Redbridge Rainbow January Meet-Up
Chase away the January blues with our first meet-up of 2025!
We will reserve a table, but you'll need to buy your own food and drinks from the different stalls. See the different food and drink options at Mercato Metropolitano.
Please note: Our meet-ups are open to all LGBTQ+ people and allies aged 18+.
Directions: Mercato Metropolitano is behind Ilford Town Hall. Some of the doors to Mercato Metropolitano are closed in winter to keep the space warm, follow the signs to enter the building. We will provide you with a phone number to call if you can't find us.
Accessibility: The venue is on the ground floor with level access and has an accessible toilet. Please let us know if you have any other access requirements when you book your spot.
LGBT+ History Month badge making and tour of Redbridge Museum
Celebrate LGBT+ History Month with Redbridge Museum and Redbridge Rainbow Community!
The theme for this year’s history month is activism and social change. The event will include a tour of the new Museum displays, including items of LGBTQ+ interest and a chance to share your own stories, as well as badge-making and creating t-shirts and poster designs for Redbridge Pride 2025. Refreshments will also be provided. This event is open to all.
LGBT+ History Month visit to the London Musuem Docklands
Join a visit to London Museum Docklands with Redbridge Rainbow and Barking & Dagenham Adult Social Network to mark LGBT+ History Month. This year's theme of activism and social change. The visit will include a chance to hear from Museum staff, explore the collection and create some of our own objects linked to this year's theme.
Full details and timings to be confirmed.
Access information: The Museum has lifts on every floor. Please see the museum access website for all their accessibility information.
TinderSticks and Redbridge Rainbow: On the Move in Hainault Forest
Join Tinder Sticks CIC for a morning in Hainault Forest. Open your senses and become part of the woods, learn about the tracks and signs the animals leave behind as we walk through the trees to their 'camp'. There we'll enjoy hot drinks around the campfire and have an opportunity to make Pine Needle Hand Scrub - all natural, plant based ingredients which make a lovely gift / keepsake from a morning adventuring in the Forest. For more about Tinder Sticks: @tinderstickscic on the socials
Access information: This event takes places in the woods, to get there we will be going up a steep muddy track, there are no formal paths. The ground will be uneven and bumpy and most likely wet and soggy. We will be walking at a slow pace and stopping regularly. We will be walking for approximately 1-1.5hrs. Seating at the camp will be low logs. The nearest toilet is 15mins away at the furthest point. If you require any further access or other information, please do not hesitate to contact admin@tindersticks.org.uk.
Winter Gathering and Quiz Night
Join us for a fun event to celebrate our wonderful LGBTQ+ community and allies. Bring a team for a table or we’ll ask people to join together to make small teams. After the event, those that would like to will head to Mercato Metropolitano (opposite the library) to grab food or a drink. The event is open to LGBTQ+ people and allies.
RED RUN 2024
Join us to walk, run or wheel the World Aids Day Red Run on 23 November 2024!
Accessibility: the RED RUN welcomes wheelchair users, mobility scooters and those with walking sticks and other access needs.
You can register directly with Red Run (and remember to select Redbridge Rainbow if you would like to fundraise for us) or if you can commit to fundraising at least £100 for Redbridge Rainbow, we can sponsor your place. Contact us if you’d like to be part of the team!
Healthwatch Redbridge Community Fair
We'll have a stall at the Healthwatch Redbridge Community Fair, alongside other local groups, charities, and organisations who want to support Redbridge residents to get the best healthcare and wellbeing for their communities. It's a chance for you to ask questions, discuss concerns, receive information and relevant signposting.
Trans Awareness Week event
Join us to mark Trans Awareness Week to celebrate trans women and men, non-binary, gender non-conforming, genderfluid and agender people and anyone who identifies under the trans umbrella. We'll have soft drinks and snacks, simple jewellery making and view some trans-themed short films. The event is opent o all LGBTQ+ people and allies.
After the event, those who would like to will head to Mercato Metropolitano (opposite the library) to grab food or a drink.
'Ilford Arrival' walk
We are working with Community Action Redbridge to make sure that local people are involved in shaping the plans for Ilford Arrival - an exciting new project which will transform the walking route between Wanstead Park, Roding Valley and Ilford town centre including a new bridge crossing and a pocket park.
We will walk around Ilford town centre and find out more about the project. The walk will be led by Marc Clark from Redbridge Council and Leonie Rousham and will last approximately 1 hour. We’ll then head to Mercato Metropolitano where Leonie will lead some activities to ask you about your views and have a discussion. We will also provide some soft drinks and snacks.
Accessibility: The walk will be mainly on paved or tarmac pavements as well as a parkland path. There won’t be any steps however the walk is not wheelchair/ buggy/ mobility scooter accessible. Please contact us if you have any other access requirements or if you would like to borrow our walking poles. Anyone under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
LGBTQ+ History Walk along the Thames (Redbridge Rainbow On the Move!)
We will walk eastwards along the Thames northbank exploring LGBTQ+ history along the way. We will meet near St Katherine's Docks (near Tower Gateway DLR and Tower Hill underground stations). The walk will end in Limehouse. After the walk we will provide some soft drinks and snacks at The Old Ship.
Accessibility: the walk will be on paved or tarmac pavements or paths. The route is likely to involve some steps. Please contact us if you have any access requirments.
Exploring Chase Nature Reserve and Eastbrookend Country Park
We'll be meeting up with the Barking and Dagenham Adult Social Network to explore these fantastic green spaces.
Redbridge Pride Picnic
Celebrate Pride with Redbridge Rainbow at our first ever Redbridge Pride Picnic!
Bring your own picnic and blanket and we'll provide some sweet treats. We'll also have some fun activities and we’d love your ideas for a larger Pride event in 2025. Please note anyone under 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
This event is part of our Celebrating the Rainbow in Redbridge project and supported by grants from the Redbridge Council Community Seed Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Pride in London march (Central London)
Redbridge Rainbow is marching in the London Pride parade! Everyone that would like to be part of our group in the march needs to register themselves in advance. We will meet in Grosvenor Square before heading to our starting point nearby to join the march.
We have a limit on the number of people we can have in our group, so reserve your spot as soon as you can and no later than 23 June! Please let us know if you have any access or other requirements to make sure you can enjoy the day.
On the Move! Valentines Park History Walk
We’ll be making the most of the longer evenings to come together during Pride Month. Our friends at Eastside Community Heritage will be leading a walk starting in Gant’s Hill through Valentines Park and its surroundings, exploring LGBTQ+ heritage and queer nature.
Accessibility: the walk will be on paved or tarmac pavements or paths.
On the Move! Epping Forest circular walk
This walk will be led by our friends at Epping Forest Heritage Trust. We’ll meet at the edge of Forest (approx 10 mins walk from Loughton Underground station - we will share the exact meeting point closer to the time). The 6km/ 4 mile route will take us through ancient woodland and an iron age fort at Loughton Camp and includes a history of the ancient forest and forest bathing (this is about observing and appreciating the nature around us and does not involve any swimming!).
On the Move! Wanstead bluebell walk
This walk will be led by our friends at Epping Forest Heritage Trust. The route will include viewing the bluebells and spotting the ground nesting Skylarks.
On the Move! Hainault Forest trail walk
Our first walk of the year will take us around Hainault Forest, finishing up at the 1856 cafe. Attendees will have the chance to hear more about our new walking project and suggest ideas for future walks.
Mapping Our Stories
To launch LGBT+ History Month, join the interactive LGBTQ+ Archive Event: Mapping Our Stories archive event with Redbridge Rainbow and Eastside Community Heritage.
Listen to archived oral histories, digitally explore photographs and memorabilia, and have the chance to record your own anecdote, place it on their map and see it added to the archive for future historians to study! Discover, celebrate and share local LGBTQ+ stories together!
No booking required, just turn up! Find out more and save the event to your calendar.
Redbridge Rainbow Winter Gathering
Join us for our winter social event!
Throughout the event we'll have:
Soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks
Beginners' concertina bookmaking. These are simple folded books that you can use for writing, drawing, painting, colleage, photos and more!
A chance to have a chat with some local services and organisations to share your experiences and get involved
Then at 6.15-7.00, we’ll have a dance fitness class with Tidus Ngan, who is a dancer from Hong Kong living in Redbridge. You don't need to have had any previous experience - it'll just be about having some fun together. Please wear that you feel comfortable moving in, and a towel if you want to. If you don't want to take part in the class, then you will be able to carry on with the other activities.
Online briefing: What's life like for LGBTQ+ people in Redbridge?
What’s life like for LGBTQ+ people in Redbridge?
In summer/ autumn 2023 Redbridge Rainbow ran a survey and consultation workshops for LGBTQ+ people who live, work, visit or study in the borough. In this online event, Simon Shaw, CEO at Redbridge Rainbow, will talk through the key findings from the survey. Topics covered will include people's experiences of local services, health and wellbeing, community safety and ideas for community activities. Simon will also outline some suggested recommendations for action to ensure organisations and services are inclusive. There will also be a Q&A.
To book your place email info@redbridgerainbowcommunity.org.uk. We will then send you the Zoom link. If you are unable to attend, the presentation will be recorded and posted on our website.
What next for Redbridge Rainbow? (Ilford, venue TBC)
We're working on a new strategy and plan of activities for Redbridge Rainbow and we'd really like LGBTQ+ people who live, work, visit in or study in the borough to help us shape them. We've had some great feedback through our survey and we'd now like people to give us feedback on our draft strategy and plan of activities. The session will be informal with time for people to chat with each other. We will provide the details of the venue closer to the time (it will be close to public transport and accessible), but please contact us if you have any questions in the meantime. Register for the event.
What next for Redbridge Rainbow? (Fullwell Cross, venue TBC)
We're working on a new strategy and plan of activities for Redbridge Rainbow and we'd really like LGBTQ+ people who live, work, visit in or study in the borough to help us shape them. We've had some great feedback through our survey and we'd now like people to give us feedback on our draft strategy and plan of activities. The session will be informal with time for people to chat with each other. We will provide the details of the venue closer to the time (it will be close to public transport and accessible), but please contact us if you have any questions in the meantime. Register for the event.
Waltham Forest Pride
We’re going to Waltham Forest Pride, hosted by our friends at elop. Register for your free ticket and please get in touch if you’d like to volunteer on our stall at a time of your choice between 12 and 8pm. We'll have a table, chair and gazebo, so we'll have some shelter and won't be on our feet all day!
Southend Day Out
Southend Day Out - Saturday 28th September 2019 - 10:00 - All Day
We have a day out in Southend.
We plan to visit the town centre, the pier and the aquarium.
The train is £18.30 from Ilford where we plan to meet at 10:00 am.
We can visit the planetarium, the pier, the aquarium or just have a nice day out - up to you!!
If you have any other ideas about events please do let us know!
For any of these events feel free to bring along friends and family too.
A walk and social drink at Fairlop Waters
Fairlop Waters Walk - Saturday 3rd August 2019 - 12:30 - 14:30
We are meeting up at Fairlop Waters Country Park, Forest Rd, Ilford IG6 3HN
Food is available and the lake has an option for anyone who wishes to partake in some physical activities!
https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/.../fairlop-waters-country-park
We’ll have a coffee and go for a walk around the lake and have lunch afterwards
Fairlop Waters is the largest country park and leisure facility in Redbridge. It is easily accessible from the M25, via the A12. It is a short walk from Fairlop and Barkingside stations, both on the Central Line.
RSVP if you are interested.
Redbridge Rainbow at Pride in London 2019
Pride in London is the biggest UK Pride festival and we have 35 wristbands for our members and their friends and family.
Our walk-in starts at 14:15 so we’ll arrange to meet before for lunch or you can turn up nearer the time.
We plan
Meet up at the Signal Box in Euston Station 11:00 for breakfast.
Meet Redbridge Council who will be in Regents Park at 12:30 for an informal picnic so contact us for details
We need to be at our meeting point by 13:30 pm.
Take part in the parade.
A social drink and food afterwards for those who wish to join us.
Note the following points below provided for the day by the organisers
1. Each participant must wear a wristband to take part in the parade including children.
2. Children must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them during the walk.
3. All entrants must be in place in the holding rea at the allocated time – the march is at 12:00pm.
4. Pets are not allowed.
5. Participants must not be under the influence of drink or drugs; you may be reported to the police if seen by the volunteers.
6. Glass bottles are not permitted. Water stations are available for free topping up of your water bottles.
7. No obscenitites or offensive material must be displayed in the parade.
8. Keep pace with group in front and do not leave gaps.
9. Keep London tidy – take your rubbish with you
10. Soliciting donations or collecting donations is prohibited.
11. Sampling, handing out merchandise or other items to the public is prohibited.
12. All participants must follow the guidance and requests of the volunteers.
13. Participants will not be allowed back in the parade if they leave for any reason.
14. Participants must disperse at the end of the parade to prevent over-crowding.
Christmas Social Event
We have Christmas social event on Saturday 15th December 2018 between 12pm and 3pm at
Cardinal Heenan Centre
326 High Road
Ilford
IG1 1QP
This is a social event and snacks will be provided - mainly finger food and that sort of stuff and soft drinks / fruit juices . There will be some beer and wine but do feel free to bring your own.
There will be some music and it will be a relaxed event but any LGBT issues can be discussed on the day too.
Please RSVP if you or any friends, family or colleagues who would like to come along or just pop-in.
World AIDS Day Stall at Redbridge Central Library and Museum
World AIDS day – event at Redbridge Central Library and Museum
Our next event will take place on Friday 30th November 2018 between 12pm and 2pm at
Redbridge Central Library and Museum (Café and Foyer area)
Clements Lane
Ilford
IG1 1EA
This is an event to educate people about AIDS / HIV and a drop-in.
We’ll have a stall in the foyer and this is also a social event, an opportunity to have a chat and a coffee.
We are open to ideas for events and support that you would like to see.
We can also help point you in the right direction regarding any LGBTI+ issues you may have.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Our drop-in session is open to both supporters and members of the local LGBT+ community that live, work, socialise or study in Redbridge.
website:- www.redbridgerainbowcommunity.org.uk
e-mail :- info@redbridgeraonbowcommunity.org.uk
This is HIV testing week 17/11/18 - 23/11/18
About National HIV Testing Week
National HIV Testing Week (NHTW) is a flagship campaign to promote regular testing among the most affected population groups and to reduce the rates of undiagnosed people and those diagnosed late. This year, NHTW starts on Saturday 17th November 2018.
In the UK, the combination prevention approach to HIV means we are witnessing a substantial decline in HIV diagnoses for the first time.
However, the work must not stop here. There was a small increase in late diagnoses between 2015 (39%) and 2017 (43%), which means testing is still as important as ever.
WHAT IS WORLD AIDS DAY?
World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.
WHY IS WORLD AIDS DAY IMPORTANT?
Over 101,000 people are living with HIV in the UK. Globally, there are an estimated 36.7 million people who have the virus. Despite the virus only being identified in 1984, more than 35 million people have died of HIV or AIDS, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history.
Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment, there are laws to protect people living with HIV and we understand so much more about the condition. Despite this, each year in the UK around 5,000 people are diagnosed with HIV, people do not know the facts about how to protect themselves and others, and stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.
World AIDS Day is important because it reminds the public and government that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.
LGBT Stall at Redbridge Central Library
We have a stall at Redbridge Central Library on Thursday 15th November 2018
This will take place in the foyer between 12:00 and 14:00
Our aim is to raise awareness of LGBT issues in the borough
Although not a drop in session it is also an opportunity for anyone to come along and have a chat too or seek any advice on LGBT issues
Clements Rd, Ilford IG1 1EA
Redbridge Council LGBT Events in November 2018
Here is a list of events happening with Redbridge Council, Lynton House Ilford (just up the road towards Seven Kings from the Town Hall)
Free Drop-In Friday 9th November 2018
Drop in to meet us at:
Redbridge Central Library and Museum (café)
Clements Road
Ilford
IG1 1EA
Today we will be socialising and planning future events.
We are open to ideas. We can also help point you in the right direction regarding any LGBTI+ issues you may have.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Our drop-in session is open to both supporters and members of the local LGBT+ community that live work, socialise or study in Redbridge.
Free Drop In
Saturday 14th August 2018
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Drop in to meet us at:
Eastside Community Heritage,
The Parish Centre
Cardinal Heenan Centre
326 High Road
Ilford
IG1 1QP
This week we will be socialising and planning future events. We are open to ideas. We can also help point you in the right direction regarding any LGBTI+ issues you may have.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Our drop-in session is open to both supporters and members of the local LGBT+ community that live work, socialise or study in Redbridge.
Pride in London 2018
Pride in London 2018 takes place on Saturday 7th July 2018 from 12pm.
We will meet at Tottenham Court Road station at 10am, have coffee or breakfast, a wander around and then find somewhere to watch the parade.
Afterwards we can have something to eat and drink.
Please let us know if you wish to join us via the email info@redbridgerainbowcommunity.org.uk and leave details so we can contact you on the day.
Details of the day below.
Events are occurring between 9th June and 7th July as per the link below
Free Drop-In
Drop in to meet us at:
Eastside Community Heritage,
The Parish Centre
Cardinal Heenan Centre
326 High Road
Ilford
IG1 1QP
This week we will be socialising and planning future events. We are open to ideas. We can also help point you in the right direction regarding any LGBTI+ issues you may have.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Our drop-in session is open to both supporters and members of the local LGBT+ community that live work, socialise or study in Redbridge.