News for the community, by the community.
The Metropolitan Police Service alongside Havering Council, Youth Unity, local partners and residents have officially launched the Build phase of the Our Harold Hill – Clear Hold Build project — marking the next stage in a twoyear programme that has significantly reduced crime and strengthened community resilience across Harold Hill.
United in Football and Basketball returned this February half term to deliver another highly successful series of free sports sessions for young people across the local community.
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A Romford man has been charged following two separate dog-related incidents in Havering, including an attack in Raphael Park where
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Haverinng Mind are delighted to announce that the event will return this summer to Harrow Lodge Park in Hornchurch on Sunday 12th July as the Essex Summer Fest. It promises to be bigger, and better than ever before!
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Following more than a year of sustained campaigning by Beam Park residents Carol and Rob Baker, who worked closely with HRA councillors to highlight long standing concerns raised by the local community.
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Chief Inspector Routley has shared the following statement after a very distressing incident at Raphael Park in Romford on Monday
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Police have seized two dogs in Havering following a distressing incident in Raphael Park where a two-year-old girl was injured
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Havering Council has faced questions and anger from some residents over park safety, but the authority has confirmed that park gates across the borough will not be locked at night.
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Bird flu has been detected in the Harrow Lodge Park area, prompting Havering Council to issue advice to residents and park users. Havering’s parks team has confirmed it is working closely with DEFRA and warning notices have been placed around the park, urging visitors to take precautions to protect themselves, their pets and other birds following the discovery
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Dog walkers were left shocked this morning after discovering a car had been driven into the lake at Harrow Lodge Park.
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St Andrew’s Park in Hornchurch is a much-loved and well-used green space, but for many residents living nearby, it has also become a constant source of frustration. Locals say the park, while popular with families, dog walkers, and runners, is now attracting increasing levels of anti-social behaviour
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St. Alban’s Ward Conservative Action Team Councillor Judith Holt and Martin Firmstone are delighted to see the start of the playground improvements and building of the accessible new play equipment in Hylands Park, Hornchurch.
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Jutsums Park Recreation Ground will be getting a much needed refurbishment in the children’s playground area.
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Exciting news from Havering Mind as Ciaran, Caroline and their a-ma-zing volunteers prepare for three days of fun, sun, music and even foam parties at Harrow Lodge Park in Hornchurch!
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St. Alban’s Ward Conservative Action Team Councillor Judith Holt and Martin Firmstone are celebrating the award of a grant to for playground improvements and a wildflower labyrinth in Hylands Park, Hornchurch – but, they are also concerned about security there and in Park Lane Recreation Ground.
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“Left to Suffer: The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Exploding Across London and Havering”
Are our mental health services on the verge of collapse?
Across Havering and the capital, thousands of adults and children are in desperate need of mental health support—but help is heartbreakingly far from reach. In fact, the waiting list to access any form of psychological care is now so long, it can take months—sometimes even years—before someone receives help.
In Havering alone, recent figures show over 4,300 people are currently waiting for mental health support via NHS Talking Therapies. Across London, the number is far worse—with more than 125,000 people on waiting lists, many of whom are in crisis and deteriorating fast.
As our mental health services buckle under overwhelming demand, frontline police are being forced to step in. Officers are now dealing with record-high levels of mental health-related incidents, including welfare checks, suicide risks, and violent episodes involving individuals in acute distress.
Emergency crisis lines exist. But what about prevention?
“What is that old saying? Prevention is better than cure.”
For years, our mental health system has been underfunded, under-resourced, and dangerously overlooked. Today, it’s at breaking point. It simply cannot cope with the sheer volume of people needing support.
People are often left feeling alone, stranded, and with no one to turn to—except a mind in conflict with itself.
Mental health is a buzzword now, printed across campaigns, shouted on social media, and hung on posters. But the truth behind the slogan is dark: like the NHS, the mental health care system is quietly crumbling.
And when someone finally reaches breaking point, finger-pointing politics mean nothing.
“People don’t care about whose political party is at fault. What matters is that this is a system that is broken and needs help—right now.”
Urgent funding. Immediate reform. True support. These are not wants—they are necessities.
If the government fails to act, the cost won’t just be seen in statistics. It’ll be felt in lost lives.
Hylands Park hosted over 1,500 attendees for a Community Fun Day celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, featuring entertainment, food, and activities, emphasizing community spirit and remembrance of sacrifices made.
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The Mayor of Havering, Councillor Gerry O’Sullivan, organized a charity fun run to support Havering Mind and the Havering Association for People with Disabilities, uniting the community for a vital fundraising effort.
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Councillor David Taylor has initiated a petition for improved safety in Havering’s parks following discussions on antisocial behavior. He stresses concerns over attacks on vulnerable individuals and advocates for measures like CCTV and locked gates. Despite challenges with the administration’s responses, Taylor remains committed to enhancing park safety for all residents.
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Andrew Rosindell, MP for Romford, is pressing for increased police presence following a second rape at Raphael’s Park. He criticizes Havering Council for not locking park gates at night, linking this to rising crime. Rosindell calls for a policy change and more police resources to ensure local safety.
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