Police launch initiative to improve safety for women Following the tragic death of Sarah Everard in March this year, the police have launched a new initiative to make sure this doesn't happen again. Women will now be able to request verification of an officer's identity if they're approached by an on duty, plain clothed officer. It is very unusual for a single plain clothed police officer to engage with anyone. However, if you do find yourself in an interaction with a lone police officer in plain clothes and you are on your own, that officer will provide verification of their identity by putting you in direct contact with their colleagues in the local police operations room. Using a video call, which can either be to your own device, or to the officer’s device, you will be able to see and speak to a uniformed police officer in what will visibly be a police operations room. They will be able to conduct the necessary checks and provide reassurance that the officer is who they say they are and they are acting appropriately. The initiative is initially aimed at women, but anyone can use it.

 

John Smith House space is available for leasing An amazing opportunity has come up for a few community organisations to lease individual areas of John Smith House.   This building used to house our Homeless Persons Advice Service. There are five different rooms and an upstairs open plan area, which make this is a highly versatile space with the possibility to rearrange the layout to suit various organisations.   More details on how to apply are here and if you have any questions regarding John Smith House please contact CommunityLettings@lbbd.gov.uk.

 

Saturday, 30 October, 10.30am to 12pm – Women in Leadership, Influential and Powerful Positions

Discussion on the importance BAME women play in organisations and how they can encourage a future generation of female leaders. For more information please email: adannawomensgroup@gmail.com

You can view the remaining events in our Black History Month programme here

 

Are you eligible for the free flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster? As winter approaches, it’s really important that you get the flu vaccination, Covid-19 booster or initial Covid-19 vaccination if you’re eligible. If you’re aged 50 and over, you’re eligible for free flu vaccine and a Covid-19 booster vaccination, as well as other vulnerable adults. To find out more information and if you’re eligible for either of these vaccines, please head here. You can book a flu vaccine through your GP surgery, via a hospital appointment or from your midwife if you’re pregnant. Local pharmacies are also offering the vaccine – to  find a local pharmacy offering it, please head here. The NHS is also visiting schools to give flu vaccinations to young people. Click here to find out more about the Flu vaccine.

 

Thor blimey: Chris Hemsworth heads to our borough Barking and Dagenham is fast becoming the go-to destination for film and video production, and a recently launched advertising campaign for Emirates airlines on Expo 2020 Dubai, starring Hollywood A-lister Chris Hemsworth was produced here and demonstrates the exciting production facilities on offer in the area. The location of the production was managed by filmlbbd, the borough’s film service, which attracts and facilitates film productions across the area. The site that is soon to be the home to Eastbrook Studios, known as Unit A, in Dagenham was chosen for the filming and the whole process took over four weeks’ activity in the borough. You can view the campaign here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o--hZLLCGp0

 

Dear Ayoub,

As day one of Conservative Party Conference comes to a close, here's a wrap-up of our top keynote speeches from a busy day in Manchester. Chairman of the Conservative Party Oliver Dowden delivered his speech to open Conference, promoting the Conservatives as a decent, tolerant party which is delivering for Britain. Delivering her keynote on the main stage, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said: "Britain has always been at its best as an outward-looking, optimistic nation, confident in its ability to compete and lead. This is Britain I want us to be – patriotic and positive." With our packed agenda including keynotes, sessions and fringe events, we look forward to seeing you in-person in Manchester and online. The Conservative Conference Team