WORKING WITH LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND FAITH GROUPS Asha-Kin Duale Community Partnership Advisor Voluntary Action Camden Dec. 07 C S C S C B CAMDEN SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN BOARD

My approach to community engagement: My background: My background: Work experience Work experience Gender Gender BME factor BME factor Religion Religion Understanding refugee issues Understanding refugee issues

Where are you based Voluntary sector versus statutory Voluntary sector versus statutory Access to community links Access to community links Access to information Access to information Winning resources Winning resources The issue of trust The issue of trust

Direction Steering Group: Steering Group: Composition Composition Support Support Facilitating access Facilitating access Learning Learning Community and faith Forums Community and faith Forums

A QUESTION OF TRUST Full commitment versus lip service Full commitment versus lip service Capacity building Capacity building Outreach – hard to reach? Outreach – hard to reach? Community involvement in forums Community involvement in forums

True partnership Equal footing – ownership and priorities Equal footing – ownership and priorities Inclusiveness Inclusiveness Access to information Access to information

Thinking differently 1. Your priority is not always shared. Listen! 2. Develop a true partnership by negotiating 3. Gain trust on conflicting issues 4. Allow ownership 5. Be inclusive 6. Lasting support 7. Follow up changes 8. Be appropriately dressed and respectful!

What would you like to be mindful when engaging with BME communities and faith groups on child safeguarding We too have a lot to contribute (Ibrahim, Somali Youth Resource Centre)We too have a lot to contribute (Ibrahim, Somali Youth Resource Centre) To my knowledge culture which harm children is not a good culture but policies should value certain aspects of a good culture (Pastor, Congolese Church) To my knowledge culture which harm children is not a good culture but policies should value certain aspects of a good culture (Pastor, Congolese Church) Some aspects of the safeguarding and social care are difficult to grasp and still there is lack of understanding how the system works (Asian voluntary organisation)Some aspects of the safeguarding and social care are difficult to grasp and still there is lack of understanding how the system works (Asian voluntary organisation)