Campaigning for equality since 1989 Stonewall was founded to create a professional lobbying group to represent lesbians, gay men and bisexual people, and put the case for equality on the mainstream political agenda. www.stonewall.org.uk Grants for local projects A property developer has launched the London Dock Community Fund – grants for projects around Wapping. see below Property THH staff celebrate Stonewall’s recognition of equality in their workplace THH celebrates equality ranking BY STAFF REPORTER TOWER Hamlets Homes (THH) has been ranked Britain’s second best employer for lesbian, gay and bisexual staff. The council’s housing provider is ranked number 2 in Stonewall’s 2015 Workplace Equality Index, published last week. The index is the definitive national benchmarking showcase for Britain’s top employers of lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) staff. As well as being second overall, THH is now the top housing provider in the country for workplace equality. It rose from 44th position last year to second, making it one of the most improved employers in Britain for equality. Stonewall, the campaigning organisation for LGBT rights, praised THH for its Straight Allies Network ‘Right to Bi’ campaign – tackling prejudice in the workplace – and its use of social media. Chief executive Gavin Cansfield said: “This is a remarkable achievement. We have some amazingly talented people, and we pride ourselves on creating an environment which is inclusive and supportive. “I’m delighted that we have been recognised in this way – it is apparent that our incredible staff feel equally valued and can therefore perform their very best for our customers.” Last year the organisation also won the Tenant Participation Advisory Service Awards’ (TPAS) Excellence in Equality and Diversity award. A jewel to light up winter days Plant of the Month from Horticultural Trades Association BRING joy to the garden this New Year with Helleborus, the jewel of the winter garden. Sometimes known as the Christmas or Lenten rose, hellebores flower reliably from late winter to early spring. Its elegant flowers and attractive, leathery leaves brighten the garden during the cooler months, bringing a lift of colour from pale green to white, cream to pink, and purple to almost black. There are around 20 species of herbaceous, evergreen, perennial flowering hellebore plants. They are often used for decorative purposes and their resistance to frost and tolerance of shady conditions makes them a popular choice of garden plant for this time of year. They need to be planted in heavy, rich, limey soil that won’t dry out in summer months. Their leaves die down in June or July, after which the plants should be kept cool and shaded until they begin to grow again in early spring. They are wildlife-friendly and are a valuable source of pollen for early bees. They also make a good houseplant. Best planted in herbaceous borders and in areas between deciduous shrubs and under trees, hellebores sit beautifully with snowdrops, primula, and pulmonaria. Shrubs such as shrubby cornus, often grown for its coloured stems which are brightest in winter, and mahonia, a popular winter flowering shrub grown for its bright yellow flowers, are also particularly complementary. (From left) Cllr Denise Jones, Tracey Walsh of the East End Community Foundation and Craig Carson of St George City A PROPERTY developer has unveiled plans for a new charitable fund, which will see £18,000 a year invested into community projects. St George launched the London Dock Community Fund to support the community around its new development in Wapping. The fund, which will be managed and distributed by the East End Community Foundation (EECF), will provide grants to encourage projects which benefit the St Katharine’s & Wapping and Shadwell wards. The first year of grants will be available for projects which provide summer activities for young people and gardening and greening initiatives, with smaller grants used to support day trips and social events. The deadline for applying for the ‘greening the ward’ and smaller grants is February 9. The deadline for applications for the larger, summer activity grants is April 13. Contact the EECF grants team on 7345 4444 to discuss your proposal or email grants@eastendcf.org COVERING M25 RADIUS your local authority 789 Commercial Road, St Anne Street, Limehouse, London E14 7HG 3/5 YEARS LEASING OPTION • NO VOID PERIOD • NO MANAGEMENT FEE CASH INCENTIVE FOR LANDLORDS* 1, 2, 3, 4 bedroom flats/houses wanted • Monies paid instantly upon signing *T&C Applies. t 020 7538 8887 Lines open 24 hours info@metropolitanandcrown.com www.metropolitanandcrown.com Did you know? We are the official leasing agents and preferred choice for WE GUARANTEE TO LET YOUR PROPERTY ON THE SAME DAY *T&C APPLIES GUARANTEED year! the RENT weeks of 52 19 – 25 JANUARY 2015 N E W S F R O M TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 25
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