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.
Baby Bank at Barking Learning Centre Community & Family Hub
We are kindly asking for your help and support with donations for the brand-new Baby Bank at the Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub. Since we’re just getting started and setting things up, we’re currently onlyable to help families with No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) from the West area. If you know a family in need, please email us at familynavigators@lbbd.gov.uk. Take a look at the list below to see what items are needed. Your contributions will really make a big difference for these families.
Working with Partners to Bring the Best Services to Our Residents
Recently, we’ve had some great partners visit us, giving residents the chance to chat face-to-face. Every two weeks, AB is here to help Food Club members directly with advice. Plus, the Job Shop is now offering support sessions fortnightly too. At Becontree Community Hub, a GP pop-up offered vaccines to residents, and it was a success! A big thank you to these partners: What’s next? We’re teaming up with ILA and others to make our green space at Heath even better. Our goal is to have a beautiful, accessible area for all residents, including those with extra needs. Last year, we grew lots of fresh produce to share with the community, and we hope to do even more this year! It looks a bit empty now, but stay tuned for updates. If you love gardening and want to help out, let us know. We welcome all helping hands! 😊 Finally, a huge thank you to all the staff at Heath and Becontree Community Hubs. Your hard work makes a real difference. You always put residents and partners first, and it shows. Let’s keep up the good work! Your donations make a big difference in our community, and we truly appreciate your support!
Generous Donations from Partners who support Heath Community Hub
We’re really lucky to have amazing partnerships with many organizations and people in our area. They’ve been incredibly generous, donating items that help keep the Heath Community Hub and Food Club going strong. A big thank you to our recent donors: Your donations make a big difference in our community, and we truly appreciate your support!
Digital Inclusion Zone
The digital inclusion zones at BLC and Dagenham Library are now open! The digital inclusion zone is an accessible digital technology area which aims to provide accessible technology for those with disabilities. The digital inclusion zone has been created to: What is available? The digital inclusion zones have a lot of equipment to support individual needs such as: