|
|
|
|
|
Read on for updates and info about... |
|
- Mete Coban launches next round of London Community Energy Fund at Stratford Library
- Delegates from City of Amsterdam visit our Royal Docks
- Reusing donated textile for community crafts
- UpGarden: Volunteer-run community garden at the heart of Forest Gate
- Forest Gate Ward to achieve plastic free community status
- Join Our Community Workshop and Clothes Swap
- Sign up to our workshop: learn about disposable period products
- Vote now for People Powered Places projects to get your say in!
- Nominate your Community Champions for our Newham Civic Awards
- Enter for a chance to win £20,000 and make your community project a reality
|
|
|
Mete Coban launches next round of London Community Energy Fund at Stratford Library |
|
We welcomed Mete Coban to Stratford Library to celebrate the launch of the eighth round of the London Community Energy Fund – a programme helping schools, libraries and community centres generate their own clean, green power.
During the visit, we showcased the Community Energy Newham (CEN) solar installation on the library roof - a brilliant example of local action reducing carbon emissions, building community skills, and saving on energy bills, that was funded as part of Round 6 of the funding.
Community Energy Newham also highlighted its Community Share Offer, PowerUp! – originally launched in spring – which gives residents the chance to invest in and benefit from renewable energy projects right here in Newham.
“Newham Council’s dedication to delivering climate action through a Just Transition lens has enabled us to develop ground-breaking community energy projects in the borough.” - Dave Fuller, Repowering London.
It was an inspiring day, highlighting how partnership and community-led energy initiatives can create a fairer, greener future for everyone in Newham. |
|
|
|
|
Delegates from City of Amsterdam visit our Royal Docks |
|
Delegates from the City of Amsterdam visited the Royal Docks, in a visit organised by C40 Cities, in collaboration with the Royal Docks Team, London Borough of Newham, and the University of East London.
The visit explored new models for social innovation, including the REinsTate project and the soon-to-launch circular materials hub in Silvertown.
The event brought together partners to explore how collaboration can accelerate progress on sustainability and circular economy in the built environment in the borough.
Highlights included:
Reusing and Recycling - Discussions focused on how buildings and their materials can be reused to reduce waste and support a more circular economy.
Collaboration for Change - Experts from Amsterdam, C40 Cities, and Newham Council explored new projects like the upcoming circular economy hub at Silvertown Quays. |
|
|
|
Reusing donated textile for community crafts |
|
As part of Fun Palaces Week, we hosted Save the Ocean - a creative, community-led event exploring climate action through arts, storytelling and hands-on activities.
The Council, Royal Docks Originals, and the Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability came together to celebrate the national Fun Palaces movement to showcase, passions and brilliance of local communities across the UK.
Our event featured interactive storytelling with Discover Children’s Story Centre and creating collage crafts about the ocean upskilling donated clothing materials. Visitors explored future climate scenarios through VR, experimented with sustainable building materials, and connected with pioneering resources from the Centre for Sustainability.
It was a joyful, imaginative space for learning, making and coming together!
For future activities like this, please interact with our libraries to know more. |
|
|
|
|
UpGarden: Volunteer-run community garden at the heart of Forest Gate |
|
The Climate Action team recently visited the UP Garden in Forest Gate, an award-winning space co-designed, built and run by local volunteers. Once a disused laundry yard, it now thrives as a community-led hub for urban nature, learning and connection.
With support from People Powered Places, the small group of amazing volunteers have expanded the garden to include micro-allotments, a Londonesque book exchange, an outdoor piano and a nature trail, weaving arts, science and storytelling. The community can come here and explore pollinator-friendly planting, enjoy shaded seating areas and take part in seasonal workshops that celebrate biodiversity, culture and wellbeing. The space is designed to be inclusive and interactive, offering opportunities for families, neighbours and local groups to connect through shared activities and learning.
The community garden has earned recognition for its innovative approach to sustainability and community engagement. From upcycling materials to creating wildlife-friendly habitats, the garden champions greener living and supports local climate action. It is a social hub where people come together to share skills, grow food and build resilience. |
|
|
|
|
Forest Gate Ward to achieve plastic free community status |
|
Forest Gate Ward has achieved plastic free community status as part of the Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Community network. This national initiative helps communities tackle single-use plastics, starting small and making lasting change.
A local network is working to eliminate single-use plastics from our communities, not by removing all plastic, but by tackling our reliance on throwaway items and changing the systems behind them. The movement spans beaches, streets, businesses, and brands, focusing on collective action for lasting change.
“It’s great to see Forest Gate reducing avoidable plastics and encouraging people to refill and reuse. Over two years, we’ve seen a real shift in attitudes and a growing desire to take action.” - Rachel Yates, SAS Plastic Free Communities Project Manager
“Working with my local Plastic Free Community has helped me cut down on single-use plastics. Meeting local businesses and groups doing the same was inspiring. Small changes, like not buying water in plastic bottles, really add up.” - Jenny from the Eco7 Team
Forest Gate’s achievement shows what’s possible when communities come together. By reducing single-use plastics and supporting local businesses to make sustainable choices, we’re tackling waste, protecting the environment, and improving health.
How to get involved Email: eco7.forestgate@gmail.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sign up to our workshop: how can we have more environmentally friendly periods? |
|
Join Women's Environmental Network & ELWA in a free workshop to learn about the health & environmental issues around disposable period products, and get your questions about reusables answered.
Suitable for anyone who wants to learn more, including... - Charities and organisations that want to spread the word about reusables
- Parents and teachers, to help educate their children on the topic
- Individuals that want information to inform their own period product choices
The workshop will cover: - Periods and anatomy
- Inclusivity and gender
- Periods and the environment
- Period products and health
- Reusable product choices
- Periods and equity
- Q&A
Date: Monday 24th November Workshop 1: 1pm-2pm Workshop 2: 5pm-6pm |
|
|
|
Vote now for People Powered Places projects to get your say in! |
|
Bring your community idea to life by applying for funding.
The People Powered Places’ Big Vote is launching on 1 November and runs until 30 November. Be part of deciding which project to launch in your neighbourhood by voting for your 10 favourite projects that matter most to you!
Here’s how you can take part: - Join your local Big Vote event taking place throughout November. Click here to find your local event.
- Vote online on Newham CoCreate.
- Visit your local library or community centre – staff can help you vote.
- Join an outreach session – visit your neighbourhood page to find out when these are.
Whether you're passionate about green spaces, youth activities, community events or something else – your vote makes a difference. |
|
|
|
|
Nominate your Community Champions for our Newham Civic Awards |
|
We’re delighted to announce the launch of the Newham Civic Awards for 2025, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the residents, organisations, and community groups whose dedication makes Newham a better place for everyone. These awards are all about recognising the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to create a vibrant, welcoming borough.
The Civic Awards are your chance to highlight the people and projects that make a real difference. Whether it’s a neighbour who always lends a helping hand, a local charity supporting those in need, or a community group bringing people together, we want to hear about them! By nominating, you help ensure their hard work and passion are recognised and celebrated.
How you can get involved:
Nominations are open for the 'Newham Green Champion Award', amongst other until Sunday, 16th November. It’s quick and easy to nominate – just visit the Civic Awards webpage for all the details. |
|
|
|
|
|
Enter for a chance to win £20,000 and make your community project a reality |
|
Applications are now open for grants that help bring people together and improve communities across England. You can apply for £300 to £20,000 for projects lasting up to 2 years.
This funding can support you to start a new activity or continue an existing one
Help your organisation adapt to new challenges.
We fund projects that: - Bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities
- Improve the places and spaces that matter to communities
- Help more people reach their potential by supporting them early
- Support people, communities and organisations facing extra pressures due to the cost-of-living crisis
|
|
|
|
If you’d like to share an achievement, event or funding opportunity in a future newsletter, contact us at Climate.Action@newham.gov.uk
If you’ve been forwarded this newsletter by a friend or colleague, you can sign up to receive future editions here. |
|
|
Follow us on social media |
|
|
|
|
Copyright © 2025 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
|
|
Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
