Barking and Dagenham Council is proud to mark Volunteers’ Week 2025 (2-8 June) by recognising and celebrating the unwavering dedication of the borough’s volunteers.

A brand-new Reformer studio has opened at Abbey Leisure Centre in Barking – and residents are being invited to try it for free for the next two weeks.

Pupils from ten schools across Barking and Dagenham showcased their creativity, confidence, and commitment to social change at this year’s Social Enterprise Schools Dragons’ Den, held at Boathouse Studios in Barking on 21–22 May.

The programme, now in its third year in Barking and Dagenham, is part of a wider initiative funded in part by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It aims to empower young people to address the social and environmental issues they care about while developing key employability and entrepreneurial skills.

As part of Knife Crime Awareness Week, Barking and Dagenham Council and the Police’s Safer Neighbourhood Team has re-launched the MOPAC Responsible Retailer Agreement Scheme for the selling of knives.

As part of its continued work to tackle knife crime and youth violence in Barking and Dagenham, the east London council is marking Knife Crime Awareness Week.

Following a ceremonial mayor-making event on Friday 16 May at Barking Town Hall, Cllr Princess Bright was announced as the new Civic Mayor. She succeeds Cllr Moin Quadri, who served with distinction over the past year.

As of Thursday 15 May, all parking permits in Barking and Dagenham are set to increase to bring them in line with neighbouring boroughs.

To mark Foster Care Fortnight (12-26 May 2025), six members of Barking and Dagenham’s Foster Carer Association were invited to a special event attended by the Council Leader, Cllr Dominic Twomey, The Mayor, Cllr Moin Quadri and Cllr Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disability.

Due to an increase in antisocial behaviour in the Heath Ward, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Team and Police have pulled together a three-week action plan to reassure residents.

Residents should have received a leaflet through their doors with further information.

The Environmental Enforcement Team at Barking and Dagenham Council has successfully resolved a significant fly-tip at a site in Barking.