Redbridge Council

Be the role model they need. Foster for Redbridge Council.

Children need role models in their life to help to shape their morals, beliefs and behaviour. Nearly 300 children in Redbridge are unable to stay at home for a variety of different reasons and need foster care. Be the positive role model that they need and help to change their life.

If you have space in your heart and home to foster for Redbridge Council, please join our virtual information session on 23 June from 6pm until 7pm. To book a place visit the link in the comments.

📢 In this week’s Leader’s Update, Kam Rai Leader of Redbridge Council reflects on a difficult few days for the borough following the Memorial Heights fire, thanking residents, emergency services and council teams for their response and support.

He also highlights the powerful discussions during Carers’ Week, the Council’s commitment to civility in public life on the 10th anniversary of Jo Cox’s murder, and Redbridge’s celebration of Pride Month.

Link in comments to read the full update and sign up to our weekly e‑news 👇

🌡️ Amber Heat Health Alert for London

The UK Health Security Agency has issued an Amber Heat Health Alert for London from 12pm on Thursday 18 June until 8pm on Tuesday 23 June 2026. As temperatures rise, we are asking residents to take extra care, especially those who may feel the heat more than others.

Enjoying Redbridge in the warm weather

• Redbridge offers a range of free and low‑cost activities, including workshops and woodland sessions at Hainault Forest.
• Families can enjoy the cycle trails at Fairlop Waters.
• Our award‑winning parks provide great spaces for picnics, walks and time outdoors.
• You can check our events listings to see what’s happening across the borough.

Parks and BBQ safety

• Please take your rubbish home or use the bins provided.
• BBQs are not permitted in any Redbridge parks, including disposable ones.
• Dry grass can catch fire easily, so it is important to avoid naked flames outdoors.
• Cigarette butts should always be disposed of safely.

Swimming and open‑water safety

• Public swimming is available at Loxford Leisure Centre and Mayfield Leisure Centre.
• Swimming is not allowed in any lakes in Redbridge.
• Open water can be extremely dangerous due to hidden currents, cold temperatures and underwater hazards.

Support for people sleeping rough

• Outreach teams are providing water, hats, sun protection and fresh fruit to people sleeping rough.
• Anyone needing a safe, cool place to rest will be offered daytime respite.
• Support is being delivered by outreach workers, the Community Safety Taskforce and The Welcome Centre.
• Services carrying extra water in their vehicles can help us reach more people.
• Our eleven libraries and The Welcome Centre are open as cooling stations for anyone needing shade and relief from the heat.
• If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, please contact StreetLink so outreach teams can offer help quickly.

Service updates

• Any changes to council services due to the hot weather will be shared on our channels.

Tips to stay safe in the heat

• Please look out for older adults, people with health conditions and those living alone.
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains on sun‑facing windows.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and carrying a bottle when out.
• Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle, including pets.
• Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are strongest.
• Use high‑SPF sunscreen and wear a wide‑brimmed hat.
• Try to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

By sharing this information with friends, family and neighbours, we can help everyone stay safe and enjoy the warm weather responsibly.

For the latest forecast, please visit the Met Office.

Would you like to know more about fostering for Redbridge Council?

Join our next virtual information session on 23 June from 6pm to 7pm to find out more.

Book your place at the link in the comments👇

Coming up this weekend in Redbridge
Do take care in the heat and support your neighbours if they need it, but if you're heading out and about there are some great things to do in Redbridge this Saturday and Sunday, including:

Sat, 10am-6pm, Fairlop Waters
Fairlop Flavours – A New Food Market
Street food, artisan treats, and exciting new flavours

Sat, 10.30-11.30 and 11.45 to 12.45, Fulwell Cross Library
Coder Dojo, coding for ages 7-13

Sat, 11-11.45, Hainault Library, Fulwell Cross Library, Woodford Green Library
Arts and crafts

Sat, 1.15-2.15pm Fulwell Cross and 3-4pm Hainault Library
Board games - play and make new friends, or bring your own

Sun 10-11am, Roding Valley Park
Roding Valley Action Day
Join us and help clear a den and do some litter picking.
Meet: Chigwell Road/Snakes Lane East junc entrance to the River Roding, IG8 8AD

Sun, 12-5pm, Valentines Mansion
Art Exhibition - Ordinary Days

For more on these and other things to do this weekend, see the link in the comments 👇

Watch Council online tonight from 7pm, where the agenda includes
- recommendations in relation to financial reporting and audit
- a motion following Carers' Week, on recognising the contribution of unpaid carers
- a motion on civility in public life

Watch the meeting online via the link in the comments👇

🏆 Registrations are now open for the Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards 2026!

The Awards celebrate the outstanding businesses, entrepreneurs, charities, community organisations and individuals that make Ilford and Redbridge a great place to live, work and invest.

Whether you're a small independent business, growing enterprise, charity or established organisation, this is your opportunity to gain recognition and showcase your achievements.

📅 Registration Deadline: 30 June 2026
🏆 Awards Ceremony: 3 December 2026

Register today and be part of the borough's biggest celebration of business success. Register at the link in the comments 👇