Laura I. Art Gallery presents Noah's Ark Project 

Noah’s Ark project initiated and organised by Laura I. Art Gallery CIC – a multi-award-winning, non-profit arts organisation and gallery, commenced in September 2022 and has been igniting the values of community cohesion, the arts and environmental awareness through weekly plastic bottle litter-picking events around local parks and green spaces, as well as weekly painting workshops that saw these bottles designed and decorated for installation in a final, large-scale ark sculpture at the project’s end. 

Well the sculpture is nearly complete, the inauguration of the ark sculpture will be at Abbey Park on 4th March, 1pm.

If you would like to attend the grand reveal event please book your place here

 

Becontree Estate Project

Be First wants to hear from you! Share your aspirations for the future of Becontree Estate by completing a simple 2-part survey. Your input will help inform the Becontree Estate Design Code project and council services. 

As a thank you for your time, you'll automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have your say on the streets and spaces, local shopping, home sustainability and retrofit, estate heritage and culture, and your experience with the planning system.

To complete the survey click here

 

Hunters Hall Multicultural & Wellbeing Community Day 

A FREE family fun day, where you can enjoy and participate in amazing events, fun activities and interesting workshops. 

When: Saturday 18th March

Time:  12.30PM - 4.30PM

Where: Hunters Hall Primary School 

 

BD Women's Network launch Event

BD Women's Network aims to unite organisations serving women in Barking & Dagenham so that they can share helpful resources and workshop sessions focused on finding solutions for women.

You can join the BD Women's Network, it is a network of organisations such as East London Rape Crisis, Youth League, All Women's Network, Marks Gate Relief Project, Excel Women's Centre, Young Women & Girls Service, Rwandese Abagimigambi Charity (RWAAB), and Radiant Ambitions that aim to empower and support women in the borough.

The launch will be a fantastic chance for all women's organisations to meet one another, connect, engage, forge and develop bonds, and work together for a better future for women in Barking and Dagenham.

If you would like to attend, you can book a space here 

Venue: Library, 2 Town Square, Barking Learning Centre, IG11 7NB 

Time/Date – 10am – 1pm on Friday 24^th February 2023

 

'We cannot afford to fail our children': Secretary-General calls on Commonwealth to act together to end the institutional care of children 24 February 2023

The Commonwealth must work together to end the institutional care of children and reform protection services to ensure: “every child is safe, protected and able to reach their full potential”, the Commonwealth Secretary-General has said. Her comments came during a roundtable meeting of government officials, stakeholders and experts on Thursday, to discuss the implementation of the Kigali Declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform - one of the four declarations unanimously agreed upon by Commonwealth Heads of Government in Rwanda last June. The Declaration is a historic agreement among Commonwealth countries that focuses on ensuring and restoring the rights of children following the COVID-19 pandemic, paying particular attention to the most marginalised and excluded. It contains commitments to phase out orphanages in the Commonwealth and opt for community care of children; to tackle the underlying causes that lead to separation of parents and children, to establish sustainable and effective safeguarding systems and to eliminate child labour in all its forms, including forced labour, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Commonwealth Secretary General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said: “More than five million children around the world still live in institutions. Most of these children are not orphans – around 80% of them have at least one living parent. “But their institutionalisation disproportionately exposes them to vulnerabilities and marginalisation, which can inhibit their development and life chances. “The truth is that growing up in a family environment is critical to a child's well-being and development, and every child is entitled to a happy and fulfilling upbringing under the Convention on the Rights of the Child.” She added: “This is just one of many areas where the Commonwealth can make a real difference. “We can all work together to prioritise support for, investment in, and reform of childcare and protection services – to enable children to live without abuse or discrimination of any kind; to enjoy their civil, political, social and cultural rights; and to flourish as equal, valued and productive human beings. “We cannot afford to fail our children, so we must give their wellbeing the priority it deserves – and act together to ensure that every child in Commonwealth is safe, protected and able to reach their full potential.” The far-reaching Declaration recognises that child protection and safeguarding are cross-cutting issues that have strong links to the Commonwealth Secretariat's work on youth, disability, health, education and early childhood development. Youth-focused action is being given a spotlight in 2023 as it is the Year of Youth – a seminal 12 months designated for the empowerment and inclusion of the 1.5bn under-30s living in the Commonwealth. The roundtable meeting was set to build a consensus on a focus for the effective implementation of the Declaration and to agree on collabroation between Commonwealth governments and civil society organisations, with the support of the Commonwealth Secretariat. Other speakers at the meeting included Joseph Kabakeza, First Counsellor from the Rwandan High Commission, Mark Waddington, CEO Hope and Homes for Children - a civil society organisation working with the Rwandan government on the Declaration initiative, and David Jones, Chair of Commonwealth Children Interest Group, Children of the Commonwealth. Mr Kabakeza said: “The Kigali declaration on Child Care and Protection Reform highlights many of the areas where we must bolster our efforts. “Rwanda will continue to collaborate with partners, and the Commonwealth network to champion the Kigali declaration, during our tenure as Commonwealth Chair-In-Office and beyond.”   Mr Waddington said: “Eliminating orphanages is a precondition of developing effective child protection and care systems and a key to unlocking the hardest to reach Sustainable Development Goals. “The Kigali Declaration, agreed at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Rwanda in 2022, recognises this imperative for action and places the Commonwealth at the centre of this global movement. Countries across the Commonwealth are demonstrating that care reform is possible and there is much learning and experience to share. Today’s roundtable is an important step.”   See the Commonwealth Secretary-General's full speech here. Notes to Editors The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal sovereign states. Our combined population is 2.5 billion, of which more than 60 per cent is aged 29 or under. The Commonwealth Secretariat supports member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt, and inequality.   For more information about The Commonwealth, visit https://thecommonwealth.org/

 

We’re inviting you to join the Divestment Day of Action on Friday 24 March 2023! People right across the UK will come together in town and city centres to demand our local institutions finally cut off the money pipeline to fossil fuel polluters and free up money to invest in clean, cheap energy. We're hosting an online call before the day of action so you can find more about the protests and how to get involved. The spiralling cost of living and the breakdown of the climate are both symptoms of an unstable and unjust energy system that is being powered by fossil fuels. Despite this, UK local council pension funds pump over £10 BILLION into highly polluting fossil fuel companies. So it’s time for action ✊ We’re delighted to be joined on this call by the Director of War on Want Asad Rehman, to discuss how ending fossil fuel investments can help to tackle both the climate emergency and the cost of living crisis. When: Wednesday 15 February, 7- 8pm Where: Online via Zoom I want to join this event

Feel free to forward this email to other people you think might be interested in attending. Looking forward to seeing you there! Thanks, Sally Clark Divestment Campaigner Friends of the Earth Scotland

 

Wild Sensor-y Walk 

Kayla Schlute from Imperial College London will be joining Thames Life Walking Group on Tuesday 7th February 2023 to measure air quality in Barking Riverside. The walk will involve exploring the local area with air sensors, collecting data and seeing if you can detect any pollution. It is also an opportunity to discuss different types of air sensors and how air quality is managed.

If you are interested and want to take part you can sign up here

Meeting point will be outside Thames Community Hub (previously Sue Bramley) Bastable Ave Barking IG11 0LH.

Later that evening Kayla will be joining the Greening Network online to discuss her exciting new project which aims to generate a clearer, fuller picture of local air quality conditions across Barking and Dagenham, while giving residents a chance to contribute directly to research that can help inform environmental policy. You can sign up to take part in the discussion here. 

 

The latest from the Barking and Dagenham Citizens' Alliance Network (CAN)  Budget Consultation 2023/24 Have your say on the council’s budget proposals during the biggest cost of living crisis in 50 years. Residents can have their say on the council’s 2023/24 budget proposals here. The consultation will close on Sunday 5 February 2023.  Residents can also tune in to a special budget Facebook Live Q&A with Councillor Twomey and Councillor Rodwell, Leader of the Council, on Thursday 26 January, between 6 – 7pm on the Leader’s Facebook page and can submit a budget question ahead of the session by emailing socialmedia@lbbd.gov.uk. In addition to this, residents can also provide feedback in person at the following budget consultation sessions: Monday 30 January, 5.30 – 6.30pm at the Barking Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking IG11 7NB Tuesday 31 January, 5.30 – 6.30 pm at Dagenham Library, 1 Church Elm Lane, Dagenham RM10 9QS Why not take a short quiz - the answers may help inform your response to our budget proposal. If you would like to find out more click here Woodward Library the future Community Arts & Culture Centre Barking and Dagenham Council has been awarded a capital grant from Arts Council England to redevelop the old library on Woodward Road, Becontree Estate into a new community arts and culture centre. It will build on the legacy of the Arts and Culture Hub at Valence Library, which was a base for Becontree Forever and Becontree Broadcasting Station through the centenary.  Local residents are being invited to join a series of FREE Woodward Field Trips to amazing creative community spaces across the borough and London. These spaces will inspire and help to build a vision for the new Woodward Arts & Culture Centre. They are also seeking residents interested in participating in the project who live or work on Woodward Road, Gale Street or near Becontree Station in the RM9 postcode. If you have stories of the surrounding community, or would like to have a photographic portrait taken, Woodward Arts & Culture Centre would like to hear from you- please express your interest here The first field trip will be to the incredible community centre Old Manor Park Library in Manor Park on Sunday 12th February, 1-4pm. To book a visit click here  To find out more about the project click here. Gores Brook Living Landscapes The Gores Brook Living Landscape Project aims to uncover the buried Gores Brook through Parsloes Park to create an open are of stream that will provide space for wildlife, relaxation and play. The actual design for this project are yet to be decided. Thames21 need your help with this! An in-person and online consultation will be happening in March 2023. to take part in this please SUSCRIBE NOW! To find out more about the project click here To learn more about the buried Gores Brook click here Old Dagenham Park – Heart of the Community Project We would like to thank everyone that responded to the recent resident’s survey. We received a total of 131 responses and some fantastic feedback and suggestions which will help inform the development and delivery of the ‘Heart of the Community’ Project.  In terms of the next steps. The Council is now reviewing the feedback and working on actions plans for the 3 key elements of the project: Physical works, activities related, and planting trees. So, watch this space for further updates. We will also be contacting those residents who expressed an interest in being actively involved in the project and the management and maintenance of Old Dagenham Park and associated fund raising to deliver future park improvements. Please email zafreen.abedean@lbbd.gov.uk or laura.toffolo@lbbd.gov.uk if you would like to be kept in the loop and added to our contact list. So, the next 12 months will be an exciting time for this key community park, and in partnership with residents we hope to improve the services, facilities, and environment for everyone.  If you would like to find out more about the project visit our page Company Drinks Mini-Winter Warmers / Community Warm Spaces programme The Company Drinks Mini-Winter Warmers programme will be running through Jan, Feb and March 2023.  They will be hosting a series of special creative activities. Residents can join them for a weekly get together, enjoy great company and celebrate some of the things they love.  Warm food will be provided and you can help your selves to teas and biscuits. All ages welcome!  Fridays 1-4pm - Tea and biscuits and use of their club room  Saturdays 1-4pm - Hot food provided and a hands-on creative workshop! Please see the flyer below for the programme of workshops on Saturday afternoons. Any questions, people can get in touch via contact@companydrinks.info Great Winter Get Together Studio 3 Arts are hosting the winter get together. During this event, they will be offering a variety of activities, including food, entertainment, crafts, and family-friendly activities for all ages. This is a day for the community to come together, have fun, and enjoy the company of one another. The event is free and everyone is welcome to attend. When: Saturday, January 28th, 2023 Where: Studio 3 Arts, located at Boundary Road, IG11 7JR Time: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm For more information about The Winter Get Together, please visit their website at https://www.greatgettogether.org/ Mobile Debt Advice  You can come and talk to a trained debt advisor about your debt and money worries. Find out what local help there is to support your financial wellbeing. Plus, plenty of free goodies to pick up! When: Friday, 3rd February 2023 Time: 9am - 5pm Where: Dagenham Heathway Roding Rubbish  The inspiring Roding Rubbish community group do incredible work clearing litter and rubbish to make our borough cleaner and safer Team up with friendly locals and make a difference to your local environment at their first clean-up event of 2023.  Where: Ripple Greenway, Renwick Rd, Barking When: Sun 29 January Time: 10am to 1pm For more information and how to sign up to the event click here  Becontree Broadcasting Station - Intro to Podcast/Radio workshop BBS Community Radio are delivering FREE workshops, open to residents, on Tuesday 31st January, 6.30-8.30pm at Valence Library Community Hub. Intro to Podcast/Radio workshop includes the following topics: setting up recording equipment (microphones, mixing desk). writing a short script with cues. recording a conversational podcast / radio show with everyone trying out different production roles. explaining different types of online distribution for your show.  To register please email jnamy@lbbd.gov.uk or call 07378346832 for more info.  Your City, Your Voice, Your Air Imperial College London supported by the council are starting a new project in Barking and Dagenham, they are hoping to connect with residents across the borough to share knowledge about air quality. What’s the project about? The project involves building a website where individuals living or working in Barking and Dagenham can ‘pin’ their experiences, perceptions, and questions about air pollution to a digital map. The aim of the project is to generate a clearer, fuller picture of local air quality conditions across the borough. The project is funded by Defra. If you care about your neighbourhood, have opinions about the environment/health/transportation and meet the following criteria, you could become an Ambassador for an air quality research project. If you are interested and meet the following criteria: Are above the age of 18 Are a resident of Barking and Dagenham or work within Barking and Dagenham Are willing to attend quarterly meetings for the duration of the project (ending in January 2024) Enjoy tea, biscuits and conversation! Please complete the survey here: or message  07469000574 before 15/02/2023. Tea, biscuits and transportation compensation will be available!  Click here to find out more!  Keeping Warm, Barking and Dagenham As the weather gets colder and heating bills remain high, we want to spread the word about warm spaces that are available to residents across the borough. The warm space providers offer a safe, and welcoming environment; see opening times below, that include evenings and weekends.   Anyone can pop in and sit, and if not interested in books, can access the public-use computers or any other activities, events, and sessions. Staff and volunteers are always happy to promote what’s on in the library to get people involved. In addition, and alongside our community partners, we have organised some dedicated spaces across the borough where residents can come along to a comfortable space at certain times, have a hot drink and a chat, and if they want to, take part in activities and pastimes. No referrals, just pop in during the open times. You can visit the  warm community space page to find out more. Nominations  for Women’s Empowerment Awards 2023 Less than two weeks left to nominate for Women’s Empowerment Awards 2023 Local people are being urged to put forward nominations for this year’s Women’s Empowerment Awards, with the deadline for nominations looming. The annual event, which takes place in March to mark the end of Women’s Empowerment Month, celebrates the diverse achievements of women who live and work in Barking and Dagenham. This year’s event features nine different categories, seven of which are open for public nominations, including Educator of the Year Award, Female Volunteer of the Year Award, and Businesswoman of the Year Award. This year marks the eighth time the Awards will have been hosted. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday 31 January 2023.  For more details and to nominate click here. Apprenticeship Jobs Fair - Wednesday 8th February 2023 The JobShop in partnership with JCP will be hosting a Jobs Fair during National Apprenticeship week to showcase the apprenticeship opportunities to residents. They have providers and employers attending covering a number of sectors. The jobs fair will take place on Wednesday 8th February 10am – 12pm in the Barking Learning Centre (Conference Room).

 

In the footer you can find all the Press Kit to be downloaded; press release and pictures

Himoinsa y Repsol reinforce their partnership in Spain and Portugal with an action plan for 2023

Both companies have intensified their commercial relationship with the aim of offering turnkey solutions to customers interested in acquiring LPG generator sets, ensuring the availability of equipment and the supply of gas to them.

Himoinsa y Repsol have draw up a joint action plan for 2023,  with the aim of bringing this comprehensive solution closer to their customers. It is estimated that gas power generation is set to grow by close to 40% over the next five years, guaranteeing low emissions and minimal noise levels, two features that are very popular with rental companies, especially in the case of events and the use of this equipment in urban areas, where regulations are becoming increasingly strict.