Makeda Weaver Project
A presentation will be given.
Minutes:
Following the presentation the Board put questions to Mr Que and discussed how it may be able to work further with the Makeda Weaver project.
It was noted that there was a sub group of the Safer Communities Executive Board (SCEB) that focused on addressing gang crime and that establishing links between this and the MW project may be useful to both parties. In addition the Council’s Community Safety Team had helped form a new charity to reduce re-offending that would also be well placed to work with the MW project.
There was agreement that officers from the Community Safety, Adult Safeguarding and Strategic Housing Teams should meet to discuss how the Council could work with the MW project.
In response to a query, as to how Housing Associations could assist the project, the Board was advised that establishing a ‘floating’ supply of housing units across London was one of the projects goals. It was critical to ensure that ex gang members were not tempted back into their former gangs and part of the projects approach people were placed in areas away from their previous homes. Establishing a floating stock of housing would provide the flexibility to place clients quickly and in an area that was appropriate.
The Board was advised the project provided training for staff from partner organisations such as the Council and RSLs and that this may be an area that could be developed in partnership.
It was confirmed that the project had worked with the St Giles Trust to re home clients on the Witness Protection Programme. The project also worked with the families of gang members and it was noted that family members were often as at risk from intimidation and reprisals as former gang members themselves.
The Board was advised that the North London Housing Forum had discussed the ‘Safe and Secure’ project and concern had been expressed that Local Authorities had not been consulted with respect to this. There had been a general consensus that there ought to be provision within this for Council’s to exchange properties for this type of purpose.
The Board agreed that input from the MW project would also be helpful in shaping the Safe and Secure project and that the Director of Assistant Director of Strategic and Community Housing should raise the issue of establishing a protocol between Housing Associations and Councils at the next meeting of the North London Housing Forum.
RESOLVED: