This week Barking and Dagenham Council is kicking off a new campaign to celebrate residents and everything that makes them unique.

Running through the rest of the year, #thisisme is designed to tell the very different stories of local people, and showcase what makes them the individuals they are today.

“I want 2019 to be the year of the individual in Barking and Dagenham”

From working mums to scout group leaders, everyone in Barking and Dagenham has a story to tell about who they are and the council is keen for people to get involved.

Throughout the year, a #thisisme selfie frame will tour the borough, encouraging residents to strike a pose and describe what makes them who they are. The stories gathered will be shared across the council’s social media platforms. But residents don’t need the selfie frame to take part, they can also get involved by taking a photo or video and sharing it using the #thisisme hashtag or posting directly on the council’s Facebook page.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell kicked things off by telling his own story in a short film. “We have some great people in this borough,” he said, “and no matter how ordinary someone thinks their life is, everyone has a story to tell about who they are and what makes them different.”

The campaign was inspired by the song This is Me, from the film The Greatest Showman, which celebrates identity and the power of being proud of who you are. “I want 2019 to be the year of the individual in Barking and Dagenham,” he added, “where our residents feel proud to tell the borough who they are, no matter their story or background.”

To find out more and get involved visit www.lbbd.gov.uk/thisisme