Connecting Communities is a new programme launching soon across the borough. It aims to improve the life chances of residents by making our communities feel safer and more connected. We want people in Waltham Forest to be proud of their different backgrounds, cultures and faiths, while feeling part of the bigger community.

What are the networks?

To help the council and community work better together, we have formed four local networks in Walthamstow, Chingford, Leyton and Leytonstone. At the first round of network meetings in December, residents shared what they see are the key challenges for their area and mapped some of the valuable work that's already happening across the borough. It was a chance for people to get to know others and share ideas.

What now?

Following your feedback, we would like to join all networks together at one big meeting. As well as having the chance to network with others beyond your local area, attendees will also be involved in shaping some ideas which will become pilots in the borough over the coming months.

The ideas we will explore reflect some of the challenges that were raised in the first network meetings:

• The classroom isn't the best starting point for everyone, how else can we support people to start learning English and build their confidence to continue learning?

• Routes into secure employment can be challenging and barriers to equality need to be addressed. What role can employers and community spaces play and how can we be equipped to help each other?
  
  

I haven't been to a network meeting before, can I come to this?

Yes! This is open to everyone - whether you're already part of a community group, local business or organisation, or just want to find out more about what's happening.

I can't make this meeting, how else can I get involved?

Don't worry, this is the first of more opportunities to shape the programme. We aim to hold events at different times across the borough.

Click here to keep up to date with the latest Connecting Communities news and events. If you have any questions, contact the team on connectingcommunities@walthamforest.gov.uk

We hope you can join us on Tuesday 5th February.