1. Neighbourhood Engagement Project Luisa Ares

2. Neighbourhood Engagement Project Interviews with Lewisham VCOs re: local assemblies Consultations with Lewisham ethnic minority groups Supporting VCOs engagement and collaboration for local assemblies 1 of 4 Collaboration champions in London

3. VAL engagement work with ethnic minority groups Main ethnic minority groups in Lewisham Consultations with members/users Adults Young people Interviews with community leaders/ workers

4. Barriers to engagement (1) Social cohesion Identity and vulnerability Islamophobia and hate crime Cultural and religious differences Hostile media coverage

5. Issues related to being a refugee settlement issues and long term unemployment (above average) lack of understanding of UK and local structures e.g. Steve Bullock, who is he? What do councillors do? isolation language Restrictive policy environment e.g. complex eligibility requirements to access services, English courses, etc. Barriers to engagement (2)

6. VAL engagement work Muslim women’s groups in Bellingham, a case study Engagement needs assessment and support with local assemblies & Mayor’s Fund: Interviews with community workers Consultation with users Support with service development for young muslim girls and boys (14-19) 1-2-1 additional support with Mayor’s Fund application and presentation skills practice Sensitising groups to collaboration benefits

7. Outcomes Skills development Asserting presence in community Raised awareness of muslim community in Bellingham Issues raised about these single equality groups appearing to segregationist Developing relationship with local assemblies coordinator But Groups did not attend

8. Challenges Voting ‘un-islamic’ Lack of support from husbands & men Childcare issues – competing pressures Isolation and lack of confidence Women should not be in mixed public spaces Assembly setting appears formal and unwelcoming A wish to be considered part of the community, but feel they are not Risk of facing negative reaction from wider community

9. Neighbourhood Engagement Project proposals A social cohesion strategy and partnership approach for ethnic minority communities across LBL & other partners Equalities approach for all engagement activities ‘Not all start from same platform’ Cohesive programme ‘building bridges’ integral part of engagement activities Specialist support and development for LBL staff working in super diversity

10. Neighbourhood Engagement Project 2010-2011 Ongoing engagement support of Lewisham VCOs and ethnic minority groups Ethnic minority network of engagement Training for LBL, other statutory partners and VCOs staff to improve engagement and mutual understanding Developing an accredited leadership skills training for ethnic minority women and young people

11. Thank you