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Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE

Hello Everyone,

 

This week, we’ve seen communities across the UK come together to say no to hate, following the violence that’s erupted across the country because of far-right extremism driving people to spout anti-Muslim, Islamophobic and anti-immigrant hate; fuel racism and hostility towards all minorities, and our faith and refugee communities as well.

 

Along with the police out in force, we’ve seen the wonderful images of local people from all backgrounds and across the country, come out united to take a stand.

 

Thankfully while no specific incidents were reported to the police in Newham, we put in place a whole host of measures to provide reassurance and support to our communities. Working alongside the police and other services, we closely monitored our mosques, places of worship, and other vulnerable locations, with enhanced patrols to ensure safety.

 

I’ve been reaching out to mosques and other places of worship offering our support. Yesterday, along with my cabinet member for community safety, Councillor Amar Virdee, we went to visit a Mosque, and earlier today went to an interfaith gathering of faith leaders to discuss the work we are doing to bring communities together in solidarity because we are one Newham.

 

On Saturday, national events will mark Stand Up to Racism, and community groups in our borough will be joining in. I want to reassure you that our joint-working with the police and other partners continues, ensuring that these peaceful and constructive demonstrations are not disturbed by hate. You might see more police patrols as usual in key locations across the borough.

 

Please remain vigilant and report anything concerning to the police via 999 if it’s an emergency, or 101 otherwise.

 

On Wednesday evening, I joined artists and residents in Forest Gate to celebrate the start of our ‘Colours of Newham’ Street Art programme. This initiative, part of our Building Newham’s Creative Future cultural strategy, will see 12 street art murals painted across the borough, celebrating the diverse and vibrant culture that makes Newham unique. Forest Gate, which has always been a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood - especially from our diaspora African Caribbean community - was famed back in the day for the Upper Cut Club, where musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Nina Simone and home-grown talent The Small Faces played. Forest Gate was also the place where the country’s very first ‘Rock Against Racism’ gig took place in 1976. It’s what we mean when we say Newham is the beating heart of London culture.

 

We’ve got loads of culture happening across the borough this summer, including this coming Sunday when UK Black Pride makes a welcome return, for a third year, to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park! It’s the world’s largest (free) celebration of LGBTQI+ Black and POC culture and I am really proud that at Newham Council we continue to support its mission and purpose. Kicking off at 12pm, this year's theme is ‘Freedom & Justice’ which means so much in our borough.

 

UK Black Pride reflects our commitment to support the rich diversity in Newham, where people should be able to love freely and be free from hate. You can read an interview I did with Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, aka Lady Phyll, who is the inspirational pioneer who founded UK Black Pride and built it into the powerful movement it is.

 

Talking of celebrating the diversity of LGBTQI+ culture, on Wednesday I also met members of the Forest Gate LGBTQI+ community for a further discussion with them following the appalling vandalism of the Pride flags last month. There are so many exciting ideas from the community about what to do next, and how we maintain the important symbolism of the Pride flags and what they mean, which is why events such as Black Pride, and the solidarity of our community - especially at times like now - is so important.

 

Also, start prepping for the much anticipated Greenwich and Docklands International Festival 2024 delivered by Festival.org, the UK’s leading outdoor arts organisation. Running from the 23 August to 8 September, there’ll be four amazing events taking place in Newham, including THAW, where you’ll be able to watch over 8 hours an awesome artistic performance on a 2.5 tonne block of ice; against the backdrop of our majestic Royal Docks. I’ll be writing more next week about what else is planned in Newham as part of #GDIF2024, but in the meantime put THAW as a must watch hold in your diary!

 

Looking ahead to next week, I know there’s much anticipation as A-level and BTEC results will be published on Thursday. Over recent years, Newham’s results have consistently exceeded the national average and I know that exam results don’t tell the whole story or reflect the whole talents of a young person.

 

So if you’re waiting in anticipation, don’t forget that you’ve got this regardless of your specific result outcome. Embrace the hard work you’ve put in; the support you’ve been given by awesome teachers; and the motivation from friends and family who will always want the best for you. Don’t forget, there’s plenty of support available as well as the UCAS website to help you decide on what next.


I told you last week about the financial pressures the Council faces due to the cost of pressures in social care and homelessness in Newham. On Tuesday, Cabinet considered the Summer 2024 Finance Report, and we also discussed this with the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee. I announced at Cabinet that we will be re-profiling the Council’s budget in the autumn. We have also been continuing to engage with the Government. I will continue to keep you updated on this.

 

Finally, as we approach the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics this Sunday, there’ll be much to watch and celebrate before the Paralympics begin on 28 August giving us even more chances to cheer on #TeamGB.  

 

Until next week, stay well and take a moment to check in on a neighbour with a simple hello! 

 

Best wishes,

 

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE

Follow what I am up to via X/Twitter: @rokhsanafiaz

Newham Mag Summer 2024

Take a look at the latest 

Newham Mag


The Summer edition of the Newham Mag is out now, if you don’t receive a copy you can pick one up at your local library, or you can take a look right now at our online version.


This edition is packed with positive stories from across the borough including marking milestones in our affordable house building programme, our fabulous South Asian Heritage Month events, how People Powered Places is transforming our borough and lots more, so do take a look.


View the latest Newham Mag online >

UKBP

Celebrate UK Black Pride in Newham


UK Black Pride is returning to Newham this summer to bring our community together for a dynamic day of celebration! This year's theme is "Freedom & Justice."

 

Join us for a day filled with exciting performances, insightful talks, vibrant community stalls, and engaging workshops. Make sure to mark your calendar and prepare to embrace a safe space where diverse sexualities, gender identities, and queer cultures are celebrated.


UK Black Pride takes place on Sunday, 11 August 12-8pm in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford


Find out more about the UK Black Pride 2024 event >

thaw social

THAW is coming to Newham 


1 person fighting for survival - 1 enormous suspended block of ice - 8 jaw-dropping hours. One of Greenwich + Docklands International Festival’s most spectacular and exciting events is coming to Newham on 24 and 25 August. 

 

Created by world-renowned Australian artists in response to the devastating bushfires of 2019/20, THAW brings Londoners face to face with the urgent need for global climate action. This colossal aerial production performed on a 2.5 tonne block of ice gathers intensifying power and urgency as the ice, suspended on a crane high above an iconic docklands landscape, gradually melts away.


“A huge logistical feat. An ever-shrinking stage” The Guardian 

 

Find out more about THAW, part of the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival >

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Join the Cultural Producers Programme

 

Are you an 18–30-year-old, and want to become a producer in the arts?

 

The Cultural Producers Programme is a unique 6-month journey of in-depth training and development, offering workshops, one-to-one coaching, professional mentoring and a 15-week work placement—all while being paid the London Living Wage!

 

To kick things off, we're hosting a Filmmaking Taster Weekend on August 24-25. This is a great opportunity to get a taste of what the programme has to offer and learn more about how you can be part of it.


Apply now to secure your place on the Cultural Producers Programme >  


Scam Alert Graphic1

Warning to residents over Household Support Fund scam

 

We are warning residents to beware of scammers. We have been made aware

of scam calls asking residents to apply for the Household Support Fund loan.

If you receive a call about this, please treat the call as suspicious.

 

If you receive any calls, emails, texts or social media messages claiming to be from the Council, check they are genuine before following any of the instructions. If you are concerned, especially if they ask you to provide personal details including bank details, you can call 020 8430 2000


Find more information about the Household Support Fund >

ZEN cargo bike

Reminder - Apply for grants of £2,500 towards cargo bikes for Newham workplaces

 

Workplaces in Newham still have time to apply for one of 24 grants of up to £2,500 towards the cost of a cargo bike, helping to cut transport costs and improve air quality in the borough. Applications are open until 1 September. 

 

The Zero Emissions Network (ZEN) is managing the cargo bike grant project after a successful bid to the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund. ZEN, an award-winning initiative, helps workplaces save money, reduce emissions and improve local air quality. It is already assisting nearly 100 businesses in Hackney and Tower Hamlets to switch to cargo or e-bikes.

 

Find out more about cargo bike grants and how to apply > 

Housing Family Fun Days

Join our Housing Community Fun Days

 

Throughout the summer our Newham Housing Community Fun Days have been bringing fun, alongside the opportunity for residents to meet staff from across our Housing service and other parts of the organisation.   


Our final event of the summer takes place on Wednesday 14 August at the Grant Street open space on Grant Street E13 0ET.


Staff will be on hand to answer any queries that you may have about our services, and we would love to have you join us to enjoy delicious food, ice cream, fun activities for all the family, free bike repairs from Dr Bike, giant games, children’s entertainment and much more.  

 

Find out more about Newham Housing Community Fun Days >


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Our Newham: Empowering residents and businesses with confidential advice and support


Our Newham is the council’s service exclusively for Newham residents supporting you across five programmes: Money, Work, Business & Enterprise, Learning & Skills and Youth. 

 

From helping residents maximise their income to supporting local businesses and start-ups kick-starting career journeys. Find out more at www.newham.gov.uk/ournewham

or come and visit us at 112-118 The Grove, E15 1NS

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