Our Work in Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham is one of the most deprived boroughs in London, facing significant health and inequality challenges that affect residents’ ability to be active and well:

  • 70.5% of adults are overweight or obese, significantly higher than London and England averages.
  • Physically active adults (51.9%) are significantly below London and England averages.
  • Barking and Dagenham has some of the highest levels of overweight or obese children in London.
  • Projections suggest Barking and Dagenham may see over 50% of Year 6 children overweight or obese by 2035, among the highest in England.

Project Overview

Our work focuses on communities with the greatest need across Barking and Dagenham. We are identifying priority neighbourhoods experiencing high levels of deprivation and health inequalities to guide targeted action.

Key partners include Barking and Dagenham Council, BD Giving, local voluntary and community organisations, health services, schools, and sport providers, all working together to create sustainable, community‑driven change.

We are building a long-term, community-led model for change through four key phases:

Building Strong Foundations

Developing governance structures, physical activity networks, and ways of working across the borough.

Listening & Learning

Engaging residents, local groups, and community organisations to understand barriers to activity.

Testing & Adapting

Supporting community-led initiatives that reduce inequalities and create inclusive opportunities to move.

Scaling Impact

Embedding sustainable, borough-wide approaches that increase activity levels and address systemic barriers.