Black History Month competition winners

Black History Month

The winners and runners-up of Bexley’s Black History Month school competition were announced earlier this month. The judging panel, made up of members of Bexley’s BAME community network, the Council’s BAME staff group and Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr Alex Sawyer, were impressed with the standard of the entries.

Cllr Sawyer said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to enter our Black History Month competition. We had a really tough time deciding on our winners. In the end it came down to the impact that they had on us. The pictures were so full of colour and the meaning of the work was immediate. The poem was well thought out and succinct.”

Black History Month is chance to celebrate and promote black history, culture and heritage. It is also a chance to share information about the positive black contributions to British history. The competition asked for a story, a poem, a blog or a photo that shows what the month means to them.

Winner - Sydney-Rose Samuelson

Year 7, Harris Garrard Academy

Winner - Tanem Seyman

Year 1, Birkbeck Primary School

Runner up Zachary Mansaray

Aged 41/2 years old Willow Bank Primary School

Black history means Zachary is proud. He loves Jollof rice and chicken. He is Sierra Leone and Jamaican, he has drawn a picture of himself as he is handsome and proud to be black and the skin that he’s in with his hand print.

Runner up Temiloluwa Oyekan

Year 7, St Catherine’s RC School for Girls

Black History Month, What is it? A time to remember all those black heroes, Who helped paved a way for blacks for me, Who went through pain and suffering all for equality. The lady who refused to go to the back of the bus, Labelled as the ‘Mother of Freedom Movement’, Just like King, she was from Montgomery, And helped him fight for basic human rights.

In Africa, There was Mandela, And he was like no other, Who helped fight against a thing called apartheid.

Martin Luther King, A baptist from Montgomery, He helped change civic rights, And was also the one with the dream. Rosa Parks, I know there is a lot of other black heroes, Unfortunately I do not have the time to write about all of them, But I hope you enjoyed this simple rhyme, Thank you and I hope you enjoy this Black History Month.

Spotting the signs of child neglect

Taku Zvauya, Practice Development Lead for Bexley Children’s Social Care. Neglect can start with small but case-mapping to get a sense of the looked after children teams – giving cumulative signs. Examples include full picture. him the experience and knowledge clothing that is inappropriate for the Multi-agency working is vital required to encourage and develop weather, or changes in behaviour. because it contributes to the full the learning of other social workers. Or it could be poor hygiene or understanding of the child’s lived He sees his role as ‘giving back’ to attachment difficulties. experience. A multi-agency network the job he loves and he is genuinely

Taku explains: “Some children may can identify and map patterns delighted to support others to have normalised the neglect and of developmental delay, missed flourish. would be unable to identify it during health appointments, minimal With neglect investigations, it is direct work - whilst other children engagement from parents, poor very important to capture the voice will express directly that they are school attendance and poor home of the child to evidence the impact ‘feeling different’, ‘wanting home to conditions. on them. be clean’ or ‘mummy/daddy to look Taku is passionate about his work. If you are concerned about a after me’, or ‘to eat proper food’.” Since taking up his role in Bexley, his child, please contact Bexley’s Multi-

As neglect can also occur involvement has been significant in Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) alongside other forms of harm, promoting good practice standards. on 020 3045 5440. Taku says it is important to use He is guided by years of experience chronologies and processes such as in assessment, child protection, and

If you would like to find out more about Social Care work in Bexley visit www.bexley.gov.uk/jobs

A new regional adoption agency - Adoption Partnership South East - has launched with a focus on recruiting more new adopters and speeding up processes.

“We are extremely proud potential adopters, reducing of our adoption services in the timeliness of adoption Bexley,” says Councilllor Philip journeys and improving Read, Cabinet Member for efficiency and effectiveness.” Children’s Services, Cllr Philip To find out more about Read. “Working in partnership Adoption Partnership South with Kent and Medway East, or if you are thinking of councils will set us on a path adopting a child visit of joint cooperation that will https://www.adoption benefit local children and partnershipsoutheast.org.uk Helping our young care leavers We know that many families are experiencing greater hardship and isolation due to Coronavirus. This can feel even more pronounced for young care leavers who live alone.

Please help support our goal of providing extra support this Christmas time to a young adult in need.

A donation to our Just Giving page will help us to run a variety of activities to support care leavers this Christmas.

If you would like to donate Christmas gifts or non-perishable food items, or find out other ways of helping, please email

PositiveJourneys@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 3045 4141 or 020 3045 5968 www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ caring4christmas

The go-between

Fiona is one of Bexley’s Care Home Trusted Assessors – and she loves her work. ranging from whether the patient have changed and, if so, are they can be safely discharged back to able to manage those needs. the same care home or needs a “I access hospital records and different care setting. gather in-depth evidence from staff It is vital that full understanding directly involved in the patient’s exists between all involved. But care. I am fully trusted, and information is not always easily decisions are made on the facts and shared, or may not represent a true information I gather. The key is to reflection of the patients’ current keep all sides informed, using the condition. That is where Fiona right tone, language and attitude.” comes in. Fiona is a qualified senior social As the official ‘go-between’, worker who has supported the Fiona is responsible for accessing Council by helping other adult full and accurate information. social workers return to work after Then she will liaise and negotiate a long career break. between the care home and “They might have been away When a Bexley borough care home hospital. It is a diplomatic role at from social work for 10 years resident goes into hospital it can be times, but is rewarding to achieve a or more. After shadowing me, very stressful for them, their family win-win outcome. they leave with eagerness and and for those responsible for their Fiona says: “Tensions can exist. confidence that makes them want day to day care. The hospital might say the patient to return to such a rewarding

Just as stressful can be the is ready for discharge from a profession”. discharge itself. There are often a medical perspective, but the care See opposite page for the wide range of concerns to navigate, home might question if their needs Bexley social care jobs website.

AGE UK BEXLEY

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Hosts with the most

Host and Support providers offer young people aged 16-24 accommodation when they are leaving their family home, foster or residential care.

We spoke to Derek, a Bexley Host and Support provider of 15 years. “Every young person I work with has always been different. The level of support that I give changes. Derek Baffoe I could be helping them learn how to budget, cook or clean. “It’s more than just teaching key life skills as I also befriend the young person who lives with me, and I try to build their confidence and make sure they are okay. “When I’m at home, I always think of their emotional wellbeing. If I notice that their mood has changed or dipped, I will ask how they are, and if they indicate they’re not too good, I will ask if they want to talk about their issues and normally they do. ‘What I provide as a Host and Support provider “I feel it’s important that the young person is always is a stable place to live, I make sure their welfare able to engage meaningfully with me as well as being needs are being met, and they feel confident to able to confide in me if they need to. function on their own.’ “I feel a great sense of satisfaction when I know that I have done something that will make a positive impact on their life, and that’s all I want. Follow Bexley Fostering on social media: “If you have a spare room and can offer a bit of @BexleyFostering @BexleyFostering support by spending some quality time teaching young people how to maximise their independent living and life skills, then I would urge you to consider it as there is always a fantastic team to support you.” Home for Good If you can provide a young person with a bedroom of their own in a safe and stable home, with some Bexley has partnered with Home for Good, a support to help them build their confidence to charity dedicated to finding a home for every live independently, please consider becoming a child who needs one. Home for Good work to Host and Support provider. You will be allocated inspire, equip and resource individuals, families and a supervising social worker and given generous churches to play their part in caring for vulnerable payment, training opportunities, networking children. support and more. This is a flexible role that you There is so much you can do to make a can do alongside your job. difference in the lives of vulnerable children, whether that’s fostering or adoption, offering support, or standing with Home for Good in giving, To find out more about the Host and Support campaigning, praying or fundraising.

Scheme and to apply call 020 3045 4400 or visit Visit www.homeforgood.org.uk/bexley to find www.bexley.gov.uk/hostandsupport out more about Home for Good to learn more, or email billyjo.oleary@homeforgood.org.uk

The Mayor’s first six months

Since his virtual election in May, Cllr James Hunt has made his mark on our Borough.

Whether it’s been visiting He has been working out of his to support our local Looked After businesses and shopping areas across temporary parlour - his garage office - Children, Crossroads Care South East the Borough to support our local to meet as many people as he can. He London, and Bexley Carers Support. traders, or signing more than 2,000 has also been out to meet real people. #BexleyHeroes Commendation During the summer he had the “This Christmas is going to be unlike Awards the Mayor and his small chance to meet local companies many we have experienced before, team have been doing all they can to who had supported the Council’s but my family and I wish you all a safe support our Borough, during one of food parcel deliveries, and got to do and Happy Christmas. Together we will the worst periods of our history. some himself. He has opened a newly come through this, and hopefully 2021

“When I became Mayor I pledged to developed park in Lamorbey and a will be better.” do all I could to support our residents, new micro pub in Welling. In July and to support our local traders and September he was especially proud During these tough times, to keep our Borough going during to hold events to commemorate the all donations are very welcome these terrible times. The Covid-19 end of World Ward 2 and VJ Day in www.gofundme.com/ pandemic has had a terrible effect on Danson Park, followed in September thebexleyappeal. us all, but I’ll try all that I can to keep by a special event to mark the 80th If you or your group would like the Borough going.’’ Battle of Britain Day. a virtual or real meeting with the

Since May, the Mayor has held over The Mayor’s ‘team’ of Mayoress, Mayor, please contact his office. 50 virtual zoom meetings with local Deputy Mayor and Escort, plus his This Christmas the Mayor has groups. Ranging from speaking to Chaplain, have all been out doing their his #LightUpBexley competition the transport user group at Mind to bit. The Mayoress recently visited to support his charity appeal, with discuss transport, to the BVSC Forum, the new Covid Testing Centre in amazing prizes on offer for the best he has even read bedtime stories Bexleyheath and the Deputy Mayor decorated houses and shops. to Beaver Scouts during a virtual presented awards at a local nursery. Register by emailing campout. After the first lockdown, the Mayor mayorsoffice@bexley.gov.uk with managed to launch his charity appeal your address including postcode and phone number. On 18, 19, 20 December the Mayor will tour the Borough and pick the best. Post your pictures on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with #LightUpBexley

Bexley together

Are you active in your community? Will you help us ensure that our residents have the information they need to help us as we enter the next stage of the pandemic?

We have created a network of more than 300 Community Champions to help us keep people safe, reassured and supported in these uncertain times. If you want to help Keep Bexley Safe and join the existing Community Champions who #doitforbexley please go to www.bexley.gov.uk/community-champions

Why we became Community Champions pandemic has seen many of us

Tanyel Kazim, Erith I am passionate about community outreach work and about providing access to education. So it was an easy decision for me to become a Community Champion for Erith. Champions play a vital role to ensure the latest Coronavirus information and any lockdown measures. This

that others stay up to date with struggle and experience loss in some way, myself included. I believe it’s crucial to foster a sense of cohesion in these uncertain times, as well as remind vulnerable and isolated groups in that they are not alone in this.

Kamla Thumbanaik, Bexleyheath I’ve lived here for 38 years. to a local level. Councillor O’Neill is a neighbour I find the and I’ve known her for a long time. role very When I retired I had more time on informative my hands so I would see her and we – it’s good to see information would chat. She asked if I would like coming down to us – we can manage to get involved as a volunteer. Initally things locally if we work together. I I joined up as a secondary carer, but delivered leaflets in my road and met when the opportunity to become a lot of elderly residents. Everyone a Community Champion came up needs information and education to I signed up straight away. Since be more responsible. The messages Covid hit this is the best thing that’s stop people feeling so confused. happened, filtering information down Emily Bennett, Bexleyheath During the Covid-19 lockdown, from March to June, I volunteered for the BVSC and picked up and dropped off prescriptions to people living nearby. While the purpose of these visits was for medical reasons, it served as a reminder to those I visited that they were not alone. I am now a Bexley Community Champion: a role which involves sharing the latest local public health information. The virus has taken its toll on many people’s mental health and it’s important to me to try to reduce the spread of misinformation and to foster a strong sense of community support within Bexley.

Neighbourhood Watch is on the lookout!

Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association (BBNWA) is on the lookout for more local residents who will consider becoming co-ordinators for their roads.

Working in liaison with local to promote safety news and events, distancing and safety regulations. police to help reduce crime and together with security updates. The For further information visit anti-social behaviour is a rewarding blog will also include appeals for the BBNWA website at and satisfying way to contribute to locations where co-ordinators are http://www.bexleywatch.org.uk your local community, needed. Those who sign up to become co- As well as its online activities, ordinators receive weekly crime BBNWA plans to hold a ‘meet the reports and Neighbourhood Watch public’ event in Bexleyheath to talk signage will be added to their roads. to members of the public, give out BBNWA also provide ongoing information on Neighbourhood support. Watch, and supply hints and tips on The busy group has recently both personal and home security. launched a blog at The meeting, for which a date has https://bexleywatch.blogspot.com still to be fixed, will follow social

Watch out for Green Grants scams

The government’s Green Homes Grant offers vouchers towards energy-efficient home improvements. Applications must meet specific criteria.

Sadly, scam texts, calls and emails have been sent to people telling them that they are eligible for these grants. Scammers cold-calling at the door might also try to offer deals. If you have fallen for a scam, please report this to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. For advice call the Citizens Advice Helpline on 0808 223 1133. To access the grant safely please complete an online application on www.gov.uk, get a quote from a listed certified installer and have the quote approved. Work must be completed by 31 March 2021. Visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-forthe-green-homes-grant-scheme.

Share your crime and disorder concerns

The Bexley Crime Survey is a chance to highlight the local crime and disorder issues that concern you most– and help Bexley Community Safety Partnership decide its priorities for 2021/22.

The survey, which runs until 31 December, is online at www.bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey. Paper copies can be requested from the Community Safety Team on 020 8303 7777, or by writing to: Community Safety Team, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath DA6 7AT. One lucky participant will win a £50 Morrisons gift voucher in a prize draw.

Celebrating Christmas 2020

We all know that this Christmas is going to be very different for all of us. We have put together some festive ideas that we hope will add a bit more ‘ho ho ho’.

Feel the Winter magic and share your photos It’s important that we do all we can to keep fit and healthy. Taking regular walks can help us to keep our weight down and feel good at the same time.

Take a festive family walk and see what you can find in your neighbourhood or local park.

Here are some seasonal finds you can spot. Take some Christmassy photos of these and share on our social media @LBofBexley using #christmasinbexley X Ice patterns left by Jack Frost X Dragon’s breath in the cold air X Autumn leaves left on the trees X Especially bright festive lights and decorations

Keep in contact Send out some real Christmas cards to friends, family and neighbours we have not seen as much of this year because of Covid. Think about neighbours who may be on their own at this time. Drop in a small present to someone who lives alone to brighten their day.

Help a local charity Many of our local and national charities have had a hard time this year, because they have been unable to raise fund in their usual way. You could consider a donation in someone’s name as a Christmas gift, or ask someone to make a donation instead of giving you a present. Track Santa’s visit to Bexley online Google’s Santa Tracker lets families explore Santa’s Village together to find fun, educational and interactive activities for every age. You can learn to code, play games, watch videos, draw, paint, build and create with all your favourite characters, and lots more beside. Plus, on 24 December, Santa’s Village transforms into a tracking experience where you can follow Santa and his reindeer as they deliver presents to kids around the world. Visit santatracker.google.com for all the festive fun!

Send your letter to Santa The Royal Mail knows that you want to make sure your letter to Santa Claus gets to him in time. Get your letter posted by Friday 11 December and Santa will try to reply to as many of you as possible. Please send your letters to:

Santa/Father Christmas

Santa’s Grotto

Reindeerland

XM4 5HQ

Check out some traditional festive tales for wintry evenings – or daytimes You can access lots of library services at any time from the comfort of your own home - including books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers!

All you need is your library card and PIN, an email address and an internet enabled device, such as a PC, tablet or smartphone.

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries-in-bexley to sign up for a library membership.

Fruity old Bexley

As we reluctantly leave autumn - the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness – and wander into winter, Bexley Archives & Local Studies staff have been rummaging through some of their photographic collection to reflect the passing seasons and passing year.

Here is your five-a-day from bygone days - plus some hot soup for that cold winter weather.

Not that long ago, Bexley and surrounding districts were noted as prime market gardening and fruit growing areas. Here we deliver, fresh today, five old fruity photos – the pick of our crop. 1. Furner Bros vineyard nursery at Slade Green. Furners were brickmakers, but often the land was double-used for market gardening. 2. The famous ‘Strawberry Train’ c1905 at Bexley Station - which delivered fresh local produce to London markets 3. Cooks Orchard, Bostall Woods c1903 4. A Sidcup vegetable barrow from around 1977 5. Rixsons Fruiterers, Crayford - alongside the old Town Hall

1 2

3

5 4

Winter warmers An image to remind us just how hard our winters were back in Edwardian times – and how hardy our school children and teachers must have been – here’s a lovely picture simply captioned “Sidcup Baptist Church children bring their jugs in the snow for soup from the kitchen”…Brrrrrr!

Ask the Archives The Bexley Archives and Local studies Centre is open for enquiries by email and social media. The team are able to help with requests for information or answer questions concerning family and local history and Bexley’s heritage.

Email - archives@bexley.gov.uk www.facebook.com/BexleyArchives https://twitter.com/BexleyArchives

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ways to help your neighbours during the pandemic

The coronavirus outbreak has made this a difficult time for many, whether they have symptoms or not. People of all ages can find themselves stuck at home, unable to go to work or having to self-isolate. Many are nervous about venturing out due to physical or mental health issues. Below are some suggestions on how to help. Please always follow government rules on wearing face masks, hand sanitising, self-distancing and interaction between different households.

Shopping If you are off to the shops, why not ask your neighbour if they need anything while you are out and about? Even if they don’t need groceries, they might take the opportunity to ask you to post a letter for them, or collect medications.

Young families Is there a young family nearby? Are they managing to get out as often as they need to in order to get supplies such as nappies, baby food and medicine? Some parents have grouped together to help each other on school runs – sharing the load when walking children to or from school. Such support can be invaluable, especially for parents who need to work from home too.

Dog walking Do you have a neighbour who would welcome a hand with dog walking? It would be a weight off their mind to have someone to help out, especially now the colder weather and shorter daylight hours are here. Their four-legged friend will appreciate it too! Community groups Since the start of the pandemic many new support groups have popped up on popular platforms such as WhatsApp. The Nextdoor online community has also been growing in numbers. These groups have helped pull communities together in a variety of ways. Examples include requesting/offering help with day-to-day tasks, sharing supplies, generally looking out for each other – or just good old social interaction. Perhaps you are in such a group and know of someone who might benefit from being added? Ask them if they’d be interested.

Keeping in touch

Not everyone has access to the internet but they often have a phone. Take time out to phone people, to see how they are doing or have a general chat. You might be the only person they have spoken to for a while. In some communities children (with parental guidance) have taken time to create cards and write supportive messages to pop through the letterboxes of people who are lonely or self-isolating. It’s great way to brighten someone’s day!