Contents

Community

New courts set to serve up fun

All 24 tennis courts across seven parks are on track to open this summer. Some are already open and available to book.

The renovations are taking place at -

  • Danson Park
  • Sidcup Place - finished
  • Waring Park - finished
  • West Heath Recreation Ground
  • Northumberland Heath Recreation Ground - finished
  • Russell Park - finished
  • Belvedere Recreation Ground South

The final touches are being made to the parks that are not yet completed.

We will also be appointing a tennis operator to run a broad and inclusive programme for the whole community.

Newly refurbished Northumberland Heath tennis courts

Football coming home to Erith

Congratulations went to players from local football team Erith Town Football Club back in May.

The club, established in 1959, were promoted to the Isthmian League following a penalty shoot-out win against Corinthian in the SCEFL Premier Division Play-Off Final.

It is the first time Erith have been promoted to that level of football.

The club’s home is Stanmore Stadium, Sporting Club Thamesmead. The club, known as ‘The Dockers’, have strong ties with the local community including Mind in Bexley.

We wish the club the best of luck for their Isthmian South-East Division 2024/25 campaign.

Erith Town Football Club
Connected Bexley logo

Working together

Despite the current financial crisis, the Council, jointly with our health partners, continue to invest resources in prevention and early intervention support provided by our partners in the voluntary and community sectors within the borough.

Those groups provide support to a wide range of residents from people with learning disabilities, mental health issues, people with sensory issues, older people and people who are carers for a loved one.

These services aim to prevent loneliness and isolation, support people to access benefits and develop strategies to live well with long-term conditions.

Our voluntary sector partners work closely alongside us to enable residents to live the life they want to live.

  • If you would like to find out what support is available across all our voluntary sectors in Bexley, visit Connected Bexley.
A recent day trip for Carers run by voluntary sector organisation Crossroads
Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch logo

Stay safe this summer

As we approach the summer holiday season, there are a number of practical ways you can protect your home while you are away.

Double-check all doors and windows are locked with high-quality locks. Consider deadbolts and window locks for added security.

Put away any valuables, jewellery, or electronics. If possible, store them in a safe or lockable drawer.

Having a security system is a great deterrent. Ensure it is armed and consider using smart home features like remotely controlled lights or monitored CCTV.

Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property. They can collect post, park in your driveway, or even mow the lawn to maintain a lived-in look. Avoid posting about your trip on social media until you return. Sharing your absence can be an unwelcome invitation to burglars.

Review your home insurance policy and update your inventory list if necessary. This ensures you are properly covered in case of a break-in.

Your Life, Your Choice Bexley banner

Help and support at your fingertips

The Council has launched a new online platform designed to give residents more say in the choice of help and support they have access to.

Aligned with the borough’s new Adult Social Care Vision, “Your Life, Your Choice,” the new online platform is designed to help residents’ shape the lives they 
want to live.

Residents can input their help and support requirements into ‘Your Life, Your Choice Bexley’ and the platform will then match users with available agencies that can meet their needs. Residents can then request further information.

Residents who are unable to access online services can speak to the Single Point of Contact team on 020 8303 7777, or in an emergency call Screeners on 020 8303 7171.

Shared Lives scheme

The Bexley Shared Lives scheme provides care in family homes across Bexley for adults with a learning disability, physical disability, mental health or other sensory needs.

Becoming a Shared Lives carer is a meaningful and rewarding role, where the primary requirement is having the passion and commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of adults who need care and support.

The Community Living and Support scheme match Shared Lives carers who are willing to share their homes, family lives, interests, experiences and skills with adults who need support.

image with three women and words 'join our shared lives scheme'

Cabinet Member for Adults' Services and Health, Cllr Melvin Seymour said:

In line with our Adult Social Care Vision, Your Life, Your Choice, the Shared Lives Scheme supports people to live happily in their communities for as long as they can.

Shared Live carers come from all walks of life. If you naturally enjoy helping others and believe you could support an adult person who requires care and support, then get in touch to find out more.

I’ve been fortunate to meet both Shared Lives caregivers and the individuals receiving care and it’s clear to me how beneficial the service is for everyone involved.”

Councillor Melvin Seymour

Cllr Melvin Seymour, Cabinet Member for Adults' Services and Health

Flutter by: London Butterfly Gardens now open

A brand-new butterfly experience has opened this summer at Hall Place and Gardens.

The greenhouses have been transformed to make the perfect habitat, with the temperature and humidity ideal for the butterflies to thrive. The pond and water feature sit centre stage amongst the wonderful tropical planting.

Learn how to protect these colourful winged wonders while enjoying the magic as hundreds flutter around in their new home.

Butterfly on a flower