Community Truths // Event Summary
Speak your truth on violence in the community. Exhale, express & help guide what we do next.
EVENT SUMMARY
Hosted at Longfield Hall, the Ecosystem Coldharbour community came together to discuss common barriers to reducing violence. The group discussions and feedback is summarised below, and will form the basis of a new shared strategy driven by the community.
WHAT ARE THE COMMON BARRIERS TO REDUCING VIOLENCE ?
People tend to be reactionary (we complain when it happens but aren’t being proactive)
Connecting with Young Black Males is challenging
Young people feel that they don’t get opportunities. Public sector contracts usually not accessible, alongside opportunities only reaching a small segment of young people
Communication between groups, ages, genders, intergenerational is not currently effective
Efforts can sometimes feel wasted, time strapped with unrealistic expectations
Resources need to allow for experimentation, mistakes, growth, & development. Settings that are too rigid and with limited resource stifle creativity and innovation
It’s difficult to get people out of their comfort zones. Working with partners/individuals that we are not accustomed to or that we don’t necessarily enjoy working with. A results focus is needed
People and organisations need permission to make mistakes and try different things
How are we teaching young people critical skills? How can we show them in more active settings?
The topic is overwhelming. There is a lot of pain involved which makes it difficult to stay connected to it all the time for personal health. It’s also difficult for people who are not engaged in the work to connect with it. It’s not an easy topic to get involved in if you’re on the outside
What are the practical alternatives to gang life that offers attractive experiences and skills development opportunity
Question: Will there be counsellors and other supporting staff to help people as they embark on this journey?
Answer: Yes. We have made plans for well-being training programmes, individual support resources both for our team and for the community.
IF YOU HAD A £20,000 BUDGET TO REDUCE VIOLENCE, WHAT IDEAS WOULD YOU ACTION?
TEAM SADIKI
Make pathways from A to B. Supporting how students get to their career of choice or explore careers of interest.
Mentors and Role Models. Digital Assets that can be accessed in a self-led manner
Seed Commissioning. Giving young people funding to come up with their ideas
Targeting Schools
Targeting other places where we will find young people (i.e. Reprezent)
Creating incentives for YP getting involved
TEAM MILLION
Education/Support for Excluded young people - Job Prospects, Diversion, Awareness, Reward and Achievement
Paid incentives, WEX and youth mentoring - Guidance (as above), keep occupied, guided and heard
Parenting Training & Support - Peer support and better guidance for young people
TEAM WALLEE & TAFARI
Delivering Intervention Programmes to support developing personal resilience (particular peer pressure, drugs, and grooming)
Map a thorough understanding of local/existing/potential capabilities and resources
Events targeted in particular, to young males. Bring them together to express feelings, solutions, and ideas in workshops
Safe and Joyful events that can attract everyone (has cross-appeal) to increase connectivity across areas.
Create an accessible map of services
Thank you to everyone who joined us.
SAVE THE DATE: WEDNESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER
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