You will have seen the Prime Minister’s announcement recently. This obviously has significant implications for everyone who lives and works in Waltham Forest.
The message is clear, people need to stay home to save lives. When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection. That is why the government has introduced three new measures:
- Requiring people to stay at home, except for very limited purposes
- Closing non-essential shops and community spaces
- Stopping all gatherings of more than two people in public
Police and Council officers are out ensuring that businesses and residents are complying with the new rules that will save lives and slow the spread of the virus.
Waltham Forest Community Help Network
I’d like to thank residents, community groups, and businesses who have come together to support our most vulnerable residents. This collective effort makes me prouder than ever to be a part of this community
The new Waltham Forest Community Help Network, setup only yesterday, has received hundreds of enquiries to support the most vulnerable members of the community directly, as well as support residents to help each other.
As part of this we have launched a new helpline. It is available for those aged 70 or over who are self-isolating for 12 weeks as instructed by the NHS and do not have easy access to other support. We are working in partnership with Age UK Waltham Forest, Eat or Heat, and PL84U to deliver this service.
Eligible residents will be referred to these partner organisations who can provide support directly by helping deliver essential food supplies, prescription collections, emergency home repairs, and social contact.
We are working in partnership with them to manage increased demand in requests for help, and with supplies and logistics. For those wishing to volunteer I would ask that they use this form to register, rather than call the contact centre so that we can concentrate on helping the vulnerable.
Share your stories about how Waltham Forest is coming together to support each other on social media by using #AllTogetherNowWF
Council Services Update
Following Government most recent instructions we have closed a number of services.
- Our Refuse and Recycling Centres have now closed.
- All libraries, including Walthamstow Library are now closed. You can access library services online HERE. We are still running a birth and death registration service at Walthamstow Library, visit our website for more information.
- All markets, except Walthamstow Market, have been closed until further notice. Walthamstow Market is closed for all goods, except stalls selling fruit and vegetables and grocery items until further notice, social distancing measures are in place. Never has a pound a bowl been more important!
- Waltham Forest Housing has closed the reception area at Cedar Wood House.
You can get up to date information on our services and how to access them by clicking HERE.
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.
If residents have questions please visit our website, and use live chat to talk to one of our team, it's quicker than phoning.
Sign up for the newsletter HERE
