The Youth Takeover: An edition created with and dedicated to the young people of Waltham Forest. Turn to page 4
Your Council keeping residents informed Issue 216 26 November 2018 www.walthamforest.gov.uk @wfcouncil Building new opportunities n An new, innovative partnership is set to deliver cutting- edge construction training and technology to meet the London Borough of Culture, with youth at the fore See Page 6 needs of both traditional trades and new technologies
Good news for local residents, provider, who will ensure that the Waltham Forest Council has Centre continues to address crucial announced that Dudley College skills gaps in the sector; while of Technology will be taking over coming up with tailor-made solutions the Construction Training Centre for industry. in Leyton. The Centre Management The college is one of twenty partnership comes with Mayor’s outstanding further education Construction Academy Kitemark colleges in the UK and is considered status, which will enable the a national leader of training in council and the college to work modern methods of construction collaboratively with the Greater delivery including the use of virtual London Authority (GLA) on their reality, drone technology and construction training agenda. robotics. Deputy Mayor for Planning, This partnership with the college is Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, crucial – one of the council’s priorities said: “By promoting the use of is building opportunities for our local virtual reality training courses, digital workforce, and the trades and skills technology and modern methods learnt in the Centre will ensure that of construction, the new centre will those in training are equipped to help realise the Mayor’s ambition to meet the demands on the industry. equip Londoners with up-to-date The council will actively engage skills employers need and create a with local residents on regeneration workforce capable of delivering more plans and ensuring that they are first homes in the future.” in line for new opportunities. They will Cllr Simon Miller, Waltham Forest’s be promoting ‘Construction and the Cabinet Member for Economic Young Advisor, Luke Doyley meets London Borough of Culture Director, Sam Hunt Built Environment’ as an industry and Growth and High Streets said: the value of the construction skill set “Dudley College of Technology residents can attain in the borough. presented an exciting programme of training delivery which will not only Dudley College will begin their The college will be working in activity and transformation to current benefit our residents and the local tenure as Centre Manager in More info partnership with Simian Risk – the Centre activity and demonstrated a economy, but the industry as a February 2019. walthamforest.gov/thinkwork UK’s largest scaffolding training history of high-quality and innovative whole.”
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Report neighbourhood issues through our Chatbot available 24/7 on Facebook @walthamforestcouncil and on Twitter @WFTellWalt 2 News Digital Month at the Anti-Bullying Workshop
at the Walthamstow Academy. accept, a young person may feel Still to come… local and national employers, The workshops covered what that they are being bullied by Amazon Alexa Workshop and learn about careers in their cyberbullying can look like, and someone who calls themselves a November 27 10am-2pm, companies. Bring your CV and what the consequences are for friend. The workshop provided safe Waltham Forest Town Hall, discover new opportunities in your individuals affected, both short and space for young people to identify, Forest Road area. Free, just turn up. long-term. They also explored what address and minimise this. Come to our Alexa workshop hosted can be done when a student The session was popular with the by Amazon, and enter your ideas in Hackathon witnesses bullying, whether online students, with the main feedback our competition to find the best way November 30 9am-7pm, One Hoe Jamil Wallace at the or in school corridors, and what being that they wanted more time. to use this technology. Register for Street, Walthamstow Anti-bullying workshop tools are available to report such These workshops provided them free wfdigital.co.uk Calling all hackers! Join Ticketlab incidents. with an open platform, and started a and Walthamstuff at the London National Anti-Bullying Week Jamil Wallace said: “I became a conversation about the common Digital Champions drop-in Borough of Culture 2019 hub, One kicked off on Monday 12 YIAG member because I grew up reality of cyberbullying, how to session Hoe Street, for a day of design, November, and became an on an estate where gang culture recognise it, reject it and move November 27 10am-12pm, Perky coding, coffee and pizza as we help important focus during Digital and youth violence was an everyday beyond it. Blenders, Magistrates Court, residents and visitors find the cultural Month. Waltham Forest occurrence. I felt like a bystander for Forest Road hot spots in the first ever London Council teamed up with the a lot of my childhood, and felt that More info The Waltham Forest Digital Borough of Culture. Register for free Young Advisors and the Youth the voice of young people – For more information on the Young Champions are available to address wfdigital.co.uk. Independent Advisory Group especially young people from the Advisors and the YIAG, head to their all of your digital queries, from (YIAG) to deliver cyberbullying black, Asian and minority ethnic websites: emailing to using your smart phone. Clarification bit.ly/WalthamForestYIAG (@ awareness workshops in (BAME) community was frequently Free, with coffee provided, just turn The last edition listed a Careers WFYIAG) schools throughout the borough. ignored. I didn’t want to continue up. Expo with Techmix on November bit.ly/WFYoungAdvisors (@ On Tuesday 13 November, Jamil feeling like I didn’t have a voice.” wfyoungadvisors) 29, 3pm-6pm as happening at Age Wallace and Kamahl Sami-Miller of The workshop aimed to teach Find out more about Waltham Careers Expo with Techmix UK in Chingford. The correct address the YIAG, and Roni Weir of the young people to recognise the signs Forest’s Digital Strategy, including November 29 3pm-6pm, Leyton for this event is Leyton Orient, Waltham Forest Young Advisors ran of bullying – particularly online. information on our Facebook and Orient, Brisbane Road, Leyton Brisbane Road. a workshop focusing on Specifically, it highlighted that while Twitter Chatbot and more here: bit. Open to all. Come down to meet cyberbullying with Year 10 students the label of being a bully is hard to ly/WF-DigitalStrategy
From the Leader Cllr Clare Coghill
Young people within Waltham News couldn’t possibly cover tackling youth violence – they are Forest and taking the brilliant Forest are our future leaders. everything young people do to integral to positive change. We opportunity to be a Young Advisor They make up an integral voice make Waltham Forest the uniquely hope you find this issue valuable it to Waltham Forest Council, I know of the council and as part of a exciting, creative and diverse place was a privilege to bring it together our borough is full of talented, National Youth Takeover, we it is, but it touches upon some of with the youth of Waltham Forest creative, passionate, incredible, are showcasing how they are the stories and initiatives that are to inform and inspire all our young people who are ready to always at the forefront of key important to them, in their own residents, whatever age they are. change the world. decision making. words. Over now to one of our Young “From the Children in Care This month alone, Young Look out for the #WFTakeover Advisors, 19-year-old Roni Weir: Council, Care Leavers, Young Advisor to the council, 19-year-old stamp across the issue and on our “This Youth Takeover edition is a Advisors and the Youth Roni Weir chaired the Children social channels over the next few great initiative that has given young Independent Advisor Group to and Family Scrutiny Committee, weeks to join the conversation. people the platform to showcase young people making decisions young people shadowed council Young people also hold Waltham the amazing work they are doing and improvements every day – the members and 24-year-old Bilal Forest accountable for delivering in the borough and challenge work that young people are doing Boumediene co-chaired our on promises to support and a negative narrative that we so here is pivotal, innovative and set Cabinet meeting. improve their life chances. From often see playing out in the media. to change the future.” This edition of Waltham Forest the Children in Care Pledge, to Having grown up in Waltham
Contact Waltham Forest Council Waltham Forest News Edited by: Corporate Advertising and promotional Their inclusion does not mean that Communications Team enquiries: the council endorses the company or Charles Vernon 020 8496 3675 product being advertised. Waltham Forest News wants to [email protected] hear from people in the local Waltham Forest News is produced using community. If you have a story Waltham Forest Council does not accept trees from sustainable managed forests that you’d like us to cover, email responsibility for the content of any where more trees are planted than felled. walthamforestnews non-council advertisements in Waltham Please recycle Waltham Forest News tap scroll click @walthamforest.gov.uk. Forest News. when you have finished with it. facebook.com/walthamforestcouncil @lbwalthamforest @wfcouncil www.walthamforest.gov.uk Waltham Forest News is published fortnightly by London Borough of Waltham Forest with a print run of 110,000 copies delivered to homes, organisations, businesses and bulk drops in the borough. More services The official independently audited free letterbox delivery of Waltham Forest News is 97,161 ABC Regional 4 January 2016 to available online. 1 January 2017 Issue 216 I 26 November 2018 3 Life Chances www.walthamforest.gov.uk Opportunities to flourish In brief
Waltham Forest Council has Zone’ of businesses that pay on health and housing. the opportunities to flourish. The Careers Fair made ‘giving young people all their employees the London Young people will be at the heart council also pledged a new way of opportunities to flourish’ one Living Wage or above. There are of identifying these opportunities working: designing and delivering boost for of the four priority areas in now 18 accredited businesses and five of them have been the Life Chances programme in our action plan to improve life in the borough. The most recent recruited as a ‘Life Chances Task collaboration with young people, young people chances. business to come on board is the Force’ to support the Opportunity parents, schools and partners. Part of this plan – ‘Creating Tap Traproom, on Ravenswood Bank project. Work on the project Futures for Young People’ – industrial estate. This work has will begin this December. was published in September in been supported by local community Resources: response to the recommendations groups and campaigners. Earlier in Life Chances: Need to of the Life Chances Commission. November, the council organised a know anewdirection.org.uk/ From increasing the number of Living Wage Business Breakfast to The Life Chances Commission Helping young people play an apprenticeships available, to celebrate progress in the borough was set up in 2017 by Leader active part in the culture and ensuring careers advice is the and talk to new businesses Clare Coghill to investigate how heritage of the city. best it can be – it sets out a broad about the benefits of Living Wage young people’s life chances could range of projects to improve youth accreditation. The breakfast was be improved. The commission bigcreative.education/ opportunities. a joint effort between Waltham included experts from education Big Creative Education for Many of these projects are Forest Council, Living Wage UK and business backgrounds as well students aged 16 to 24-years- already underway and include both and local community groups St. as young people, and covered old who want to pursue a career the Borough of Culture Leadership Mary’s Church and Waltham Forest three stages of young life – early in music, media, gaming, events, programme and the recent careers Citizens UK. years, school and post school. film or performing arts. fair at the Town Hall. Later this year, In September 2018, the council At the Fair a new ‘Apprenticeships Strategy’ Young people will lead launched its action plan to boost slenky.me/hub/waltham- will set out how the council will our work to boost the life chances of young people: forest create more apprenticeships and opportunities ‘Creating Futures for Young A platform for young people More than 600 local young people, work experience placements One of the key initiatives in our People’. that works directly with brands many with their parents, met employers, around the borough. At the end of plan to improve Life Chances Actions focus across four priority and businesses to make training providers and colleges at a last month, there was also a ‘Think is the ‘Opportunity Bank’. The areas: ensuring every child gets opportunities accessible in one Careers Fair for Young People organised by the council on Tuesday 20 November. Work Summit’, to discuss how Opportunity Bank will give the best start in life, providing a space. Throughout the day, students from businesses can do more for young young people access to more good quality education for every secondary schools across the borough people and residents. information about job vacancies, child, supporting young people Read more about Life Chances visited the Assembly Hall in Forest Road, Waltham Forest Council is also work experience and traineeships, to be resilient, confident and at: bit.ly/2S5wt7y Walthamstow, to discuss their future working to create a ‘Living Wage apprenticeships, as well as advice healthy, and giving young people opportunities. There was information on apprenticeships, traineeships and further education courses, as well as details of jobs and volunteering opportunities in a wide range of businesses from arts to engineering and more. Among those in attendance were Big investment for opportunities Apprentice Solicitors from city-based, Eversheds Sutherland. Jennifer A £3.6 million creative working planes during World War One. It can be hired out for private events. Davies, who is in her second year of space, which will help to guide will be part of a new ‘Big Creative Alexis Michaelides, Managing her apprenticeship, said: “Eversheds disadvantaged young people into Village’ masterminded by Big Director at Big Creative Training, Sutherland is offering a degree level the creative industries, is due to Creative Education, a creative hub said: “The investments from Big apprenticeship leading to a career in law, open next week on Monday 3 at the heart of the Blackhorse Lane Issue Invest, GLA and Charity meaning you can graduate in law while December. regeneration area. Bank have helped us enormously being paid for working in the firm.” Following investment from the Creative Works asked local to achieve our mission to support It was also the first time at a Careers Greater London Authority (GLA), designers and makers to help them young people into creative careers. Fair for Young People for Diagnostic Charity Bank and Big Issue Invest furnish and decorate the space Unlike a commercial bank, our Radiographer, Nicki Gordon, who said: (BII), Creative Works, in Blackhorse preserving its unique character funders have been involved in “There is a national radiography day each year which focuses on young Lane, Walthamstow, will act as a whilst bringing in functionality. all aspects required to ensure a people already following radiography workspace for 100 creative industry Bespoke co-working desks, successful and sustainable business courses but with a national shortage of professionals and small to medium custom-built bay dividers and that will play an important role in radiographers we decided to see the employers. private offices have been designed promoting diversity within London’s level of interest among younger people. In turn, up to 100 young people to provide privacy, ample storage creative economy.” It’s an important career and there’s a James Salmon, Investment aged from 16 to 24-years-old from and flexibility. shortage so radiographers so you’re North and East London will be Additional features at Creative Director at Big Issue Invest, said: practically guaranteed to find work when offered apprenticeships, training, Works include a post-production “We know Alexis and his team will you qualify.” mentoring and practical support ‘sound cube’, a fully-equipped provide young people who would The council is committed to making provided by those using the space. digital training suite, a range of ordinarily find it near impossible sure careers information and advice is The aim is to provide those young high-specification meeting rooms to enter the creative industries a consistent and high quality across the people with the skills, knowledge and a boardroom equipped for vibrant space to learn and gather borough, as part of our priority to the and expertise needed to work in the video-conferencing that can also valuable on the job experience.” improve life chances of our residents. creative sector. be used for small events or training. Info: walthamforest.gov.uk/ Creative Works is in a refurbished ‘The Square’ event space will host CareersService 100-year-old building that Creative Works exciting programme More info Creative Works, a space to thrive developed engines for fighter of social and industry events and creativeworks.space 4 Youth takeover Youth violence in focus in Walthamstow. He is Head of do with mental health support and point blame but to assess where Safeguarding in Waltham Forest certain violent behaviors becoming there’s risk and opening up lines of and Newham at the Met Police. normalised.” communication is a priority for the Here, Kamahl sits in conversation Paul: “That’s why we’re working Met in Waltham Forest. with Paul to ask about the with partners – schools, councils, Kamahl: “A lot of young people work the Met are doing around health care providers to try and don’t want the stigma of police disenfranchisement, gang activity spot those vulnerabilities and young intervention. They’re in a desperate and youth violence in the borough. people who are more susceptible situation themselves, desensitized Kamahl: “Given the significant to violence. The traumatic effects of to their own identities and don’t cuts in police officers since 2010, being exposed to domestic violence have the guidance of a route to how are you ensuring that the Met for example, have a long-lasting follow.” achieves the right balance between impact. We work closely with Paul: “I had a supportive, safe suppressing youth violence and councils and social care providers upbringing so have to really work protecting young people who to offer ‘placement stability’ and to put myself in the place of those find themselves in positions of provide a more positive experience young people who don’t have that vulnerability?” for them.” network. I connect with colleagues Paul: “We work closely with our Kamahl: “There are a lot of on the front line who are trying to partners including Waltham Forest intervention points along the way engage with young people have Council and the NHS. We offer before a young person resorts to had adverse experiences and don’t post-traumatic interventions for life-changing violence. I think it’s want to communicate with police a young person who have been a multi-facetted response that’s and outreach services.” sexually or criminally exploited or needed. A lot of vulnerable young Kamahl: “I think everyone coerced – those who have been in people haven’t learnt respect has a role to play and keep this gangs. It’s not just good enough for for authority or fear of negative momentum going. My mum has us to move youth away from gangs. consequences. It’s a domino- said before, “It takes a village to Kamahl Sami-Miller and Supt Paul Clements It’s about supporting individual effect trauma that ripples through raise a child.” recovery – we take a ‘trauma- communities.” Paul: “Yes. In the here and now, informed’ approach.” Paul: “That’s a good point. There it takes a community to raise a Kamahl Sami-Miller, 22, from and English at Buckingham New Kamahl: “I think there are a are a small number of families that child. Communication and links Walthamstow, has been working University. He is interested in lot of mental health issues in have a disproportionate demand across services and communities with Waltham Forest Council acting and wants to work within young people and families that go on services – be that council or are crucial.” as a YIAG (Youth Independent politics at a local level to influence unchecked. The willpower not to do social so it’s right that we take a Advisory Group) member positive change in communities. something isn’t always to do with ‘think family’ approach to services since 2012. He studied Drama Supt Paul Clements also lives cuts and lack of resources. It’s to as a whole. We are not there to
In brief YIAG award wins The Hub opens The YIAG is intrinsic in the Khan, a 22-year-old YIAG member positive development of young won the charity LEAP Young On 26 October, Waltham Forest Council people – many with lived Leader award. He continues in his successfully launched their dedicated experience of youth violence – as efforts to affect change in young drop-in Hub for Care Leavers and a new leaders in the community using people, notably with an upcoming digitalised Care Leavers offer. To mark their awareness of issues that affect inspirational book that draws from the launch and celebrate of National Care young people in the borough. his experiences in prison. Leavers week, the council put on a range The YIAG are supported The YIAG’s highlight this year of activities to highlight what can be was the winning of another national expected from The Hub. It included young by the Waltham Forest Safer people taking part in courses at City Hall, Neighbourhood Board with funding award at the Young Advisors career and cooking workshops, a team- from the Mayor’s Office for Policing AGM (Annual General Meeting) building trip to Go-Karting plus lots more. and Crime. in Sheffield. They won ‘Best The Mayor of Waltham Forest Cllr Sally Wendy Baah, a 24-year-old YIAG Community project 2018’ for the Littlejohn cut the ribbon to declare the member said: “We create and work they do as a team and their opening of the new drop-in space for facilitate peer workshops at Pupil impact in the community – a huge care leavers and children in care. The Referral Units, Youth Offending achievement and testament to the Hub provides a safe environment for Teams and in schools. We also sit their hard work. young people living in care and leaving on strategic boards such as the care, to seek advice and support. The Stop and Search monitoring board drop-in space aims to enable young YIAGs celebrate their well-earned award and Community Scrutiny, where people to develop life skills, access we input our concerns and ideas training, and employment opportunities about how to improve life for young More info whilst building a support network within The Youth Independent Advisory in community safety issues to people in the borough.” Attend Jamal Khan’s book launch their peer group at a time when they may Group (YIAG) was founded in work together with Waltham The success of the YIAG has need extra support. Info: https://bit. here: http://bit.ly/2OTYa1j 2009. The group engages young Forest Council, police and the been recognised through many Follow the work of YIAG on twitter: ly/2DuSfNT people in the borough interested local community. awards. Last year, Jhanzab ‘Jamal’ @WFYIAG Issue 216 I 26 November 2018 www.walthamforest.gov.uk 5
Pull-outs from Who are the Children The Pledge survey In brief We promise to help you become independent and reach your ambitions Voices in in Care Council? 81 per cent of young people surveyed either agreed or Partnership The Children in Care Council The Pledge for Children experienced. The results highlighted strongly agreed with this are a group of young people in Care, one year on areas of The Pledge young people statement working for in care and care leavers who In October 2017, Waltham Forest saw as working well and those that meet regularly to support and Council signed up to the Pledge for needed more focus. We promise to help you feel and with represent the voice of children Children in Care. The Pledge was Cllr Grace Williams, Cabinet safe and be safe and young people in care and created with the Children in Care Member for Children and Young 91 per cent of young people young people care leavers in Waltham Forest. Council and The Voice and Influence People explained: “While the results surveyed either agreed or One Children in Care Council Service. of this Pledge to Children in Care strongly agreed with this Voices in Partnership (VIP) is a youth member said: “When we meet we This enabled the voice of looked survey are positive, we recognise statement engagement group that Waltham Forest Council Early Help services facilitate. discuss what Children’s Services do after children (LAC) to be heard that working closely with, and fully Young people who have been through well and not so well. We talk about in terms of what is important to representing the voice of LAC and We promise to make sure the criminal justice system on orders are ways social service could improve. them – how they could get the children in care is an on-going you feel listened to and invited to attend VIP sessions as part of I think it has increased the influence best possible support to help them conversation that we are committed understood their rehabilitation, to feel their voices are that young people have in decision- improve their life chances and reach to. The Youth Takeover edition 85 per cent of young people heard and to recognise that they have making” their full potential as they grow up. of Waltham Forest News is just a surveyed either agreed or power to change things for the better. The Children in Care Council This September, The Children in glimpse into a world of positive strongly agreed with this 18-year-old Sophie (not real name), had work closely with the Waltham Care Council worked with the Voice news stories that the young people statement an interest in law and was invited to do a Forest Council’s Voice and Influence and Influence Service to send out of Waltham Forest are making work placement. Here, as a young person Service to make sure the views of surveys to the entire looked-after happen for themselves – their We promise to understand who has been through the criminal children and young people have population. This was to find out integration into our future decision- you as an individual justice system, she explains the support direct input into how care services whether young people in Waltham making is vital.” 87 per cent of young people she received from VIP: are run. Forest felt the promises made in surveyed either agreed or “Being a part of the VIP group, has been The Pledge were actually what they strongly agreed with this very helpful and through the VIP group I statement received a huge amount of support from Sherry Davis, the Consultation Manager in Early Help and my mentor. We took part in life skills projects that included Young people at the teaching young people how to budget Making it work: when we had the task to redesign the Early Help reception. heart of decision-making “The VIP group was able to link me with Style On Them the Mayor of London’s Peer Outreach Team, a group of young people across the capital who help influence the Mayor’s Alongside a care leaver’s offer passionate about.” policies. This gave me a focus to learn that includes a dedicated drop- SOT are now based online and be a part of amazing events, where in hub and digitised services and also run several pop-up I’m able to give not just my own but also to support and improve care stores around the UK. The brand other young people’s views and for our leavers’ life chances, Waltham is currently in the process of voices to be heard. Forest Council is keen to launching a bespoke concept, “Through the VIP group, Sherry also recognise and celebrate local making it the first streetwear brand introduced me to Generation Success, youth success stories. to offer a completely made-to- an organisation that connects young We spoke to local entrepreneur measure service on tracksuits. people from disadvantaged backgrounds Benny Zahid, who alongside friend to advisors from various professional Bilal seated next to Cllr Clare Coghill in Cabinet and business partner, Kyle Bennett, industries. designed and launched a clothing “By going to Generation Success, it line, ‘Style On Them’ (SOT) in 2015. allowed me to learn from successful As part of National Youth Thursday 15 November. Benny said: “The brand focusses people in the law field, where they Takeover, Waltham Forest Bilal Boumediene, from Waltham on outstanding quality and attention offered me work experience and various Council hosted a range of Forest said: “I am passionate about to detail. It also has a positive root tips to help build my confidence and events showcasing how the inspiring, teaching and educating message as it was founded by my support my future career aspirations.” voice of local young people is by giving back to young people friend Kyle, and I when we were The VIP group will be widening their remit at the forefront of key decision within Waltham Forest, and helping caught in negative cycles and gang to include young people aged from 14 to making. Young people from a to shape decisions which will activity. We started SOT to move 19-years-old to be involved with Early range of backgrounds delivered impact them. It was an amazing away from that lifestyle and inspire Help services in 2019. For more info workshops, 19-year-old Roni experience to be able to co-chair people in similar circumstances contact: Sherry.Davis@walthamforest. gov.uk Weir chaired the Children and cabinet with Cllr Clare Coghill and to do the same. SOT’s ethos as Founders of Style On Them, Family Scrutiny Committee and learn more about how decisions a brand is about giving back to Benny Zahid and Kyle Bennet young people shadowed senior are made within Waltham Forest. the youth alongside our growth members of the council as well As a young person, it’s important to through our community-inclusive as co-chairing senior meetings, see everyone working together to projects. Our projects include such as Cabinet. improve things in the borough for entrepreneurship workshops and More info Cabinet members and the the next generation, and bring the one-to-one youth mentoring with Order a custom handmade tracksuit Council Leader, Cllr Clare Coghill voice of youth to the centre of the founders and our creative network by contacting: welcomed 24-year-old Bilal council.” to help them build platforms to [email protected] Info: styleonthem.com/bespoke Boumediene to co-chair Cabinet on surface and promote areas they’re Social channels: @styleonthem 6 wfculture19.co.uk Luke Doyley meets Sam Hunt Young Advisor, Luke Doyley was amount of time between winning the through the individual events – for living cultural legacy, again details integral to that – they’re absolutely part of delegation group that bid for London Borough of Culture instance the open call from Addictive will be released through our various welcome. One Hoe Street is not consulted on and delivered the and now launching the programme, TV looking for musicians and channels.” just a place to get info on what’s bid to be the first ever London the entire team have been all out on performers for the opening event or Luke: I’ve seen you have a new happening but very much a Borough of Culture to City Hall ensuring next year is as good as is by volunteering to become one of London Borough of Culture office at community space. Members of the back in December 2017. it can be. It’s a real privilege working our Legends of The Forest. Make One Hoe Street – young people have London Borough of Culture team will As well as acting as a Young on a project like this in Waltham sure you’re signed up to all our social said it could’ve been a youth club be there every Wednesday afternoon Advisor to Waltham Forest Council, Forest – from our team to artists channels, mailing lists and keep an – can the public, particularly young from 1pm to 5pm and we’d love to the 20-year-old is a local performer – to communities and individuals we eye on the website to find out more. people access it in any way? chat about how the space can be most recently performing with peers meet, everyone seems excited about “Beyond performing or Sam: “It’s designed to be a hub used by young people – and indeed at the HighTide Festival ‘Stars over next year and it’s our responsibility volunteering, we have also for the year and young people are anyone who’s interested.” the Forest’ event in September of to ensure we get as many people committed to help develop 100 this year. In May of this year, Young involved as possible and make good individuals as the next generation of Advisor Luke was on the interview on all the promises made.” cultural leaders. This will be through More info panel to recruit the new London Luke: Back at your interview I key work placements, mentoring See what events have been announced for the year so far: Borough of Culture 2019 Creative asked if young people would be and professional development. It’s wfculture19.co.uk/2019highlights Director, Sam Hunt. included in the London Borough of an initiative designed to help ensure Follow Luke Doyley as an artist: @lukenovember on Instagram and youtube. Luke said: “I remember Sam being Culture. Do you think young people that 2019 is just the beginning of a Twitter: @lukenovember97 confident at the interview; he was do feel included in the programme talking about how he’d done similar now and how have you made them work in other areas. I asked him if feel included? his heart would be in it for young Sam: “Almost every project or people and he replied that young artist commission we’re helping people were a key part of the London make happen is designed to be Borough of Culture bid. It would be co-created with communities and one of his main aims for us to be individuals of Waltham Forest – included and a primary objective of young people make up a creative the project.” force that’s vital to our success.” Since then, the ‘Legends of the Luke: How will you create Forest’ volunteer programme has platforms for young people to pursue been launched and at the end of their dreams? October, the first acts of the Waltham Sam: “A lot of this is about Forest programme were announced. ensuring everyone in Waltham Forest Luke met up with Sam again to can find opportunities that resonate discuss the progress so far: with their own lives and aspirations. Luke: Hi Sam, so how’s everything If a young person has a particular been going since I last saw you? interest in a career in arts and culture Sam: “Hi Luke, things have been or they are an artist, like yourself, going at 100 miles per hour in a there will be loads of opportunities Sam and Luke in conversation really good way – it’s such a short to get involved. That might be Young people tell their story
be leading the Youth Work and from RAW Academy and Catalyst of participants telling and re- Coaching sessions for EastSide in Communities join forces with writing their own life stories. My Story explains: “All change begins celebrity mentors from the area sister, Producer and Director in the mind and our programme including Talvin Singh, Harris Clare Lockhart, then put together stimulates this process – enabling Dickinson and Sir Matthew Bourne. a proposal for the project to be new stories to be written and Robin said: “I have been involved filmed as a documentary. We want new roles adopted, on stage and in Youth Work for over 20 years and to collaborate, bringing our skills
EastSide Story will bring the voice of Waltham Forest’s youth to the fore in life. Performers can practice have seen many changes both in together to give young people in the different emotions and feel how how society views and treats young borough a voice and a means to they change. The performance and people and also in how young work positively with the challenges EastSide Story will unite young musical. creative elements of this project people view themselves. We all see they face, re-writing their futures people from two Waltham Forest Beyond being an outlet for also provide a much needed outlet the terrible headlines about gun with their own EastSide Story.” estates to tell their own stories artistic expression, this project will for young people to express their and knife violence and the serious EastSide Story will work with in their own words and be filmed use Transformational Youth Work, feelings through art.” issues around gangs, but some 14 to 19-year-olds from Chingford for a major documentary during Coaching and Performing Arts EastSide Story will be both a of the stories are misleading. Why Hall and Priory Court Estates,with the London Borough of Culture workshops to shed light on the documentary film and year-long always focus on the negative? I more broadcasting details to be 2019 year. many talents of local young people, engagement programme featuring wanted to do something positive released in the new year. If you are A group of 14 to 19-year-olds enabling them to share their stories a number of leading artists from in my own borough with RAW a young person who would like to from Priory Court and Chingford and develop new ways of looking at Waltham Forest, who will return Academy to bring youth work be involved or work with suitable Hall estates will create a brand new the challenges they face. to where they were brought up to and stage performance together participants, please email: performance, drawing loosely on Robin Lockhart, Founder of inspire the next generation. The in a force for good for our young [email protected] elements from the West Side Story Catalyst In Communities, who will project will see leading specialists people. I came up with the idea #wfculture19 Issue 216 I 26 November 2018 www.walthamforest.gov.uk 7 Addictive TV collaborate In brief Investing in with local musicians the future Addictive TV have recorded around Addictive TV’s Graham Daniels said: 40 local musicians – from guitarists “I’ve lived in Leyton most of my life of creative and steel pan drummers to and it’s been really exciting to witness percussionists and cellists – to create the transformation here, especially industries a dynamic audio-visual installation since the Olympics, and now this to be projected on the Town Hall. can only increase. Mark and I are stoked to be creating this piece for “I’ve lived in the opening weekend, recording and digitally sampling so many local Leyton most artists; it’s really great to make these of my life and connections. “Our on-going project ‘Orchestra it’s been really of Samples’ is about bringing people Creative United investing in the exciting to together. We create new music by Blackhorse Lane area sampling musicians we’ve filmed witness the around the world in the last ten Creative United has been awarded a years – over 200 now in more than contract by the Business Growth Team Artist duo Addictive TV with musicians Dia Gomis and transformation Benjamin Racionzer at One Hoe Street 30 countries – and it’s fantastic to at Waltham Forest Council to deliver here, especially inject a healthy dose of Waltham a business support programme to Forest talent into the mix. Orchestra businesses in Blackhorse Lane. Set to One Hoe Street, Waltham collaborating to create ‘Welcome to since the of Samples, being such a global benefit will be artists, makers, designers, Forest’s London Borough of the Forest’, the opening event for Olympics, and venture, makes this commission a producers, arts organisations and music Culture hub for public events, London Borough of Culture from 11 fantastic opportunity to bring a truly companies, coinciding with the borough’s networking and exhibitions, to 13 January 2019. Taking place now this can only international project home.” year as the first London Borough of opened last month and is over three locations, the Town Hall Culture in 2019. already a hive of creativity. will be transformed into a high octane increase.” Recognising the significant growth in Earlier this month innovative audio-visual spectacle, Forest Road creative businesses in an area described electronic duo Addictive TV took will become a neon-lit winter carnival The duo are composing music by More info by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Find out more about London over the building for a day of leading people to Lloyd Park, where sampling the rich and diverse talent as a “forgotten gem”, the Greater Borough of Culture’s free epic London Authority-funded programme collaboration with local musicians. an epic light installation will transform they’ve filmed from across Waltham opening event ‘Welcome to the will focus on the communities based at Addictive TV are one of a the familiar into the fantastical. Forest. Forest’ at wfculture19.co.uk/ Switchboard Studios, Yonder, Blackhorse number of world-renowned artists Over the past two months, Commenting on the project, welcometotheforest Workshop, Blackhorse Atelier and Gnome House. The programme will offer free courses of workshops, networking events and one-to-one support to enable entrepreneurs, artists and cultural enterprises to fulfil their potential for Coming up at One Hoe Street growth and impact. Businesses will be able to apply for a place on the programme from December relax, meet other local people, and drama into one space for little Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) One Hoe Street is a space where 2018, with the first cohort embarking on work on your latest project. people to enjoy and learn to express electrified music fans everywhere. you can discover more about their course of business support in spring themselves creatively. Free to In his dazzling new book, Chamber the London Borough of Culture 2019. Soup, water, bread in attend, just turn up. Music, Will Ashon tells how this 2019 programme, share ideas, Cllr Simon Miller, Lead Member for collaboration with the extraordinary album came to be. and network. It is open every Economic Growth and High Streets, said: Drawing Shed One-off events to inspire This event is ticketed for over 18s Tuesday to Sunday and the team “This is a fantastic opportunity for local On the second Saturday of and engage only. would love as many residents every month, 12 noon to 2pm, businesses in Blackhorse Lane, an area as possible to come and get all are invited to this organic and Walthamstow Rock ‘n’ Roll Paekakariki Press Presents where the creative industries are thriving. We are committed to keep, seed and involved. Here is what to expect collaborative event. Inspired by Book Club Saturday 15 December grow local businesses in the borough in the next few weeks: the generosity of artists across the Thursday 29 November, This workshop gives you the and are delighted to partner with Creative world, the drawing shed is kicking 7pm-10pm opportunity to construct and print United to deliver this free programme Regular events off a monthly artist-led soup kitchen Kevin Cummins talks about small keepsakes of your own that will really make a difference. As we to share conversations about art, Morrissey, the subject of his latest designs with materials supplied by Hot desking with the approach 2019 and our year as the first culture and community. Free to photo book, Palely Loitering, Paekakariki Press. Free to attend, Culture Team London Borough of Culture, we want to attend, just turn up. With thanks: accompanied by local DJs. This just turn up. Every Wednesday afternoon, Organiclea Veg Box Scheme, Today event is ticketed for over 18s only. make sure local businesses can take you are invited to work alongside Bread and AirSpace Gallery for advantage of the spotlight shone on us. members of the Culture Team. It is Artist Soup Kitchen. Walthamstow Rock ‘n’ Roll More info This programme will give creative and an open space for networking, a Book Club You can find the building at One cultural entrepreneurs the opportunity to free work space for artists and all Hoe St, Walthamstow, London do so.” Bong-a-long: Something Thursday 6 December, E17 4SD. If you are interested cultural practitioners in the borough. for the kids 7pm-10.30pm in using the space for your own Interested creative businesses can Every Friday morning is ‘Bong- Twenty-five years ago an album was event, email onehoestreet@ sign up to Creative United’s mailing Open space for everyone a-long’ from 11am to 12 noon. released that changed the world. walthamforest.gov.uk list and receive the latest news about All day every Thursday it will be a This is a creative class that brings The complexity, range, humour, Find out more at wfculture19. its launch in December 2018 and the space for you to come and network, movement, singing, dance and musicality, power and reach of com/onehoestreet application process: bit.ly/culbwf2018 8 Youth takeover In brief Young Advisors recruit next gen Abdur-Raheem Modan (AR) is about change. Most recently, I have FREE 17-years-old. He first applied been part of a project focussing on More info to be a YA (Young Advisor) mental health services for young You can find AR’s books onamazon.co.uk (search Abdur Raheem). You can learn more about the work of the YAs on twitter @wfyoungadvisors or here December three years ago and has been people – the Youth Mental Health youngadvisors.org.uk helping to shortlist hundreds of Ambassadors (YMHA) programme. parking applicants down to just 15 people A group of Young Advisors (and the Shoppers in Waltham Forest will be in a fresh round of YA recruitment Youth Independent Advisory Group entitled to two hours’ free parking this autumn. (YIAG) our sister group, received in public carparks on Saturdays and He said: “What I have always accredited training and worked to Sundays in the run up to Christmas, with valued about the YA process is collect and compile youth awareness Thursdays being free to park between that it distinguishes between being and opinion of mental health 3pm to 5pm. The free parking offer heard and being listened to. Our services. It has been a success and I applies between Thursday 15 November recruitment process is a great have loved working on it.” to Monday 31 December 2018. example. Current YAs decide who During the festive season visitors are should be offered the roles. We go more likely to shop for gifts and large, “What I have through all the applications, lead bulky items. The free parking offer the interviews and the final decision enables them to spend more time always valued process.” enjoying the great shopping centres and Aside from being a YA to Waltham about the YA restaurants in Waltham Forest. Forest Council, AR is a published The car parks included in the scheme process is that are Bedford Road, High Street, Linford writer and a project coordinator Road, Mission Grove and Brandon for an initiative called ABLEities, it distinguishes Road in Walthamstow; Church Lane in where he works on video and digital between being Leytonstone; Stanley Road in Leyton; campaigns that raise awareness of and Hall Lane and Richmond Road in living with disabilities. AR explains heard and being Chingford. that becoming a YA has been one of the most positive experiences of listened to.” his life. He said: “Throughout my time in the role, I have worked closely with A chance to stock up on health services – as a patient and your local high street user of many different ones, I value being able to feedback and bring Young Advisor, AR
CHRISTMAS AT THE TOWN HALL Join us and special guests East 17 for a festive evening at Waltham Forest Town Hall, riday November pm
Don’t miss our free Christmas family event including indoor gifts and craft fair featuring local traders, food & drink stalls, guided tours of the historic building, Christmas light switch-on, meet Father Christmas, live entertainment and much more!
Waltham orest own all, orest oad walthamforest.gov.uk christmas christmas
Follow us on Issue 216 I 26 November 2018 9 Regeneration www.walthamforest.gov.uk From redundant rooms In brief Replacement to family homes wheelie bin
Two new family homes have while a similar community room at Cllr Louise Mitchell said: “Neither of than building new homes and is charges been created from community Wyatts Lane in Walthamstow has the rooms had been used for many a useful strand to our housing Starting Wednesday 14 November there rooms that have not been used been converted into a two-bedroom years and the conversion proposals development strategy.” will be a £20 charge for ordering a for more than five years. family home for three people. were only agreed after extensive local The work to both buildings was replacement wheelie bin. This will apply A single storey community room In both cases, an extra storey has consultation. This is part of our drive completed to a high standard by the to black refuse bins, green recycling at Yardley Lane, Chingford, has not been added to the existing building to provide new housing for people on Aston Group as part of a programme bins and brown food and garden waste been used for 10 years and is now which has been modernised to meet the council’s waiting list. Converting of five such conversions across the wheelie bins. a three-bedroom family home which current standards. buildings that we no longer need is borough. The charge will cover the cost of the will provide a home for five people Cabinet Member for Housing, usually quicker and much cheaper bin administration and delivery, and will allow the council to continue delivering weekly waste and recycling collections, which we know residents value. Each property is entitled to have one black refuse bin. The council is encouraging residents to recycle their waste – if you wish to order more than one green recycling or brown food and garden waste bin you may do so. You can order a replacement bin by visiting the council’s website. Here you can also find out about bin charges in the frequently asked questions section: bit.ly/2Gn2qnd
Yardley Lane housing before Yardley Lane housing after
W A L T H A M S T O W SANTA DASH A 5K run, walk or jog with Santa Suit, mince pie and special souvenir Santa medal - all for just £10! Saturday 1 December 2018, 10.30am Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Rd, London E17 4JF
Places limited, enter online at www.theraceorganiser.com 10 News Emergency services and council tackling road safety
Emergency services and road theme the council’s Road Safety reduced traffic on local roads to safety officers held a roadshow Team also gave away lights and prevent motorists using what should last week to recognise Road reflective items to cyclists travelling be quiet residential roads as a cut Safety Week. through along hotspots like Ruckholt through. We’re now enforcing against An event held in Walthamstow Road and Lea Bridge Road. the abuse of this new infrastructure, Town Square Gardens on Cllr Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader as well as reducing speed limits on Wednesday 21 November saw and Cabinet Member for the the borough’s main roads because residents and visitors to the square Environment, said: “It is vital that we all know that if everyone travels learn how paramedics, firefighters everyone takes responsibility for not slower then we all have more time to and police respond to road traffic only their own safety, but the safety react to prevent a serious accident.” collisions. School children also of all road users, when travelling. We The new speed limit of 20mph will attended the event where they could have been working hard to improve be introduced on main roads, as well get a better understanding of lorry the borough’s roads so that they as stepping up parking enforcement drivers’ blind spots by getting inside are safe for everyone, especially the on newly constructed cycle lanes a driver’s cab and learn more about most vulnerable, pedestrians and following growing concerns from the road improvements that have cyclists. In recent years as well as residents. been introduced across the borough installing new cycle lanes, we’ve Mayor Cllr Sally Littlejohn with schoolchildren, emergency in recent years. also built more formal pedestrian More info services and council officers at the road safety roadshow In line with this year’s Bike Smart road crossings, better junctions and bit.ly/2OUBM7X Health risks from sleeping rough: How to get help for those in need
Rough sleepers do not just face area – especially as winter starts to details of the times you have seen service. In serious cases, where discrimination and discomfort on “No-one should draw in.” them at that location, and any other you are worried that the person is in a daily basis – they are more likely have to go The free StreetLink app is available information you can share that will immediate risk or danger, please call to suffer from physical and mental for Apple and Android devices. To help to identify them. 999 straight away. health issues which can be without medical share concerns about someone in StreetLink will then share the exacerbated by life on the streets, need of help, please try and provide information with local services, and More info but are conversely less likely care in the UK this as much detail as you can via the if requested they can also update Streetlink app for Android phones: to access health and support day and age, no app – including the specific location you as the referrer after 14 days. bit.ly/WFStreetLink_Android services when they need them. of where the person is bedded down, StreetLink is not an emergency Streetlink app for Apple phones: bit.ly/WFStreetLink_Apple A person may sleep rough as a matter what their result of poor health. This means circumstances certain problems, particularly mental health issues, substance misuse and are. We work alcohol dependency, are much more prevalent among rough sleepers. closely with Evidence suggests many rough StreetLink to sleepers have more than one of these health needs. connect rough Rough sleepers are also more sleepers with likely to suffer problems in accessing health care and prevention services. support services As homelessness status is not usually when they need recorded by health care services it can be difficult to get exact figures of them most.” those in need. Cllr Naheed Asghar, Cabinet with StreetLink to connect rough Member for Public Health and sleepers with support services when Voluntary Sector Partnerships, they need them most. I urge Waltham said: “No-one should have to go Forest residents to download the without medical care in the UK this StreetLink app for their smartphones day and age, no matter what their and keep an eye out for rough St Mungo’s outreach teams support people away from rough sleeping circumstances are. We work closely sleepers who may be in need in your Issue 216 I 26 November 2018 11 What’s On www.walthamforest.gov.uk
Entry 50p and free for children. Info: E17 Designers Wednesday 5 Clubs and 07582 355271 Christmas Market Council December Sunday 2 Dec, 2.30pm–5.30pm and Communities Scrutiny Committee, 7.30pm events Waltham Forest Saturday 8 Dec, 10.30am–3.30pm Meetings Community Choir’s Waltham Forest Community Hub (Asian Disability Art and Candlelit Christmas Centre), 18a Orford Road, E17 9LN Monday 26 November Community Painting classes Concert Shop local with over 30 designer makers: Waltham Forest Safer Neighbourhoods Monday 17 December, 8pm (doors open plus music, tea and cake and Christmas Board, 7pm Tuesday 1.30p–-3.30pm and Wednesday Ward forums at 7.45pm) puddings with Suzie Cakes. 11am–12 midday St Mary’s Church, Church End, E17 9RJ Tuesday 27 November Waltham Forest Disability Resource Centre, Free entry. Wednesday Come and join us in a very festive Pension Fund Committee, 7pm 90 Crownfield Road, Leytonstone E15 2BG 5 December programme of Christmas Carols and Paint, draw and have fun with colour and Dance Happy at Lea Bridge Community Ward Forum, readings. There will be a retiring collection Wednesday 28 textiles at our weekly tutored art sessions, Waltham Forest 6.30pm–8.30pm and refreshments will be available November whether you’re a total beginner or already Disability Resource Lea Bridge Library, 382 Lea Bridge Road, Email: [email protected] Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Committee, enjoy doing art. We welcome disabled people, E10 7HU or phone 07954 740745 Website: Centre 7.30pm older people, people with learning difficulties Fun dance moves on Mondays singwithus.net and people with long-term health conditions. 1.30–2.30pm Tuesday 4 December Cost: £3 per session. Info: p.stanley@ Zumba on Wednesdays 11am–12 Planning Committee, 7pm wfdrc.org.uk or 020 8534 1589 Riverley Primary 90 Crownfield Rd, E15 2BG (entrance in School Christmas Fair Amethyst Rd) Samaritans of Waltham Saturday 8 December 11am–4pm Our inclusive sessions are a really fun way to Forest Christmas Craft Park Road, Leyton E10 7BZ get physically active. We especially welcome Have a community Fair Festive stalls, Christmas crafts, Santa’s disabled people, older people and those grotto and more. Free entry. Sunday Dec, 2pm–5pm recuperating from illness or living with long- Orford House Social Club, 73 Orford Rd, term health conditions (e.g. diabetes, heart submission? Monthly Sunday condition). Cost: £3 session E17 9QZ Market at The Limes Start your Christmas shopping and get into Info: 020 8534 1589 or Email your event details to: the festive spirit. Lots of stalls, vintage finds, Community and [email protected] mulled wine, festive cakes and more. Children’s Centre walthamforestnews@walthamforest. Sunday 9 Dec, 12 midday–3pm Entry £1 Craft club for gov.uk The Limes, 6 Somers Road, London pensioners E17 6RX Monday afternoon, usually 4pm–7pm St Anne’s Church Stalls selling things made by our young Free internet access is available at all libraries in Christmas Bazaar (during school holidays 1pm–4pm) people with disabilities and also local Unity Hall, corner of Bramley Close Oakfield Thurs Nov 29 2pm–5pm, Sat Dec 1 the borough. guest market stalls. There will be a lovely road, Higham Hill, Walthamstow 10am–4pm, homemade food, mince pies, a raffle and Painting, card making, knitting, sewing, St Anne’s church Centre, 200 Larkshall The deadline for 10 December 2018 edition is live music. Come down and support our jewellery and silk painting. All welcome. Road, E4 6NP wonderful charity and bag yourself some £2 donation per session includes Wednesday 29 November Gifts, games, raffle, refreshments and Father lovely homemade gifts and food. refreshments. Info: Julie 0208 527 1454 Christmas.
Become a WALTHAM FOREST carer
Please come along to our Fostering Information Evening to fi nd out more about the application process and to hear from an experienced foster parent and a young person who has grown up in foster care. Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, £467 E17 4JF, Tuesday 4 December 2018, 6.30pm