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Hello Everyone, 

As we countdown to Christmas on Monday, I wanted to send you an early festive missive to wish you all a wonderful time with your friends, family and loved ones. 

As with each passing year, the Christmas holiday season often prompts reflection as we manage to get a chance to slow down and think about the significance of Christmas, despite its commercialisation that seems to have ratcheted up more and more over the years. 

It’s a sacred religious period for Christians around the world, celebrating Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth; but it’s also an important cultural phenomenon. For two millennia now, people around the world - of all faiths and none - have been revelling in Christmas traditions and practices that are both religious and secular, which is a marvel and a curiosity at the same time. 

I love how Christmas brings people together to enjoy a festive time! For instance, earlier yesterday afternoon I spent time with members of the Ekta Project, a wonderful local charity based in East Ham which was set up to ensure inclusive and culturally appropriate care for Asian elders. Founded by longstanding community activist and pioneer, Ramesh Verma OBE, the charity has gone from strength to strength campaigning for equal access to health and adult social care. 

It was really joyous being with the Asian elder members of the Ekta Project for their Christmas celebrations yesterday afternoon; a glorious desi-style extravaganza with jingle bells fused with bhangra and Bollywood music! I also spent some time with our wonderful young people at the Beckton Youth Zone, who had spent the day packing Christmas food hampers and gifts that they will be distributing to families in Newham facing hardship because of the cost of living crisis.

What struck me was how everyone appreciated and recognised both the religious significance of Christmas, and the opportunity this time of year offered for people to come together, show love and be happy. So Christmas is a time when we express our gratitude for each other, and come together as a community to show generosity and kindness. 

Here in Newham, that doesn’t just happen at Christmas. Throughout the year, I have been inspired by the countless acts of generosity and kindness that I see across our borough. Whether it's supporting local charities, volunteering or simply extending a helping hand to a neighbour, we are a borough full of people wanting to make a positive difference.  

That’s really special and reflects how Newham stands apart because we are dynamic, diverse, and determined. It’s something that I’ll be wanting to highlight more as we enter the New Year.

Let’s make 2024 the year where Newham shows that we are determined to seize opportunities and face up to challenges as we deliver our purpose of Building a Fairer Newham. We want everyone in our borough to thrive and have healthy, happy, and fulfilled lives; and we'll be making this happen by working closely with residents and business, the voluntary sector and community partners.

This time of year can also be really difficult for some of our residents for all sorts of reasons. That’s why there are a number of services that will continue to provide vital support over this holiday season for them. For instance there’s: 

• StreetLink work with us here at the Council to support rough sleepers. You can make a referral via their website or call: 0300 500 0914. StreetLink will then alert an outreach team that will seek to find the rough sleeper and connect them to support services within 24 hours.
• The Newham Mental Health Crisis Line is open 24 hours a day to support all people of any age living in Newham experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency. Run by mental health professionals, the helpline is free to call and available 24 hours a day (including at weekends and bank holidays). Just call: 0800 073 0066 when needed, and you can also visit their website. 
• Newham’s Healthy Mind website is also filled with advice, guidance and links to services that can help your mind stay healthy, including details regarding mental health, connecting with others, volunteering in your community and coping with bereavement. Please visit the Well Newham website for more information.

Here at the Council, some council services will be taking a pause, with others operating to a Christmas and New Year schedule. Find out more via the Council’s website where you’ll see the latest information, including opening days, hours and contact details. You can also check out your weekly recycling collection day here, which we’ve rolled out across the borough so that you can be #BeBinDayReady. 

Finally, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other festive tradition, on behalf of everyone at the Council, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous holiday season. 

Happy Christmas! 

Best wishes, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE Mayor of Newham 

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

People Powered Places... successful projects announced

This year’s People Powered Places programme attracted 366 separate applications for funding for projects across the borough. 

Following shortlisting, over 10,000 residents cast their votes during the programme’s ‘The Big Vote’ to decide where funding is allocated in their local area. 

Congratulations to the 119 winning projects that will start making improvements in Newham from January. The Big Vote also sparked a record number of registrations on Newham Co-Create where residents can take part in this and future participatory projects. 

Find out more about People Powered Places, including stories from some of the winning bids >

Our Newham Support 

We are working hard to support those most in need. Our Newham services have seen significant increases in requests for help, particularly from families requesting help with energy bills and basic

 food.

The rising cost of living is affecting us all, whatever your circumstances, Our Newham Money is here to help and support with your financial wellbeing.

If you need help or advice, it’s available from Our Newham Money (financial wellbeing support and advice), Our Newham Work (finding work, apprenticeships and training) or Employment Rights Hub. You can also find out more about food support from the Newham Food Alliance, including how to refer yourself or someone in need.

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