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I know many of you will be pleased that the summer holidays are here. I'm looking forward to taking some time off with my family this month.
This week kicks off a new series highlighting what I've been focusing on during my first 100 days as your Mayor of Newham. It's important to me that you can see and feel the difference we're making.
Summer in Newham is packed with free activities for children, young people and families, including sports, swimming, arts, music, reading programmes, youth activities, SEND provision, Family Hub sessions, the Summer Parks Challenge, and free holiday clubs with meals for eligible children.
I was proud to bring back the Under the Stars event, welcoming thousands of residents. We've also secured £350,000 to improve East Ham Library for upgraded study spaces, launched Newham's Imagination Library to provide every child under five with a free book every month, secured £10,000 for a new Lend and Mend tool library, are preparing to open Green Street Library this summer, and have installed five community Book Nooks stocked with £5,000 worth of free books.
Also at our libraries, you’ll see our inclusive Summer Reading Challenge, with a huge amount of events and activities for children at our libraries.
You can see more about the great activities below, or head over to our website for more information.
Have a great summer and see you out there!
Forhad
Mayor Forhad Hussain |
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What's new in Newham this week |
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Free and fun summer activities for children in Newham Looking for free activities to help keep your children entertained throughout the summer holidays?
We have created a helpful guide to show you exactly what’s on offer in our borough, for kids of all ages!
From sports and fitness sessions at our leisure centres, to creative arts and cultural experiences in our libraries, and exciting adventures in our Youth Zones, schools and community centres.
All of these activities are free, helping ensure that every family can enjoy a fantastic summer close to home! Check out our Summer Guide > |
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Be the missing piece and foster in Newham
There are children and young people in our borough who need a safe, stable and nurturing home where they can thrive.
Many have experienced challenges and uncertainty in their lives and need caring adults who can help them build confidence, feel valued and achieve their potential. Could you be the missing piece – or do you know someone who would be the perfect fit?
If you’d like to know more, you can come along to an upcoming fostering information session, or express your interest via our online enquiry form. Check out our fostering information session schedule > Read about our campaign approach > |
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Host a Play Street in your neighbourhood
Bring your street to life by hosting a Play Street on Sunday 20 September, ahead of Car Free Day.
A Play Street temporarily closes a residential road to traffic for a few hours, giving children a safe space to play, ride bikes and scooters, and enjoy being outdoors. It's also a great opportunity for neighbours to meet, chat and build a stronger community.
If you'd like to organise a Play Street on your road, apply by Friday 21 August.
Find out more, including how to apply, visit the website > |
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Free summer activities and meals for children and young people
Newham’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is back this summer, offering free activities and healthy meals for eligible children and young people.
Children can take part in a range of fun activities, including sports, arts and crafts, games, trips and more. Activities are available for children from Reception age up to Year 11.
To access a free place, your child must be receiving income-related Free School Meals (Pupil Premium). Some providers may also offer paid places.
Activities are running throughout the summer, with the final sessions taking place on Friday 28 August.
Find activities near you and book a place > |
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Free cricket camp for budding batters and bowlers
Budding cricketers can join a Super 1's Summer Camp to learn new skills and develop their love of the game.
The free sessions are being supported by the Lord's Taverners charity, Essex County Cricket and the Berkley Foundation. The inclusive sessions are suitable for those aged eight to 25.
They take place every Friday from 11am-1pm until Friday 28 August.
West Ham United, The Foundry, 60A Albatross Close, E6 5N
Contact Essex County Cricket's Bradley Donovan to get involved > |
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Summer Nights in Queen’s Square
Enjoy a summer evening in Queen’s Square with outdoor dining and live performances from talented musicians across Newham and East London, right in the heart of Green Street. - Friday 21 August - 6-9pm
- Saturday 22 August - 6-9pm
- Saturday 5 September - 6-9pm
Summer Nights in Queen’s Square is supported by the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets Fund.
Queen’s Square, Green Street, E13 9BA
Read about the Summer Nights in Queen’s Square programme > |
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Newham swimmers hit Glasgow's games
Newham council has congratulated Ivan Snowden and Nubia Adjei from Newham & UEL Swimming Club, who were chosen to represent Ghana at this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Their fantastic achievement highlights the impact of Newham's sports clubs in supporting athletes to reach the highest levels of competition. We're proud to see local club members competing on the international stage.
Newham & UEL Swimming Club said: “NUEL SC are extremely proud of their selection.” |
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Newham's Emma hopes to overcome hurdles to get gold
Newham’s Emma Nwofor has been selected to represent England in the 100m hurdles at the Commonwealth Games.
Emma, a GLL Sport Foundation athlete, has already represented Great Britain on the world and national stage, she continues to go from strength to strength and is currently ranked 2nd in the British Indoor Championships.
This year she was selected for the World Indoors, in Poland, where she missed out on a place in the semi-finals by just one hundredth of a second. She also secured a runner-up spot in the 100m Hurdles at the 2026 UK Athletics Championships, she is now set for her Commonwealth debut.
Come on Emma! |
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Get involved and have your say |
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Are you a council tenant or leaseholder?
Come along to our Estate Action Day to speak directly with your housing services team.
You can report repairs for your home or communal areas, get support with any issues on your estate, and ask questions about the services you receive.
This is a great opportunity to have your say and help us improve your neighbourhood.
If you have any questions about the Action Day email the team > |
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Take part in the survey on carers’ services in Newham
The Council and its local NHS health partners are updating Newham's Carers Strategy. We want to make sure it reflects the real experiences of people who look after others. If you care for a family member, friend or neighbour, your views matter. We have created an anonymous survey to better understand the challenges you face, and what support would help you.
We will use your answers, and the others we receive, to shape the new strategy’s priorities - and develop actions to improve support for carers in Newham.
Complete the Newham Carers Survey online > |
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Join our WhatsApp channel |
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We are now on WhatsApp!
Stay connected with the latest news, updates and community information. Join our new WhatsApp channel for local updates, service alerts and community news.
Follow and never miss an update 👇
Join our WhatsApp channel > |
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Stay informed on community safety
We are increasing our efforts to tell you about crime and safety in Newham, and are shortly launching a new e-newsletter.
The e-newsletter will give you updates on crime issues in the area, updates from our emergency service partners, and let you know about the work we're doing to tackle crime and make Newham safer.
Click this link and select Community Safety on the form > |
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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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