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Hello Everyone, , I hope you’ve had a good week as we all embrace the joy, fun and excitement that the weekend ahead will hold!
I’ll be heading to a Shabbat lunch tomorrow, followed by joining a bunch of our young people, including care leavers, for an afternoon of track and field sport; ending with enjoying a festival for young dance involving an exciting collaboration with Sadler Wells East and the National Youth Dance Company! Our young people have been at the forefront of my mind these past weeks as I keep pressing for ensuring that here at the Council we widen opportunity for our future generations. Last Friday I was over at the Forest Gate Youth Zone as they hosted a powerful homecoming for one of their alumni; Calvin Bassey – a rising star for Fulham FC and trailblazing the international scene including in his country of heritage, Nigeria! Like me, Calvin grew up in Newham and returned back to the Forest Gate Youth Zone this month to launch the Calvin Bassey Collective; a powerful new initiative focused on supporting young people Newham through education, mentoring, and access to a raft of opportunities. With coaching sessions led by Calvin and his personal team, indoor boxing and a mini football tournament to close the day; it was a fun afternoon celebrating the young talent in our community. That’s why our Youth Empowerment Zones and incredible youth workers work so hard to ensure our young people are well supported and are empowered to be active citizens giving back to community. So for me, Calvin exemplifies the very essence of what we are driving here, now and well into the future: Opportunity Newham. This week I also had the privilege of meeting Kye Gbangbola, a father who is campaigning for authorities to adopt Zane’s Law in memory of his seven-year-old son who tragically passed in 2014 from the effects of toxic landfill gas exposure. When I spoke with Kye, I discovered that he had attended one of our local secondary school’s called Rokeby as he grew up in Newham for a period. I am pleased to say that Newham’s now added it’s backing to a growing national movement to get Zane’s Law onto the statute books, and already it’s backed by Environment Secretary, Steve Reed MP and Sir Sadiq Khan our Mayor of London. There’s an importance in getting justice that I see in Zane’s Law, which is a theme that I see in all the things I am doing through the Council in my role as an advocate for our people and as their Mayor of Newham. That’s why when I reflect on the progress we’ve been making through investments in youth services, keeping our streets clean and our neighbourhoods safe; or in building new homes and widening opportunity; or through our climate action responses – I know that my drive for Opportunity Newham is leading to clear outcomes. For instance, 90 of our schools are now part of our Healthy School Streets network; and we’ve risen six places in this year’s Healthy Streets Scorecard, which means we are ensuring streets and neighbourhoods are safe for our residents to walk and cycle in. On Tuesday, I headed to Canning Town North with cabinet members and Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing, to celebrate a major milestone in the TwelveTrees Park housing development by Berkeley Homes: the completion of the first 100 affordable homes and two new bridges that will rapidly connect people to West Ham Station. Overall, as more homes are built, there’ll be £67 million in developer contributions that we’ll get so that we can invest into local infrastructure for more of our communities. Talking of communities, on Wednesday I convened another one of Our Newham Futures Innovation Lab sessions to galvanise the power of local partners so they take collective action to impact positively the lives of our people. We’ve narrowed in on four ‘impact’ missions across health, community, economy and the environment because we know we are stronger when we act together. More to come on that in September! Before I sign off, don’t forget that from today we are kicking off our celebration of South Asian Heritage Month 2025, which is themed 'Roots to Routes' this year. We’ll be hosting exhibitions, performances and workshops that’ll showcase the vibrancy and richness of Newham’s South Asian communities. For instance, next Saturday afternoon over at the Beckton Globe Library, we’ll be bringing a brand new stage production of Goodnight Maharajah, by the recently formed SUNYA arts and theatre company. You can check out the full month-long schedule of events here – and be quick to book your tickets, as they’ll likely go fast! Till next week, be happy and take care! Best wishes, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
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Welcoming Paul Martin as Newham’s Interim Chief Executive
Paul Martin has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive for Newham Council and started in role on 18 July.
This follows the departure of the former Chief Executive Abi Gbago who has left the council to take a career break and spend time with her daughter. The Mayor, Cabinet and Council wish her the very best for the future.
Paul is one of the most experienced Chief Executives in local government, perhaps best known for his role as Chief Executive of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth Councils between 2016 and 2021.
In a statement following the appointment, Paul said ‘I’m looking forward to working with Mayor Fiaz and her Cabinet, and all Councillors, and to meeting Council staff and supporting them in their work to deliver good services to Newham residents in a culture of continuous improvement.’
Read the full statement on the appointment of Paul Martin as Newham’s Interim Chief Executive > |
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West Ham affordable homes delivered for TwelveTrees Park
The first 110 affordable homes and two connecting bridges at TwelveTrees Park, West Ham, have been delivered.
Berkeley Group, in partnership with the Greater London Authority, London Borough of Newham, Homes England, and Peabody, officially opened the site this week.
It is laid out on a 26-acre former Parcelforce depot previously cut off from West Ham Station and the surrounding communities by railway and underground lines.
Once complete, TwelveTrees Park will deliver more than 4,700 mixed-tenure homes, including 1,650 affordable homes, with an emphasis on social rented family housing for Newham residents.
The first homes include 45 social rent and 65 shared ownership properties. The completion of the bridges physically reconnects the site with the wider West Ham community for the first time in decades.
Read more about the TwelveTrees Park development > |
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| Let your kids discover a world of adventure this holiday with our Summer Reading Challenge Children aged 4-11 in Newham are being encouraged to take part in our Summer Reading Challenge. Created by the Reading Agency, this helpful push will ensure they are ready for a great start to the new term in the Autumn. Children simply set a reading goal and collect rewards for reading anything they enjoy. This year’s theme is the story garden, where imagination blossoms and stories grow! Children can sign up for free at their local library. Our little Story Sprouts under 4 won’t miss out! We’ve got special activities designed just for them, because it’s never too early to start a reading journey. Read more about the Summer Reading Challenge and how to join in > |
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Celebrate Roots to Routes South Asian Heritage Month
This summer, Newham invites residents and visitors to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month 2025.
There will be free cultural events running from July to August, aligned to the theme Roots to Routes.
Organised in partnership with artists and local communities, this year’s programme explores migration, memory, and identity through art, storytelling, performance, and workshops across Newham’s libraries and cultural venues.
Highlights of the month include: - Goodnight Maharajah – a new theatre production on the life of Duleep Singh, the last Maharajah of Punjab.
- Risograph Print Workshop, Mughal-inspired Art Sessions, and Knit & Knatter Clubs – hands-on creative opportunities celebrating South Asian aesthetics.
- Chotto Desh by Akram Khan Company (pictured) performance and workshops for young children.
And more!
All events are free to attend, but booking is required.
Book your South Asian Heritage Month tickets now > |
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| Take measles seriously this summer If you’re going away this summer and your child needs vaccinations – make sure they are up-to-date with the MMR.
Measles can kill and since January 2025, Newham has had the third highest number of cases among all local authorities in England.
Sadly, in the past few weeks it has been reported that a child has died in the UK after catching measles.
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective way to protect ourselves, our children and our wider communities against these diseases.
The vaccine is FREE and will help ensure your child remains healthy at school and when abroad.
Learn more about how you can protect your family with vaccinations > |
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| Time to change: Free reusable nappies If your little one is still in nappies, you may be pleased to know that, thanks to funding from the East London Waste Authority, we are offering you a FREE trial kit of reusable ones, worth over £35! There are lots of benefits to making the switch from traditional nappies, including reducing waste and saving money. Lauren (pictured) from Forest Gate is among those who’re already giving them a try. She said: “They are easy to use, easy to wash and seem really comfortable for my baby.” So why not give it a go and claim your free kit. Find more information about the Newham Real Nappy Scheme and to claim your free kit > |
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Interested in a new career: Discover what’s happening in construction during Construction Apprenticeship Week
Join our exclusive service for residents, Our Newham, for Construction Apprenticeship Week, taking place from 22 - 24 July at 112 - 118 The Grove.
Discover live apprenticeship vacancies, meet top employers, get expert application support, and learn more about careers in construction.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to retrain, this is a great opportunity to take your next step. Learn more about construction apprenticeship opportunities > |
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| Get your bike checked for free You can have your bike checked for free by a qualified mechanic, thanks to our Dr Bike service! Simply take your bike along to one of a few local sites to get any minor faults repaired, and to ensure it’s safe and roadworthy. In instances where major work is needed, the mechanic will be able to give their expert advice to help you to get it back up and running. The free service supports our commitment to making all of our streets safer and healthier. Find details of the upcoming Dr Bike events > |
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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 © 2025 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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