2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barking is natural for dogs—but when it becomes excessive it can quickly turn your home into a stressful battleground this constant noise leads to sleepless nights you are not alone—and BarxBuddy might be the simple solution you have been looking for BarxBuddy is a handheld ultrasonic training device that promises to stop barking and other unwanted behaviors with the push of a button and designed to help dogs learn better behavior—without shock collars over 100,000 dog owners have already tried it and are sharing their stories online calling BarxBuddy a game changer for their homes Or is it just another overhyped pet gadget we will explore everything you need to know about the device—from how it works and who it’s for to what real users are saying and whether it’s truly worth buying If you are looking for a humane way to correct barking this guide will help you decide if BarxBuddy is the right fit for you and your dog What Is BarxBuddy Dog Trainer?(Barxbuddy Reviews) handheld ultrasonic training device designed to help dog owners manage excessive barking and unwanted behaviors—instantly and humanely It works by emitting a high-frequency sound that only dogs can hear grabbing their attention without causing pain The moment your dog begins barking or acting out a quick press of the button interrupts the behavior allowing you to redirect their focus and reinforce better habits BarxBuddy does not rely on physical punishment it leverages ultrasonic sound—a proven training method supported by veterinarians and dog behaviorists—to encourage positive behavior in a gentle The sound is completely safe for dogs and inaudible to humans What makes BarxBuddy trainer even more appealing is its versatility It works across all breeds and sizes—from tiny Shih Tzus to large Rottweilers—and is effective both indoors and outdoors with a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters) one-click solution to regain control and restore peace at home BarxBuddy dog trainer offers more than just behavior correction—it offers confidence and better communication between you and your dog DON’T MISS OUT: Barxbuddy Ultrasonic Device Is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order Directly From The Official Website BarxBuddy works by using ultrasonic sound technology—a high-frequency noise that’s inaudible to humans but instantly noticeable to dogs interrupting barking or other unwanted behaviors like jumping This redirection allows the owner to reinforce calm obedient behavior without using force or causing fear • Ultrasonic + LED flashlight (useful for night walks and added distraction) BarxBuddy operates at a range of up to 33 feet (10 meters) making it suitable for both indoor use and outdoor activities like walks or backyard training Whether the trigger is a knock at the door or another dog across the street BarxBuddy gives owners immediate control with just one click the device is designed to be humane and safe it engages the dog’s natural sensitivity to sound in a way that’s non-harmful and stress-free many dogs begin to understand that the sound signals a need to stop the behavior—making it an effective tool for fast Key Features of BarxBuddy Ultrasonic Device(Barxbuddy Trainer Reviews) BarxBuddy isn’t just another dog gadget—it’s a thoughtfully engineered training tool designed to give dog owners safe and reliable control over excessive barking and bad behavior Here’s a closer look at the standout features that make BarxBuddy a go-to solution for pet parents around the world: it emits an ultrasonic sound that immediately captures your dog’s attention There’s no complicated setup or need for prior training knowledge Whether you’re inside the house or out on a walk the quick response lets you take control of your dog’s behavior in real time The device offers three ultrasonic frequency settings—continuous This allows owners to fine-tune the response based on their dog’s behavior and sensitivity Some dogs respond better to pulsing sounds while others react more effectively to a steady tone BarxBuddy gives you the flexibility to adjust accordingly • Ultrasonic-only mode for basic behavior correction • Ultrasonic + LED flashlight mode for added visual distraction—ideal during walks This combination enhances the effectiveness of the training by engaging both the dog’s hearing and visual focus Extended Control Range (Up to 33 Feet / 10 Meters) Unlike many training tools that only work at close range BarxBuddy operates at a distance of up to 33 feet giving owners flexibility to intervene before behavior escalates This is especially helpful during off-leash moments in the backyard The integrated flashlight is perfect for early morning or evening walks It also acts as an additional deterrent for unfamiliar or aggressive dogs encountered during outings To protect your dog’s hearing and prevent overuse BarxBuddy includes an automatic shut-off that kicks in after 10 seconds of continuous use controlled training and prevents accidental long exposure A single 2-hour charge powers the device for up to 60 days thanks to its 1200mAh rechargeable battery There is no need to constantly replace batteries—saving you time and money Each time you press the button; you will feel a subtle vibration that lets you know the device is working correctly This is especially useful during walks or when using the flashlight mode in the dark or keep it by the door—it is always ready when you need it these features make BarxBuddy not just a tool for stopping barking but a reliable training companion that enhances communication What Makes BarxBuddy Different from Shock or Choke Collars?(Barx Buddy Reviews) Unlike traditional training tools that rely on physical punishment BarxBuddy offers a humane and effective alternative that does not hurt While shock collars and choke chains may interrupt bad behavior It uses ultrasonic sound—completely safe and painless—to instantly capture your dog’s attention and redirect their behavior science-backed method that promotes better behavior without causing distress and can easily overstimulate or harm sensitive dogs rely on physical force and can cause injury Both methods are intimidating for many owners and uncomfortable for pets and works from up to 33 feet away—indoors or outdoors You remain in control without needing to overpower or frighten your dog but more effective in building lasting good habits BarxBuddy offers the same goal—behavior correction—without the fear DON’T MISS OUT: Barxbuddy Ultrasonic Device Is Available At A Special Price – Click Here To Order Directly From The Official Website BarxBuddy is designed for any dog owner who wants to correct bad behavior in a safe and effective way—without resorting to force or punishment Whether you have a young pup just learning boundaries or an older dog with ingrained habits BarxBuddy offers a practical training solution that fits seamlessly into daily life It is especially useful for owners dealing with: or destructive behavior around the house or yard • Leash pulling or overreacting during walks • Difficulty with commands or dogs that ignore call-backs • Aggressive encounters with other dogs while outdoors BarxBuddy is suitable for all dog breeds—large and small—and adapts well to various temperaments It is also a great option for first-time pet owners who may not have experience with advanced training tools or obedience classes Because it relies on ultrasonic sound and positive reinforcement rather than harsh corrections it’s ideal for those who want to maintain trust and emotional connection with their dog throughout the training process Whether you’re trying to manage indoor disruptions or regain control during outdoor walks How to Use BarxBuddy (Step-by-Step Instructions) One of the biggest advantages of BarxBuddy is how simple it is to use You don’t need any special training or experience Just follow these three basic steps to begin correcting unwanted behavior and reinforcing positive habits: When your dog starts barking excessively or displaying unwanted behavior (like jumping The ultrasonic sound will immediately catch your dog’s attention and interrupt the behavior without causing pain or fear Once your dog stops the behavior or redirects attention to you This positive reinforcement helps your dog associate good behavior with pleasant outcomes making training more effective and consistent Use BarxBuddy consistently whenever the unwanted behavior occurs and respond to your direction more reliably—even without the device BarxBuddy is most effective when paired with calm It’s not just about stopping bad habits—it’s about teaching better ones in a humane and respectful way BarxBuddy Reviews Consumer Reports and Complaints Thousands of dog owners across the United States Australia and UK have shared their positive experiences with BarxBuddy praising how quickly and effectively it helped transform their pet’s behavior From excessive barking to disobedience during walks many users report noticeable improvements within days or weeks of consistent use Here’s what some verified buyers are saying: I didn’t think anything would calm our dog down “I haven’t had to apologize to my neighbors in weeks and it’s made life at home so much more peaceful.” “We can finally go for a walk without Benji barking his head off at everyone “I have a large rottweiler that used to jump at people It gave me peace of mind in a scary situation.” These reviews reflect a common theme: BarxBuddy brings fast results without stress or punishment many owners credit this device with restoring peace and strengthening their connection with their pets MUST SEE: CLICK HERE NOW TO GET BARXBUDDY DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE Real Results in 3 Weeks: What to Expect with BarxBuddy BarxBuddy has gained attention for its ability to reduce excessive barking and correct unwanted behaviors within just a few weeks of consistent use While individual results may vary based on the dog’s temperament and history many owners have reported noticeable improvements within the first few days the device can interrupt barking the moment it begins The ultrasonic sound grabs the dog’s attention without causing pain or distress This pause creates an opportunity for the owner to redirect the dog’s focus and reinforce calm behavior—often for the first time in challenging situations like door knocks Week 2: Increased Responsiveness and Calmer Behavior many dogs begin to associate the ultrasonic cue with redirection pet owners often observe fewer outbursts and improved behavior during walks especially around other dogs or common triggers Dogs may begin looking to their owners for direction rather than reacting instinctively Week 3: More Controlled Reactions and Better Communication dogs typically show a clear change in behavior and dogs tend to pause and wait for cues before reacting Owners report a calmer household environment and improved communication with their pets making everyday life more manageable and less stressful BarxBuddy does not promise overnight results but with consistent use and positive reinforcement it helps foster long-term behavior improvements in a humane and effective way BarxBuddy is a legitimate dog training tool backed by thousands of verified purchases It’s not a gimmick or a generic product—it’s a specifically designed ultrasonic device engineered to safely address common dog behavior problems like barking Several signs point to BarxBuddy’s legitimacy: While there are imitation products on third-party platforms purchasing directly from the official site ensures you are getting the real device with full warranty protection and support well-reviewed solution for dog training that delivers on its promises when used correctly and consistently DON’T MISS OUT: Barxbuddy Device Is Available At A Discounted Price – Click Here To Order Directly From The Official Website Pros and Cons of Barx Buddy Ultrasonic Device BarxBuddy has its strengths and limitations Here is a balanced look at the key advantages and potential drawbacks based strictly on user experiences and product features highlighted in the official resources: the pros clearly outweigh the cons for most users especially those seeking a gentle and simple way to train their dogs without fear or pain BarxBuddy is currently available at a massive 60% discount with additional savings on bundle purchases the more you save—making it ideal for multi-pet households or for gifting to fellow dog owners Best for households with more than one dog or as a backup unit Includes 10% extra discount on top of the sale Each purchase includes the official ultrasonic device and is eligible for the 30-day money-back guarantee and all payments are processed through a secure and encrypted checkout on the official BarxBuddy site BarxBuddy is currently available through a limited-time offer on its official website This exclusive flash sale is part of a promotion that may not be available elsewhere—and stock is reportedly running low in several locations Purchasing from the official source offers several key benefits: and humane way to train your dog—without delay—it’s best to act fast while the current discount is still active CLICK HERE NOW TO BUY BARXBUDDY DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE Frequently Asked Questions (Barxbuddy Reviews) BarxBuddy emits a high-frequency ultrasonic sound that only dogs can hear The sound instantly interrupts barking or other unwanted behavior allowing you to redirect your dog’s attention and reinforce positive habits The ultrasonic sound is completely safe and does not cause pain or harm It’s designed to be a humane and non-aggressive training method that grabs your dog’s attention without fear or discomfort It works on dogs of all sizes and breeds as long as they can hear ultrasonic frequencies What unwanted behaviors does BarxBuddy work for BarxBuddy is effective for more than just barking It works best when combined with consistent reinforcement and training while others may take a few days to a couple of weeks Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to seeing lasting behavior changes The device is effective up to 33 feet (10 meters) making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use This range allows you to stay in control even from a distance BarxBuddy features a built-in rechargeable battery A full 2-hour charge provides up to 60 days of use eliminating the need to constantly replace batteries you can return the device within 30 days for a refund thanks to the no-hassle money-back guarantee Each BarxBuddy package includes the ultrasonic device and a quick-start guide with instructions on proper use and best training practices and easy-to-use solution for dog owners struggling with barking and other disruptive behaviors It replaces outdated tools like shock collars and choke chains with a simple non-invasive approach that prioritizes safety and long-term behavioral improvement the ultrasonic sound interrupts bad habits and redirects your dog’s attention—without causing harm this small device has made a big difference in restoring calm at home and strengthening the bond between pet and owner The combination of smart features—like long-range functionality and multi-mode operation—makes BarxBuddy a versatile training tool that adapts to a variety of dogs and situations Backed by thousands of positive reviews and a 30-day money-back guarantee BarxBuddy stands out as a reliable option for anyone looking to regain control and promote better behavior—without stress or punishment If you are tired of constant barking and chaos BarxBuddy is well worth considering—especially while the 50% off offer is still available CLICK HERE NOW TO GET BARXBUDDY ULTRASONIC DEVICE DIRECTLY FROM THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT A DISCOUNTED PRICE Email: support@barxbuddy.com Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis without any warranties or representations of any kind We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy or reliability of the information presented herein or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f5be5c5-99ac-49c9-8832-5d14d978c1e0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ecde2f4-171a-413e-9831-bde98ea0f74b https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c056e059-6c0c-42d1-b309-19200bc7ef5a https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5c3813e6-3b6f-453c-bb2e-9f619c5722e5 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a9aa7d9d-eb3e-4b5f-b864-b97444e65e86 jobs and ticket giveaways from Barking and Dagenham Council Sign up to our One Borough newsletter Help us improve the cost of living support in Barking and Dagenham by taking 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Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing the support we offer! Residents living with Parkinson's across Barking and Dagenham can access free fitness memberships at both Abbey Leisure Centre and Becontree Heath Leisure Centre through a partnership between local leisure operator Everyone Active and Parkinson's UK. The two Barking and Dagenham facilities are participating in this nationwide initiative, which provides full access to gym facilities, swimming pools and exercise classes for patients and up to three of their carers. This April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and Everyone Active, which manages local facilities in partnership with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, is urging more residents living with Parkinson’s to take advantage of the scheme. The free membership programme, now in its fourth year nationally, aims to help those managing the progressive neurological condition, which causes symptoms ranging from tremors and pain to anxiety. Currently, 40 people in Barking and Dagenham benefit from the scheme, with numbers increasing in recent years, reflecting the global rise in Parkinson’s cases. One of them is 49-year-old Becontree Heath member, Karen Cottrell, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 46 and uses the facility around twice a week. "I've been a member for two years and mainly use the centre for the classes but sometimes I will use the gym too. I really enjoy the classes - I've tried a few different ones but body combat and body conditioning are my favourite so far. "I'm only early stages of Parkinson's but exercise is one of the best things and I feel so much better mentally after my classes. I totally recommend Everyone Active for anyone suffering with Parkinson's. The membership is easy to apply for and because it includes all of the classes too, I'm sure there's something for everyone." Hasan Romel, Everyone Active's area contract manager for Barking and Dagenham, said: “We are immensely proud to be partnering with Parkinson’s UK for the fourth year running, and truly believe the membership makes a real difference to the lives of those living with the condition and their carers. "Physical activity plays a crucial role in symptom management and we’re creating an environment at both our local centres where people with Parkinson's and their support networks can exercise with confidence." Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham council, said: “I’m pleased to see the partnership between Everyone Active and Parkinson’s UK go from strength to strength. Being physically active is important for everyone and it's fantastic that more people across Barking and Dagenham will have an opportunity to benefit from free membership." The initiative comes as medical professionals increasingly recognise exercise as a key component in maintaining quality of life for those with the condition. Beyond traditional gym activities, participants can access specialised Synergy Dance classes online, designed to accommodate varying mobility levels. Medical clearance is recommended for those with additional health conditions before beginning new exercise routines. quit his job and bought a new vacuum cleaner - but not before making sure he was getting a bargain opted for a Shark vacuum and said: “We still shopped around for the best deal on the vacuum cleaner “We are not flash people; we are very down to earth and know the value of things.” The 60-year-old rang his boss to resign after learning of his Lotto jackpot win and they have begun house-hunting for a place with a large garden away from the city who has been delivering parcels to Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock He got up at 5.20am to start his working day and spotted an email from The National Lottery stating: “Good news about your ticket.” He was initially delighted to discover he had won £35 then realised there was an additional prize of more than £5.2 million “It is difficult to make sense of it,” said Mr MacDonald “It said I had won £5,208,504 and to ‘please call The National Lottery straight away’ “Anita thought it was five thousand and something “I tried calling but of course the line was closed at 5.30 in the morning “I’ve always been a laid-back person but that was the longest two and a half hours of my life waiting until the phone lines open at 8.00am “It dawned on me that there was absolutely no point in doing another day’s work “I had been thinking about slowing down for the last five or six years “I have always worked and enjoyed what I do Once his win was confirmed Mr MacDonald shared the good news with family members I can’t believe everyone’s reaction,” he said “I don’t think I have ever been sworn at so much – the air has definitely been blue in Essex.” He was already planning to marry his partner in a civil ceremony later in the year but has brought this forward to the summer with plans to make it a bigger celebration The keen Formula One fan also plans to go to watch a race in person “We have worked hard all our lives and never really had time for hobbies or pastimes,” he said “Any spare time has been spent supporting others “It will be amazing to have the time and money to now treat ourselves a little and maybe try something new “Just this morning I thought maybe I might try lawn bowls!” Mr MacDonald said he has played Lotto each week since the game started and now plays online His winning numbers in the draw on April 6 were: 27 Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know Survey finds social media main cause of poor behaviour with pupils mimicking Donald Trump and Andrew Tate A rise in misogyny and racism is flooding UK schools as pupils ape the behaviour of figures such as Donald Trump and Andrew Tate after exposure through social media and online gaming, teachers have warned. A survey by the NASUWT union found most teachers identified social media as “the number one cause” of pupil misbehaviour, with female staff bearing the brunt. Teachers also raised concerns about parents who refuse to accept school rules or take responsibility for their children’s behaviour. One teacher told the union: “A lot of the students are influenced by Tate and Trump, they spout racist, homophobic, transphobic and sexist comments in every conversation and don’t believe there will be consequences.” The NASUWT’s general secretary, Patrick Roach, told the union’s annual conference on Friday: “Two in three teachers tell us that social media is now a critical factor contributing to bullying and poor pupil behaviour. Read more“Pupils who believe it is their inalienable right to access their mobile phones throughout the school day – and use them to interrupt lessons One primary teacher said: “I have had boys refuse to speak to me and speak to a male teaching assistant instead because I am a woman and they follow Andrew Tate and think he is amazing with all his cars and women and how women should be treated Others reported instances of boys “barking at female staff and blocking doorways … as a direct result of Andrew Tate videos” Another teacher said: “Pupils watch violent and extreme pornographic material They read lots of fake news and sensationalised stories that make them feel empowered and that they know better than the teacher.” Roach said the union had “positive discussions” with ministers about tackling the problem but warned that restricting access to mobile phones during the school day did not go far enough “We now need a plan to tackle what has become a national emergency,” he said A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We know the rise of dangerous influencers is having a damaging impact on our children which is why we are supporting the sector in their crucial role building young people’s resilience to extremism as part of our plan for change “That’s why we provide a range of resources to support teachers to navigate these challenging issues and why our curriculum review will look at the skills children need to thrive in a fast-changing online world “This is on top of wider protections being brought in for children with the Online Safety Act to ensure children have an age-appropriate experience online.” said the union’s findings showed that more needed to be done “Toxic algorithms are pushing many children into dark corners of the internet where sinister attitudes that cause terrible harm in the real world are free to develop,” the party’s education spokesperson Delegates to the NASUWT conference in Liverpool heard that parents had become increasingly hostile when called in to discuss their child’s behaviour said unacceptable behaviour was being tolerated in many schools in England because of a need to meet attendance targets “at any cost” and avoid suspensions or exclusions “I think the government needs to go further with a strategy to ensure that all parents of school-aged children are expected to uphold behaviour strategies or risk their child being denied their place in the classroom,” Hanger said The conference passed a motion instructing the union to oppose “no exclusion” policies being legitimised across the education sector – a reference to campaigns seeking to end or curtail the use of exclusions Roach also told the conference that the union wanted “a real-terms pay award for teachers this autumn that is funded fully” warning that anything less “will be met with the response from our members it deserves” Roach told Schools Week newspaper that the NASUWT would hold a formal strike ballot in England if the government ignored recommendations for above-inflation pay increases by the independent pay review body The conference also passed a motion ordering NASUWT leaders to rule out a merger with the National Education Union (NEU) or other unions. Some members are concerned that Matt Wrack, the former leader of the Fire Brigades Union and the leading candidate to replace Roach as general secretary, supports a merger with the more leftwing NEU. Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Boys as young as 10 are idolising Andrew Tate and holding women in contempt I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Teachers are raising concerns about the detrimental influence of social media personalities, such as Andrew Tate, on student behaviour, citing a rise in misogyny and sexism within schools A recent survey conducted by the NASUWT teaching union revealed that nearly three in five teachers (59 per cent) believe social media contributes to the declining behaviour of students The poll surveyed over 5,800 NASUWT members across the UK in January Its findings were released during the NASUWT’s annual conference held in Liverpool over the Easter weekend A key motion to be debated at the conference focuses on the increasing use of social media and online gaming platforms by far-right and populist movements for recruitment purposes The motion urges the union’s executive to collaborate with teachers in assessing the potential risks these movements pose to young people It adds that the union should work with the government “to support teachers in challenging far-right and populist narratives” presented to young people A number of teachers who responded to the NASUWT’s survey on behaviour referenced the negative influence that Mr Tate has had on male pupils One teacher said: “I have had boys refuse to speak to me and speak to a male teaching assistant instead because I am a woman and they follow Andrew Tate and think he is amazing with all his cars and women and how women should be treated the ‘Andrew Tate’ phenomena had a huge impact on how they interacted with females and males they did not see as ‘masculine’.” One teacher said: “We had some incidents in school with derogatory language towards female staff (eg boys barking at female staff and blocking doorways so they couldn’t leave the classroom) as a direct result of Andrew Tate videos.” Another said: “In a secondary English class last year to write a persuasive essay on why Andrew Tate is the Goat (greatest of all time) which included praise of his view that women are a man’s property … All of the parents were contacted and were appalled.” Television drama Adolescence, which examines so-called incel (involuntary celibate) culture, has prompted a national conversation about sexism and online safety In March, prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said there was no “simple solution” to stop boys from being dragged into a “whirlpool” of misogyny as he hosted creators of the Netflix drama at Downing Street racism and other forms of prejudice and hatred may have attracted greater media attention of late but it is clear from our data that these behaviours are not a recent phenomenon “There is an urgent need for concerted action involving schools colleges and other agencies to safeguard all children and young people from the dangerous influence of far-right populists and extremists and to ensure that our schools and colleges are safe places for learners and for staff.” Mr Roach said teachers could not be “left alone” to deal with these problems “We need a multi-agency response to improve social media literacy and to expose disinformation and false narratives “We are urging the government to lead a national effort to tackle the root causes of poverty and deprivation and keep children safe online.” A Department for Education (DfE) spokesperson said: “We know the rise of dangerous influencers is having a damaging impact on our children and the classroom should be a safe environment for sensitive topics to be discussed and where critical thinking is encouraged “That’s why we provide a range of resources to support teachers to navigate these challenging issues, and why our curriculum review will look at the skills children need to thrive in a fast-changing online world “This is on top of wider protections being brought in for children with the Online Safety Act, to ensure children have an age-appropriate experience online.” Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies blocking doors: Teachers reveal Andrew Tate’s chilling influence on boys","description":"Boys as young as 10 are idolising Andrew Tate and holding women in contempt Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board awards £14.95m to fund missional work with deaneries and parishes in the Barking Episcopal Area The Church of England Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board has awarded £14.95 million to the Barking Episcopal Area to support missional work with deaneries and parishes with £6.45 million for the first phase of work and a further £8.5 million in principle subject to the Archbishops’ Council’s and Church Commissioners’ decisions about the future availability of Diocesan Investment Programme funding and the Strategic Mission and Ministry Board’s approval of detailed plans for the second phase.* The funding has been awarded through the Diocesan Investment Programme to ‘Believing in Barking’ a missional plan developed over the past two years in partnership with local church leaders and volunteers across more than sixty parishes and church communities in the East London boroughs that are part of the Diocese of Chelmsford In keeping with the Diocese of Chelmsford’s approach and values articulated in Travelling Well Together the Believing in Barking plan has been developed by working with those who serve and lead in local church communities to ensure that the investment meets locally discerned needs and missional opportunities Believing in Barking will focus on supporting churches in four key areas: The investment will support missional work in the many parishes that have contributed to the development of the plan as well as others in the Barking Area The Barking Episcopal Area is the first in Chelmsford Diocese to be awarded investment from the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) Investment applications are currently being prepared with local church leaders and volunteers in the Bradwell and Colchester Episcopal Areas Believing in Barking is one part of a wider approach to supporting local parish mission and ministry that continues across Chelmsford Diocese and seeks to resource and support all parishes whether they are direct beneficiaries of SMMIB funding or not “I’m very grateful to the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board for this investment in the Barking Episcopal Area Our parish churches serve some of the fastest growing diverse and most societally and economically disadvantaged communities in the country We have enormous opportunities for mission and service whilst at the same time facing considerable challenges.” “Believing in Barking has been developed in partnership with leaders and volunteers who serve in our parish churches and are best placed to discern missional needs and opportunities in their many different contexts I thank them for their support in developing this plan and for their ongoing service to our churches and communities I also want to thank the Church of England Vision and Strategy Team who have worked closely with us on this bid Barking Programme Manager Rev'd Becs Challis and indeed all members of our diocesan team who have worked closely with the steering group and people in our church communities who was involved in work to develop the Believing in Barking application said: "Throughout the process I have been really encouraged by how the investment is going to enhance our ministry to children “We now have more opportunity to create connections and discipleship pathways that allow young people and their families to start to know and continue to know Jesus in a way that is relevant to them.” “Sharing resources and expertise with partner churches in the Barking Area opens up a new way of working and options for more creativity and resilience in ministry." the Rt Rev'd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said: “I thank the Church of England Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board for this considerable investment in missional work in the Barking Episcopal Area.” “I’m also very grateful to Bishop Lynne and all those who have been involved in the preparation of this funding application and in the development of Believing in Barking.” “Believing in Barking reflects our commitment to participative change; enabling and empowering local parishes deaneries and worshipping communities to discern how they are to be God’s people in their own very different contexts and as part of one diocesan family It is an approach that will be at the heart of our proposals to the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board for the Colchester and Bradwell Areas and is part of our overall approach to resourcing and supporting mission in all parishes across our diocese “I thank the leaders and volunteers in our local parishes who have been involved so far please join me in praying for all those who faithfully serve God and the diverse communities of the Barking Episcopal Area in their stewardship of this important missional resource.” In the weeks and months ahead we’ll be sharing more information about Believing in Barking and the applications for funding from the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board from the Bradwell and Colchester Episcopal Areas *In-principle awards are subject to the Diocese bringing back updated proposals for consideration and decision by the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board Bishop Guli has announced that the next Area Dean of Redbridge will be the Rev’d James Gilder St Mark’s has an open heart for inclusion of those with special educational needs in the church community Since she began her ministry in Chelmsford Diocese in January the Very Rev'd Dr Jessica Martin as been getting out and about and meeting people from across the Diocese Help us improve the cost of living support in Barking and Dagenham by taking part in our survey Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing the support we offer Barking and Dagenham Council has agreed its budget for 2025/26 amidst significant financial challenges affecting councils across the country approved at a full Assembly meeting on Wednesday 26 February outlines the key factors for the council's budget pressures These include insufficient funding from the previous government over the last 15 years inflation and rising costs for essential services especially in social care and children's services Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council said “2025 is the first time in years the core funding we receive from the government has risen But this does not make up for the lack of funding since 2010/11. we receive 40% less funding than 15 years ago and barely 17% of our funding comes from Council Tax paid by residents Like many other councils we are caught in a perfect storm Funding for local services has not kept up pace with demand or the cost of providing services which has risen sharply. “Local authorities up and down the country face a similar crunch This year alone we have made £16m worth of savings just to balance our books Other London Boroughs are being forced to make even tougher decisions.” Barking and Dagenham has high levels of deprivation and is seeing growing demand for services as residents face hardship with the ongoing cost of living crisis around £7 is spent on adult and children’s social care The borough is also young and growing - almost one in four residents are under 16 years old and 26,000 more people call Barking and Dagenham home than 10 years ago. “But we remain committed to providing good services for everyone We have protected statutory services and we’re streamlining how we do things innovating and prioritising essential services such as social care to support local people. “We have a laser focus on getting best value from every penny of public money that we spend It has been a huge effort as we scrutinise everything that we do and working through the solutions that are needed. Council Tax will increase by 4.99% from April 2025 (excluding the GLA element) - 2.99% towards the general fund and 2% ringfenced for social care This works out as an additional £1.47 per week on an average Band D property. Councillor Twomey said: “We know this will be difficult for residents and it’s not a decision we want to take But without more Council Tax we will be unable to deliver the public services residents depend on such as street cleansing and of course care and support for the most vulnerable in our society “Councils are facing severe financial pressures due to a legacy of huge cuts in funding from the previous government We have all seen the huge financial challenges that the new government has inherited And the damage to local budgets can’t be undone overnight. “But this government understands that councils like ours need fairer funding and we’re working with them to push for our fair share of resources And we welcome their announcement of multi-year settlements for future years which should give us more certainty going forward based our communities’ priorities and ambitions for the borough and building new homes are still our top priorities This year we opened the doors of London’s largest film studio in Dagenham - the second of two film studios now in the borough. “This will offer hundreds of skilled jobs and opportunities CU London has gone from strength to strength and our Adult College is supporting people to gain vital new qualifications We also remain London’s number one affordable house builder “And we don’t shy away from a challenge when it comes to finding better ways of doing things and achieving better outcomes for our residents in the last few years we have worked with our schools to remodel Special Educational Needs provision and create several hundred more local specialist places so more of our children can go to a local school I’m really proud that this is now seen as a model for mainstream schools in the rest of the country.” The council is committed to supporting residents who have been affected by the cost of living crisis Residents who are struggling to make ends meet are encouraged to get advice and essential support from the council, including help with energy costs, money concerns, food, and wellbeing. This year Barking and Dagenham has achieved first preference primary school placements in London Figures show that out of 3,038 applications 2,924 (96.25 per cent) of placements have been offered their first preference far exceeding the capital’s average of 87.92 per cent and outperforming every other London borough This follows on from Barking and Dagenham having the highest secondary school first preference placements in London earlier this year Cabinet Member for Educational Attainment and School Improvement "I’m really pleased that Barking and Dagenham is consistently providing most of our young people with places at their first-choice primary schools Being at the top of London for both primary and school first preference placements this year is a tremendous achievement "The satisfaction of both the students and their parents as they prepare for this significant educational milestone I want to say a big thank you to the School Admissions team for their tireless efforts and dedication that made this possible." The council is encouraging parents and carers to accept their places by the deadline of Wednesday 30 April.