Over 50 residents, funded grassroot organisations and young people attended the Home Cooked Community Forum on Tuesday 2 May. The theme for the night was employment and economic opportunities led by John Egbo, Director of North London Partnership Consortium. 

To kick off the evening Richard, the Employment Advisor at NLPC delivered an informative presentation about the pathways to economic opportunity, life skills and employment readiness. NLPC have trained a number of young people to get into railway engineering as track operatives on the London Underground, which leads to a conditional employment offer. NLPC support young people to undertake research that will inform economic/employment programmes. 

 

Richard, Employment Advisor at NLPC 

 

Community leaders in the Tottenham Hale ward 

The evening was also an opportunity for the community to hear from some innovative grassroot projects. Sev Necati, founder of Sev Necati Training spoke about how her programme has provided a safe space for women and girls in the Tottenham Hale ward. Sev runs a six-week personal safety course where women can learn self-defence and confidence building. 

 

Sev Necati, founder of Sev Necati Training 

Hesketh Benoit, founder and coach of Haringey Basketball 4 All provides a free after-school basketball club for young people aged 12 to 30. An opportunity for young people to keep them fit and active as well as confidence building. HBA have employed Sheik, a young person who has become an Apprentice Assistant Coach to the young players and has received a coaching qualification. This has given Sheik the opportunity to help other people like him who were just beginning their coaching career in sports.  

 

Hesketh Benoit, founder and coach of Haringey Basketball 4 All 

 

Sheik, Assistant Apprentice Coach at Haringey Basketball 4 All 

Rozie Skinner, Operations Director at A Fairer Chance spoke about her programme ‘Project Hale Works’, an employment programme for Tottenham Hale residents. AFC provide ex-offenders and those at risk of offending, many from marginalised backgrounds, with support to find employment. Whilst also helping shape and change perceptions of people with convictions.  

 

Rozie Skinner, Operations Director at A Fairer Chance 

Sheryl Yeboah, Communications and Engagement Officer at Bridge announced the exciting news about the third round of the Home Cooked Community Fund. There is £60,000 to distribute in grants of up to £10,000. Home Cooked is also looking to recruit local residents to join the Grant panel, see below for more information. 

To conclude the evening, Black Arts Production Theatre performed ‘Making Music’. A short play written, directed and acted by a group of young people which reflected the everyday joys and struggles young and older people face in life. Click here to see a recap of the evening.

 

Andrew Reid, Producer and Head of Marketing, Zahani, Director of ‘Making Music’ at BAP 

 

Richard Reid, Artistic Director from BAP, Michael M, Michael S and Carman young actors on the night  

The event opened a conversation about community engagement/participation, and how young people have benefited from programmes like these and encourage others to get involved.  

 

The community applauding BAP 

The Home Cooked Team will continue to involve the community to build and create a stronger, safer and more inclusive Tottenham Hale.  

If you would like to find more information about the Home Cooked Community Fund, Grant panel and future community forums, please visit www.bridgerenewaltrust.org.uk or email [email protected].