A nastier or caring Britain?
By Maria Peters, 19, associate, Burning2Learn
Addressing critical needs in inner cities against the backdrop of severe budget cuts for community services was the main focus of a meeting of Initiatives of Change UK’s Sustainable Communities programme steering group, in Manchester from 20 to 21 May.
Some 30 community activists and leaders, education specialists, social entrepreneurs deliberated on practical action to tackle human trafficking, create innovative programmes to motivate young people and get them into employment, build peace at home, through honest dialogue between the young and the old, establish a music for cities project, supported by top rock bands, and draw up a manifesto on positive community action for decision makers.
The meeting was held in Wythenshawe, Manchester, one of the most deprived communities in the UK.
The Sustainable Communities Programme, a value-based national and international programme, was established to mobilise urban and rural communities to take positive action to tackle critical issues.
The agenda began with an evening visit to Wythenshawe’s own Copperdale Trust, situated in what was once Benchill Police Station, it has been 'transformed' over the years into a family home for up to ten young single men at a time, who need the space to recoup and make a fresh start or new beginning. Whilst staying in Copperdale, they can brush up on life skills and become independent. Winners of the 2012 Pride of Britain Award, Ann and Terry Panks have devoted over three decades of their lives to helping over 1000 young men. ‘Bricks for building are always provided – it may not always be in the way you expect, but faith always provides for us,’ said Ann.
During the evening, we were joined by Carlotta Goulden-Allum, founder of Stretch: ‘I grew up in Manchester and ran a bit wild as a young person. I ended up serving a custodial sentence in an LA prison for drug trafficking. This has inspired a lifelong interest in the welfare of prisoners. I trained to be a teacher and a museum educator, but found it hard to progress with my criminal record.
‘Ten years ago, I started Stretch as a way to bring together my interest in learning through creativity and the welfare of vulnerable groups. Stretch facilitates projects with marginalised communities hoping to re-engage them with society through culture and creative attention.
‘We are currently delivering a digital story telling project in prisons nationwide, where the prisoners use museum objects and their own personal keepsakes as starting points for powerful stories. These films are a really authentic insight into the minds of the prisoners and an exciting chance to hear the true voice of the oppressed.’
The following day began with a tour of the United Estates of Wythenshawe complex with Greg Davis. It was incredible to walk through a building that was filled with so many stories of success. They have created a platform for a variety of opportunities under one roof; including health, fitness, music, dance, therapy and technology, a meeting room and a little chapel next to it.
Our meeting kicked off with a presentation from Greg, John Macaulay, CEO, The Alchemy Agency and Vikas Shah, Founder, Thought Strategy. They talked us through the success of the Music for Cities initiative. Last November, they organised an event at the Manchester Cathedral, where top rock bands provided an evening of fine entertainment for music lovers to enjoy, which raised money for projects to benefit young people in disadvantaged communities in the city. The event, attended by over 1,400, was a sell-out. A similar event is planned for later this year.
The next segment of the meeting welcomed Esther Davison to the floor; who shared the challenges of eliminating human trafficking in her community at Oxford. As a child, Esther was inspired by the story of William Wilberforce; who worked for over 20 years to see slave trade abolished. Displaying faith in action, Esther said that OXCAT is a community group, representing various churches in the area, working together to the fight against modern-day slavery. She said: ‘The reality is that slavery is back in the 21st Century. Women, men and children are still bought and sold like chattels. Even in Oxford, the city of dreaming spires, you can order a girl for sex just like you can order a pizza, dropped at your door – no questions asked. And that girl may have been trafficked.’
Davidson described how OXCAT has been able to support the work of Thames Valley Police, who have now successfully prosecuted two local cases of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Lunch provided an opportunity to break away and reflect on what we had learned in the morning. When the group reconvened, there couldn’t have been a better transition into afternoon sessions; Copperdale resident Phil, read out an appeal he had written overnight, called Give Phil a Break. He spoke with honest and courageous feeling.
Ian Monteague, head of FARE – Family Action in Rogerfield and Easterhouse, talked about the work of his organisation. FARE is a grassroots charity, established by local people to improve people’s aspirations, enhance their standards of living, and tackle territorialism and violence. He said: ‘Knowing something doesn’t change it. You have to be deeply committed to change. When you start making waves, people come to you.’ Ian proposed the creation of a Community Manifesto, which would present the positive impact of community initiatives to tackle issues facing inner city communities.
Alan Dean, Maria Peters and Benjamin Viney, all from Burning2Learn shared their new initiative “Raising a thousand smiles” which aims to enhance career opportunities for young people within their communities.
The final presentation of the day was given by Amina Khalid, on “Peace Begins at Home”. Amina’s life experiences have encouraged her to develop ways of bridging the gap between generations. She is a trustee of the Somali Initiative for Dialogue and Democracy (SIDD). She believes that many parents and children are disconnected and strives to provide a platform for “inter-generational dialogue”. After successfully piloting the project with the Somali diaspora, two inter-generational workshops are being planned in Hackney and Haringey for representatives from all communities.
Commenting on the meeting, Don de Silva, Head of Programme Administration at IofC UK, said: ‘The voluntary sector was set to lose around £4.5bn because of the government's austerity measures. Many think that this would lead to a meaner and nastier and unequal Britain. Despite this situation, what we have seen at Manchester is a more caring atmosphere with many, who refuse to go under, sustaining their commitment and resolute in making a difference.’
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