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Independent Advisory Group member, Saeed Omar has been commended for the assistance he gave police in tracing a missing person.
At a Borough Commanders Commendation Ceremony held on 29th November at the Council Civic offices, Mr Omar received a citation from Chief Superintendent Robin Merrett for ‘dedication and perseverance in assisting police trace a young female in a complex missing person enquiry’.
The commendation relates to a young Somalian female who went missing on 25th June last year from a Care Home. It was quickly established that she frequently went missing from various care homes across London. Mr OmarAged 41 from Thamesmead, is a member of the Bexley Independent Advisory Group (IAG) which has been running for just over two years. The voluntary group, funded by police, has 15 members representing communities across the borough providing advice that may assist officers to carry out their work in a more effective way, through consultation and consideration of community needs.
Members have been involved in a number of high profile cases and their advice, as a ‘critical friend’, has proven invaluable in helping police step outside a standard police response to one which may better reflect the needs of all local communities.
Bexley IAG are now looking to expand their membership during the New Year. The group needs to be broadly representative of our diverse communities in terms of age, gender, ethnicity and disability. It is also keen to welcome members from the travelling community. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the IAG or becoming a member they can contact the Chair of the Group, Mr Illkay Chirali on 0208 306 6736.
A small grants scheme, designed to help Bexley’s voluntary and community groups, has been launched by the Areas of Opportunity Programme.
The scheme hopes to help them to develop the skills to support disadvantaged neighbourhoods and build community cohesion.
The small grants scheme is open to all local community and voluntary groups, to support activities and services in the Areas of Opportunity: Thamesmead East, Erith, Slade Green, Cray/Sidcup, Belvedere, Northumberland Heath, Crayford, Welling and Bexleyheath.
Applications are welcomed from groups working with residents facing social exclusion and other disadvantaged groups and, in particular, from groups that need help in setting themselves up in the borough.
There are three different levels of grant. Up to:
- £500 to support the delivery of events and activities
- £2,000 to purchase essential equipment
- £5,000 to support the delivery of small projects
Bexley Council Leader and Chair of the Local Strategic Partnership, Cllr Chris Ball explains: “The Areas of Opportunity programme aims to improve the quality of life of local residents in Bexley. A strong voluntary and community sector in the borough, working alongside mainstream service providers, can help us to achieve this objective.
“The small grants scheme will help to develop the capacity of local groups and, hopefully, encourage new ways of working to address local issues.”
Members of Bexley’s Children’s Parliament and Youth Council met with the people who provide their services on the 12th December to discuss effective consultation methods.
The service providers involved, included education, youth services, training groups and members of the voluntary sector.
During the day-long event, adults and young people were given a series of presentations outlining the importance of participation and consultation when decisions are made for young people and children’s services in Bexley.
Louisa Makolski, from the independent training group Triangle, talked about meeting the needs of disabled children, and the importance of including hard to reach groups in any consultation.
Light-hearted activities got everyone thinking about why we should listen to what the borough’s children and young people have to say.
“This was an extremely important event, that brought forward a number of new ideas and challenges,” says Cabinet Member for Education and Lifeling, Cllr Trevor Perrin. “Consultation is key if we are to provide really effective services. I hope that ideas from the day will help make a positive difference to how we consult and participate with children and young people.”
Bexley’s Children’s Parliament is for children from four-13 years. For more information contact Bev Mills on 020 8836 8258 or beverly.mills@bexley.gov.uk
PCSOs Jay Worrall, Stuart Campbell and Andy Cork, from Belvedere Safer Neighbourhoods Police team, made a reassurance visit to Hayley House residential home, Wadeville Close, Belvedere on the evening of Wednesday 30th November.
Not only did they give information to elderly residents about what the local Community Safety Action Zone and Safer Neighbourhoods Police team were working on in the area, but they offered help with putting up the Christmas decorations as well!
The residents and manager were grateful for the help, and the following day a ‘thank you’ card was given to the team for all their assistance.
Over 150 residents, from across Bexley, attended a multi-cultural showcase, which was held at Crayford Town Hall on Saturday 26th November. The event was organised by Bexley’s Afro-Caribbean Community Association, with funding from Bexley’s Areas of Opportunity Programme.
The aim of the event was to celebrate Black History Month, and to showcase cultural history and diversity in Bexley. The event proved very successful, and an enjoyable day was had by all those who attended. Entertainment was provided by a variety of music and dance groups, including children from Smiley Ark, Recycle Teenagers and Taal Dance group..
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