Beaming young faces gaze up at Dana Benes as he makes his way around the room, singing a cheerful greeting to kick off the weekly All Around the World sessions at the Barking Learning Centre in East London.

For an hour filled with energy, around 25 families join in to sing classic English nursery rhymes, a selection from various other countries, and, of course, Baby Shark.

Hosted by Tots n Tunes, one of several similar programs in the borough, the session receives support from Barking and Dagenham Council but primarily depends on charitable contributions, like those from BBC Children in Need.

In a rapidly growing borough facing a staggering £1 billion in debt, such early years programs are becoming increasingly necessary.

Over the past decade, Barking and Dagenham’s population has surged by 33,000, an increase of 17.7%—far surpassing London’s overall rise of 7.7%, according to data from the Office for National Statistics.

A quarter of the population consists of children, marking the highest proportion of any local authority in England and Wales.

Dana Benes initiated these singing sessions as a parent, bringing a personal understanding of the unique challenges within this diverse community, having once been a refugee.

“I emigrated from Iraq in 1990, and Barking and Dagenham welcomed me with open arms. I still feel like a guest here, you know?” he shares.

“My aim is to give back as much as possible to the community that has supported me, which I’m sure resonates with many others as well.”

He has observed an increase in housing developments in the borough but noted a lack of facilities for families.

With the ongoing cost of living crisis, many families find trips to local soft play areas financially unfeasible.

“It’s among the most deprived boroughs in the country,” he states.

“Considering we have the highest concentration of children aged 0-4, it has largely fallen on community groups like ours to provide essential facilities for these families.”

What started as a way for Dana to contribute has transformed into a response to pressing needs.

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

In addition to singing, they provide free stay-and-play sessions, conduct assessments for children who might require additional assistance from the council’s Family Hubs, and host a weekly gathering specifically for dads.

Last year, Barking and Dagenham’s budget consultation highlighted significant financial hurdles, revealing that the council receives just 40% of the funding it did a decade ago due to budget cuts.

Only 17% of its finances come from local council tax, making the council heavily dependent on central government support.

Playgroups are among the services currently at risk as the council seeks to make budgetary reductions.

But what future implications might this have for the next generation?

According to the charitable organization Trust for London, 12% of adults in Barking and Dagenham held no recognized qualifications in 2021, the lowest of all London boroughs.

By 2024, nearly 24% of residents were projected to earn below the living wage.

Dana emphasizes the crucial role community initiatives like Tots n Tunes play in fostering child development, reinforcing family connections, and enhancing social unity.

Parents and children gather around a vibrant, colorful parachute, with a cuddly bunny bouncing in the middle, echoing with joyful squeals.

Volunteer Karen Quaye notes that Tots n Tunes has “actually inspired the creation of other small groups.”

In a youthful borough brimming with potential, she believes it has “made a tremendous difference.”

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