Parents and carers in Barking and Dagenham are being called upon to get involved in reshaping the way families and children access advice and support in the borough.



The newly launched Parent and Carer Forum, which meets monthly, focuses on making it easier for people to get the help they need, when and where they need it – tailoring services to people looking after children.



The group is open to all parents and carers in the borough and offers free childcare, food, and transport for attendees in addition to a £20 gift voucher for attending each session.

Some of the issues looked at by the group includes providing infant feeding help, support for anxiety or depression, or opportunities to socialise and meet other parents in the borough.

Councillor Jane Jones, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care & Disabilities, said: “People have told us they are tired of having to repeat themselves over and over, so we want to create a one-stop shop where parents and carers can get all the information and advice they need.

“This won’t happen overnight, but it also won’t happen without the help of parents and carers, which is why we are asking them to get involved, tell us what is and isn’t working, and have their say in reshaping the services in our borough.”

For more about the Parents and Carers Forum, email earlyhelpcoordinator@lbbd.gov.uk or call 07546 693 185.