As we bid farewell to 2023, we reflect on a year filled with projects, partnerships, and community engagements that have positively impacted London boroughs. Let’s take a journey through the highlights from each month:
January – Blood Donation and Living Kidney Project:
Our Blood Donation and Living Kidney Project took centre stage at School 21 in Newham, East London. Engaging 60 students from Year 6 and Year 7, the project included a presentation and poster competition. The innovative approach educated young minds about blood and kidney donation and ignited enthusiasm for these crucial causes.
February – Young People Thrive’s Active Engagement:
February marked a dynamic month for Young People Thrive. Participating in Place2Be’s Children’s Mental Health Week, the theme of ‘Let’s Connect’ resonated well with our mission. We celebrated ‘Boost Your Self-esteem Month’ through social media platforms, encouraging young individuals to prioritise self-care.
Collaborating with Middlesex University and the Integrated Care Board, we expanded our reach to deliver the mind-body boost program and map out mental health services in Barnet and Brent.
March – Supporting Community Organisations:
March highlighted our dedication to supporting smaller community organisations and Barnet residents facing challenges. Grant funding from NAVCA enabled us to assist organisations like the African Refugee Community, AidExcel, Barnet African Caribbean Association, Romanian Culture and Charity Together’s Hub, and Yaran.
Our partnership with Barnet Council Emergency Planning services focused on understanding the needs of vulnerable people during potential emergencies, ensuring inclusive support.
April – Enfield Connections: Changes and Gratitude:
April brought changes to Enfield Connections by recruiting new Advice Workers, Ayse Eryuzlu and Chris Joannou. While bidding farewell to our Programme Manager, Angela Greaves, we expressed gratitude for her significant contributions.
May – Development Day and Strategic Goals:
Our team members and trustees aligned goals and shared insights at the annual Development Day. It was the first in-person Development Day since the onset of COVID-19 and set the stage for another year of growth and development.
June – HMT Empire Windrush Anniversary Celebrations:
June marked the 75th anniversary of HMT Empire Windrush’s arrival, and Barnet’s African and Caribbean Association embarked on a project to document the experiences of the community members connected to the Windrush legacy.
By inviting the community to contribute through crowdfunding, BACA achieved their target. The project is in full swing to create a collectively-written book and exhibition, preserving stories of perseverance and contribution.
July – CB Plus Rebrand and Website Launch:
Excitement filled the air in July as CB Plus, formerly Community Barnet, unveiled its new website. The revamped online hub is a dynamic space for residents, voluntary groups, and community leaders to explore and engage with diverse initiatives across multiple London boroughs.
Our newsletter audience enjoyed exclusive access to the website before its official launch.
August – Young People Thrive’s Food & Me Program:
Young People Thrive introduced the Food & Me program in partnership with ORRI, addressing eating disorders across 21 North London Boroughs. The webinars, open to young adults, carers, and families, provide a confidential and safe environment for discussing shared experiences.
September – Barnet Wellbeing Service’s Hub Connections:
Barnet Wellbeing Service hosted a special Hub Connections event on October 10th to commemorate World Mental Health Day. The event focused on affirming mental health as a fundamental human right, featuring inspiring talks, mental wellbeing advice, and updates from the Wellbeing Service.
We also held a staff away day that brought together team members from various departments. Discussions ranged from safeguarding to strategic goals and social media utilisation.
October – Affirming Mental Health and Celebrating Windrush Legacy
October 10th marked World Mental Health Day, and one of our Barnet Wellbeing’s powerful Hub Connections event. With a focus on affirming mental health as a fundamental human right, the day was filled with inspiring talks, valuable advice, and lively activities like dancing and musical performances.
CB Plus and the Barnet African and Caribbean Association came together for a moving event celebrating the contributions and legacy of Barnet’s Windrush generation. Notable speakers, including Councillor Nagus Narenthira and Dr Bola Abisogun OBE, shared insights, making it an unforgettable evening.
November -Closing the Digital Divide and Celebrating Black History Month Achievements
Addressing the urgent issue of Digital Poverty, CB Plus initiated a campaign to collect unused tech. A highlight was the donation of 30 Chromebooks to Whittings Hill Primary School, celebrated with Cllr Zahra Beg and the CB Plus team. The school’s headteacher, Deepa Samani, and enthusiastic Year 6 students emphasised the transformative impact on education.
Thank you
In these moments, CB Plus showcased its dedication to community empowerment, mental health advocacy, and bridging digital disparities. Reflecting on 2023, CB Plus expresses gratitude to its team, partners, and community members. Here’s to more positive impact in the year ahead!
