Minutes

Willesden Brent Connects Meeting

Minutes and Action Log

1

Community Soap Box-Chaired by Councillor S Choudry

Councillor Choudry introduced the Soap Box section of the meeting, setting out the ground rules and time allocated for each speaker.

·        A resident opened the meeting by talking about the Willesden Green Residents Association, giving a brief overview of what they do and their general mission. The website www.willesdengreenra.org was shared with the audience, and volunteers were welcomed to get in touch. 

·        A resident from SAY (Sterling Academy Youth) gave a brief overview of their project and the work that they were doing in Willesden and across Brent. The audience were advised that further information on their work could be found at www.sterlingacademyyouth.com

·        A representative from the organisation Hilltop Circle gave an overview of the work they are doing in the community, with a particular focus on their sports programme. The audience were advised that further information could be found at www.hilltopcircle.co.uk

·        A representative from the Central Mosque of Brent provided the audience with information on their new girls football programme, in partnership with the Football Association. It was updated that this scheme was due to start in April, and more information could be found at www.centralmosqueofbrent.com

·        A Brent Council Officer informed the meeting of support available for foster carers in Brent.  It was updated that the team were looking to support local people o become foster carers, through a range of support and training. Details shared: https://www.brent.gov.uk/children-young-people-and-families/fostering-and-adoption/fostering, Tel: 0800 001 4041

2

Youth Services and Youth Participation

Samira-Caterina Monteleone (Youth Services Transformation Lead) and Aliya Jama (National Management Trainee) presented an overview of Brent’s Family Wellbeing Centres, outlining services which could be accessed for family, children, and young people. An overview of the work of Brent Youth Parliament was also given, as well as the council’s work alongside the Young Brent Foundation. Within the presentation, Chris Murray (Chief Executive, Young Brent Foundation) explained the model that the organisation worked to, including through relationships with the John Lyons Trust and Brent Council. Through these partnerships, the Young Brent Foundation supported youth projects and organisations in Brent through networks, funding and practice. It was also updated that the Foundation was looking to develop a youth exchange programme and was currently accepting applications from young people to take part in a volunteering scheme in Jamaica. 

The audience were directed to the below links to find further information on the work of the Young Brent Foundation:

www.brentyouthzone.org.uk

www.youngbrentfoundation.org

info@youngbrentfoundation.org.uk  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.