Hello Everyone, A highlight for me this week was the inaugural meeting of the independent Commission on the Future of Inclusion and Belonging in multi-ethnic Newham, chaired by the director of British Future, Sunder Katwala. It’s another milestone as we progress with my pledge for Newham to become a national beacon in championing diversity and inclusion because of the richness of our people. It is really important to me that Newham Council is responsive to the varied needs of our diverse communities across our borough; and responds effectively. Too often organisations pay lip-service to equality, diversity and inclusion; or it is weaponised by extremists who hate the fact that diverse communities actually exist and are a good thing! On Monday evening I joined the newly appointed Commissioners as they met for the first time, and was honoured to be able to let them know the life experiences that inspired me to establish the Commission. I also listened intently to their personal testimonies of life in Newham and the UK that motivated them to apply to be part of this really important agenda. They told their stories with good humour for sure, but also with grace and humility as they recognised the significance of what they will be doing as they embark on hundreds and hundreds of conversations with local residents across the coming months all over our borough. The Commission will find ways in which the Council can improve and change the way it works so that all our residents from whatever background can inclusively access our services. It will also provide insights on how as a community we can positively live, share and rejoice together in our difference and diversity! There’ll be a final report published next Spring, and will help shape Council’s procedures, practices and policies. Few, if any, boroughs are as diverse as ours. The voices of over 200 languages and dialects reverberate around our streets and across our neighbourhoods; we have a vast array of foods and cuisines from so many nations available for us to buy and eat as we appreciate our difference – and similarities. This week I’ve also been busy marking events that further demonstrate our borough’s diverse communities. On Tuesday, I attended an Interfaith Seder, a traditional meal to mark Passover which is a Jewish observance commemorating the Israelites' exodus from ancient Egypt. It was a magnificent and valuable experience for me as a Muslim, and I hope, an example of how through friendship we can deepen understanding and strengthen bonds between us. On Sunday, I will be joining a Vaisakhi, a Sikh celebration for the harvest and the founding of the Khalsa. We are also approaching Holy Week which starts on Palm Sunday, marking the final days of Jesus on earth, ahead of Easter. Now, it’s easy to sometimes think that diversity is all about religion or race or gender or nationhood. But it’s not, it’s more than that. On Tuesday, I spoke with community leaders, practitioners, volunteers, and autistic residents about our Autism Action Plan: Let’s Talk Autism. Among its goals is improving access into education and employment, and tackling health and care inequalities for autistic people. This co-produced action plan, which is being led by autistic residents, will ensure that no-one is left behind. On Thursday, I celebrated the new partnership between The Renewal Programme and the Edhi Foundation UK. This collaboration is a significant step in tackling food insecurity and poverty in Newham by providing culturally appropriate food and essential items for vulnerable residents. At the event, I spoke about how this partnership aligns with our goals of social inclusion, health equity, and community resilience, and how the voluntary and community sectors are key in supporting Newham’s diverse communities. Together, we are making real progress in addressing the growing challenges of food insecurity. Talking of food insecurity, don’t forget that we have our very own Holiday Activities & Food programme for eligible children and young people from low income households, where during school holiday times they are able to get a nutritious meal every day. They also get the chance to join heaps of fun through a range of activities organised through our network of voluntary and community sector partners and through our Youth Zones. Finally, if you fancy a cycle this weekend, head over to the North Woolwich Road, where the new cycle lanes have opened! They are part of borough-wide improvements we are making to road layouts and our streets; including through street tree planting! Earlier this week, I got a sneak preview when I joined our team who have been busy greening Silvertown through planting some 200 trees along the road over the past few years linked to wider improvements in the area. It will to reduce pollution in the air and making our streets more pleasant to walk and cycle around in. The work, part of our Street Tree planting programme part funded through the Urban Tree Challenge Fund which is run by the Forestry Commission, is just one of the many green projects that we’ve delivered across the borough over the past three years as we take practical steps to tackle the impact of climate change on our borough. Before I sign off, here’s to a sunny weekend ahead, and being happy! Until next week look after yourselves and loved ones. Best wishes,
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE
Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz | 
