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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.

WHAT’S NEW

We Are Undefeatable Campaign

The Barking & Dagenham Place Partnership has joined forces with the nationally recognised We Are Undefeatable campaign to bring targeted health-focused activity to the borough this summer. As one of eight priority areas across England, Barking & Dagenham will benefit from a concentrated campaign throughout June and July 2026, aimed at supporting people with long-term health conditions to become more active.

The partnership will help amplify local reach through community networks and healthcare settings, raising awareness of opportunities to move more. This collaboration marks a step forward in strengthening connections between physical activity, health systems and local communities

I’ve got some moves. You don’t get to my age without learning a few moves

JOAN, 71

London Sport has helped me more than I ever could of imagined

ALEX, 28