What is it all about?
The purpose of the Better Neighbourhoods Initiative is to improve the quality of life in our most deprived neighbourhoods.
How does the BNI work?
The Better Neighbourhoods approach is designed to directly address local concerns and to improve local public services. The team works with existing service providers to engage residents and to improve the way services are delivered.
Where are the priority neighbourhoods?
The priority neighbourhoods are listed below. A Neighbourhood Management Team has been set up in each area.
Cann Hall/Cathall
This includes Acacia Road, Avenue Road Estate, Cann Hall Road and Hollydown Way.
Leabridge/Markhouse
This includes Markhouse Road Estate, South Grove, Capworth Street and Bakers Arms.
Higham Hill/Valley
This includes Chingford Hall Estate, Folly Lane and Billet Road.
Wood Street/Hoe Street
This includes The Drive, Winsbeach, Walthamstow Village, Shernhall Street South and Vallentin Road.
Leyton
Includes the whole ward as this is part of the national Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder Programme. It is currently in its fourth year of delivery in Leyton.
What issues are a priority for the BNI Team?
The priority issues for the BNI Team were identified after a survey was carried out in 1604 households in the priority neighbourhoods. » More about the baseline survey
The specific issues listed below are looked at in each of the priority areas.
To encourage healthy lifestyles in the Neighbourhoods we are working to increase local access to free physical activity, weight management and smoking cessation programmes. We also offer 1:1 support and advice from a team of Household Health Improvement Managers working in each of the neighbourhoods.
We aim to reduce unemployment amongst groups who suffer particular difficulties in getting back to work such as lone parents, those with mental health needs or learning disabilities, young offenders and those who are claiming incapacity benefit. WorkNet outreach officers work in each of the five priority areas in partnership with local agencies such as Job Centre, Groundworks, Keir Construction and Mencap.
We are working through EduAction to increase the opportunities for young people in their last year of formal education who are no longer able to achieve within the school environment.
Better Neighbourhoods is overseeing a major improvement programme. £2.1 million pounds is being spent undertaking major redevelopment and improvements of local parks and playgrounds in our priority wards. A total of 30 projects will take place over the two years.
Contact us:
Better Neighbourhoods Team
London Borough of Waltham Forest
Sycamore House
Town Hall
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4SY
Tel 020 8496 3000
