'Giving back' to London's most indebted council

Dana Benes, a refugee from Iraq, has spent 10 years volunteering, helping children in Barking and Dagenham

Smiling little faces look up at Dana Benes as he circuits the room, singing a welcome at the start of the weekly All Around the World sessions in Barking Learning Centre, east London.

For an energetic hour, a group of about 25 families sing together well-known English nursery rhymes, a few from different countries - and Baby Shark.

The session from Tots n Tunes, one of many across the borough, is supported by Barking and Dagenham Council, but relies on charitable donations, such as from BBC Children in Need.

In a borough with rapid population growth and the local authority in £1bn of debt, this early years provision would otherwise be scarce.

The population of Barking and Dagenham has gone up by 33,000 in the last decade, a rise of 17.7% - far exceeding the increase in London generally, at 7.7%, according to Office for National Statistics figures.

One in four are children, the highest proportion of all local authorities in England and Wales.

Dana Benes started his singing sessions as a parent, so has first-hand experience of the challenges faced by this diverse borough. He was a refugee.

"I'm from Iraq and I came here in 1990 and I felt that Barking and Dagenham supported me. I still feel like a guest, you know?

"I want to give back as much as I can to the community which has supported me - and I'm sure most people are similar to how I feel."

In Barking and Dagenham, children aged up to 15 make up 26% of the population

Dana has watched more housing built in the borough - but few facilities provided for families.

The cost of living crisis puts a trip to the local soft play centre beyond most people's budgets.

"It's one of the most deprived boroughs in the country," he says.

"We have the highest population of 0-4 year olds. So it's come down to community groups like ourselves to basically provide all the facilities for the families."

What began as a way to give back, is now a response to great need.

The Tots n Tunes WhatsApp group set up six months ago already has 1,000 members.

Along with the singing, they offer free stay and play sessions, conduct profiles on children who may need extra help from the council's Family Hubs - and there is a weekly group for dads.

Tots n Tunes relies on charitable donations to fund staff running its playgroups

Barking and Dagenham's budget consultation last year warned of severe financial challenges, stating that it receives 40% of what it did a decade ago due to cuts.

Just 17% of its funding comes from the council tax paid by residents, it says, so the council is reliant on central government.

Playgroups are some of the provisions at risk, as it tries to make savings.

But at what cost to future generations?

The charitable foundation Trust for London states that 12% of adults in Barking and Dagenham had no recognised qualifications in 2021, worst performing of all the London boroughs.

Almost 24% of residents were estimated to be earning below the living wage in 2024.

Dana says the impact of community initiatives such as Tots n Tunes cannot be understated for aiding child development, strengthening family bonds and improving social cohesion.

The children and parents gather around a big colourful parachute, a cuddly bunny bounced on top, to squeals of delight.

Karen Quaye, one of the volunteers says that Tots n Tunes has "actually grown other little groups".

In a young borough with so much potential, she says it's "done a world of good".

This year's Children in Need appeal show will be on BBC One on the evening of Friday, 14 November and will be presented by Paddy McGuinness and Vernon Kay.