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.