| | | | Hello Everyone,
I hope you have had a good week, despite the colder weather and the winter nights’ drawing in! As we count down to the festive season, I am looking forward to joining residents at our Civic Christmas Lights Switch-On this afternoon over at East Ham Town Hall from 3pm-6pm, with a dazzling glow of Christmas lights. As well as a Santa’s Grotto, today's event boasts a brilliant and fun line-up, from the enchanting 'Not Yet a Yeti' by Discover Children’s Story Centre, to the festive inspired Caribbean steel pan drum beats of Pan Vibrations and South-Asian dance. There’s more information below.
Beyond the joy of Christmas, these festivities play a pivotal role in Newham's bid to become the Borough of Culture 2025. With collaborative efforts from local organisations like Rosetta Arts, East London Dance, 3 Mills Studio, and The Line, we're shaping a cultural legacy that highlights the richness of our heritage. Join us not just in celebrating Christmas, but in supporting our vision for a culturally vibrant and united community as part of our Building Newham’s Creative Future cultural strategy and plans.
This past week, I joined in Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas celebrations as families across Newham celebrated these two auspicious religious moments for our Hindu and Sikh communities. Last Sunday, I was over at the SKS Swaminarayan Temple, which is just off Green Street, with Cllr Miraj Patel to mark Diwali at an important Hindu ritual called Lakhsmi Pujan. On Wednesday, we celebrated Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas at an interfaith event at the Council’s Dockside office in the Royal Docks.
While we gathered to enjoy the brilliance of these light-filled festivals, we recognise that shadows still linger. Both festivals embody the triumph of light over darkness, which serves as a poignant reminder that each of us possesses the capacity to illuminate the world, both individually and collectively, and help support peace. So my heartfelt wishes to everyone marking Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas this year. It certainly makes me proud about our community here in Newham and our strength as we come together in the spirit of light and hope.
Over the past week, you may well have seen reports of mindless acts of violence in the local media. Sadly, this resulted in the death of a man last weekend and my heart goes out to his family and friends at this time. On Wednesday a further stabbing took place, which thankfully did not result in a death.
I am very aware that this violence sends shock waves through the community with many of you feeling scared and unsafe. The safety of our community is a priority for us all; the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Crime, Cllr Amar Virdee, is working closely with council officers to ensure that there are more Newham police in the neighbourhoods where these tragic events took place.
As the Police investigations continue into these awful crimes, we will be focused on ensuring that our local communities feel safe. Along with more police on our streets, we’ll also have our own Community Safety officers out and about who are happy to speak with any resident about any concerns.
If anyone has any information on the recent incidents, it is really important that you call the Police: - For the incident on Saturday 11 November in Victoria Street/Grangewood Street, E6 call 101 quoting CAD 7287/11Nov.
- For the incident on Wednesday 15 November near Iceland on Barking Road, call 101 quoting CAD 6215/15November.
- You can also call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on: 0800 555 111.
It was also disheartening to read this week the survey by London TravelWatch, which reveals the urgent need to tackle abuse and hate crimes against members of the LGBTQ+ community on public transport. Two-thirds feel a constant threat of violence or harassment while using public transport; and those from our communities of colour or who are Trans+, deaf or disabled feel it worse. The findings are stark and sobering. No one should feel unsafe while travelling and it is our duty to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, gender, race or sexual orientation can move freely and without fear.
You can read the statement we issued here following the publication of the survey. I want to assure anyone from our LGBTQ+ community in Newham who feels frightened, anxious or scared, we stand by you and will continue to work with partner organisations to tackle any form of hate crime and make public transport safe. There is no place for hate in Newham. Those who commit hate crimes attack the fundamental values that underpin our diverse society, values of acceptance and respect for others.
As the winter truly kicks in, just a reminder that all our libraries have extended opening hours to become Warm Havens, providing safe, non-judgemental and warm spaces. As well as a warm welcome, libraries also offer free Wi-Fi and a busy schedule of regular activities to suit all ages and tastes, from parent and toddler sessions, coffee mornings, digital skills sessions and much more.
Finally, on Monday I’ll be sending a letter to the Chancellor ahead of the Government’s Autumn Statement next week on 22 November 2023, in which he will set out the Government’s spending priorities. He has the opportunity to reverse the decade of damaging cuts that have left many public services struggling to survive. Since 2010, the Government has repeatedly cut funding to councils, leaving an increasing number of councils warning that they could effectively go bankrupt in the coming months. Already, the Local Government Association has warned that a combination of rampant inflation, rising homelessness, and the increased cost of delivering services, such as children’s social care, means that councils across the UK will be facing a £4bn funding gap by March 2025.
What does that mean for Newham? Well, let’s see what the Chancellor does in his big reveal on Wednesday, and what then comes out from the subsequent local government funding settlement next month as we progress with setting the Council’s Budget plans for next year.
I also know this: while it’s going to be tough, we’ll continue to campaign hard to secure the fair funding our people in Newham deserve and need and to deliver on the Building a Fairer Newham plans that we have. And as part of our robust financial management, we will always make sure that the Council spends every penny and pound wisely to deliver the best services for our residents during these hard times.
Until next week, stay well and take care.
Best wishes,
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE
Follow what I am up to via Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz |
| | Christmas Light Switch On, Saturday 18 November
The festive
season is coming up, so join us on Saturday 18 November at East Ham Town Hall
from 3-6pm for the civic Christmas light switch on event.
Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE will be joined by local leaders to light up our
tree and kick-start the celebrations. Enjoy musical entertainment from Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation, Pan
Vibration and Newham Music Jazz Collective, plus dance from the Malayalee
Association of the UK. Immerse yourself in theatre with Discover Children’s
Story Centre, visit Santa in his grotto, and get creative with artist Momtaz
Begum-Hossain.
East Ham
library will also host a variety of family fun activities including face
painting, arts and crafts, and a festive film screening.
Find out more about our Christmas events |
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| Warm Havens - Extended Opening Hours Until 31 March 2024, all our libraries have extended opening hours to become Warm Havens, providing safe, non-judgemental, warm spaces during the cold winter months.
As well as a warm welcome, libraries also offer free Wi-Fi and a busy schedule of regular activities to suit all ages and tastes, from parent and toddler sessions, coffee mornings, digital skills sessions and much more. Anyone interested should visit their local library.
We have also relaunched a dedicated Warm Haven grants programme. Grants of up to £2,000 are available to organisations who can support our response to the cost of living.
Find out more about Warm Havens |
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| | Waste
and Cleansing Strategy: Take the Survey - open until 26 November at 12pm Earlier this year, we conducted a survey to understand local views on rubbish, recycling and cleaning in the borough.
After receiving views in Phase 1 of the consultation, we have developed the first draft of the strategy to set the direction for our Waste and Cleansing services.
Building on the work from Phase 1, we have now launched Phase 2 of the consultation and we welcome feedback from Newham residents, business owners, community groups and organisations.
The survey closes on 26 November at 12pm.
View the developments you’ve influenced and provide your feedback today |
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| The Big Vote is now closed – look out for the results in December
The Big Vote closed on Sunday 12 November after thousands of Newham residents voted for their favourite projects in their Community Neighbourhood.
Held over a three week voting period, the unique democratic opportunity saw hosts of residents come together in-person at local libraries and online to take part. We wish everyone involved the very best of luck and look forward to announcing the successful projects in December. We will update you on their progress in the New Year.
We are set for another wave of incredible transformation led by our residents – watch this space!
Find out more about People Powered Places |
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| | Carers Rights Day – workshops to support unpaid carers
Are you an unpaid carer? If so, we want to ensure you are accessing all of the benefits and support tools available.
To mark Carers Rights Day next week, Newham Carers Community (NCC) are holding four workshops, providing advice and guidance on entitlements. NCC is our commissioned service which provides support to carers across our borough. It offers free and confidential advice, information, activities and support to unpaid carers.
The upcoming activity supports our Carers Strategy which aims to identify, work with and support our carers to ensure they feel empowered, recognised and heard.
For more information about the workshops on Thursday 23 November and Friday 24 November, or to access NCC, please contact: 020 3954 3143.
Find more information on our support for carers webpage
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| Live Well with Diabetes Event
Dozens of residents benefited from our Live Well with Diabetes event at Manor Park Library on Tuesday. Held to coincide with World Diabetes Day, provider organisations offered health checks, expert advice and support with a Q&A session.
The aim of the event was to highlight why Type 2 diabetes is so impactful in Newham and to provide information about the range of free support programmes that are available in our borough.
Oviva, which is delivering the Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission programme and Thrive Tribe, which is providing the National Diabetes Prevention Programme, joined partners including East London NHS Foundation Trust, Newham University Hospital and Nutrition Kitchen.
For more information about the lifelong condition, visit the Well Newham website |
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Domestic
Abuse - 16 Days of Activism campaign
We are taking
a stand against domestic abuse with a calendar of events to mark the global 16 Days
of Activism campaign, a movement is aimed at challenging violence against women
and girls. The action
supports our Domestic Abuse Strategy 2022-2025, which sets out our work towards
inspiring confidence and trust in those who are affected by, and those who
experience, domestic abuse.
In Newham we extend our support to survivors of all
genders and we are working alongside commissioned services to ensure they feel
listened to, believed and protected. You can find
the full calendar of events on the Newham website.
For more
information about community-based domestic and sexual abuse services, contact
Hestia by calling: 0808 196 1482; or via email |
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Adults Safeguarding Week - London-wide
event
We want to ensure those who live and work in Newham feel
safe, protected and empowered. As
part of Adults Safeguarding Week 2023, we are encouraging you to attend the
Safeguarding Adults Conference Hub. The London-wide event will offer attendees
the opportunity to collaborate, discuss and share experiences with safeguarding
experts, including those from the Metropolitan Police, domestic violence
support services and Our Newham Money. The
conference will be held between 10am-2pm on Wednesday 22 November 2023 at
Stratford Library (Hopkins Room), 3 The Grove, E15 1EL. Tea and refreshments
will be provided.
You can register by visiting the website.
You can find
more information, including how to raise a concern about an adult in Newham, by
visiting the Newham Council website. You can also
contact our 24 hour safeguarding helpline on: 020 3373 0440 |
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Canning
Town Regeneration Event
Come and join the Canning Town Regeneration Team on Monday 20 November from 6.30-8pm at Canning Town Library to hear about our latest plans for the Canning Town Estate Regeneration. Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE will be joining the event.
The event will be an opportunity to learn more about the regeneration plans that have been co-designed with residents so far, and hear more about the current refurbishment program.
You will also get a chance to ask any questions and share feedback with our housing regeneration and design team.
View the latest Canning Town Estate Regeneration Updates
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Borough of Culture Launch Event
Ahead of our
exciting London Borough of Culture bid submission, we are hosting a launch
event to showcase how Newham is the beating heart of London culture.
Join us to
celebrate the very best of Newham on Monday 27 November from 6.30 – 9pm at
Queen’s Market where you will be treated to wonderful creative performances,
tantalizing food from our ‘Market of Culture’, and meet some of our very best
talent and organisations in Newham. You will also
get a chance to hear about some of our initial co-produced ideas for our bid
programme year. You
can still get involved in shaping the bid by filling out our survey
below.
Complete
the Newham London Borough of Culture bid survey
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| | Our mailing address is: London Borough of Newham, Newham Dockside, 1000 Dockside Road, London, E16 2QU. |
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