Winter is a time for celebration and connection. Here in Bexley, it is also a season of important safety campaigns to raise awareness, engage residents and ensure people know where to find help when they need it.

This season’s programme included National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Anti-Slavery Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. Together, these campaigns send a clear message: hate, exploitation and gender-based violence have no place in Bexley. The Council will continue to work closely with policing partners and local organisations to support victims, challenge harmful behaviour and pursue perpetrators.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes throughout the year. Councillor David Leaf, Leader of the Council and Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing regularly meet with the police to raise concerns and issues that have been brought to us by residents across the Borough. These conversations help ensure that local concerns are heard, priorities are shared and partners can work together to address issues and help keep Bexley safe all year round.

Community involvement is at the heart of this work. Residents need clear information about local activity and the support available, as well as meaningful opportunities to shape future priorities. 

For example, during National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Bexley hosted a partnership conference bringing together the Council, police, Community Alliance to Combat Hate (CATCH), charities and residents. Participants shared experiences, developed ideas and agreed three commitments:

• to provide CATCH training for statutory services, increasing referrals to local support in Bexley
• to engage with community members and raise more awareness of hate crime, both online and in person
• to strengthen hate crime data analysis and information sharing, enabling a more effective response to local needs
• but we all have a role in ensuring everyone enjoys the festive season safely too. Some simple steps will go a long way:
• keep doors and windows locked
• store gifts away from view through windows or doors
• when shopping or travelling, keep phones, wallets and other valuables out of sight
• never buy from unregistered companies or give your personal details on the phone without checking who you are talking to
• switch decorative lights off at the socket when they are not in use, choose LED lights where possible and avoid candles

Most importantly, check in with family, friends and neighbours. A conversation, a shared support contact or a timely report can make a real difference to someone who needs help.

By staying informed, speaking up and looking out for each other, we can help make winter in Bexley welcoming, safe and supportive for everyone.

Find more information at Community safety at Bexley

Working in partnership with St John Ambulance, we welcomed 217 residents to a successful lifesaving awareness event in September, giving people the opportunity to learn practical skills that could help save a life.

Residents learned how to resuscitate babies, children and adults, use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), respond to choking, put someone in the recovery position and treat catastrophic bleeding.

The event also raised £121.36 in donations for St John Ambulance, while four attendees expressed an interest in becoming new members.

Next year marks the 150th anniversary of the St John Ambulance Association in England, a significant milestone in its long history of helping people develop lifesaving skills and supporting communities.

More information about plans to mark this important anniversary will be shared in future communications.