Croydon Football Club’s end of season fun day was on Saturday, where Croydon Fostering launched their new partnership with the youth team. In sponsoring the team’s training kit, we are raising awareness of the urgent need for residents to care for vulnerable children and young people by offering a safe and stable home. Supporting children and young people is at the heart of our fostering service and it is wonderful to be involved with the club who have the same values. It was great to see the youth players and their coaches and to award their end-of-season trophies. I wish them all the best for their next season. Find out more about Croydon Fostering.

Housing day of action

We have been holding days of actions on housing estates across Croydon as I deliver on my commitment to create a cleaner, safer borough. Our teams visited Shrublands Estate – supported by volunteers and contractors – where together they cleared fly-tipping, cut back overgrown trees and tidied shared spaces. The days of action are part of my priority to work with our communities to restore pride in our neighbourhoods. We’ll be visiting Handcroft Estate next, on 3 September, and will bring you further details on how to get involved.

ParkBox play for children

I visited Haling Grove Park this week for the opening of Croydon’s first ParkBox, a toy and book library box located in six of our borough’s parks. Each weatherproof box contains carefully selected books, toys and sports equipment suitable for different ages. This is a lovely local initiative that has been developed by Croydon ParkBox founder, Robert Dickinson, and supported by The Shackleton Foundation and the Council.

Supporting the elderly
It was great to meet members of Purley and Coulsdon Clubs for the Elderly (PACE) on Wednesday for their Annual General Meeting. The charity does a lot to support our older residents, from providing hot lunches to arranging activities and transport. It has successfully secured a Small Lottery Funding grant and continues to raise funds for a new minibus. Find out more.

Costa Del Croydon returns!

The weather looks nice and sunny next week – just in time for the return of Costa Del Croydon. From 1-31 August, Centrale’s rooftop car park will be transformed into a seaside with free entry for everyone. I hope you have a chance to visit the town centre oasis during the holidays. Book your free ticket.

Croydon Rathayatra Festival returns on Saturday (2 August), organised by Iskon South London temple. The lively procession starts in the town centre at 11.30am and will head to Park Hill Park for live music and dance as part of the Hindu celebration.

Finally, congratulations to the Lionesses for their win in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 on Saturday. It was a nail-biting final, but we are very proud of their historic second win.

Have a good weekend.

Jason Perry

Executive Mayor of Croydon