2024 has been an incredible year for CB Plus, filled with impactful initiatives, community engagement, and meaningful progress. From fostering connections across London to championing inclusion and innovation, our teams have worked tirelessly to support and empower the communities we serve. Join us as we look back on the highlights of each month and celebrate the collective efforts that made this year so remarkable.

January – Empowering the Barnet Community

  • We kicked off 2024 with the launch of the Patient Information Sheet in partnership with the CB Plus Primary Care Group. This tool provides patients with essential information on accessing medical care and advice.
  • Additionally, Adam, our Barnet Friends Coordinator, attended a Volunteer Recruitment Fair at University College London. Adam introduced Barnet Friends to over 150 attendees. Volunteers can make a real difference by offering regular phone calls to someone in need of companionship. If you’re looking to get involved, email to apply and help brighten someone’s day!

February – Launching Social Movements and Bridging Gaps

  • During Eating Disorder Week, we launched the Food & Me Social Movement Campaign to break stigma and challenge misconceptions around disordered eating. Daily themes explored diverse narratives, while resources highlighted AFRID awareness.
  • We hosted the Closing the Care Gap Hub Connections event for World Cancer Day. Community leaders and healthcare professionals joined forces to discuss ways to improve cancer awareness and screening accessibility.
  • Finally, as part of our Digital Inclusion Campaign, we delivered laptops to Deansbrook Junior School and Northgate School to support young people in accessing education.

March – Celebrating Youth Initiatives and Achieving Equity

  • We were honored by Year 8 students at Ark Pioneer Secondary School, who raised awareness of CB Plus through a bake sale in support of our mission.
  • At our Annual General Meeting, we focused on achieving equity, with insights from Councillor Zahra Beg, Dr. Adeola Agbebiyi, and Zoe Kattah, and roundtable discussions on best practices for supporting diverse communities. The event strengthened our commitment to an inclusive, equitable society.

April – Empowering the Community and Promoting Wellbeing

  • We saw the launch of the Barnet Wellbeing Service Instagram page, marking an exciting step in reaching the community to enhance engagement and spread awareness.
  • We also encouraged voter engagement by spreading awareness about the importance of voter ID in the upcoming General Election.
  • Tola, Polly, and Adam attended the Community Health Fair at Grahame Park Community Centre. Organised by the Centre of Excellence CIC, the event raised awareness of cancer prevention among the Somali community. It reached over 60 attendees.

May – Advancing Patient and Carer Equality and Promoting Suicide Prevention

  • The Barnet Wellbeing Service held it’s quarterly Hub Connections event, discussing the NHS England Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF), with insights from Jordelle Akinola Community Engagement Lead for Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health NHS Trust, and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust on community involvement in mental health care.
  • Additionally, Barnet Wellbeing Service teamed up with Barnet Public Health for a Zero Suicide Alliance Lunch & Learn session on autism and neurodiversity, featuring guest speakers from Barnet Mencap and Resources for Autism.

June – Launching Perinatal Mental Health Support and Celebrating Windrush Day

  • Young People Thrive kicked off the summer with the launch of their new “Baby Plus You” project, a perinatal mental health campaign in collaboration with Central and North West London Perinatal Mental Health Services. The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage women and birthing people in Brent and Harrow to access essential mental health support.
  • The Barnet community celebrated Windrush Day with BACA. We honoured the Windrush generation through stories, discussions, music, and poetry. Guests enjoyed Caribbean food while hearing speeches from Mayor Tony Vourou and Jeni Osbourne, our Director of Communities and Partnerships.

July – Launching the Silkstream Community Fund

  • We were thrilled to announce the launch of the Silkstream Community Fund, a new initiative established as part of the Silkstream development in Hendon, delivered by St George. Operated by CB Plus, the fund was created to support small organisations and charities within Barnet, addressing key community priorities. Over 15 local organisations applied to the fund. Our grants panel selected five finalists who will carry out impactful projects in the new year.

August – Keeping All Adults Safe: Safeguarding Video Launch

  • CB Plus, in collaboration with the Barnet Safeguarding Adults Board, launched a new video initiative to raise awareness of the local narrative on safeguarding. The “Keeping All Adults Safe” video encourages Barnet’s diverse communities to confidently raise safeguarding concerns for adults with care and support needs. The video is available to watch on YouTube here.

September – Staff Away Day: Teamwork, Updates, and Fun

  • To build team spirit, our annual Staff Away Day brought teams together. It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up on all the amazing work being done, share important updates, and enjoy some fun activities – including a photography competition that got everyone involved! These away days are always inspiring, reminding us of the dedication, ambition, and positivity our teams bring.

October – Celebrating Community Engagement and Raising Awareness

  • As the weather turned colder, we continued our commitment to supporting communities across London with a range of impactful events. Healthwatch Newham hosted their ‘Value of Listening’ event, where residents were encouraged to share their experiences, hear from health experts, and connect with local partners.
  • Barnet Wellbeing Service held two key events: their quarterly Hub Connections event in celebration of World Mental Health Day and a community awareness event highlighting the importance of breast cancer screening during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
  • In celebration of Black History Month, BACA presented an exhibition at Stonegrove Community Centre showcasing African and Caribbean arts and crafts.
  • The Communications team also focused on rebranding the Young People Thrive webpages, improving accessibility and ensuring that young people can easily access support and resources they need.

November – Tackling Harmful Gambling and Driving Inclusion

  • To mark Gambling Awareness Month, Barnet Wellbeing Service hosted a sold out Zero Suicide Alliance session focused on harmful gambling. In collaboration with Barnet Public Health and Steve from GamFam, the event received glowing feedback for its valuable insights and community impact.
  • CB Plus proudly became a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to challenging negative attitudes, breaking employment barriers, and fostering inclusivity.
  • We are continuing the fight against digital poverty with the launch of our new Digital Inclusion fundraiser! Through this campaign, we aim to provide even more laptops to schools where students urgently need access to technology for their education. Your donation can help us ensure that no child is left behind in the digital age. Join us in making a difference—donate today to bridge the digital divide here!

December – Wrapping Up and Reflecting on the Year

  • Our Baby Plus You campaign concluded with over 10 successful referrals, ensuring ongoing perinatal mental health support in Brent and Harrow.
  • As we wrap up 2024, we extend a heartfelt thanks to our supporters and partners who helped us make a difference. Don’t miss our final newsletter of the year —subscribe to stay connected and receive your virtual Christmas card from us. Here’s to another impactful year ahead!