People Powered Places: Local Projects Announced

We’re delighted to announce that over 130 resident-led projects across Newham have been awarded People Powered Places funding in the 2025-2027 cycle. 

This year, over 11,000 residents voted to decide which ideas should become reality in their communities. Voting took place online, in libraries and at Big Vote events attended by more than 2,000 people. 

Projects that received the most votes, have received funding to deliver their projects to your communities. 

We are happy to share that the projects reflect what matters most to you - improving health and wellbeing, creating spaces for connection and friendship, supporting learning and new talent and making your neighbourhood an even better place to live.

Together, we’re empowering residents to shape their neighbourhoods and create positive, lasting change across Newham.

Find out more about your local projects >

Newham pupils win medals at the London Youth Games 

Nine special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) pupils from Newham are celebrating after recently taking part in the London Youth Games Para Swimming competition at The Spa at Beckenham in Bromley. 

They bagged a total of four medals, including a bronze for the boys event! Participants representing 13 London boroughs showcased exceptional determination and commitment across a full schedule of contests. 

All participants have a disability or impairment. Newham’s participation was all made possible thanks to GLL, which runs our leisure centres under the Better brand. A huge thanks too to Newham’s Ali-Gator Swimming Club, which backed the children all the way.

The event also provided many of the pupils with their first experience of competing in a large-scale swimming gala, helping to build confidence, independence and teamwork skills.

There are plenty of other leisure opportunities and activities for Newham's young people >

Great Big Green Week: Organise a Litter Pick in Newham (6–14 June)

Great Big Green Week is the UK’s biggest celebration of community action for nature and climate. In 2025, more than a million people got involved - and this year, even more are expected to take part.

In Newham, we’re encouraging residents to come together to tackle litter and care for their local area. You can get involved by organising a litter pick in your local area. It’s a chance to take action for your community, and help keep our borough clean alongside your family, friends or your local group. 

Apply to organise your litter pick today and we can provide you with litter picking equipment, to be collected from one of our libraries and arrange a waste collection.

What's more! Every hour volunteered contributes towards Newham’s 1,000-hour target as part of National Volunteers Week - so get involved and make a difference.

Apply to organise a community litter pick >

Don't forget to log your volunteering hours >

Will Thorne Pavilion drainage & path works 

From 1 June 2026, essential drainage works will take place in the park to help stop flooding and waterlogging after wet weather. 

These improvements will help make the park easier to use all year round and support the reopening of the Will Thorne Pavilion later this summer - an important part of the Beckton Parks Masterplan. 

During construction of the pavilion, problems were found with the old drainage system. This affects the changing rooms, café, community space and nearby service yard. 

To fix this, a new drainage system needs to be installed across parts of Beckton Park.

We have planned for these works to be carried out before the school summer holidays to reduce disruption during the busiest time in the park. 

Thank you for your patience while we carry out these important improvements.  

To find out more details, visit Newham Co-Create >

You could win a bike by downloading the BetterPoints app

With Bike Week 2026 (8-14 June) looming, our partner BetterPoints is giving away their biggest prize of the year.

The Brompton folding bike will go to one lucky winner who’s downloaded the app and answered a couple of quick questions. For those who have no interest in bagging a brand new bike, there’s another option of 12 x 50,000 BetterPoints prizes (that’s the equivalent of £50) up for grabs. 

With BetterPoints, you can win rewards by simply moving your body and that can of course, include cycling. It’s the perfect time! A daily bike trip over 10 minutes during the week will earn you a ticket into the special prize draw at the end of the challenge. 

BetterPoints rewards can be spent at participating businesses in Newham, while also being redeemed for high street vouchers, or donated to charity.

Download BetterPoints for FREE from your app store  > 

Are you a parent/carer? Join our free course to create a calmer home environment

We know relationships at home can feel challenging at times, especially when life feels stressful or overwhelming. 

Want new ideas to be an even better parent? Looking to reduce arguments and cope better with stress? Want to improve communication with your child’s other parent?

Stronger Relationships may be for you. The free six-week online course is aimed at parents and carers raising children together or apart. It involves short weekly sessions and supportive online group discussions, at a time that suits you.

Book your FREE place on the Create a Calmer Home Enviroment course >

Help Newham Reach 1,000 Volunteer Hours

This National Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), we’re aiming to complete 1,000 volunteer hours across Newham, finishing with The Big Help Out on 8 June.

Whether you can give one hour or more, every contribution makes a difference. 

If you’re already volunteering during this week, please log your hours here or email volunteers@newham.gov.uk so we can celebrate the impact we’re making together. Please note you don't need to be a registered Newham Volunteer to join the Challenge. 

Everyone who records their hours during the challenge will receive a special Certificate of Achievement.