Don't forget - you need ID to vote

The Mayoral and London Assembly election is taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024. To cast your vote at a polling station, valid photo identification is essential. 

Accepted IDs range from passports and driving licenses, to blue badges and certain travel cards. Presented ID must be the original, not a photocopy, with a name matching your voter registration. 

For a comprehensive list, check the Electoral Commission website or call: 0800 328 0280. If you don’t have a suitable ID, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the April 24 deadline.

For further information, visit the Newham Council website >

Changes at Newham's leisure centres  

As you may already be aware, GLL is due to take over the management of our leisure centres from Monday 1 April 2024. The non-profit organisation will be operating under the Better brand. 

To allow time for the changeover, Atherton Leisure Centre, East Ham Leisure Centre and Newham Leisure Centre will be closed from Thursday 28th March until Sunday 31st March, reopening on Monday 1st April. 

This closure period will allow for the centres to be rebranded, new uniforms to be distributed, staff training, equipment replacement and the changing of ICT and phone systems.  

For more information, contact: customerservices@gll.org

Get a free blood pressure check at a pharmacy 

Did you know that high blood pressure usually has no symptoms? Millions of people are living with high blood pressure without knowing it. If left untreated, high blood pressure can significantly increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease or vascular dementia. 

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a quick and painless blood pressure check, which is available at many pharmacies. 

There is no need to book an appointment. Once you’ve found a convenient location, just walk in and ask for a free blood pressure check. The pharmacist will help you understand the result and provide you with advice or information.

Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks >

£3.83m decarbonisation grant secured for Carpenters Estate

This week, a new milestone has been achieved to accelerate the improvement works at James Riley Point, the first phase of the Carpenters Estate regeneration. 

The funding received will allow 314 existing homes (44 percent) to be retrofitted to the highest standards. The works will include new façade upgrades to ensure high levels of thermal insulation and air tightness. 

Additionally, individual air source heat pumps will be installed to provide energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and hot water for these homes. These works are scheduled to commence in Autumn 2024.

Latest Carpenter Estate updates > 

Become a Cost of Living Champion

Would you like to play a key part in helping your family, friends and local community know where support is available? Why not become a Cost of Living Champion? You’ll get regular updates on cost of living support. 

We have also developed interactive training sessions for Cost of Living Champions. The training sessions will be delivered online and are free to attend. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion. 

For more information, visit www.newham.gov.uk/costoflivingchampions

 Fill in the form to sign up >

Take part in the Great British Spring Clean  

As we step into the second week of the Great British Spring Clean in Newham, the momentum is soaring! Many of you are already pledging your commitment and utilizing our new community litter picking service. 

If you haven't joined in yet, there's still time. Simply make the pledge via Keep Britain Tidy’s website and then head to Community litter picks via the Newham website to complete the litter picking application form. You’ll receive litter picking equipment and council support in waste collection after your event. 

With 70 years of heritage, the Great British Spring Clean is a testament to collective action and community spirit. Now is the perfect opportunity for all of us to unite, pledge to pick up a bag of litter, and contribute to the cleanliness of our shared spaces.

Find out more >    

Revised waste collection days over Easter  

Amidst the Easter holiday, don't forget about your revised waste collection day. You won't miss a collection but there will be changes to your waste collection day. Remember to roll out those bins on the revised day. Let's keep Newham looking blooming lovely this spring!

View the changes and mark your calendars >