| | | | Hello Everyone,
You’d have thought we are in the depths of winter this week, despite it still being autumn! There’s been snow in Newham this week, temperatures have plummeted; our Warm Havens are in operation across the borough prompting media interest as a great example of how our Council is helping our people through the tough times as household budgets continue to be stretched because of cost of living pressures. Our Warm Havens offer hot drinks, free books and resources alongside a wide range of activities for all ages as part of our support for our communities. We’ve had our Council gritters out across our streets for the very first time this year, and our highways team (who monitor the road temperatures daily) have been targeting priority routes with our brand new mini gritter! Our teams are also out and about clearing and tidying up our parks and green spaces ahead of winter; and we’ve also brought in extra staff to help clear pavements and gullies so that residents can walk safely and roads don’t flood due to blockages. We have also activated our severe weather alert protocol system (SWEP), which is part of the pan-London approach to support rough sleepers and vulnerable residents during times of severe weather. If you see someone sleeping rough, and are concerned for their immediate health, please call 999. To report a rough sleeper who needs support, you can contact StreetLink on: 0300 500 0914; or visit: www.thestreetlink.org.uk. It also means that Newham is opening up its winter shelters for rough sleepers for the first time this year too, as we seek to protect the most vulnerable. We have advice on the Council website about how you and your loved ones can keep warm and healthy during colder weather - please share this information with anyone you know who might need it. Talking about extreme weather changes, it’s been a year since we launched our climate action Just Transition Plan, the first in the country, which outlines the actions we’ll be undertaking to ensure that we become climate resilient in the face of the climate emergency impacting our borough and communities globally. We know that here in Newham, our residents are disproportionality impacted by climate change. That’s why we’ve organised a series of events, actions and activities to mark Newham Climate Action Week starting this coming Monday. All the activities and events are free to attend and will provide information about how you can save money, live more sustainably and help counter the impact of climate change. Read the full programme here, and I’d encourage you to head to the ‘Stay Warm Fuel Poverty Awareness Day’ at East Ham and Custom House libraries next Wednesday 27 November 2024! There’s also some interesting talks on how insulation heat pumps and other energy saving measures can help you save money on your household bills. On Wednesday 4 December, the FoodCycle Community Meal will be offering a free hot, nutritious meal cooked and served by friendly volunteers over at the Memorial Community Church on Barking Road too. For all you ladies interested in having a go at riding a bike, there’s also the Cycle Sisters Group ride next Sunday to get you travelling more sustainably. Talking of ladies, this coming Monday 25 November 2024 marks the United Nations International Day to End Violence Against Women and Girls which I support unconditionally. The prevalence of violence and harassment facing women disproportionally remains one of the most prevalent and pervasive human rights violations in the world. Globally, almost one in three women have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both, at least once in their life.
In 2023 alone, 51,100 girls and women lost their lives because of gender-based violence. This scourge has intensified in different settings, including the workplace and online spaces, and has been exacerbated by conflicts and climate change. That’s why here in Newham, we take violence against women and girls so seriously; and will be joining the global 16 days of activism so that we can unite to end this. There is no excuse, and that’s why I urge you to join in at any one of our events planned to show your commitment and take a stand against this scourge of hate and violence against women. Read more info here about what we have planned.
Finally, thank you to everyone who nominated a group or individual for this year’s Civic Awards which closed this week. I am delighted to say that we’ve had many more nominations than last year! We now have the great task of shortlisting ahead of what promises to be a prestigious ceremony on 5 February with thanks to our sponsors: Berkeley, LendLease, Foundation for Future London, Excel, and Westfield. Until next week, enjoy your weekend with friends and loved ones – and stay warm!
Best wishes,
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
| | Supporting Newham’s most vulnerable people during cold weather As temperatures dropped below zero this week, the Greater London Authority activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers. In Newham, we’ve opened a SWEP centre, providing emergency accommodation and outreach support. If you see anyone sleeping rough, please alert StreetLink where you will be able to access the portal to make the referral. You can also find our helpful rough sleeping guidance and FAQs on our website. Everyone is welcome to join one of our safe, non-judgemental spaces at our Warm Havens, available at all our libraries. Here you will be able to access hot drinks, free Wi-Fi, books and resources to read at your leisure plus free activities.
For more information about this, as well as further winter wellness advice, visit Well Newham >
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| Come along to our 16 Days of Action events
Newham is proud to support the global 16 Days of Activism movement focused on raising awareness of violence against women and girls. Our local priority is to challenge domestic abuse experienced by survivors of all genders and identities. We have worked with key partners to deliver a calendar of events from Monday 25 November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, through to Human Rights Day on 10 December. The talks, workshops and in-person advice stalls will offer learning and advice. They are open to all residents and professionals aged 16+.
The campaign will also see the launch of a powerful new film, Harassment Stops Here, highlighting the issue of harassment faced by women and girls. The film sheds light on how seemingly harmless actions by men and boys contribute to a culture of discomfort, fear and intimidation, encouraging viewers to reconsider the impact this behaviour can have on women and girls in public spaces.
You can view the events calendar at www.newham.gov.uk/16days > Watch the film and share using #RespectHerJourney >
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| | Join the Forest Gate and Maryland Neighbourhood Forum*
*Note that there has been a change in venue
Date: Tuesday 3 December, 6-7.30pm Venue: Forest Gate Learning Zone, 1 Woodford Road, E7 0DH - Take part in a joint Council and Police forum to hear updates and discuss, community safety and environmental issues
- Hear about our plans to improve street cleansing and reduce fly-tipping
- Take part in a Q&A panel session with Council staff and Police
For more information on the forum or to submit an questions you would like to ask email CN.Forestgate@newham.gov.uk |
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| Free expert energy saving tips
Join energy saving experts on Fuel Poverty Awareness Day next Wednesday!
Stop by East Ham Library from 9am-1pm or Custom House Library from 2pm-5pm, to chat with a Green Doctor energy expert. Learn practical tips to lower your energy bills and keep your home warm this winter.
Don’t miss this chance for free advice and support.
Find our top tips on how to stay warm this winter > |
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| | | Call for volunteers – School Admissions Appeals Panel Interested in supporting education and your local community? Join our independent school admissions appeal panel! Parents can appeal if their child isn’t allocated a preferred school, and appeals are heard by a panel of laypersons and school governors. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds—no specific qualifications or education sector experience required. However, we’re particularly keen to hear from those with education experience, knowledge of Newham schools, or who are parents of school pupils. Applications close on Thursday 19 December Find more information about Volunteering on the School Admission Appeals Panels > *Image by pressfoto on Freepik |
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| | Get your bike checked for free on Saturday 30 November Dr Bike’s experienced mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. Any minor adjustments they can make to your bike they’ll do there and then for free. Anything they can't fix on site they’ll let you know exactly what needs doing and a rough guide to what it should cost at your local bike shop. This session is open to all. Date: Saturday 30 November Time: 11am – 3pm Location: West Ham Park Entrance, E7 9LE Find out more about Dr Bike > |
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| Newham Council Supports ASB Awareness Week 2024
Newham Council is proud to support Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week 2024, a national campaign which is concluding on 23 November; helping to tackle ASB and keep our communities safe. This initiative encourages residents to stand against ASB and highlights the support available to those affected. Throughout the week, Community Safety Enforcement Officers and local Safer Neighbourhood Police teams have undertaken high-visibility patrols in key areas, engaging with the public and addressing concerns. The ASB team will host a pop-up stall at Stratford Library on Saturday from 10am–4pm.
Find out more about ASB Awareness Week > |
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| | Join us for our free Community Connect & Repair Café – 27 November In partnership with University of East London, East London Waste Authority and People Powered Places, this event is your opportunity to repair, recycle and refresh! The event includes: - Electrical repairs from The Restart Project
- Textile Repairs from JoyZ & Sew London CIC
- Bicycle repairs from Cycle Confident
- Community stalls
- Free refreshments
- Small electrical recycling point
Please bring along any unwanted small electrical items that you would like to be recycled: ✓ Any electrical item with a plug or battery powered that is smaller than a microwave ✖ Batteries, vapes and light bulbs are not included. Date: Wednesday 27 November Time: 4pm - 7pm Location: University of East London, Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, E16 2RD Nearest station: Cyprus DLR Nearest bus stop: UEL Docklands Campus (Stop I), bus routes: 474 and SL2
Find out more about Community Connect & Repair Café > |
| | 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 © 2024 London Borough of Newham, All rights reserved. |
| | Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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