Business Connectors Connecting your business with the community in Islington February 2012

Business Connectors is a national pilot to connect businesses with deprived communities A national pilot programme led by Business in the Community (BITC) A high-profile, flagship programme, with keen interest from political and business leaders Business Connectors aims to tackle poverty and deprivation by creating sustainable local partnerships between businesses and community groups. The pilot is focussed on areas of particular deprivation and need

Our pilot area is a deprived area of Islington called Canonbury Islington is a borough of social extremes – where the richest and poorest of Londoners exist side by side Poverty in Islington has a devastating impact on people’s lives People living in poverty there face entrenched problems: – Debt and lack of financial control – Social isolation – Lack of jobs and opportunity – Ill mental and physical health Headline facts about Canonbury: 1 in 5 households has an income of under £15K a year 52% of primary pupils are eligible for free school meals Only 40% of pupils achieve 5 A- C grades (average is 55%) Poor people live shorter lives than the richest by up to 6 years

We have been out on the streets talking to local residents about the issues they face “Too much mess, vandalism and smashing things, destructive kids.” “The problem is the kids today, they’re always hanging around, there doesn’t seem to be anything for them to do.” “There are drug addicts, hanging about the streets, there is one living in our block and people coming and going at all hours.” “You have to look over your shoulder a lot, gangs on bikes are a nuisance, it’s not safe.” “Not enough community events and activities, especially if you don’t go to church.” “We need part time jobs for college students. Local young people should be employed. Young people at college like my daughter can’t find job.”

We are working with community groups who are experts at engaging the people in greatest need Young people: Working with young people and their families to develop trust, positive activities, skills and aspirations St Mary’s Community Partnership Urban Hope Islington Boat Club Older people: Supporting older people who are isolated Age UK New River Baptist Church Ethnic minorities: Empowering ethnic minorities to engage in employment and enterprise Back to Basics Islington Bangladeshi Association Women and families: Supporting women and families who are vulnerable or disadvantaged The Maya Centre Minik Kardes New River Children’s Centre Residents on the estates: Overcoming debt, engaging with training and work, becoming active citizens and good neighbours, getting involved in environmental initiatives Help on Your Doorstep Circle Anglia

…but the community needs the support and skills of businesses to tackle deprivation Some ideas that have emerged from our community consultation so far are: SHARED SKILLS BANK: Donated business expertise for the community groups to access when needed, e.g. publicity and marketing, legal, business planning, IT systems GETTING CANONBURY WORKING: Firm commitments to helping people into work and enterprise, e.g. mentoring, work placements, paid employment for local people PEOPLE PLEDGES: Dedicated volunteers who can offer sustained support for key projects or organisations, e.g. reading help for schools, befriending the elderly and vulnerable, sustained admin and coordination support

What could your business do? We would like to find out more about how you would want to get involved in meeting the needs of this community… What would you want to gain from the partnership with the community? What would motivate your staff to get involved? What expertise and knowledge do you have that you could contribute?

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