We believe that it is our community that makes Barking and Dagenham a great place, and it is our community that is key to making the borough a place people are proud of.

Building on the great work of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE), this strategy sets a four-year vision which builds on ideas from residents and the sector to meet our ambitions, improve outcomes for all, and promote a thriving borough.

Our vision for a strong VCSE means there are many ways in which individuals’ ideas, projects and concerns can develop, flourish and be addressed. It means a dense network of organisations:

• shaping and delivering essential services and support
• helping people grow in life and seize opportunities
• building a better future for everyone

The intention behind this strategy is to increase participation, enable and embed relationships based on trust, and to strengthen the sector's capacity, from small community groups running street parties, through online communities, faith communities, as well as large borough-based and national charities, all have an essential role to play.

We would invite VCSE organisations, both locally and nationally, to join us in the journey, working with residents to make Barking and Dagenham a great place to live, work, study and stay, while ensuring no one is left behind.

Participation and Partnerships - LBBD VCSE Strategy 2019 (PDF, 3.9 MB)