health, inclusion, and wellbeing for all.

Event highlights included the presentation of 27 Healthy Schools Awards, inspiring presentations from Keir Hardie and Sandringham Primary Schools, a guest speech by Professor Roberto Filippi on multilingualism and inequalities and many more 

Read more here to learn more about the Newham Healthy Schools Programme

Well Newham Health Day 2025

On Saturday, 12th July, the Public Health team joined forces with the World Council of Hindus UK (Newham branch) to deliver a Well Newham Health Event. 

Over 30 health and wellbeing services took part, reaching around 400 residents from across the borough. The day featured a wide range of activities, including free health checks, financial advice, health talks on topics such as bowel cancer screening and heart health, a healthy cooking demonstration from Nutrition Kitchen, and much more.

The event was a huge success, and Public Health Newham looks forward to delivering more initiatives in collaboration with community partners.

Read more here about the event and for more information on health and wellbeing support visit the Well Newham website here

Celebrating Sarifa

We're thrilled to share that Sarifa, one of Newham's  incredible volunteers and tireless advocates, recently had the honour of meeting the King and Queen! This special recognition celebrates her outstanding contributions to cancer research. Sarifa's dedication and passion continues to inspire us all. 

Congratulations, Sarifa!

Spotlight on Marcus - Founder CEO, A Mother’s Space

Marcus has been a Newham resident for 15 years and founded A Mother’s Space to support vulnerable mothers. With a background as a building surveyor and six years of fostering experience, Marcus saw first-hand the struggles mothers face and was inspired to create a space for practical and emotional support. 

His charity provides accessible community-based services such as sound bath sessions, play therapy, cooking classes, baby sensory activities, and mental health support. Marcus collaborates with local organisations like NHS Newham, Sister Circle, Carpenters Estate and others to expand his reach. Currently self-funded, Marcus is actively seeking funding to grow his services and hopes to establish A Mother’s Space as a vital community resource for struggling mothers.

We thank him for all the fantastic work he does and for being a 50 Steps partner! 

Spotlight on Andrée Massiah - Co-chair, Ageing Well Resident Advisory Group

Born and raised in Newham, Andrée has spent her life deeply rooted in the borough, currently living in Manor Park. A passionate advocate for her community, she has consistently played an active role in resident-led forums and local projects, motivated by a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of those around her. 

Andrée ensures older residents have a voice in shaping services. She also acts as a community connector, particularly for older neighbours without digital access, keeping them informed about local services, health updates, and council news.

We thank her for all the fantastic work she does and for being a 50 Steps partner! 

Read more here about the work Andrée does