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
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: Universal Credit Migration
Universal Credit Migration Universal Credit is replacing six tested benefits Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit, Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits. These are ‘legacy benefits’. What is ‘migration’ to Universal Credit? Migration means that you will be told by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) that you have to move to Universal Credit from one of the existing legacy benefits. This is called ‘managed migration’. As part of the managed migration process, the DWP is writing to people to invite them to claim Universal Credit. This letter is called a ‘migration notice’. These notices will be issued in stages depending on what type of legacy benefit you receive. The DWP will start to issue migration notices from 09 April 2024. I have received a migration notice. What should I do? If you have received a migration notice do not ignore it. You must claim Universal Credit because within 3 months from the date of the letter. Your legacy benefits will be stopped after this date. If you claim Universal Credit before the deadline the DWP may pay you extra if you are worse off after the move. This is called ‘transitional protection’. This means if you get less Universal Credit than under your old benefits you will get an extra amount to make up the difference. If you do not apply by the deadline you may lose any transitional protection. How do I make a claim for Universal Credit? If you have received a migration notice you must apply for Universal Credit online within 3 months. Most people make their Universal Credit claim online. It can take an hour or more to apply if you’re doing it online. Having the right documents and information to apply will make the application quicker. If you are unable to apply online the help to claim service can help you to apply. You can also contact the Universal Credit helpline: Universal Credit helpline Telephone: 0800 328 5644 Welsh language: 0800 328 1744 Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 328 5644 British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet Textphone: 0800 328 1344 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm For more information – Managed migration to Universal Credit | London Borough of Barking and Dagenham (lbbd.gov.uk)
Braille 200 Celebration Event
Braille 200 Celebration Event We are proud to have hosted the launch of the Braille 200 Celebration Event at Barking Learning Centre, marking a significant milestone in promoting accessibility and inclusion for our visually impaired residents. The event saw the attendance of around 50 participants, including our dedicated Braille Buddies volunteers and attendees. It highlights our commitment to offering comprehensive support through initiatives such as the Weekly Braille Buddies programme and VIPERS, designed to engage and empower our community. Our Inclusive Digital Zones also showcase the latest technology, ensuring that all library users, including those with sight loss or other conditions, have access to essential resources. During the event, we were pleased to recognise Abiola Olabode, our dedicated volunteer, for his exceptional contribution to running the Braille Buddies group. An appreciation certificate was awarded to him in honour of his outstanding service. Muhammad Haque warmly welcomed attendees on behalf of LBBD Libraries and Universal Services, reinforcing that everyone is welcome to use and benefit from our services. He expressed how everyone faces unique challenges, yet by coming together, we can make a lasting impact in our community. We were also honoured by the presence of Dean Apps from LBBD, whose tireless efforts have improved accessibility within our borough, providing greater opportunities for our residents. Dave Williams, Customer Experience Manager at RNIB, gave an insightful presentation on the history of Braille, from its humble beginnings to its evolution into a key tool for blind people around the world. His presentation illuminated how Braille has become a crucial component of education, communication, and independence for those with visual impairments. Special thanks to our keynote speaker, Paralympic skier Mike Brace CBE DL, for his inspiring speech about his personal journey with Braille and its transformative impact on his life. Mike, who serves as a Trustee and Chair of The Disability Sports Development Trust, Chair of Sight Action Havering, and a Trustee of The Primary Club, is also a committee member of the Department of Transport’s Disabled Passengers Transport Advisory Committee. His motivational words reinforced Braille’s enduring power to create opportunities and foster independence. Hearing the powerful personal stories shared at the event was truly inspiring, showcasing how Braille has transformed lives. These stories are a testament to Braille’s profound impact in empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve greater independence and inclusion. We, at LBBD Libraries and Universal Services, are especially grateful to RNIB for choosing us to launch this year-long Braille 200 Celebration. This partnership strengthens our shared goal of promoting accessibility and inclusion. Thank you to all the participants and partners for making this event a great success. This is just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing our work towards greater innovation and inclusivity throughout the year.
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