YOUR LOCAL NEWSLETTER | 11 June 2020 Black Lives Matters: we stand together Last week, we illuminated Barking Town Hall in purple light to show our solidarity with everyone that has been shocked by George Floyd’s death, and many others who have sadly lost their lives simply because of the colour of their skin. This week, hundreds of people, including many young people, peacefully protested in our borough in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. We reached out to the organisers to help facilitate a safe space outside Barking Town Hall, and provided sound equipment, so their strong, passionate and important messages could be heard loud and clear. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf, also attended, and said a few words on the steps of the Town Hall. In Barking and Dagenham, we stand against racism and with those who face prejudice on a daily basis. There is absolutely no place for it in our borough, or world. We know there is a lot of work yet to be done and understand this is a frustrating and upsetting time for many, especially our residents from black and ethnic minority communities. We value all members of our community, and that is why it's so important for us to show our support for Black Lives Matters.  One year anniversary of Samuel Garside House fire    A year ago, on 9 June 2019, a fire spread across the wooden balconies of Samuel Garside House, destroying homes and forcing people to run to safety. Luckily, no one was injured but it changed residents’ lives forever. The block is made up of privately-owned, part-leased and housing association flats, meaning residents had to deal with lots of organisations in the aftermath of the fire, as they tried to get back to some sense of normality. Earlier this year we set up a review to learn the lessons from this and to lobby government for greater powers so that we and other councils can act on behalf of residents when we are needed and when a block isn’t council owned. The review will be published later this year. If you want to contribute to it, please email barkingfirereview@lbbd.gov.uk for more info before Monday 22 June. Council thanks carers during Carers Week  This week is national Carers Week and this year, more than ever, it is important that we recognise the great work all our carers, young and old, do for other people. During the pandemic many carers have taken on extra responsibilities, such as caring for relatives, friends and other people in the community who need support. However, it’s really important that we don’t forget about the carers themselves and offer them support with any difficulties they may be facing. Carers are 10% more at risk of feeling lonely and isolated and it’s especially important that we support ‘Hidden Carers’ who don’t identify themselves as carers and are not accessing support from any service. We normally mark Carers Week with several activities, delivered by Carers of Barking and Dagenham in partnership with the council, but this year we’re having to do things a bit differently. Throughout the week we’ve been hosting a range of online sessions for carers to take part in, including chats, quizzes and even a disco for our young carers. To take part in the rest of the activities please call 020 8593 4422 or email carers@carerscentre.org.uk.