The role of social landlords in tackling conflict and promoting cohesion Tony Lightfoot Boston Mayflower Ltd.

The role of social landlords in tackling conflict and promoting cohesion

Tony LightfootBoston 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 18-45 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.