When I became leader last year, I promised to open up the council and give residents a stronger voice. That’s why yesterday we held a referendum to give our community the chance to have their say on how the council is run in the future. I’m grateful to the thousands of local people took the chance to have their say. Over the past year we have made major progress in transforming the council to get our finances back on track and begin to improve the vital services our residents rely on. The referendum result means that in May next year, residents will get the chance to elect a mayor to lead our council and continue this important work reforming our council to provide the best possible services for local people. Thanks again to everyone who voted yesterday, and to all our council staff who worked so hard to make it happen. More information on the referendum and results are on our website at www.croydon.gov.uk/referendum
World Mental Health Day
This World Mental Health Day (10 October) we’re taking action to ensure more people, right across our community, can get mental health support, whenever and wherever they need it. Croydon Council has already supported hundreds of local people to become Mental Health First Aiders, giving them the skills to spot when someone may be experiencing a mental health issue, and provide them with the right support. This free training course could help you to make a really important difference to a friend, family member, colleague or member of your community, when they need it the most. Find out about the free training here.
Black History Month
Black History Month 2021: Proud2Be is off to a fantastic start in Croydon and it has been wonderful to see everyone coming together to celebrate in person this year. We are so proud of our Black communities and the rich contribution they make to Croydon life and culture, past, present and future. There is a fantastic programme of events throughout the month and I would encourage everyone to get involved – find out more at on our website.
Have a good weekend,
Councillor Hamida Ali, leader of the council
