Transforming Lives in Chalkhill: Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing

Collaborating through a unique consortium led by the Young Brent Foundation (YBF), local young people and the housing associations Hyde and Peabody, One Flow One Brent (OFOB) programme is driving positive change in the Chalkhill estate.

“Brent is a priority Borough for MTVH and during the pandemic, it was crucial to keep listening to the voices of young people from Chalkhill Estate,” says Sarah Willis, the Head of Strategic Partnerships and National Delivery at MTVH.

The housing association, which is one of the largest in the United Kingdom, set up a young people's group called 'Chalkhill Forever', as led by young people for young people on the estate. This work with young people was done in partnership with the Young Brent Foundation, and one of the founding members of Chalkhill Forever was Jean-Marc Okende, an MTVH resident. Jean-Marc was part of the creation of OFOB and now works as the Inclusion & Outreach Lead at YBF.

MTVH’s particular focus is on Chalkhill due to the multitude of challenges that the estate faces, including high unemployment rates, children and young people on free school meals, and a lack of opportunities. Among other significant challenges are loss of access to spaces and places that were once accessible to young people, and a rise in violence both inside and outside of the residents' homes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are taking a holistic approach to tackling violence. It is not just about working with young people; it is about their families, the wider community, and the organisations that they are part of like schools,” Sarah mentions. “The reason the OFOB project is working well is because it has young people and communities at the heart and is building stronger networks that can influence decision-making. We are a resident-led organisation and want to amplify the voices of young people and include them in housing future planning and design,” she adds.

Driving positive community changes in Chalkhill

Since the consortium began activities, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing has recorded significant changes in several areas, improving hyperlocal working and facilitating multi-agency meetings and projects. OFOB is now a part of the local system, encouraging people to get to know each other better. The programme brings residents together to collectively understand any challenges they may be facing, the support that is available to them, and the ways of working together effectively. However, Sarah particularly mentions significant changes to the lives of young women on the estate.

“MTVH has created spaces for girls, giving them a platform to express themselves and support one another. Now we see those young women, who were previously underrepresented, coming forward,” says Sarah.

The increased representation of young women and a focus on younger children have been significant improvements, but MTVH is also intensifying its work with parents because working with the entire household is crucial. MTHV is continuing its one-to-one services with families and supports partnership work.

On the subject of future initiatives, the housing association aims to work more closely with the council and housing providers across Brent. Their vision for sustainability focuses on increasing relational work at all levels, from grassroots to decision-makers, facilitating progress as an anchor organisation.

Although resources are continuing to benefit Chalkhill, Stonebridge and Church End, MTVH would like to support a wider reach in Brent that includes other housing providers. Sarah believes this is only possible if stakeholders focus on the entire household support, not just individuals. “We need to further develop our holistic approach and targeted work like that with young women and girls. It is essential that we continue to keep the voices of young people and communities at the heart of what we do,” she adds.

MTVH's impactful engagement through the One Flow One Brent programme is not just an initiative; it is a lifeline for children, young people, and communities. Focusing on grassroots levels while connecting with other strategic partners for a better alignment of resources, MTVH is forging a path towards a brighter future, driven by community collaboration and dedication to those who need it the most.