Agenda item

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

Following the presentation, the audience were invited to ask questions and provide feedback, which is captured below:

·        Regarding accessibility, it was raised that Brent youth services could look into Portuguese translation, to increase access to support in the Brazilian community.

·        Responding to a resident query on the exchange programme, it was updated that this was in its early stages and would hopefully develop into a fully-fledged exchange programme for young people.

·        Regarding provision for children with a disability, it was confirmed that the Willow Family Wellbeing Centre provided specialist services for young people with Special Educational Needs. Whilst there were no travel arrangements to the centre, it was confirmed that it was well served by public transport.

Actions

·        Community Engagement Team to share slides of the presentation to the audience

·        Community Engagement Team to pass details of the resident’s enquiry regarding the Willow to the Youth Transformation Lead.

3

Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre (BHCAC)

The meeting received a presentation from Sadida Trozic, a representative of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Community Advice Centre. She gave some background to the organisation, explaining that they had operated in Willesden Green since 1997. Currently, the organisation were focusing on person centred advocacy, which alongside Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) funding had supported disadvantaged community groups in Brent.

Following the presentation the audience were invited to ask questions and provide feedback, which is captured below:

Questions raised regarding presentation

·        The Young Brent Foundation asked what youth provision was available at the Centre; it was explained that currently there was a small youth population, though in future they would like to develop links with young people.

Actions

·        Community Engagement team to pass details of BHCAC to the Young Brent Foundation and to share slides of the presentation with the audience.

4

Brent Mencap

The meeting received a presentation from Ann O’Neil (Executive Director, Brent Mencap) who gave an overview of the Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) grant Mencap was awarded by the council and the outcomes they achieved from it. This was primarily focused on renovation of the building, and it was highlighted that the funding allowed them to access other avenues of funding, as well as the new building providing benefits to service users.  

Following the presentation, the audience were invited to ask questions and provide feedback, which is captured below:

·        It was confirmed that the room hire capacity was suitable for 30-35 people

Actions

·        Community Engagement Team to share slides of presentation to participants

5

Neighbourhood Priorities-Veronica Christopher

Veronica Christopher (Community Engagement and Social Infrastructure Manager) opened the item with an interactive Menti exercise discussing the shaping of the council’s neighbourhood priorities in Willesden.

During the session, the audience voted on the priorities within Brent’s borough plan which resonated the most with them. The priorities and feedback are captured below:

·        Priority and Stability

·        A Cleaner, Greener Future

·        Thriving Communities

·        The Best Start in Life

·        Healthier Brent 

Members in the audience felt that a Climate-Friendly sustainable borough, enabling communities, raised aspirations, achievements, and attainment were the most relevant to Willesden.

A member of the audience highlighted that to achieve a greener borough, investment in cycling infrastructure and active travel was needed. It was also raised that more references to childcare could be included in the ‘Best Start in Life’ section.

Regarding thriving communities, an audience member noted a key aspect of this theme was ensuring close work with faith groups across Brent.

Action

·        Community Engagement to share feedback with the Policy Team

6

Community Well Being Project

TJ Agard (Service Manager, Brent Hubs) gave a presentation detailing a joint initiative from Brent Hubs and Sufra food bank. The project was taking place at Bridge Park Leisure Centre and was currently running on Mondays and Tuesdays. It was updated that the venue was providing a community shop and kitchen, where members could get a hot drink, snack, dinner as well as reduced goods. This was through a £3.50 a week membership and was aimed at providing assistance to residents who had been affected by the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis.  

Following the presentation, the audience were invited to ask questions and provide feedback, which are captured below:

·        It was highlighted that in addition to the £3.50 per week fee, travel costs may need to be added on top.

·        It was stressed that the project was currently a pilot and based on take up of the offer it may be rolled out in other areas in Brent.

Action

·        Community Engagement Team to share slides of presentation to participants