Joint operation targets environmental crime in Canning Town

A joint operation involving the Council's Envirocrime Team, Metropolitan Police officers and Immigration Enforcement took place in Canning Town on Saturday 13 June to tackle environmental crime and keep our streets safe.

The operation delivered significant results:

• 127 vehicles stopped by police
• 51 vehicles checked for waste-related offences, including waste carrier licences and vehicle overloading
• 8 Fixed Penalty Notices issued for operating without a waste carrier licence
• 3 notices issued requiring waste transfer documentation to be produced
• 76 additional vehicles stopped for wider offences
• 57 vehicles seized, including motorbikes, e-bikes, cars and vans
• Vehicles were seized for offences including no insurance, vehicle defects and driving under the influence of cannabis

The operation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling environmental crime and keeping Newham’s streets clean and safe. Further multi-agency enforcement activity is planned for July.

Protect yourself by checking that anyone taking away your waste is a registered waste carrier. If your rubbish is dumped illegally, you can be held responsible for losing control of your waste.

Check a waste carrier >

Book a bulky waste collection >

Newham residents are becoming citizen scientists

Newham Council has congratulated the first Citizen Scientists to graduate from a unique training scheme with one of London’s most prestigious universities.

The recent graduate classes have been made up of migrants and refugees; marginalised women; and young people with SEND. They have each undertaken training in research ethics, project planning and storytelling.

The participants were paid for their time and receive certificates from UCL, with some students securing work placements at Newham Council.

Newham’s Citizen Scientists have explored topics ranging from barriers to healthcare, to the challenges of rebuilding careers after migration and the impact of isolation on young people’s mental health.

Their findings have the potential to shape local services and decision making, highlight hidden inequalities, and amplify voices that are too often overlooked.

For more information visit the Newham Citizen Scientists hub >

New bridge to connect communities across the River Lea

A major new walking and cycling bridge linking Canning Town and Poplar has taken a significant step forward.

The proposed Mayer Parry Bridge will create a step-free route across the River Lea, making it easier for residents to reach jobs, transport links, green spaces and local services. 

The bridge will connect the Leaway Path in Newham with Leven Road in Tower Hamlets, helping to bring communities closer together and support regeneration on both sides of the river.

The £12 million project is funded through contributions from local developments in Newham and Tower Hamlets, alongside support from the Greater London Authority. Plans also include opening a new stretch of riverside walkway, helping extend the Leaway Walk towards the Thames.

A planning application was submitted in April 2026. Subject to approval, construction is expected to begin in 2027, with the bridge opening to the public in 2029.

Find out more about our Lower Lea Valley Bridges Programme in Canning Town >

Check out our state-of-the-art facilities at our Youth Zones

Our Youth Zones offer a safe space to children across Newham, with a range of facilities, dedicated youth workers and various opportunities available. 

Those aged 10 to 25 are supported to develop skills within a number of areas, including responsibility, problem solving and teamwork – all underpinned by the core theme of social and emotional development. The skills developed transfer into other areas of young people’s lives, including education, employment, health, family and community. 

So, if you know a young person that may be interested, please do encourage them to pay us a visit!

Take a look around Shipman Youth Zone >

You can find our list of Youth Zones here >

Plaistow woman named ‘Move More Motivator’ by BetterPoints

A Plaistow woman has been named a ‘Move More Motivator’ by BetterPoints, after turning to the app for support and encouragement following her type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Shahana believes walking has changed her life – something she now does often. 

She said: "Receiving that diagnosis was a real wake-up call. I knew I didn't want to spend the rest of my life dependent on medication, so I decided to make a change. I started by setting myself a goal of walking 10,000 steps a day and committed to getting outside every day”. 

She added: “The results have been life-changing. Through regular walking and healthier habits, I have managed to put my type 2 diabetes into remission.” 

In addition to those benefits, Shahana also earns rewards thanks to the app, which tracks users’ movement. Why not give it a try yourself?

Download the BetterPoints app here >

Foster with pride in Newham

We believe every child deserves a safe, loving, and inclusive home. We welcome foster carers from all walks of life, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. 

Your identity is your strength, and it enriches the support and understanding you can offer a young person. With a stable environment and loving foster carers, children and young people can feel empowered to achieve anything they want to. 

The benefits are huge – and they don’t just stop with those in foster care. Newham has a very generous benefits package for foster carers. We would love for you to hear more about the process. 

We regularly hold information sessions, both in-person and online. Please join us at a time that suits you.

Take a look at the full schedule for our information sessions >

Free parent/carer 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.

You can book your place here >

Limited tickets remaining for Under the Stars: Live at the Docks

Don't miss your chance to see Tinchy Stryder live at Silverworks Island on Saturday 4 July.

Set in a unique waterside location in the Royal Docks, this free one-night-only event will feature live music, local talent and a fantastic community atmosphere.

• Doors open at 5.30pm
• Free entry – but booking required

Delivered with support from Broadwick Live, 9 Point 8, The Silvertown Partnership and the Royal Docks Team.

Tickets are limited, so book now and plan your visit at: www.newham.gov.uk/uts

World Cup fever has kicked off in Newham

Feeling inspired? Get on the pitch yourself at Newham Leisure Centre’s newly refurbished 3G football facilities.

High-quality 3G pitches Perfect for 7-a-side or training Easy online booking

Whether you're recreating THAT goal or just having a kickabout with mates, now’s the time to play! 

Book your slot at PlayFootball: 5-a-side and 6-a-side Football Venues >

Thank you for supporting National Volunteers’ Week

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in National Volunteers’ Week across Newham. We exceeded our target of 1,000 volunteer hours due to the enthusiasm and generosity of local residents, volunteers, community organisations and council staff.

Throughout the week, people came together to support local causes, attend events and explore new ways to get involved in their communities.

Our Volunteer Fair was a particular highlight, bringing together residents and organisations from across Newham. We received some wonderful feedback from participating groups:

• Compost London enjoyed meeting both residents interested in volunteering and organisations recruiting volunteers, and highlighted the Mayor’s support as a particular highlight of the event.
• Willma welcomed the opportunity to connect with local people, community organisations and council services, describing the fair as a valuable networking event.
• Art for Fun praised the event for being well organised and creating a safe, welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.
• Number Champions highlighted the excellent venue, supportive staff and well-designed stall spaces that helped organisations showcase its work effectively.

Search for volunteering opportunities in Newham today >

Free creative sessions for SEND young people aged 10-25

Our Positive Pathways Project offers free creative sessions in Newham for young people, with a strong focus on inclusive, supported activities for those with SEND. Through hands-on projects like fashion, photography, and upcycling, participants build confidence, creativity, and wellbeing in a calm environment. 

Every Tues, Wed, Thurs during term time, 4:30-6:30pmEvery Saturday during term time, 11:00am-2:00pmEast Ham Library.

Get involved and find out more here >