News

Family activities at The Well!

Updated 25 January 2022

We’ve got some great news for Newham children and families!

As restrictions continue to lift, we’re now offering a programme of FREE face to face activities at our community centre that you can just turn up to on the day – no advance booking required.

Read more “Family activities at The Well!” →

Interview with Mentesnot Mengesha

This summer, Mentesnot Mengesha is walking an amazing 100 miles barefoot within Newham to fundraise for BDCA and support families in need across our borough.

Mentesnot is a former refugee who fled Ethiopia during civil war 30 years ago and settled in Newham to build a successful new life. Read his inspiring story!

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Meerkats, music and magic!

What do meerkats and bouncy castles have in common? These are just two of the unusual sights that you would have seen last week if you were passing by our playing fields and community garden!

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How our Fuelbank is helping Newham families in poverty

You might think that, with restrictions beginning to ease, things would at last be looking up for those who’ve been struggling during the pandemic.

Yet our Newham foodbank is now feeding record numbers of 200 people or more on a typical Wednesday – more than at any time in its history.

Read more “How our Fuelbank is helping Newham families in poverty” →

BDCA launches Barefoot and Hungry Newham foodbank campaign

Sadly, some of the challenges our community faced 100 years ago still exist today, and the pandemic’s made them worse.

At BDCA, we’re doing everything we can to help them get back on their feet at our Newham foodbank. Could you help us?

Read more “BDCA launches Barefoot and Hungry Newham foodbank campaign” →

BDCA receives funding to continue elders befriending!

Bonny Downs Community Association (BDCA) today announced that it has received funding to continue supporting lonely older people in Newham through the pandemic.

Allchurches Trust has awarded the charity £11,550 of Hope Beyond funding, allowing its befriending service for Newham elders to continue until the end of 2021.

Read more “BDCA receives funding to continue elders befriending!” →

BDCA opens community centre for rapid Covid testing

BDCA is opening The Well Community Centre in East Ham for rapid Covid-19 testing for people without symptoms in priority groups, in partnership with Newham Council.

The service will be available to people aged 18+ who DO NOT have symptoms and are part of one or more of the groups listed below. The centre will open on Thursday 4 February for lateral flow testing, seven days a week.

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We’re bringing Newham together to sing for hope!

Would you like to help write and record a song and video? Then we invite you to be part of our exciting new intergenerational song project and sing for hope!

Read more “We’re bringing Newham together to sing for hope!” →

BDCA launches virtual FREE fitness classes for Newham!

Bonny Downs Community Association has launched five Yoga and Zumba free fitness classes for adults in Newham.

Are you looking to lose a few pounds you’ve put on in lockdown, or do you fancy some activity to help lift your mood? Our virtual Yoga and Zumba free fitness classes are open to all adults in Newham and there’s a choice of five sessions to suit your diary.

Read more “BDCA launches virtual FREE fitness classes for Newham!” →