Shedlife, a local charity which supports residents experiencing loneliness, opened a new, purpose-built facility at the Thames Community Hub on Friday 26 September. For several years the charity has been supporting residents in the Barking area, and this new facility will allow them to change many more lives. The structure was designed by University of East London students and constructed by Bellway, with funding support from the council. Shed Life, is a resident-led project, they believe that everyone has the right to live a life that allows them to get on with LIFE; good health, independence, friendship, enjoyable social activities and new experiences. They deliver projects that bring people together, specifically residents who are experiencing isolation and loneliness. Shed Life Drop-inevery Wednesday 10am -12pmThames Community Hub, Thames View Estate, Barking, IG11 OLG All welcome, pop-in and get involved! Shed Life is a friendship network, that look out for each other. It is a safe space to learn and share skills, to build individual confidence and self-advocacy, to contribute to local conversations and to have your voice heard. Shed Life volunteers create new and interesting events and celebrations for their community, and specifically engaging residents who are at risk of being left behind. For full details please visit their website
Black History Month has Arrived
Black History Month runs throughout October celebrating the culture, history and achievements that Black African and Caribbean people have brought to the United Kingdom This year’s theme: Standing Firm in Power and Pride The theme for Black History Month UK 2025 is “Standing Firm in Power and Pride”, a powerful tribute to the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment to progress that define the Black community across the globe. This year, the theme highlights the profound contributions made by Black people, be they leaders, activists, or pioneers who have shaped history, while also looking towards a future of continued empowerment, unity, and growth. Cllr Sade Bright reflects on Black History Month and what’s ahead – have a watch here. This year’s Hall of Fame is also live on our website. Check it out to meet the people being celebrated for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the borough. Find out more and get involved here.
Summer Reading Challenge 2025: A Blooming Success with Story Garden
We’re delighted to share that this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, themed Story Garden, has come to a successful close. Children across the borough embraced the joy of reading, exploring stories rooted in nature, growth, and imagination. At our libraries, we welcomed guest authors and highlighted garden-themed books and activities that brought the challenge to life. From storytelling sessions to creative crafts, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Over 200 children completed the main challenge, proudly collecting their certificates and this year we had children involved in the 0-5 Mini Challenge, engaging with books through play and early literacy activities The Story Garden theme encouraged children to nurture their love of reading, helping them grow in confidence and curiosity. A huge well done to all the children who took part, and heartfelt thanks to the families, library staff, and volunteers who helped the challenge flourish. Here’s to keeping the reading momentum going throughout the year! We’re excited to welcome all young readers—new and returning—back to the start of Reading Beez. Reading Beez is a fun and engaging reading scheme for children aged 5 to 13, designed to help improve reading skills while collecting prizes along the way. It’s a brilliant way to keep the reading momentum going throughout the year. To take part, simply ask at your local library. You can also find more information on the Community Hubs Events
Let’s Quit Smoking Together this Stoptober
Stoptober is back, and we’re calling on England’s smokers to join millions of others who have quit successfully with the campaign. Over 5 million adults in England still smoke. Smoking causes 75,000 deaths a year, making it the biggest cause of preventable illness and death. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. The good news is, if you quit smoking for 28 days, you’re five times more likely to quit for good. Going ‘cold turkey’ is still the most common way that people attempt to give up, but quit attempts are successful more often when using quit smoking support. That’s why this year’s Stoptober campaign is encouraging smokers to quitting this October by exploring the free support available. We want aspiring quitters to know that we have their back and by taking part in Stoptober, they are more likely to succeed. There’s a wide range of free quitting tools available, including the NHS Quit Smoking app, the Personal Quit Plan, expert support from local stop smoking services and a Smokefree Facebook support group. There’s also lots of information about aids such as nicotine-free medicines, nicotine replacement therapies and vaping, available at nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking. Together, we can do this. Come and see one of our Stop Smoking advisers and let’s quit together: Wednesday 8th October at Dagenham Library from 11am to 4pm Tuesday 21st October at Barking Learning Centre from 11am to 4pm
🎨 Library Card Design Competition
Calling all young artists aged 6 to 12! Design the next official Barking & Dagenham Library card based on one of two exciting themes: The Heritage of Barking & Dagenham The Future of Barking & Dagenham Libraries The winning design will be professionally printed and used as the borough’s library card. Deadline: Friday, 31 October 2025. Submit your artwork to: Universal.External@lbbd.gov.uk Brief Details: Open to children aged 6 to 12. Must be a member of Barking and Dagenham Libraries Not a member? Join Now or visit your local library. Choose one of the two themes: Heritage of Barking & Dagenham or Libraries in the Future. Design must be clear and suitable for printing on a standard card size (86.5 x 54mm). Entries must include child’s full name and parent/guardian’s name, address and contact number. Submit artwork by email to Universal.External@lbbd.gov.uk by Friday, 31 October 2025. Please include child’s full name, age, school, parent/guardian/carer’s name, contact number and full address. Winning design may be adjusted by our in-house design team for print suitability. The winning design will be used on Barking & Dagenham library cards. Complete Terms & Conditions: Library Card Design Competition – 2025 Eligibility: The competition is open to children aged 6 to 12 who live or attend school in the LondonBorough of Barking and Dagenham. Not a member? Join Now or visit your local library. Themes: Entrants are invited to submit one original design based on one of the following themes:• The Heritage of Barking & Dagenham• Barking & Dagenham Libraries in the Future Design Specifications: Designs should be suitable for a library card the size of a standard bank card: 86.5mm x 54mm (thickness 0.76mm). Keep the artwork simple and bold so it remains legible at small size. Digital or hand-drawn entries are accepted. Adjustments for Print: The in-house Communications and Design team may adjust the winning design to ensure print suitability. Adjustments may include resizing, repositioning, or refining design elements. Submission Details: Entries must include the child’s full name, age and school as well as the parent or guardian’s name, address, and contact phone number. Email entries to: Universal.External@lbbd.gov.uk Deadline and Results: The deadline for submissions is Friday, 31 October 2025. Results will be announced the week beginning Monday, 17 November 2025. Judging: Entries will be judged by a panel. Judging will be based on creativity, relevance to theme, and how well the design works on a small card. Prize: The winning design will be printed and distributed as the official Barking & Dagenham Library card. The winner may be invited to an official launch event. Copyright: The design must be original. By entering, the child and their parent/guardian/carer grant Barking and Dagenham Council permission to reproduce the artwork on library cards and promotional materials. Changes to the Terms & Conditions: Barking and Dagenham Council reserves the right to change these Terms and Conditions without prior notice. Further Information: Please email Universal.External@lbbd.gov.uk for any queries.
Applications for Eastside’s 15th BFI Film Academy are now open!
Introductory hands-on filmmaking courses for 16-19 year olds, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers and crew
Help Shape Childcare Support in Barking and Dagenham!
Win a £40 Amazon voucher*Are you a parent or carer living in Barking and Dagenham? We want to hear from you! We’re running a short survey to better understand your experiences with childcare—what’s working, what’s not, and what could make things easier for families like yours. Your feedback will help the council plan better support to help parents get into work or stay in work. 🕒 It only takes 5–10 minutes🎁 You could win a £40 Amazon voucher🔒 Your responses are anonymous and used only for research 👉 Take the survey now and help make a difference for local families! The survey link: https://forms.office.com/e/ukLuGcyzT1 Thank you for being part of the change
Community Space for Hire!
🌟 Discover the Perfect Space for Your Next Event! 🌟
Looking for a welcoming, affordable venue in Dagenham? The Park Active Age Centre has you covered!
Join the FREE Summer Reading Challenge at Barking and Dagenham Libraries!
The Summer Reading Challenge is a fun, free way for children aged 4–11 to stay motivated to read during the summer holidays. Children set their own reading goal and can read anything they enjoy – all books count! One in four children hasn’t reached the expected level of reading by the age of 11 and many will struggle to keep up at secondary school, despite reading for pleasure being one of the single biggest indicators of children’s development. The Summer Reading Challenge provides: Amazing way to boost confidence and self-esteem. They will be better prepared to return to school in the autumn. The Challenge supports the move into a new year group. The library provides free access to books and fun family activities all through the summer. Your child will be part of a UK-wide programme developed by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with the public library network. How to take part? (Library or online) At the library: you need to be a library member. Join the Library Now Visit your local Barking and Dagenham library to sign up. Set a summer reading goal and choose from books, eBooks, or audiobooks Receive a special sticker booklet and collect rewards for reading Or online Visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk Sign up, set a reading goal, and get book recommendations Unlock digital badges and earn a printable certificate Don’t miss out – head to your local library and sign up this summer!
Dagenham Library Welcomes Baroness Twycross for Health Hub Opening
On Friday, 18th July 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming Baroness Fiona Twycross, Libraries Minister, to the Dagenham Library and Family Hub to attend the launch of the DWP JCP Health Hub—a remarkable partnership between Department for Work and Pensions Jobcentre Plus and London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. She was joined by a number of local dignitaries, including MP Margaret Mullane, Deputy Leader of the Council Saima Ashraf, and local councillors. The visit was led by Zoinul Abidin BEM, Head of Universal Services, who provided a comprehensive tour of the library, showcasing the breadth of services offered to our residents. Baroness Twycross remarked on how “each part of the library is being utilised to deliver essential services that truly benefit the local community.” She noted the impressive range of services available, especially considering the size of the library. The Dagenham Library and Family Hub is home to a wide array of integrated services, including: Children’s Library Adult Library Inclusive Digital Zone Community Hub Family Hub Homes & Money Hub Sensory Team Work, Skills & Employment Support Pen to Print Barclays Local Banking Service Counselling Services Community Food Club Health Checks Library Services Group Activities Stop Smoking Service DWP JCP Health Hub A key strength of the Dagenham Library and Family Hub is its strong partnerships with the voluntary sector, which continue to enhance service delivery and community impact. This visit was a proud moment for all involved and a testament to the power of local collaboration in delivering holistic and accessible services to our communities.