Partnerships
We work alongside residents and local organisations to make Barking & Dagenham a kinder, more connected place. Here are the networks we're proud to be part of.
A kinder, stronger neighbourhood — together.
Neighbourhood Heart is a resident-led network across Becontree, Valence and Whalebone. It's facilitated by three local organisations working together in an innovation partnership: Community Resources, Elevate Together and Harmony Community Projects. We listen deeply and connect people and ideas to make our neighbourhood friendlier and safer.
Facilitated in partnership by
Our Neighbourhood Network is built on love, kindness, and courage. We believe we thrive when people care for one another — not just in easy moments, but through life's challenges too.
We listen to one another, share knowledge, and come together to understand what really matters — developing solutions and nurturing hope and strength so everyone in our neighbourhood is able to contribute.
Neighbourhood networks grew out of learning from the Locality Programme, previously led by Community Resources on behalf of the BD Collective, and the deep expertise of the residents and partners who took part.
Neighbourhood Heart is designed to be led by residents, growing a stronger, more connected neighbourhood where people look out for one another. By creating community-developed solutions, we free up public services to focus on those who need more support.
Find out more about Neighbourhood NetworksActive across the Becontree, Valence and Whalebone wards of Barking and Dagenham — from Dunkeld Road in the west and Green Lane in the north, to Wood Lane in the south and east.
Practical, people-first ways of sharing power and moving ideas into action.
Making space for every voice, including the quiet or dissenting ones, so decisions reflect the whole community — not just the loudest in the room.
We start small, test quickly and learn together. If something works, we grow it; if not, we adapt.
Residents help decide where funding goes, so resources flow to the ideas the community values most.
At the start we asked, "What would you do with £1 million for your neighbourhood?" People imagined practical, human solutions.
These ideas show the heart of our community: connection, care, and courage.
Everyone who calls Becontree, Valence or Whalebone home — residents, community groups, schools, faith spaces, local businesses and services. If you're looking to start something, join in, or share what's already working, you're in the right place.
Share what matters on your street or in your block.
We'll help you test it and learn what works — with funding to get it started.
We'll link you with neighbours and partners.
We act with care and compassion.
We look out for one another, especially in tough times.
We try new things, listen to difference and make space for change.
We notice strengths, celebrate progress and nurture what's possible.
The council funds the Neighbourhood Networks, and Neighbourhood Heart works with the council and NHS — but it's led by residents and rooted in community strengths.
No. If you care about your neighbourhood, you're ready.
Small, practical grants are decided together, by residents, through a fair and transparent process. We'll support you from idea to action.
Absolutely. We're building spaces where young people can lead and connect.
An independent, member-led cooperative for the voluntary, community, faith-based and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Barking & Dagenham — sharing power, strengthening connections and shaping better opportunities so local organisations and people can flourish. Connect, collaborate, change.
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Friendship and trust are key to recovery and wellbeing. Connect supports people who leave hospital or are in tricky situations and don't have friends or family to help — walking with them to build confidence and connection in community groups, places of worship and clubs.
About Connect