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Chinese New Year For Thamesmead’s Young People
More than 130 people came along to a Chinese New Year celebration event held at the Thamesmead Youth Centre last week (16 February).
The event, organised by Bexley Council together with Respond Community Matters and Connexions, was designed to break down cultural barriers between the young people of Thamesmead.
“A lot of partnership work went towards making this event such a success. Events like these that bring partner organisations together working for the good of the community are what Bexley is all about,” says Cllr Simon Windle, Cabinet Member for Schools, Adult Education and Youth Services. “I am delighted that so many local young people, from toddlers to teenagers, turned up to take part.”
Bexley Council was able to help out local Chinese community group for young people the ‘Respond Chinese Youth Group’ earlier this year, when as a result of their success they needed a much bigger venue. The group, set up by Respond Community Matters, turned to the Thamesmead Youth Centre for assistance. The young people already using the centre integrated easily with the new club and together they came up with the plan for the special Chinese New Year celebrations.
The Thamesmead Centre members researched Chinese New Year, prepared a ribbon dance for the event and decorated the centre with handmade Chinese lanterns. The young people from Respond Chinese Youth Group provided entertainment in the form of Shaolin Kung Fu and a Chinese Lion Dance.
Chinese snacks for the event were provided by Parkley Women’s Group. Bexley Council for Racial Equality helped to supply decorations and activities on the day including origami, Chinese calligraphy and lantern making.
“This was the first event of its kind for Thamesmead Youth Centre and we look forward to building on the relationships that organising the event has helped us to create,” says Bexley Council Youth Worker, Amrit Rahi.
Sweeping The Beat In Northumberland Heath
Spring cleaning came early to Northumberland Heath this year, when the ward was targeted by the local Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team with a ‘Beat Sweep Week’
The week began with visits to the off licences in the ward. These went extremely well with all the licensees and staff showing a good knowledge of the licensing laws. During the visits the team discussed the existing laws and the new law relating to the sale of cigarettes to under 18s which comes into force in October.
The licensees generally agreed that a year ago there had been a problem with under-18’s attempting to buy alcohol but since the Northumberland Heath Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team has been in place it is no longer a issue.
The team worked with the Probation Service to bring the Community Payback Scheme to the ward, under which people on community service give back time to the area in a positive and productive manner.
During this operation the alleyways in and around Horsa Road were cleared of rubbish, debris and discarded furniture. Overgrown foliage was cut back. All this was done with the help of Bexley Council.
Residents agreed that by the end of the day the areas had been transformed into a clean, safe and more pleasant environment to live in.
Although not all the areas highlighted were cleared on that day, the team has arranged for the Probation Service to continue with the payback scheme in the ward. This will include removing graffiti or re-painting areas where this is not possible.
Cllr Katie Perrior, Bexley Cabinet Member for Community Affairs, says: “I am delighted to see how community payback is making a difference. This is a way for people to compensate the community for their actions and make a direct influence on people’s lives.” PC Ricky Blanks says: “Community payback provided an excellent opportunity for the area to be cleaned and made more presentable for all who visit, work or live in Northumberland Heath.”
On Wednesday evening, the local Connexions service, which helps teenagers move into adult life, visited the Bexley Road area to speak to local youths and let them know about activities available to them.
On the Friday,the team worked with Operation Cubit, the Bexley Council initiative to remove untaxed vehicles from the area, and a number of vehicles were towed away.
PC Blanks said: “The intention of the Beat Sweep Operation as a whole was to get the point across that the Safer Neighbourhoods Policing Team will continue its zero tolerance approach to policing the Northumberland Heath Ward.”
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