Plight of homeless Ian Beale highlighted during EastEnders shoot on Barnet estate

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities

Residents living on Barnet’s largest estate came face to face with stars of the popular BBC soap EastEnders when filming took place at a centre managed by new adult social care company Your Choice Barnet.

Simon Meredith, manager of Barnet Independent Living Service (BILS), met Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, and Jake Wood, who plays Max Branning, during the shoot which focused on the homelessness of well-known Walford character Ian Beale, played by Adam Woodyatt, and involved a cast of extras playing other people sleeping rough.

In return for the use of the centre in The Concourse, producers of the show agreed to fund a trip for disabled service users of Your Choice Barnet to the Tate Modern gallery.

Simon Meredith said: “It was a fantastic experience to have EastEnders film at BILS. The actors were great, taking the time to talk to me and residents on the estate and sign autographs.

“I’m very pleased that in return we were able to fund a trip to the Tate Modern for our service users. Some of them are studying photography so this was a real educational experience for them.”

Your Choice Barnet was launched in February 2012 and manages six schemes for adults with learning and physical disabilities previously provided by Barnet Council. It is part of a local authority trading company, The Barnet Group, which also includes social landlord Barnet Homes.

Chief Executive of The Barnet Group, Tracey Lees, said: “This was a fantastic day for all involved. Your Choice Barnet service users enjoyed a fun and educational trip into London and Barnet Homes residents got to see some of their favourite TV stars.

“We work regularly with film and production companies in return for community benefits, and hopefully we will be able to welcome EastEnders back to the borough again at a future date.”