The rollout of the vaccination programme across Waltham Forest continues and I wanted to share a message from our local health partners.

There are appointments available tomorrow (14 April) at Walthamstow Library between 9am and 5pm for Waltham Forest residents who meet certain criteria.

This includes people who are aged 50 and over, anyone awaiting their second vaccine having been vaccinated over eight weeks ago, and anyone aged 30 and over who has an underlying health condition, is a social care worker or an unpaid carer or is living with someone vulnerable to Covid-19.

Please ensure you qualify by checking the definitions online. Once you have done so, you can book a slot here. You will need to bring your NHS number and evidence of the category you are in, otherwise you will be turned away.

Yesterday marked the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. Like last year, Ramadan will be a very different experience for many due to the pandemic but I do hope all Muslims get time to reflect and celebrate.

Ramadan Mubarak

Online condolences for Mayor Chris Robbins CBE

Cllr Chris Robbins at the opening of Lea Bridge station

An online book of condolences is available for members of the Waltham Forest community to leave tributes for Chris, who passed away unexpectedly on Monday 5 April. You can visit the condolences book and leave a message of remembrance here.

We have been really touched by all of the messages from across the community remembering Chris and the work he did for Waltham Forest and its residents. He was especially dedicated to working with children and young people in the borough, giving them support and opportunities to help them reach their full potential.

Chris’ chosen charity during his time as Mayor was Haven House Hospice, which supports families looking after children and young people who have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Make a donation

Cllr Chris Robbins CBE, 1945 - 2021

Stand up to hate in Waltham Forest - sign our pledge

No Space For Hate advertisement at Leyton Underground station

Have you seen our No Space for Hate Campaign featuring some of our amazing residents?

We want as many of you as possible to join us in challenging hate in our community. If, like us, you have no space for hate:

Sign our pledge to show your support
Take our training to learn how to spot and stop hate in the community.
Share our Stop Hate UK confidential reporting and community support helpline: 0800 138 1625

Get involved

Staying Safe in Schools webinar

safety in schools graphic

Join our next webinar which is a special focus on safety in schools and settings during Covid-19.

The event will be held live on the Council Facebook page on Wednesday 21 April from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.

We will provide updates from education professionals, details of how we’re keeping children and young people safe, and the latest Covid-19 updates and guidelines for schools and families.

You can ask questions during the event or click here to submit your question in advance.

Joining the webinar is free and easy to attend – no registration is required, and you don’t need a Facebook account.

What has changed this week?

Wear your mask

Yesterday non-essential business and leisure venues re-opened across England. It is really important that we move through this next phase of the roadmap safely, stick to the rules and keep on protecting each other. Please remember:

Don’t meet indoors with anyone you do not live with – it’s not worth the risk
Wear your face covering in shops and on public transport
Follow any Covid-19 measures in place wherever you go
Don’t meet up in groups larger than six or more than two households

Thank you for everything you’re doing to keep us moving out of this pandemic. Together, we’ll get through it.

Help us shape the recovery of Waltham Forest

Composite of video stills from the Festival of Learning award video for the Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service. Full video via the web page.

We’re pleased to invite residents to register for upcoming focus groups between 17 and 24 April. These sessions will explore the post-pandemic restart and recovery with residents, and will help us understand your hopes and fears for the coming year as we emerge from the pandemic.

Spaces are limited for this, so please do register if you’re interested. If selected you will be contacted by the independent research company Lake Research and the session will be online, with residents rewarded for their time.

We are passionate about making sure the right support is in place for the future and welcome your help on this.

Register your interest

Last week to register to postal vote

May’s elections are approaching and we’re working to ensure that polling stations are ready and safe for our residents and staff.

Voting may take longer this year, so why not register for postal voting and vote from the comfort of your home.

We’ve made it as easy as ever to register for postal voting. You don’t have to provide a reason to apply. Just do it by 20 April at 5pm so that we have enough time to process your documents.

Register for postal voting

Observe Ramadan safely

NHS branded image about Ramadan

This week is the start of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Please make sure you observe this month safely and protect your loved ones during this time.

You can meet outdoors in groups of six or as two households, but must not meet indoors at this time. By meeting indoors the risk of infection increases, so please don’t be tempted to do so.

It’s safe to take the Covid-19 vaccine during this time and it will not break your fast. You can hear directly from Dr Ashraf, local GP and practicing Muslim who speaks more about this topic.

Watch the video

I had my jab

Image featuring ten people with #ihadmyjab in the middle

We have now launched our #Ihadmyjab campaign, and would love for you to get involved, celebrating when you have your Covid vaccine. At vaccination sites across the borough, you’ll see posters, banners and will receive a lovely sticker and postcard too. Please do take a snap of yourself with the banner, sticker or postcard and use the hashtag #Ihadmyjab so we can see all your lovely faces!

It's really important that we encourage other people in our lives to have the vaccine when it’s their turn, so please do get involved and share to your networks.

Learn about the vaccine

Is the AstraZeneca vaccine linked to blood clots?

An image with text about Covid-19 vaccine safety

We know many residents may be concerned about the recent discussions around the AstraZeneca vaccine and blood clots, but we want to assure you that the risk is very low and benefits of having this vaccine far outweigh the risks.

The Health Secretary has said that the risk of experiencing a serious clot is the same as from taking a long haul flight.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the UK Government on immunisation, released a statement on use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, which you can read in full on their website.

Read official information

Beware of Census Fraudsters

Census

Census fieldworkers will be out in the borough visiting households that are yet to complete their census.

These fieldworkers will wear clearly identifiable vests with the census logo on it, will have name badges and ID on them, don’t be afraid to ask them to show you.

They will never ask for financial details, they are only there to help you fill out the census and answer any questions you may have.

Completing the census helps the Government make decisions about how it funds services such as healthcare. Police, community services and schools. You can find out more information on the census website, in different languages and formats.

Learn about the Census

Fellowship Square New Fountain music competition

Town Hall

Ever imagined your favourite track coming to life by 144 water jets programmed to dance and change colour?

You now have the chance to have your favourite piece of music played by the new fountain at Fellowship Square when it opens to the public this summer. We are looking for a total of three tracks from Waltham Forest residents.

Fellowship Square is all about community and togetherness, so that’s why we chose “family” as the theme. The winners get to turn on the fountain with their chosen track!

Submit your entry

Council services update

Corporate Strategy - Newsletter Footer

Our brilliant officers and teams are making sure we provide key services to our residents throughout this stage of lockdown and we keep our website updated with the latest service information.

To find out information about a particular service, please visit our website.

Info on council services

Subscribe Information and advice regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing quickly and its important you keep up to date with those changes. The Council will be using email newsletters to keep residents and businesses up to date.