Get ready to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month, 18 July to 17 August

We are excited to present to you our vibrant programme for South Asian Heritage Month, themed ‘Free to be me,’ running from 18 July to 17 August. Enjoy diverse events, including spoken word, music, tea tales, art exhibitions, storytelling, and film screenings.

Highlights include the launch event ‘Chai Chronicles: Exploring the History of South Asian Tea’ on 19 July, ‘The History of Bharatanatyam’ dance performance on 23 July, a screening of The Queen of My Dreams on 28 July, in partnership with London Indian Film Festival, and Khayaal Theatre’s storytelling event on 29 July.

Click for the full programme and to book tickets >

Join us for the opening of our two new galleries in Stratford! 

Hypha Studios is launching two new galleries in Sugar House Island, Stratford, to support emerging East London artists.

The galleries will host 16 exhibitions featuring 250 artists and over 60 free events and workshops. Hypha Studios is a charity that matches creatives with empty spaces and regenerates the high street with cultural hubs and events for local communities. 

The launch event is on Friday 28 June from 6pm-9pm at Gallery one: 6 Sugar House Lane, E15 2QS and Gallery two: 107 High Street, Stratford E15 2RB.

No booking required, find out more >

Are you bin day ready?

Bin collections in Newham have changed for residents who live in houses and houses split into flats. Be Bin Day Ready by following our checklist: 

☑ Check your collection day via newham.gov.uk/BeBinDayReady 

☑ Check what you can recycle by reading our guide to what items can go in your recycling bin 

☑ View our best practice guidance on how to present your bins 

☑ Present your bin at the edge of your property, the night before your collection day. 

☑ Make sure your waste fits inside the bins, with the bin lids shut. 

☑ Make sure excess waste is left beside your bins.

One week to go – General Election: Thursday 4 July

On Thursday 4 July 2024, eligible electors in Newham will have the chance to vote for a Member of Parliament (MP) for one of the following constituencies: East Ham, Stratford & Bow or West Ham & Beckton. 

There are also by-elections for Forest Gate North and Maryland wards. 

You will have been sent polling cards for the elections you are entitled to vote in. If you are a qualifying EU Citizen, you can vote if a by-election is happening in the ward where you are registered but NOT in the general election. 

Check what elections you are allowed to vote in >

Don’t forget - voters need to show approved photo ID to vote in person at a polling station. 

Check now that you have an accepted form of photo ID. Find out what the accepted forms of photo ID are >

Find your poll station here > 

For more information about the general and by-elections in Newham, visit the Newham website >  

Making daily living easier with AskSARA

AskSARA is an online advice and assessment tool designed to help you find useful information and products aimed at making your daily living activities easier. It provides impartial advice about suitable equipment and assistive technology solutions that enable older people, and disabled people of all ages, to live independently and maintain their lifestyle. AskSARA is easy to use and has a quick and easy 3-step self-assessment process. Simply choose a topic you would like help with, answer some straightforward questions, then receive a personalised report. You can find more information on how to use AskSARA with our helpful infographic here.

You find more information here >

Enjoy Better’s Newham leisure centres this summer

We are working with Better to ensure you have access to a range of activities aimed at supporting your health and wellbeing this summer. Those of you with young children can take advantage of Better Swim School and Soft Play. Newham Leisure Centre and Atherton Leisure Centre will also host pool inflatable sessions, while East Ham Leisure Centre will continue to run Family Fun Swims, which include inflatable slides. Everyone can get involved in Newham’s Active Communities Programme, featuring bespoke activities for children and young people, the elderly, those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and women-only. A free summer programme will also be available in our parks. 

You can find further details here >