Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Pier Road site in North Woolwich, where work is now underway on 350 new homes for our borough. It was great to see progress on the ground and to talk about what this development will mean for local people, and you can watch my visit over on Instagram.

We all know how important it is that Newham residents can access safe, genuinely affordable homes. That’s why I’m proud that 127 of these will be at social rent, helping families on our waiting list. But this isn’t just about homes – it’s about creating a neighbourhood people can feel part of, with new public spaces, creative workspaces, and places for residents to enjoy time together. 

This week, I was especially pleased to hear more about our Resident Challenge Board – a group of 10 residents who are working directly with us to hold the council to account and push for improvements. They’re helping us focus on what matters most, from speeding up support for vulnerable residents, to tackling repair backlogs and anti-social behaviour on our estates. You can learn more about this work over on our website.

There’s much more to come, and I look forward to keeping you updated on how we’re improving housing across Newham.

And as Pride Month begins across London and the rest of the country, I want to take a moment to celebrate Newham’s diversity and our LGBTQ+ communities who are a huge part of that.  

Newham is at its best when everyone feels they belong and can live their lives openly and safely. Pride isn’t just about celebration – it’s about making sure that, in our streets, schools and services, people are treated fairly and with respect every day.

Forhad 

Mayor Forhad Hussain 

Step Inside Canning Town's Transformation at the London Festival of Architecture this June

This month, Canning Town is taking centre stage as a feature neighbourhood at the London Festival of Architecture 2026. Residents and visitors can enjoy a month-long programme of free events, including guided walks, community discussions, exhibitions and cultural activities celebrating this year's theme of Belonging.

The festival is an opportunity to explore how Canning Town is changing, from new public spaces and homes to major regeneration projects that are helping to shape the area's future. 

Events run from 6-27 June and are hosted by Newham Council, Ballymore and local partners.

View the full programme and register your attendance at the events >

New café and community space coming to Beckton Park

Exciting progress is being made at Will Thorne Pavilion, with the main refurbishment works inside the building now complete. The transformed space will provide a new café and community hub for residents to enjoy. 

Before the pavilion can open, contractors will carry out essential external works, including drainage improvements and new pathways around the building during June and July. 

Visitors may notice temporary path diversions and some short-term disruption while the work takes place.

The works have been scheduled ahead of the school summer holidays to minimise disruption.

Watch our behind-the-scenes video and updates on the works >

Come and chat to us about the benefits of fostering

Fostering can transform a child’s life – and if it’s something you are considering, it could change your life for the better too. 

Next week, we’ll be hosting our latest in-person fostering information session, providing an overview of the process, the benefits and requirements. Newham has a very generous benefits package for foster carers, including payments of up to £870 per week; 24-hour support and 100% Council Tax exemption. 

There’s lots more on offer and we’d love for you to hear more about the process. 

Join our fostering team and experienced foster carers at Stratford Library (Hopkins Room) on Wednesday 10 June, from 11am-1pm.

Take a look at our list of other information sessions >

You could win a bike by simply downloading the BetterPoints app!

Ahead of Bike Week 2026 next week, 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 the free BetterPoints app from your app store here >

Central Park to host A Midsummer Night's Dream

The East London Shakespeare Festival is coming to Newham, bursting with mischief, chaos, romance and magic, this joyful, family-friendly outdoor production reimagines Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream with a bold splash of contemporary flair. 

BYO Picnics welcome: gates open an hour before the show, so bring a picnic, soak up the atmosphere. 

There is also a café on-site and for younger members of the audience, a pre-show 'flower-fairy' headband making workshop. 

The performances will take place at East Ham Central Park on June 25 and June 26 2026.

Book your Midsummer Night's Dream tickets online > 

Join a family litter pick on Wanstead Flats for Great Big Green Week

Help keep Wanstead Flats clean and green during Great Big Green Week by joining a community litter pick organised by Pint-Sized Playhouse and Eco7.

Everyone is welcome, including children. After the litter pick, families can enjoy games, activities and a Bring Your Own picnic from around 5pm.

Date: Tuesday 9 June

Time: 3.30pm

Meeting Point: Outside the Capel Road Changing Room, at the junction of Tylney Road and Capel Road, Forest Gate.

Litter pickers are available to borrow, but numbers are limited. 

Email eco7.forestgate@gmail.com  to reserve equipment and confirm your attendance.

We're Working Towards 1,000 Volunteer Hours – Can You Help?

National Volunteers' Week is now underway, and volunteers across Newham are already contributing their time to support local communities. 

Together, we're aiming to reach 1,000 volunteer hours by 8 June. There's still time to be part of the challenge. Whether you volunteer for one hour or several, every hour counts and helps make a positive difference across Newham.

If you've volunteered this week, please remember to log your hours here or email volunteers@newham.gov.uk so we can count your contribution towards the challenge. 

You do not need to be a registered Newham Volunteer to take part. Everyone who records their hours during the challenge will receive a special Certificate of Achievement.

Local clubs – we need your voice!

With the FIFA World Cup just over a week away, there’s no better time to shape the future of grassroots football right here in Newham.

Did you know major tournaments like the World Cup play a huge role in inspiring young players and boosting participation in local clubs?

That’s why your feedback matters. Tell us what support your club needs, from facilities and funding to growing your teams and volunteers.

Complete the Club Development Survey to share your views >