community

To mark Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June, Jon Cruddas MP for Dagenham and Rainham has thanked our UK Armed Forces for their “crucial role in defending our communities at home and abroad”

*Photo Credit: Chris Redgrave, Historic England Archive

England Swims, a new national campaign has been launched by Swim England, the governing body for swimming. The aim of the campaign is to encourage those from ethnically diverse communities to give their views and experiences of aquatics – helping to make water-based activities more accessible for everyone.

Communities across Great Britain are preparing to celebrate a long bank holiday weekend for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and there are a whole host of fantastic family events in both Barking and Dagenham and Havering.

Last Friday, the 22^nd April, was “Earth Day 2022”. Jon Cruddas MP was contacted by “Young Climate Warriors” in relation to a new Ambassador Programme that was launched to coincide with Earth Day. Young Climate Warriors is a nationwide charity which supports teachers and families with high quality and thought-provoking climate change resources that are free, ready to use and include weekly age-appropriate carbon-cutting and sustainability challenges.

Next Monday (21.03.22) the Consumer Council for Water (CCW) are launching an awareness raising campaign called #YourWaterYourWay which aims to inform people of the extra free support available from water companies.

The Rainham Foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network of foodbanks and has operated in the area for many years. Jon Cruddas MP and his team have worked closely with the foodbank over the years, and are a referral agency. Compared to five years ago, the need for foodbanks in the Trussell Trust network has increased by 128%.

Last year the Rush Green community launched a campaign to save their Post Office from a proposed closure. A petition was raised, and local Labour MP Jon Cruddas contacted Post Office HQ to make representations on behalf of residents. Ward Councillors Princess Bright and Tony Ramsay also went door to door speaking to the community about the plans.

Last year a number of residents in Marks Gate raised their concerns about the Padnall Lake development with Jon Cruddas MP. Since then, Jon has been liaising with Chadwell Heath councillors, residents and Be First to ensure that local voices are heard through the development stages and on future proposals for the Marks Gate area.

Christmas is a special time of year for all of us to reflect on the past 12 months. It is also a time to look forward to the coming year and plan for happier, healthier times.