As we approach the end of 2025, we know some of our residents will be making plans and setting intentions for 2026, looking for ways to create new memories with friends and families and reach their goals.

Waltham Forest is a borough rich in culture and history, with enchanting pockets of nature and sights to see, but how much of your community have you experienced firsthand? From volunteering opportunities to becoming a member of the Library of Things (LoT) there is so much to discover.

We have rounded up a list of intentions that you can use to get your 2026 intentions list started. 

I will walk my way to better mental and physical health. 

A wide range of walking routes are available in Waltham Forest and can be found on our Walking webpage, with routes such as ‘a wander down the hill’ and ‘Waltham Forest’s industrial past’.

I will try a new hobby and learn a new skill. 

Our Adult Learning Service provides hundreds of exciting daytime, evening and weekend courses in everything from English as a Second Language to Parenting, Hair and Beauty, Social Care and Teacher Training. For residents on certain benefits, many courses are free or heavily discounted.   

I will become a member of my local Library of Things (LoT)  

Residents can save money and reduce waste by affordably renting out useful things like drills, sound systems, sewing machines, garden tools, and more. Membership costs only a nominal fee and you can use the online system to borrow a huge range of things! Perfect for those looking to start new projects at home.

I will volunteer and give my time for my community.  

Find brilliant volunteering opportunities on our Legends of the Forest website and help make a difference in your community.

I will celebrate and spotlight my neighbours and community. 

Do you know an individual or group doing amazing work in your neighbourhood? We want to know about it.  Shout out people, community groups or organisations who are making a difference in Waltham Forest, so we can celebrate their contribution. Together we are Waltham Forest.

I will become an explorer of my own borough. 

Sign up to our culture e-newsletter to hear the latest on events, activities and initiatives across the borough.

I will pledge to make my community safer. 

Make your Community Safety Pledge, a simple, practical action that helps create safer streets, whether it’s speaking out against hate crime, starting a Neighbourhood Watch group, creating a local 'safe space' in your business, supporting young people to feel heard and safe, or something else entirely. Take a look at this example for some more ideas. 

I will shop in my town centre and support local businesses more often. 

You can sign up to our regeneration and housing, and town centres newsletters to keep up to date with latest news and developments.