Throughout December 2025, Havering’s #ChristmasMeansCommunity campaign has brought joy, connection, and support to residents through a series of heart-warming initiatives.
The campaign has focused on the Resident Engagement Team’s work with Council tenants to foster community spirit, reduce isolation, and make sure that everyone feels cared for during the festive season.
Key highlights and achievements
- Toy Drive: Generous donations from residents have helped make Christmas special for children spending the holidays in hospital. We have collected over 180 toys to donate to Queens and King George’s hospital children’s wards.
- Isolation Support Events: Activities were hosted to bring older residents together and combat loneliness, with nearly 30 people attending throughout December 2025.
- Brunswick Court Health Roadshow: Delivered vital health information and engagement opportunities for residents to stay well this winter.
- Advent Calendar Donations: 55 advent calendars were donated to Women’s Aid Havering by repairs contractor Mears.
- Christmas Panto: 17 families (totalling 75 hostel residents) attended the Queens Theatre Christmas Panto, funded through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
- Resident Participation Panel (RPP): Continued to give residents a voice in shaping housing services, influencing recent policies such as the Housing Allocations Policy and Estate Strategy. Join the Panel here getinvolved@havering.gov.uk
- Festive Activities: Arts sessions at one of our hostels with 21 people, a sheltered housing Christmas quiz for 24 people, a mixed football tournament with West Ham United Foundation (involving nearly 200 eight to 16 year olds), and a breakfast with Santa for 65 children and families experiencing homelessness.
- Over 600 residents have been involved in all the festivities this year.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“The #ChristmasMeansCommunity campaign shows the incredible generosity and compassion of Havering residents and the vital work that the Resident Engagement Team do to support them all year round, but particularly at Christmas.
“Initiatives like the Toy Drive make a real difference to families and children who need extra support at this time of year.
"We’re proud to work alongside the Resident Participation Panel and our communities to create a borough where everyone feels connected and cared for.”
We’ve also invited residents to share what Christmas means to them, including their favourite festive songs, traditions, recipes, and messages of thanks and we will be revealing the results on social media throughout Christmas.
Join our WhatsApp group to find out more.