The role of social landlords in tackling conflict and promoting cohesion Tony Lightfoot Boston Mayflower Ltd
Profile - Boston 21-25% of CAB enquiries non-UK Portuguese (25%), Polish (19%), Latvian (9%), Lithuanian (6%), Brazilian (2%), Other (30 different nationalities)(31%) Mainly yrs and single, although increasing Nos of young families Arrived to work in agriculture – planting, picking & packing vegetables
Challenges Hostility & intolerance among residents Press Disturbances – 24 June 2004 – England vs Portugal – Euro Champs ¼ Final Assaults Funding for service organisations
Responses Multi-agency collaboration:- –Community Safety & “True Vision” –Integration Lincolnshire. –LSP (Boston Area Partnership) –Boston & South Holland study. –Lincolnshire Community Foundation (Catalyst and Worlds Together funds).
Outcomes Strong ASB Consortium Interpretation & Translation Social Enterprise County wide focus on Community Cohesion High satisfaction levels for BME tenants BNP & UKIP bottom of every election poll
Learning Points & Future Plans Collaboration is essential. Front line commitment to diversity – first priority. Awareness raising can reveal funding sources. Prioritise – ESOL, bank accounts, translations, schools support.