Winter Vaccination

As the colder months approach, so does the risk of respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Colder weather brings people indoors at work, at school, and on public transport. This makes it easier for flu and COVID-19 to spread. If you’re eligible, getting your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are the best way to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and the wider community. The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 96,000 to 120,200 people from being hospitalised in England last winter.

Read more about the flu vaccine, including who is eligible and how to get the vaccine here

Read more about the COVID vaccine, including who is eligible and how to get the vaccine here

Read more about the RSV vaccine, including who is eligible and how to get the vaccine here

Join Quit Well Newham this Stoptober

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps a person can take to improve their health, with health benefits starting almost immediately after stopping. It’s much easier to stop smoking when people get the right support. With Quit Well Newham, smokers are five times more likely to quit than if they were to try on their own. The free service offers 12 weeks of expert advice and support for smokers and smokeless tobacco users. Free vape starter kits are also available, as part of the Swap to Stop scheme, as well as nicotine replacement therapy like patches and gums.

Please share across your network to help people access the support they need and more information on support to quitting smoking here

Engaging Women & Girls in Newham Through Football

Community groups are being invited to get involved in a new initiative aimed at making football more accessible and inclusive for women and girls of all ages. 

Whether its playing or volunteering, for females of all ages, football can take many different forms. This project seeks to develop local opportunities for those who are not currently engaged in football.

Funding and support will be provided from the Essex Football Association to help deliver projects including including the following programmes: 

• Wildcats: For 5 – 11 year-old girls who want to have fun, make friends and play football 
• Squad Girls: For 12 – 14 year old girls who want to play their way and build confidence 
• Just Play: For 16+ Women who want to ‘Turn up and Play’ Casual Football
• Coaching, Volunteering & Refereeing 

If you would like more information, please contact Jake Fairman at Jake.Fairman2@essexfa.com or if you want to express your interest, please complete this form

Health Spot Newham

Health Spot is a free GP service for all young people aged 11–19 years, and up to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities. 

The service is based at both Stratford and Shipman Youth Zones and any young person aged 11 years and over can book an appointment (even if they aren’t already registered with a GP or live outside of Newham).

Read more here and please share across your network to help young people access the support they need!

Upcoming Social Welfare Alliance training

The Social Welfare Alliance offers free training for anyone who has regular conversations with residents who have a range of social welfare issues. The online sessions are delivered by expert tutors and cover topics, such as: mental health, immigration, employment, housing, safeguarding and domestic abuse.

Upcoming training includes: 

• Substance Misuse Awareness (Young People): Thursday 23 October, 10:00am-11:30am
• Domestic Abuse Awareness: Friday 14 November, 10:00am-1:00pm
• Housing and Homelessness: Friday 28 November, 10:00am-12:00pm

Please share across your network and view the full programme here

Celebrating Excellence in Infant Feeding Support at Newham Hospital

According to UNICEF, breastfeeding is one of the most powerful ways to support an infant’s health - providing complete nutrition, boosting immunity, and fostering emotional bonding between parent and baby. 

It’s a vital part of giving every child the best start in life. That's why we’re proud to share a fantastic milestone in the journey towards improving infant feeding support in Newham. Recent feedback for Maternity Services at Newham University Hospital has shown that 100% of respondents rated the infant feeding support they received as either “Good” or “Very good” (based on responses from 357 parents, July-October 2025 inclusive). This is a remarkable achievement and an endorsement of the quality, compassion, and expertise provided by the hospital's Infant Feeding Team and healthcare professionals.

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

Spotlight on China - President of Drug Free World Africa UK

China, a passionate community advocate, has lived in Newham for just over four years and has already made a strong impact. She focuses on preventing drug abuse and empowering young people to lead healthier, drug-free lives. 

Through education and outreach, she raises awareness about the dangers of substance use and supports informed, positive choices. A key achievement was the Steering Dynamic Drug-Free Youth, Stratford project, which won the People Powered Places Newham vote and led to a community driven campaign – building one-safe community. 

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

Read more here about the work China does.

The People Powered Places’ Big Vote is coming

The People Powered Places’ Big Vote is coming! The People Powered Places’ Big Vote is launching on 1 November and runs until 30 November. Be part of deciding how £200,000 is spent in your neighbourhood by voting for the 10 of your favourite projects that matter most to you! 

 Here’s how you can take part:

• Join your local Big Vote event taking place throughout November. Click here to find your local event. 
• Vote online on Newham CoCreate. This will be open from 1 November. 
• Visit your local library or community centre – staff can help you vote. 
• Join an outreach session – Visit your neighbourhood page to find out when these are. 

 Whether you're passionate about green spaces, youth activities, community events or something else – your vote makes a difference.