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Hello Everyone,
It has been another incredibly fast-paced week here in Newham. I’ve been out and about across our great borough, speaking with residents, celebrating our local heroes, and furthering our radical ambition to deliver a greener, fairer, and more just future for us all. As we approach the National COVID-19 Day of Reflection on Sunday 8th March, I had the honour of joining residents, community leaders, and frontline workers at our COVID-19 Memorial Garden in Plaistow Park this morning. Newham was among the hardest-hit areas in the country during the first wave, and many of our families continue to live with the lasting impact of that loss. We paid tribute to the NHS staff, council teams, and the incredible faith and voluntary sectors who stepped forward in our darkest moments. As your Mayor, I reaffirmed our commitment to honour those we lost not just through remembrance, but through action, by relentlessly tackling the health inequalities that the pandemic so starkly exposed. You can read what I said this morning, in honour and tribute of Newham and its people during Covid-19 here. Earlier this week, I was so proud to host our annual Newham Civic Awards at the Old Stratford Town Hall. Established in 2022 as a legacy of the solidarity we saw during the pandemic, these awards shine a light on the "unsung heroes" who embody our commitment to "building a fairer Newham." From the world-class dynamism of Newham based creative performers, to the quiet, tireless dedication of our volunteers, the Newham Civic Awards ceremony showed the very best of Newham on display. The evening featured world-class performances from the Deborah Day Theatre School Trust, East London Youth Dance Company and IMD Legion, showcasing the young talent that makes Newham a cultural powerhouse. Alongside commending the lifelong environmental stewardship of Leonard Pringle, the selfless service of Nicole Camille Morris, and the advocacy of young leader Manav Mehta, the award winners showcased the dedicated action taken every day by the borough’s local heroes.
From the volunteers at our Warm Havens to the young leaders championing inclusion, the evening was a powerful testament to Newham’s spirit. You can view the full list of award winners here. We also took a moment to honour the lasting contributions of those we have lost but who served us so faithfully, including the late Luljeta Nuzi founder of the Shpresa Programme and former Councillor Neil Wilson. Their legacy reminds us that Newham’s greatest strength is, and always will be, its people. It has also been a massive week for our Inclusive Economy agenda. We are proving that climate leadership and economic growth go hand-in-hand: - UK’s First Circular Construction Hub: I welcomed Deputy Mayor Mete Coban to the Royal Docks to launch this ground-breaking project. By reusing materials and pioneering low-carbon building, we are positioning Newham at the forefront of the green transition while creating high-quality "green" jobs for local people.
- Digital Capital: On Tuesday, I joined leaders at a roundtable to discuss Newham’s role as London’s largest data-centre borough. We are exploring how this digital infrastructure can power heat networks for local homes and create new skills pathways for our residents.
- Sustainable Cities Festival: On Wednesday, at UEL, I spoke about how growth must do more than just change our skyline - it must change lives. Through our Just Transition Climate Action Plan, we are bridging the gap between global investment and local opportunity.
Through our Building a Fairer Newham plan and our Just Transition Climate Action Plan, we are not only building a greener borough, we are building a future that works for everyone. This Sunday, 8th March, also marks International Women’s Day. In Newham, we don’t just celebrate women once a year; we work every day to dismantle the barriers that hold women and girls back. Whether it’s through our work on gender-based violence, supporting women-led businesses in our inclusive economy, or ensuring our streets are safer, we are committed to equity. To all the phenomenal women of Newham, our mothers, sisters, workers, and activists - thank you for everything you do to make this borough thrive. We have a big celebration on Friday 13th March where we'll be amplifying the importance of 'Give to Gain' for girls and women, so please come and be part of marking the phenomenal power of women with me! In the meantime, to all the girls and ladies reading this: Happy International Women's Day! Stay strong, powerful and remember - nothing can hold us back, and we are unstoppable. Until next week, please stay well, and look out for one another.
Best Wishes, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Mayor of Newham Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter/Insta: @rokhsanafiaz |
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A night for Newham’s stars to be honoured
Newham’s annual Civic Awards brought together residents at Old Stratford Town Hall to celebrate outstanding individuals, groups, and organisations whose dedication strengthens community life across the borough.
The event continues a tradition of recognising people who give their time, energy, and care to support neighbours and create opportunities for others.
Since launching in 2022, the awards have received hundreds of nominations showcasing Newham’s spirit of kindness, resilience, and creativity.
Seven shortlisted winners were honoured for their exceptional contributions, including volunteering, youth inclusion, creative community programmes, environmental action, and vital support services that help residents facing hardship.
Each story highlighted the commitment of people working quietly yet powerfully to improve the borough and strengthen connections among its diverse communities.
Read more about the Civic Awards event and the winners > |
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| Two affordable projects in bid for top architect prize
Two Affordable Homes for Newham schemes have been shortlisted for the 2026 Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) London Awards.
They are:
Noele Gordon House: The Council’s first 100% affordable Later Living scheme, delivering 75 council homes for over-55s in East Ham, designed around independence, wellbeing and community - with shared spaces, a rooftop terrace and an NHS health centre.
Plashet Road: Newham’s first Passivhaus development, delivering 65 genuinely affordable homes in Plaistow, including family-sized and wheelchair-accessible homes, built to be warmer, greener and cheaper to run.
The Council has already delivered around 855 genuinely affordable homes and is on track to reach 1,000 new council homes by early 2027 - providing high-quality, energy-efficient homes residents can afford.
Read more about the housing schemes > |
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Our service booklet is due to land on your doormat
Alongside your annual Council Tax bill, you can also expect to receive your service booklet over the coming days, showcasing key information that matters to you.
We’ve put the spotlight on essential waste and recycling details, so we can all work together to make our borough as clean as possible and one we are proud to call home.
You will also find useful information about fostering and how to set up your Council Tax payments via direct debit.
Your envelope will also feature an insert from the Mayor who covers the importance of transformation, sustainability and financial security, in line with our Budget (2026/27), which was recently approved.
There’s plenty of reading material for you to get through.
Read an online version of the service booklet on our website > |
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| Refresh, Reuse, Repair... for free
Do you have small household electrical items that need fixing?
Would you like to get old worn clothes repaired?
Does your bike need a once over?
The Stratford Repair Café, led by the East London Waste Authority, will be able to support you with all of that and more on Saturday March 14 – and all for free.
From 12pm - 3pm, Restarters will also be offering a pop-up recycle point for your unwanted small electrical items or cables.
There will be plenty more on offer and there’s no need to book, simply turn up and help yourself to free refreshments.
Find out what else you can expect at the free Repair Cafe > |
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Supporting Women’s Health and Wellbeing in Newham
Across Newham, our leisure centres are committed to creating safe, inclusive and empowering spaces where women and girls can prioritise their physical and mental wellbeing.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience and achievements of women in our borough, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that sport and physical activity are accessible to all.
For more information about women’s activities, timetables and memberships, visit your local Better leisure centre or speak to a member of the friendly team.
Read more about fitness activities in Newham for women > |
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| International Women's Day: Give to Gain - Inspiring women
Join us for International Women’s Day: Give to Gain on Friday March 13, 5.30 - 7.30pm at East Ham Library.
Celebrate the contributions of women in Newham and explore this year’s theme highlighting generosity and shared support.
Hear inspiring talks from: - Athena Bashar (Modest Moves) – sharing her leadership journey and how she empowers women through physical and mental wellbeing.
- Veronica Revuelta – an independent curator, critic, and artist committed to accessible, inclusive art and cultural experiences.
- Fatima Said (Hanouna) – a recent Trailblazers participant discussing her experience launching a business in Newham.
And you can take part in the Paint Your Pledge workshop with artist Momtaz Begum-Hossain.
Dates, water, and a light dinner will be provided for those observing Ramadan.
Book your free place at the International Women's Day event on Eventbrite now > |
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Our Newham: Empowering residents and businesses with confidential advice and support
Our Newham is the council’s service exclusively for Newham residents supporting you across five programmes: Money, Work, Business & Enterprise, Learning & Skills and Youth.
From helping residents maximise their income and kickstarting career journeys to supporting local businesses and start-ups, find out how Our Newham can help give you the boost you need at: www.newham.gov.uk/ournewham or come and visit us at 112-118 The Grove, E15 1NS
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Copyright © 2026 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
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Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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