eNews Resources

Welcome to our dedicated resource page, the primary source for updates that regularly feature in our monthly newsletter. There is a compiled selection of articles, tools, and information designed to keep you informed on consistently running resources that are available.

Events

Valentine’s Park Forest Garden

Date: Every Friday, 10am-12pm
Address: Valentine’s Park, Brisbane Road Entrance

The Forest Garden in Valentines Park, Ilford, is a thriving permaculture space created and cared for by volunteers from Transition Town Ilford.

It’s a space to:

Grow food in harmony with nature
Support biodiversity and climate resilience
Rest, play, and connect with nature
Learn, create, and gather as a community

Once an underused corner of the park, since 2020 it’s blossomed into a much-loved part of local life — for walkers, picnickers, school groups, artists, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy nature.

Everyone’s welcome — whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just curious.

Weekly Gardening Sessions
Occasional Weekend Workdays – Follow on socials for dates
Community Events – Held during half terms and school holidays
School or Group Visits – Contact us to chat about the best times, resources, and group guidelines

For more information, visit their website.

Supporting Humanity Over 60s Social Group

Date: Every Thursday, 10:30am-12:30pm
Address: Belgrave Community Centre, 285-291 Wanstead Park Rd, Ilford, IG1 3TR

The fun filled Over 60s Club is dedicated to creating an enjoyable experience for individuals aged 60 and above by providing a range of activities such as aerobics, origami, calligraphy, first aid training, computer skills along with loads of fun, indoor sports and games

The club’s engaging activities and events, tailored to the interests and preferences of its members allow a sense of community and friendship.

The organization aims to empower individuals aged 60 and above through free, engaging workshops that focus on improving health, building confidence, and promoting active lifestyles. The initiative is committed to enhancing mental well-being, fostering friendships, and helping participants and their families lead fuller, more active lives, encouraging community engagement and personal growth.

For more information, email Sofia from Supporting Humanity.

MBSS Child Bereavement Support

If you would like to join a sisters-only group run by the Muslim Bereavement Support Service where we share positive and relevant information about bereavement to help us through our grief, please join the WhatsApp group.

For more information you can email or phone at 0203 4687333.

Information

Green Garden Waste collections have returned

The free fortnightly Green Garden Waste Collection service resumed in March. Residents are advised to check which week their collection falls on. Week 1 collections occur from Monday 2 March to Friday 13 November, while Week 2 collections are from Monday 9 March to Friday 20 November. The service allows up to five sacks of green garden waste per collection. Sacks should be left open with the waste visible.

If residents do not have green sacks, they can use black bin bags or clear sacks, provided they are left open and the waste is visible. Green sacks will be available for purchase at Redbridge libraries starting mid-February, costing £2 each, with a limit of five per household. These tend to sell quickly, so early purchase is recommended. Residents are encouraged to find out more details and verify their collection day.

Find out more and check your collection day.

Big Bank Switch

Operation Noah, JustMoney, Laudato Si Movement and Just Love are inviting Christians around the UK to align their money with their values by switching from a bank that funds planet-destroying fossil fuels to one that doesn’t.

The climate crisis isn’t just happening, it’s being funded – sometimes by those of us who are most concerned about caring for creation, and all because we have a bank account with HSBC, Barclays, Santander, NatWest, Chase, Lloyds, or another high street bank.

Switch to a greener bank with the Big Bank Switch and you’ll join a growing movement of Christians taking action with their finances to care for God’s creation.

Make a pledge to move your money.

Not sure if your bank is green? Use Bank.Green’s tool to check.

Green Investment Declaration: Make your money work for God's creation

Money has power and, for churches and Christian organisations, how that power is used matters.

Church investment decisions can either contribute to environmental harm or become a powerful expression of Christian ethical values, aligning financial stewardship with faith, justice, and care for God’s creation.

What would it look like for church investments to actively support climate solutions, care for creation and show leadership in investing in a just and sustainable future?

This initiative has been developed by Operation Noah and JustMoney Movement to support Churches and other faith institutions across the globe to increase their investments in climate solutions to build a greener future. It provides a clear framework for Christian ethical investment that is faithful, responsible, and financially robust.

By signing up to this Green Investment Declaration, your church or organisation is not just having a direct impact through your investments but, through speaking publicly about it, you’re also creating ripples throughout wider church and society encouraging others to do likewise. Together we can play our part in the restoration of Creation, starting with our finances.

Find out more on their website.

Protecting vulnerable residents ahead of landline switch off

Redbridge Council is working with the leading UK phone companies to help vulnerable residents prepare for the shutdown of the old landline network.

By January 2027, the analogue technology which has connected homes and businesses throughout the country for decades, will be shut down. The network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is becoming increasingly fragile, less reliable, and more difficult to maintain. As a result, landline providers are upgrading the old technology to modern digital services. The respective landline companies should inform customers in advance of the migration.

While phone numbers will remain the same, and most handsets will work fine, it's crucial to check other services that utilise the landline, such as telecare devices, payment systems, and burglar alarms, for digital compatibility.

This transition will be seamless for most users; however, vulnerable individuals who rely on telecare alarms will require special attention to ensure that these alarms continue to function correctly during the switchover.

Cllr Helen Coomb, Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation, said: The UK’s traditional landline is getting an upgrade, and most calls will soon be made over a broadband line. Start preparing now – check your devices for relatives who depend on your support and encourage others to do the same.

“We’ve been working closely with the landline providers to identify vulnerable customers before the switch. Sharing information with these providers will enable them to offer the necessary support to those who need it most, ensuring they're not alone in this transition.

“While your landline provider should contact you ahead of the switchover, it's a good idea to check in with them now to confirm their plan for your landline number if you’re a telecare user. They will help ensure your alarm continues to function correctly during the switchover. If you’re unsure of anything, please get in touch with your landline provider.”

In Redbridge, approximately 1,650 service users use Telecare.

Find out more at the Digital Phone Switchover website.

BHRUT (Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospital) - Access your Health Record online

Patients at Barts Health (including Whipps Cross hospital) can now access their health record online through a portal called Patients Know Best. Once signed up, you'll be able to see your personal information and check upcoming hospital appointments.

Patients know best is free, easy-to-use, and hosted within the secure NHS network. This means that all personal and health information is encrypted so that you as a patient, and the people you choose, can access your health information.

For any questions or if you want to know more please contact the team.

REACH

One of the latest benefits of our collaboration with Barts Health is the launch of ‘REACH’ at our Trust. REACH is a Remote Emergency Access Clinical Hub staffed by senior clinicians working remotely with London Ambulance to reduce the number of patients brought into A&E who could be better treated somewhere else.

No one wants to be in A&E unless they need to be. When it’s best for a patient to be treated at home, or in the community, their experience is much better. Barts Health have seen some real success with REACH to date and I’m optimistic it will make a significant difference to patients and staff at our Trust too.

In a new ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign that is the first of its kind nationally, NHS England is encouraging people who have been sent an NHS bowel cancer screening kit to complete the test.

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK and detecting it at the earliest stage makes you up to nine times more likely to be successfully treated. But almost one third of people who were sent an NHS bowel cancer screening test in England last year did not go on to complete it.

Just a tiny sample detects signs of cancer before you notice anything wrong. The test is simple to complete and can be done in the privacy of your own bathroom. You can watch a video to find out more. It is also available in 15 different languages.

Anyone aged 60 to 74 who lives in England and is registered with a GP practice will be sent a test in the post automatically, every two years. NHS England is also extending this to include all 50 to 59 year-olds by 2025.

So, the NHS is asking anyone who is sent a bowel cancer screening test to remember to complete it. Put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.

Resources

Where Your Treasure Is Bible Study: A Course for Lent, Season of Creation or anytime of the year

A five-week bible study course from Operation Noah exploring how we can use our money to tackle the climate crisis is out now. Each week includes bible readings, a short reflection, discussion questions, a prayer and actions that you can take. The course is ideal for use in home groups, as a Lent course or at other times of the year such as during the Season of Creation.

Contents include:

What does the Bible say about money?
Using our money to care for creation.
Money and Climate Justice: why our money might be part of the problem and how we can be part of the solution.
Using our money to love our neighbours in the context of climate change.
Hope and Prophetic Action: how the church can use its money prophetically and inspire hope.

This is a very practical course intended to inspire positive action for the climate.

Download a copy if you would like to learn more.

An Introduction to Qur’anic Ecology and Resonances with Laudato Si’

An Introduction to Qur’anic Ecology and Resonances with Laudato Si’ presents Qur’an-based theological and ethical principles that are applicable to integral ecology. This study presents clear and strong Qur’anic guidelines that can be referred to by Muslims in addressing the ethical, ecological and environmental issues faced today. The study relates the central encyclical idea of integral ecology to several Islamic concepts, particularly the interconnected unity of all creation, the innate nature of God and humankind, and the Qur’anic principles of mercy, balance, justice, and moderation. Key Muslim faith-based critiques of the human actions that have led to the current global predicament are also discussed. These critiques accord with aspects of Catholic social teaching.

This study unpacks the Qur’anic resonances with the foundational themes presented in the preliminary section of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for our Common Home published in 2015. It demonstrates that significant common ground exists between Qur’anic and encyclical perspectives with regard to these themes, including perceptions of the natural world as a precious part of God’s creation; the interrelatedness of all creation; the understanding of humankind as the being in whom earth and spirit are conjoined; the need for divine guidance; and the need for people to manifest ethical care towards other humans, all living creatures and the earth itself. Conceptual overlaps such as these provide a strong foundation for Catholic-Muslim interfaith partnerships, as we seek to care for our common home.

Download a free copy of this volume to learn more.

British Heart Foundation’s free CPR and defib training through RevivR

8 in 10 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home - protect your loved ones, as early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chances of survival.

Visit the website to learn lifesaving skills free in 15 mins with RevivR.

Ilford Community Grocery

Millions of families are facing not knowing where the next meal is coming from, so the Community Grocery is here to help.

Step inside a grocery and you’ll find a range of food options fresh from local supermarkets, meaning our members can come and shop for their whole family at the fraction of the cost of a supermarket. Whilst also saving thousands of tonnes of food being wasted each year.

But it’s not just about the food. In each store you’ll also find a range of free support on offer to members. Support like job clubs, money management support, healthy cooking classes and much more.

Find out more on their website.

Community Living Rooms

Redbridge Council, in partnership with a range of organisations in the borough, has established a network of 17 Community Living Rooms, which are warm and welcoming places for residents to use. You are invited to come to any of the places listed during their opening times.

The list of places will evolve as more organisations join the network. Each is different and their offer will be different – some will have activities, some will offer hot drinks, some will be quiet spaces. Each will develop their own character and no doubt you will find one that suits you.

The Redbridge Libraries offer a wide range of activities and are at 11 locations across the borough. They have activities for adults, children and families. Everything from chess clubs and book clubs through to knit’n’natter sessions and family story time and coding for kids.

Barking

Al Madina Mosque, 2 Victoria Rd, Barking, Ilford IG11 8PY

The cost-of-living crisis is having an effect, and we know people and families are struggling. Please step forward and ask for support if you need it. Al Madina Mosque and the Northbury Community Hub situated on their complex will be available to you at all times should you wish to pop in for a cup of tea and a biscuit. They may even offer you an interesting conversation! Please don’t think you are alone.

Hainault

St Paul’s Church, Arrowsmith Road, Chigwell, Essex, IG7 4NZ

Opening times: Thursdays 10-12

Ilford

VHP Ilford Hindu Centre and Mandir, 43-45 Cleveland Rd, Ilford IG1 1EE

Opening times: 9:30-12 and 6-8 every day

Vine United Reform Church, 12 Riches Road, IG1 1JH

Opening times: 9-12 on Monday, Thursdays and Fridays

Seven Kings

South Park Chapel, 51 Ripley Road, Seven Kings, IG3 9HA

The Café is open every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12pm. Come for cake, coffee, craft, chat and prayer. Children and pets are welcome!

South Woodford

Holy Trinity South Woodford, 185 Hermon Hill, South Woodford, E18 1QQ

Holy Trinity holds a programme of events to which you are welcome.

Woodford

St Mary’s Church, 207 High Rd, London E18 2PA

Opening times: Wednesday 11-11:30; Thursdays 10-11:30; Sunday 11-12

You can also see all the locations on a map.

Grange Hill Methodist Church Centre – Foodbank Distribution Centre in Partnership with Redbridge Foodbank

When the worshipping congregation at Grange Hill Methodist Church made the tough decision to cease to worship, they were determined that it would not be the end of the story. The few elderly members who were left decided they wanted to continue to serve the community which it had done since the 1950’s.

The project has now moved on to the next stage when they will be seeking to create partnerships with groups in the community and offer two rooms and hall for hire and other activities. If you are interested in hiring a room or the hall or would like more information on our premises, please contact the property manager, Melvin Dawson.

You can donate groceries; it goes to Jubilee Church initially but then gets supplied to Grange Hill as Emergency Food Boxes.

You can also donate money to the cause.

Foster for Redbridge

Redbridge Council’s Fostering Team are looking for foster carers who can offer children the therapeutic, nurturing care they need to feel safe, valued, and supported.

We are currently welcoming carers to foster children through our specialist fostering pathways. These pathways are designed for children who need a little extra understanding, time, and emotional support. You can learn more about them by watching a short video. The full video can be viewed on the Redbridge Fostering website.

Because these children need a high level of care, time, and energy, allowances of up to £1140 per child per week are offered to recognise and support the commitment involved. This helps ensure that carers are fully resourced to give children the stability and care they truly deserve.

If you have space in your heart and home to make a meaningful difference in a child’s life, they would love to hear from you. The Redbridge fostering family is warm, supportive, and dedicated to helping children thrive.

Phone the team at 020 8708 6068 or join an upcoming virtual information session for more information.

Redbridge Stop Smoking Service

Free stop smoking support is available in Redbridge. Call 0333 005 0095 or text 'quit' to 60777 for assistance and guidance to help you quit smoking.

Shisha

Shisha smoking, often enjoyed in social settings like lounges, has gained popularity across various groups. However, one hour of shisha exposes users to toxins equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes. Despite flavoured options, including herbal varieties, shisha remains harmful, as the waterpipe method does not eliminate health risks associated with tobacco and toxin inhalation.

Similar to smoking cigarettes, shisha can contain:

Nicotine (Which is highly addictive), Tar, Carbon Monoxide, Heavy Metals e.g. Arsenic and Lead. Just because it travels through water doesn’t make it any safer. Even if shisha users are not using shisha regularly, they are at risks of:
Heart attack and stroke, cancer, nicotine addiction, lung conditions and breathing difficulties.
Inhaling second-hand smoke from shisha can be HARMFUL to your health and sharing mouthpieces can spread disease.

You can also get help to quit shisha.

Dementia Resources

Dementia is a progressive disease, which means symptoms may be mild at first but will get worse over time. However, it is still possible to live well with a diagnosis of dementia, if given the right support.

Here are some helpful resources to support the reduction in health inequalities for people living with dementia from an ethnic minority background:

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