Amelie Tan

Why does working in Barking and Dagenham interest you?

As a new resident of Barking and Dagenham, I am interested to do my part towards improving the borough’s physical spaces, building a strong community and helping to fill gaps where they’re most needed, so that everyone who lives here can feel a sense of belonging and be proud to call BD home. As an extroverted empath, I am looking forward to having many conversations with community members to understand their needs, hopes and dreams of what a better life means to them and apply learnings into my work. 

What are your ambitions for the borough?

When I told friends and colleagues that I’d bought an apartment in Barking & Dagenham to live here for the foreseeable future, people had their doubts because of the reputation and history of being a deprived area that precedes this borough. I look forward to witnessing a day in the foreseeable future when people express *envy* when I tell them where I live, when the borough can be a case study of how to create a thriving community that prioritizes the well being of people and environment while improving the standard of living.

What role does the community have in realising that ambition?

“Give the people what they want” – a place is only a home when people feel a sense of safety and belonging, have access to public services and amenities, as well as opportunities and spaces to create, connect, and make a living available to them. Participation from and collaboration with the community to understand the best ways to address concerns and needs is how we can help to establish a borough that reflects the diversity, resilience and potential of its people.