On Wednesday 12 March, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham in partnership with award-winning charity ShowerBox and Barking Churches Unite to celebrate the opening of ShowerBox Barking. This ground-breaking project is the UK’s first permanent purpose-built facility located at Barking Leaming Centre and offers hot showers, underwear, respite and refreshments for people in the borough experiencing homelessness. Providing access to sanitation for individual and community health with facilities like ShowerBox Barking can play a vital contribution in narrowing the gap in health outcomes for people experiencing homelessness. Barking and Dagenham, like other areas of London, has seen an increase in the number people rough sleeping (64% increase from 20/21 to 22/23) and poor sanitation can have a significant impact on individual and community health. Poor sanitation can make people more at risk of infectious disease, with rough sleepers 24 times more likely to contract tuberculosis Lower life expectancy, the average age of death for rough sleepers is 43 for malles and 45 for females, and it causes including preventable hygiene related issues such as sepsis Increased demand on A&E services with rough sleepers attending services for conditions such as cellulitis. The partnership between ShowerBox, Barking Churches Unite and the Council and development of ShowerBox Barking originated from their participation in “Pop Up” events across the borough to support people experiencing homelessness, where guests could see a doctor with no prior appointment, and also receive food, clothes, a haircut and a shower. Most people surveyed at the events said they attended for free food and showers, as well as to see a doctor. Thanks to funding from the Barking and Dagenham Health Inequalities Programme (from NHS North East London and determined by the Barking and Dagenham Place-based Partnership), LBBD and generous in-kind support from ShowerBox, Barking Churches Unite and their supporters and volunteers, ShowerBox Barking has been opened at the Barking Learning Centre, where the pop-up’s took place. Cllr Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adults Social Care and Health Integration, who has spearheaded this new facility said at the launch event: “Today is a dream come true for me. The importance of providing access to sanitation can not be underestimated, not just for improving personal hygiene and preventing disease, but in terms of helping to improve the life chances of some of our most disadvantaged residents. “More often than not, people experiencing homelessness are not seen or valued and by offering them something as simple as a hot shower, that we all take for granted, it will help give them the respect and dignity they deserve. “I am so proud of what we as a partnership of health, community and voluntary sector and the local authority have achieved with this project”. Sarah Lamptey MBE, Founder and Chief Executive, ShowerBox said: “The launch of ShowerBox Barking, a partnership between ShowerBox, the London borough of Barking and Dagenham and Barking Churches is momentous for our charity. It’s the culmination of many years of work across our growing team, to support and lighten the loads of the lives of our guests, those who experience the hardship of homelessness every day. “This partnership is a milestone for ShowerBox and a wonderful moment for me personally, as since the start of 2018 I’ve had the dream and focus to support individuals without access to hygiene facilities. A simple way to make a great difference in people’s lives, to their physical health, mental
Celebrating Health & Culture: The African & Caribbean Show
On 27 March 2025, the Afro-Caribbean Health Show at Barking Learning Centre welcomed over 300 attendees, creating a vibrant and supportive space for African and Caribbean communities across the Borough. Led by Parissé Devaux and Erica Deti, this integrated, personalised neighbourhood pop-up clinic brought together a diverse range of services to empower and uplift residents. Health and well-being took centre stage, with NELFT NHS Foundation Trust professionals offering expertise in mental health, long-term conditions, and health visiting. Meanwhile, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust specialists provided support in haematology and sexual health. Beyond healthcare, local authority teams offered essential guidance on housing, financial support, social prescribing, and smoking cessation, ensuring a holistic approach to well-being. Community organisations played a vital role, delivering services for children, young people, and adults, alongside dental care, hair cutting, massage therapy, and more. To celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the event, attendees also enjoyed delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine, adding warmth and tradition to a day dedicated to connection and care. This gathering exemplified the power of community, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity—proving that when we come together, health and culture thrive side by side.
Thrive Together: A Community United for Better Health
Thrive Together – Better Health for You and Your Baby brought together 700 people at the BLC, creating a vibrant hub of support for women and their families. The event, designed to empower new and expectant mothers—as well as those planning their pregnancy journey—featured an extensive range of services and expert-led sessions.
Important Information: Temporary Change in Opening Hours
Important Information: Temporary Change in Opening Hours As part of our ongoing efforts to better serve our community, we are making important changes to the opening hours at some of our Community and Family Hubs. These changes will start on Monday, 23rd September 2024, and have been put in place to ensure we continue to meet the needs of residents while delivering our services. Please find below the updated opening hours for each hub: Please note that the opening hours in bold show the new changes effective from 23rd September 2024. Hub Name Current Opening Hours New Opening Hours Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub Monday to Thursday: 9am to 7pmFriday and Saturday: 9am to 5pmSunday: 9am to 4pm Monday & Tuesday: 9am to 5pmWednesday 9am to 7pmThursday & Friday: 9am to 5pmSaturday: 9am to 5pmSunday: 10am to 4pm Dagenham Learning Centre Community and Family Hub Monday to Thursday: 9am to 7pmFriday and Saturday: 9am to 5pm Monday to Wednesday: 9am to 5pmThursday 9am to 7pmFriday & Saturday: 9am to 5pm Heath Community Hub Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Monday 9am to 5pmTuesday – ClosedWednesday 9am to 5pmThursday – ClosedFriday 9am to 5pm Village Community Hub Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Monday – ClosedTuesday: 9am to 5pmWednesday – closedThursday 9am to 5pmFriday – Closed Please note that there will be no changes to the opening hours for the following hubs: Hub Name Current Opening Hours Becontree Community HubChildren & Young People Disability (CYPD) Hub Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Marks Gate Community and Family Hub Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Thames Community Hub Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm Valence Community Hub Monday: 10am to 5pmTuesday: 10am to 7pmWednesday & Thursday: 10am to 5pmSaturday: 10am to 4pm Whalebone and Chadwell Heath Community Hub (Robert Jeyes Community Library) Monday to Wednesday 10am to 5pmThursday: 10am to 7pm