The Housing Engagement team has kicked off December 2025 with a busy first week of community-focused activities designed to bring residents together and support those who need it most.
As part of Havering Council’s #ChristmasMeansCommunity campaign, the team has been working closely with local tenants and residents’ associations to deliver initiatives that foster connection and wellbeing during the festive season.
Highlights from the first week
- Community Health Roadshow: Engagement officers hosted sessions to help residents of Cotton Fambridge to access health advice and resources including free blood pressure checks.
- Tree planting: Thanks to our windows and doors contractor, Equans, the team joined staff from Harrow Lodge Primary School to plant trees on the school grounds.
- Winter Warmth Packs: The team distributed packs containing hot water flask, hats, gloves and hot water bottles and energy-saving tips to help residents stay warm and safe this winter.
- Hosted the Residents Panel Christmas lunch.
- Secured 50 advent calendars through our repairs contractor, Mears, for Women’s Aid Havering.
- Secured family food hampers and tickets to see Jack and the Beanstalk at Queens Theatre for low income families through the HAF programme.
- Organised a Christmas social event at Park Rise Retirement Village, for sheltered housing residents from across the borough (pictured). Residents all agreed their favourite Christmas song was ‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby.
Marion, a Harold Hill resident who attended the Park Rise event, said:
“Thank you to the Resident Engagement Team for putting on a fabulous Christmas celebration.
“The chefs made a superb lunch, and I really enjoyed the Christmas craft activity!”
Although much of the team’s work is aimed at supporting particular groups within the community all year round, all residents across the borough can get involved with the wider campaign.
Share with us your favourite festive recipe, song or tradition, or tell us about someone you would like to thank this Christmas.
We are asking for the first part of your postcode to find out which part of our borough has the most Christmas spirit, too!
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“These activities reflect the Council’s commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities.
“By working together all year round, and especially at Christmas, we can ensure that everyone feels supported and included during the festive season so that #ChristmasMeansCommunity.”