After the scorching heatwave of last week, I hope that everyone managed to stay safe and cool. The temperatures look to be rising again next week, so it is important to stay hydrated and keep out of the sun where possible. 

Extreme heat is incredibly serious, but there are things we can do to help each other, so please do make sure you check on vulnerable neighbours if you’re able to. 

On Wednesday, I fulfilled a campaign pledge to plant a new tree outside Forest Gate Station. The old one had to be removed, and I was delighted to be there to see the new one planted. With our climate changing every year, street trees help to provide shade when it gets too hot, while also helping with natural drainage to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. We will be planting more street trees over the next four years – so watch this space. 

Last week, I also went on a walk around in Forest Gate with Newham’s borough commander Superintendent Lucky Singh to see the important work we’re doing together to tackle crime including anti-Social Behaviour. Both Superintendent Singh and I are clear about our priority to work together to make sure neighbourhoods are as safe as possible. 

Looking ahead to this Saturday, it is the return of Under the Stars at the Royal Docks where Newham’s own Tinchy Strider is the headline act – and I am so excited. He’s joined by some very talented local artists on the bill, and I am looking forward to seeing thousands of people come together to celebrate the best of Newham. This borough has so much talent and diversity, I want to see us celebrate and showcase this more. Bringing back Under the Stars is an excellent start.

Forhad 

Mayor Forhad Hussain

Revealed: the winners of Newham’s UK Youth Parliament election

We are delighted to announce the winners of our Newham’s UK Youth Parliament elections! A huge congratulations to 15-year-old Gursahej Kaur Dhaliwal and 16-year-old Samarah Islam for being elected by their peers. 

With 29 highly-talented candidates, there was plenty of competition. Both candidates now have the chance to bring about social change, influence decision-making and further develop their interest in politics. 

The event took place in a space many of our young people are familiar with, Stratford Youth Zone, with Mayor Hussain honouring the winners, as well as every individual that put themselves forward. 

Newham’s involvement in the UK Youth Parliament is one of several ways young people in our borough are able to influence change, feel empowered and ultimately make a difference within our community.

Find out more about the opportunities available here >

You can watch the Mayor revealing the winners here >

Help shape the future of Little Ilford – apply to join the Neighbourhood Board

Could you help shape the future of Little Ilford? 

Following the announcement of up to £20 million of Government investment over the next 10 years through the Pride in Place programme, local residents are being invited to play a leading role in deciding how the funding is spent.

Applications are now open for a Chair and Neighbourhood Board Members, who will work alongside residents, community organisations, businesses and local partners to help develop a long-term vision for the area.

You don't need previous board experience – just a passion for Little Ilford and a commitment to making a positive difference. Training and financial support will be provided.

Applications for the Chair close on Friday 10 July, while Neighbourhood Board Member applications close on Friday 17 July.

This is your chance to help shape projects that matter most to your community.

Find out more and apply online >  

Discover the Colours of Newham Mural Trail

Looking for a new way to explore Newham? Take a walk along the Colours of Newham Mural Trail and discover a series of striking artworks, colourful spaces and hidden gems across the borough.

From the iconic Jimi Hendrix mural in Forest Gate to bold community-inspired designs in Manor Park, the trail celebrates the people, stories and creativity that make Newham unique. Along the way, you'll find creative installations and vibrant public spaces that bring local neighbourhoods to life.

The trail stretches across Little Ilford, Manor Park, Green Street and Forest Gate, making it easy to explore your local area or turn it into a weekend adventure.

Whether you're an art lover, keen walker, photographer or simply looking to see Newham from a different perspective, the self-guided trail offers something for everyone. Grab your walking shoes and start exploring today.

Visit the Colours of Newham Google Map to plan your route >

Hire, don't buy: New community lending hubs coming to Newham 

Need a drill for a DIY job, a carpet cleaner for a spring refresh or a lawn mower for the garden? Soon, you'll be able to borrow one instead of buying it. 

Newham is launching its first-ever network of community lending hubs, making it easier for residents to access useful household, DIY and gardening equipment at low cost. 

The new hubs will be run by Newham Libraries, Ambition, Aspire, Achieve (AAA) and One Newham, in partnership with ReSpace, with locations across Stratford, Canning Town, Forest Gate and Silvertown. 

Hiring instead of buying can help you save money, reduce clutter at home and cut waste by sharing items that are only needed occasionally. Equipment available is expected to include drills, carpet cleaners, wallpaper steamers, ladders, gardening tools and more. 

The lending hubs are funded by Newham Council and the East London Waste Authority (ELWA) as part of a shared commitment to reducing waste and supporting greener, more affordable ways of living. 

More information, including opening dates, membership details and the full range of items available to borrow, will be announced soon. 

Read more about our new Lending Hubs >

Town hall celebration in memory of Gilbert Clarke 

Plaistow resident Gilbert Clarke ex RAF veteran and Windrush pioneer has passed away at the age of 100. 

Gilbert was born in Montego Bay and enlisted with the RAF at age 17 and served as a radar mechanic in Yorkshire. After saying goodbye to his family he settled in London as part of the Windrush generation who contributed so much. 

Gilbert was a beloved figure in the community and celebrated his 100th birthday in December last year. 

He is survived by his eight children, twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

The family have invited the community to attend a service to celebrate Gilbert’s life this weekend. 

Saturday July 4 from 9.40am for a 10am start

East Ham Town Hall, Barking Road, E6 2RP

The wake will follow at East Ham Town Hall from 1.30pm.

Please confirm your attendance by email >

Enjoy summer nights in Queen’s Square 

Make the most of summer evenings at Queen’s Square, where outdoor dining meets live music in the heart of Green Street. 

Enjoy performances from talented musicians across Newham and East London, creating the perfect setting to relax, socialise and experience your local high street in a new way.

This programme is funded by the Mayor of London's Summer Streets Fund, supporting high-quality outdoor hospitality, boosting local economies and creating safer, more vibrant high streets.

Drop by to eat, unwind and soak up the atmosphere.

17–18 July | 21–22 August | 5 September 6–9pm

Summer Nights in Queen’s Square – Newham Council > 

Got something that needs fixing? Bring it to a free Repair Café

Before you throw it away, see if it can be repaired! Join us at a free Repair Café in Canning Town and give your favourite items a new lease of life.

Bring along small household electricals for free repair advice and on-the-spot fixes from The Restart Project, get a free Dr Bike safety check from Cycle Confident, or have a much-loved garment repaired by Caramel Rock. 

You can also learn visible mending techniques with textile experts, swap quality clothing at the clothes rail, and recycle unwanted small electricals and cables in the Pink Bin.

There's no need to book – simply turn up. Repairs are offered on a first come, first served basis, and free refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Sunday 12 July from12pm–3pm

The Crafted Corner, 27 Silvertown Way, E16 1DH

Repair, reuse and help reduce waste in Newham. Find out more >

South Asian Heritage Month – Unity in Diversity

Free community-led events will be popping up across Newham to mark South Asian Heritage Month, from 1 to 31 July. 

Local authors and artists have created a series of events to share stories, history and spark creativity.

Events include:

• Thirukkural: The Ancient Tweet, Saturday 11 July, 11-12pm, East Ham Library  
• I Was Born Here: Meet the Artist, Saturday 11 July, 6-8pm, V&A East Storehouse
• Muslim Europe: A Journey in Search of a Fourteen Hundred Year History, 13 July, 6-7.45pm, Stratford Library
• I Was Born Here: Queen’s Market Drawing Workshop, 18 July, 2-4pm, Queen’s Market
• Summer Nights in Queen’s Square, 17 + 18 July, 6-9pm, Queen’s Square

Find out more about South Asia Heritage Month >

New disability volunteering pathway in grassroots football

As the World Cup builds excitement around the game, Access Sport and The FA are working together to make grassroots football more inclusive.

This new programme will grow and diversify the volunteer workforce, increase opportunities for disabled people, and support local clubs to become more welcoming and sustainable.

Interested in getting involved? 

Expression of Interest Form – Changing Sports Football > 

Email Info@AccessSport.org.uk > 

Public services in London – share your views now

How do you think London’s public services, including healthcare, housing, and

education, could better meet Londoners’ needs?

London Councils and City Hall are inviting Londoners to share their views, to help

shape the future of London's services.

Visit Talk London to take the short survey >