Services & Advice
Bexley Council for Equality and Diversity provides advice, guidance, training and support on a range of issues including equality, welfare benefits, mental health and also those issues affecting other sections of our community.
We provide an effective legal advice, help, assistance and support services under the equality enactments, to people who have suffered discrimination and/ or harassment.
We provide advice to the Bexley Council, Bexley Police, Bexley PCT and other partners on issues related to:
Equalities and Human Rights;
Equality Scheme;
Equality ImpactAssessment;
Community Engagement, Consultation and Cohesion etc.
We also have in place Referral Arrangements with Law Centres and Private Solicitors.
As we are a part of the Bexley Hate Crime Panel (a multi-agency panel of experts from relevant agencies who receive referrals and ensures actions to address hate crime are robust, proportionate and coordinated by pooling their expertise in providing a comprehensive, effective and efficient service), hate crimes can also be reported through us and may be referred to the panel as well. Also see Incident Overview.
We also provide Social Services and Welfare Benefits Advice, help and support Service to people who suffer discrimination or face barriers due to lack of information, awareness, knowledge, confidence, language fluency in learning about their rights and obtaining their legitimate entitlements.
We provide a luncheon club every Wednesday and Friday to Chinese and Vietnamese Elders, and provide advice, help and support service on Social Services and Welfare Benefits Advice to people of Chinese and Vietnamese origin. Our Mental Health link work is another service provided by us to people of Chinese and Vietnamese origin who suffer or are affected by mental health problems. These are done from our Chinese/Vietnamese centre located at our sub-office in Maran way, Thamesmead.
Welfare Benefits and Advice – we give advice and support to individuals on a range of welfare benefits such as; disability living allowance, pension credit, council tax, carer’s allowance, bereavement allowance, income support, incapacity benefits and much more. Advice is also given on Social Service Benefits such as; freedom pass, blue badge, taxi card, bath aids, disabled parking and much more.
Bexley Third Party Reporting Scheme – you can report a crime at the BCRE and remain anonymous if you wish, all the information will be treated confidentially. This means you do not have to speak directly to the police if you do not want to, your case can be reported through BCRE.
Mental Health Linkworker – we give advice and support on mental health issues to the Chinese and Vietnamese communities in the Bexley Borough. For more information contact our Link Worker Mr. Ngoc Lan Ly on 0208 312 0559
Vietnam Project – works to promote well-being and good health, to reduce poverty and to encourage integration and community development. The project provides information, advice and practical assistance on welfare, housing, council tax, health and social activities in the borough. (see further information on Vietnam Project)
Centre for Chinese and Vietnamese Elders – People of Chinese and Vietnamese origin meet on Wednesday and Friday between 10.00am – 4.00pm. This project intends to improve the health and reduce isolation and depression of the elders in the community. These sessions enable people to socialize and access information as well as participate in various activities and outings.The Centre is located at Limestone Community Hall, Limestone Walk, Erith, Kent DA18 4BW
Belvedere Asian Women’s Group – Asian women meet every Thursday from 10.30am – 1.15pm at Belvedere Community Centre. It provides women with the opportunity to come together to socialize, access information and seek advice on a range of issues. For more information, contact Mrs. Jasminder Sidhu on 01322 340316 or 0208 311 5550
