Progress and Updates

50 Steps Blog

• Meet a Changemaker: Junaid BEM, Community Leader and Coordinator, Hope 4 Humanity

  Junaid has lived in Newham for over 20 years, becoming a trusted figure, especially among older residents and vulnerable families. Through his grassroots charity Hope 4 Humanity, he tackles key local issues such as health inequalities, food insecurity, social isolation, and the cost-of-living crisis. Junaid is deeply responsive to the needs of his community. His work […]

  Published: 29 Apr 2025

• World Immunisation Week

  This year, World Immunisation Week is celebrated from Thursday April 24th to Wednesday April 30th. Led by the World Health Organisation (WHO), this event aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. Why Vaccinations Matter Vaccinations are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. They have saved over millions […]

  Published: 22 Apr 2025

• Meet a Changemaker: Shofa Miah, Founder of Ashok’s Vision International

  For over two decades, Shofa has been a pillar of the Newham community, dedicated her life to empowering young people and parents. Working in the front lines she has experience in early years, youth leadership, parenting, and mental health facilitations. Shofa has transformed countless lives through her work within local authority and the charity sector. […]

  Published: 10 Apr 2025

• Edible enterprises market sale day

  The Newham public team in collaboration with Kaizen Primary School held a vibrant herb and flower stall just before the Easter break. Year 4 pupils from the school held the stall at Stratford Broadway market, selling rosemary, thyme, mint, and daffodils which were all propagated from their school’s Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) planters. SuDS […]

  Published: 09 Apr 2025

• Join your People Powered Places Working Group today 

  Newham Council’s People Powered Places programme is recruiting Working Group members now.  Led by the Resident Engagement & Participation Team, People Powered Places is our participatory budgeting programme where residents decide how £1.6 million is spent across the borough. The 2025/27 cycle will launch in June 2025.  This is a paid role, with a 2-year […]

  Published: 07 Apr 2025

• Meet a Changemaker: Doris Ekos Okundaye, Founder and CEO of True Ambassadors

  For over 20 years, Doris has called Newham home, dedicating herself to improving residents’ well-being. In 2018, she founded True Ambassadors, a charity that promotes health, digital inclusion, and social connection through fitness sessions, health awareness events, and cultural programs. Inspired by her NHS experience and studies in business and law, Doris ensures vulnerable residents receive […]

  Published: 06 Apr 2025

• Meet a Changemaker: Vinicia Ferreira, Founder and CEO of Young Generation Needs Us CIC

  Vinicia has a strong bond with Newham, where she has lived for over 16 years. She is committed to empowering young people and families through her social enterprise, Young Generation Needs Us. Drawing from her own experiences with bullying and a passion for sociology, she founded the organization to break down barriers related to emotional, social, […]

  Published: 06 Apr 2025

• Research opportunity for Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations

  Are you a VCSE seeking support from a research student? In 2025, Compass Wellbeing is once again partnering with UCL’s Community Research Initiative to connect Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations with dedicated student researchers. These students can assist you in gathering insights and data to inform your strategy, programme design, evaluation, or research efforts. You’ll […]

  Published: 04 Apr 2025

• Update on the Well Newham Challenge cohort 2

  The Council’s Public Health Team is working with Newham Hospital to run the Well Newham Challenge programme in the hospital. The programme funds and supports hospital staff to pilot new interventions that aim to improve the health of Newham residents by addressing the non-medical, social factors that can impact their health and wellbeing for up […]

  Published: 04 Apr 2025

• Meet a Changemaker: King Olalekan Ogunremi, Community Barber and Founder of Barber Connect Project

  King has been a key figure in the Newham community for over 20 years, transforming his barbershop into a community hub where young people feel safe and supported. Recognizing the role barbershops play in fostering trust, he mentors and guides young men through conversations and community events that address mental health, social isolation, and employment. […]

  Published: 04 Apr 2025