Young people with disabilities from Brookfield House School, William Morris School and The Limes Community Group, based in Somers Road, held a special event to celebrate their achievements last week.

The ‘All About Us’ project celebrated the positive contributions of young people with disabilities and learning difficulties in Waltham Forest by recognising and raising awareness of everything they do in the community.

The young people showcased their work, displaying photos and videos, provided entertainment and cooked a fancy dinner as part of their ‘healthy schools’ programme for the attendees.

Addressing the event Cllr O’Rourke spoke of achievements he had witnessed including his brother, who has severe learning disabilities, living semi independently, a friend with Downs Syndrome getting an O Level (GCSE) in English and his own achievement of being elected a councillor for High Street ward.

Cllr O’Rourke added: “However old we are we should have goals and a disability should not prevent anyone from doing whatever they want to do. My being deaf in one ear has not stopped me.”

“Events like this must continue to recognise the achievements of our young people with disabilities and hopefully, some time in the future, some of the young people being recognised now will be future speakers as councillors.” he concluded.

Waltham Forest Council have announced it is introducing a pilot scheme in schools in which students will be taught how to ‘spot’ extremists and report them to the appropriate authorities.

In a joint statement the Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr John Macklin, and Lib Dem Children and Young People spokesperson, Cllr James O’Rourke, said:

“We are deeply disappointed that Labour have not consulted fellow Councillors about this pilot before blindly following Gordon Brown’s policies.

“We’re also extremely uncomfortable with the notion of Labour implementing Orwellian policies in our schools potentially setting pupil against pupil.” 

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Walthamstow, Farid Ahmed said:

“Once again it seems that the Government is obsessed with setting up wacky and expensive schemes rather then deal with the issues at hand.

“It is vital that extremism is dealt with at the grass roots, though it is no surprise that the Government has cherry picked Walthamstow – an area with a very multicultural community - to launch this scheme.

“The sole purpose of this scheme seems to marginalise whole communities and is evidence once again of Labour’s failure to come up with realistic plans.

“In comparison, we will pump £2.5bn into schools so that students are equipped to join an increasingly tough jobs market.”

With the recession hitting the youngest the hardest Waltham Forest Liberal Democrats have implemented proposals announced by national Lib Dem Leader, Nick Clegg, to prevent people leaving school, college and university being condemned to long-term unemployment.

Waltham Forest Council has implemented the Lib Dem policy by encouraging 16 to 18-year-olds to apply for a place on its apprenticeship scheme.

Local Lib Dem Leader and cabinet member for finance and resources, Cllr John Macklin, said:

“Making sure our residents are equipped with the skills they need to compete in the workplace and driving down unemployment are two big priorities for the council and taking on apprenticeships shows that we’re putting our money where our mouth is as an organisation. 

“Research has shown that taking on apprentices can be a real boost to the organisation by increasing productivity, increasing competitiveness and providing a committed and well-skilled workforce which makes it a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

High Street Lib Dem Councillor and Chair of the Children & Young People Scrutiny committee, James O’Rourke, said:

“The Labour Government has let down school-leavers and older teenagers as, despite their big promise, they have not provided the apprenticeships to make sure that every school-leaver who wanted to learn a trade can do.

“In Waltham Forest Lib Dems have acted to help young people gain the skills they need for employment.”

Javell Holden, one of the council’s apprentices, said: “I’ve been working at the WFD call centre while doing a Business and Administration NVQ course since last April.

“I’ve found the course very beneficial and have just been offered a permanent job. I’ve learned many skills and would recommend this to anyone.”

Anyone aged 16-18 and interested in the scheme should email wbl@walthamforest.gov.uk or call 020 8520 9430.

Click here for further details of the Lib Dem policy to tackle youth unemployment.

For over 40 years the 7th Walthamstow Scout group has provided a myriad of opportunities for young people by offering activities and challenges where they can learn skills such as Administration, First Aid and Conservation.

Pathfinder Lodge, in Stephenson Road, has also been the centre of local community activity with groups such as older person’s social groups, a performing arts group and a Turkish language group using the building up until mid 2008 when the leaky roof took its toll on the interior.

With the support of the High Street Focus Team funding was secured and the building refurbished over the last two years. Local community groups are now flocking back to use the facility and despite the Labour ward councillors opposition to the scouts bid for Community Council funding, to finally enable the building to be brought back into use, even he and the outgoing Labour MP are now planning to use Pathfinder Lodge.

High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke, said:

“Communities need to have a focal point and I’m delighted that a building I attended as a child has been given a new lease of life.”

“I welcome the innovative interest shown by groups, like the Blackhorse Action Group to develop a community garden at the site, in addition to the other activities which take place at this facility.”

Earlier this year High Street Lib Dem Focus Team exclusively announced that Coppermill and Stoneydown Parks will each receive £47,497 and £47,900, respectively, to upgrade the children’s play areas. 

Following Lib Dem pressure the long awaited seven-year-old Labour Government manifesto commitment for playgrounds resulted in Waltham Forest, eventually, receiving £1.1 million.

Cllr James O’Rourke said “Whilst this is welcome we must ensure this is not just a one off investment and the portfolio holder responsible for parks must keep a constant eye on the state of our playgrounds to stop vandalism, litter and graffiti etc”.

Twenty-two playgrounds have been identified for upgrading over the next seventeen months with Coppermill and Stoneydown Parks in the first wave of eleven to be completed by 31st March 2010.

Prior to upgrading the children’s play areas the Council are conducting the long awaited survey to find out what you think of the quality and play value of the current equipment. In particular, they are asking what improvements you would like to see and what issues might prevent you from using the existing facilities.

Households will receive the survey through letterboxes over coming days. Alternatively, you can complete the survey online by clicking here.

High Street Liberal Democrats have joined with three schools, Friends of a park and a national charity to bring a speakers corner to Walthamstow.

High Street Lib Dem Councillors ensured the Speakers Corner Trust and the local community spoke to the right people in the Council to move the initiative forward.

A founding committee has been set up and the launch will be in April 2010.

Hear Cllr O’Rourke’s interview on the BBC Radio London Eddie Nestor Drivetime show below.

A Lib Dem 2006 local election manifesto policy commitment to hand Council assets to Local Management Boards is close to becoming reality in High Street ward.

The High Street Lib Dem Focus Team have worked with members of the Friends of Stoneydown Park (FOSP) and Council Officers to look at the feasibility of enabling the local community to manage and have access to the former Street Wardens hut in the park.

Join us at FOSP’s public meeting this coming Monday 9th November between 7pm and 8.30pm in Stoneydown Primary School if you are interested in helping us. Full details below.