Empowering Brent Communities: Peabody's Journey with One Flow One Brent

The collaboration between Peabody, a London-based housing association with over 108,000 homes across the city and the Home Counties, and One Flow One Brent (OFOB), a unique consortium involving Young Brent Foundation, local young people and the country's largest housing associations, lead initiatives amidst these challenges, elevating and empowering the residents of Church End, Challkhil, and Stonebridge.

Peabody's involvement with OFOB began with Catalyst in 2021 before Catalyst merged with Peabody in April 2023. Since the partnership was established, it has blossomed into a force for positive change, driven by a shared commitment to address the issues faced by Brent.

Rhys Evans, Community Investment Manager at Peabody, emphasises the importance of understanding the local historical context to navigate the complex dynamics of the community. By identifying gaps in youth support and addressing food insecurity issues, Peabody has endeavoured to create inclusive spaces and foster a sense of belonging among residents. From after school programmes to girls-only fitness centres, every initiative reflects a deep-seated commitment to nurturing holistic community development. “During the lifetime of the OFOB, the number of incidents has reduced dramatically,” says Evans and adds, “as we focus on frequent daily interventions, our team can respond to the many challenges out there, making an impact on the vibrant Brent communities.”

Rhys Evans also recalls formidable challenges exacerbating existing social tensions and amplifying the need for community cohesion during the COVID-19 pandemic. In collaboration with Hyde Housing and MTVH, Peabody leveraged the resources of OFOB to implement diversion activities and support mechanisms aimed at alleviating the hardships faced by residents. The success of Peabody's efforts is further amplified by its collaboration with public health authorities, highlighting the interconnectedness of social and health outcomes. “We have had a strong link with public health that has sat alongside One Flow One Brent, including opportunities for people to get health and wellbeing support,” Evans mentions.

As the OFOB programme continues to evolve, Peabody remains steadfast in its dedication to boosting the voices of the community and tailoring support services to meet their needs. Looking ahead, Peabody envisions a future where the stories of resilience and empowerment are celebrated, and where partnerships forged during the OFOB programme serve as pillars of enduring change. “The situation for young people has relatively settled down compared to what it was at the start of the OFOB programme, which has created other things that have become very important locally, such as the work around ‘She is Summit’, and the ‘Flourishing Futures’,” says Evans and adds, “these are the results of the heavy influence of OFOB, although it is still too early to see the direct impact of the programme.”

One Flow One Brent has facilitated the conversation between several organisations to provide the best support to the needs of local communities in Church End, which is very crucial in terms of having long-term success. Harnessing the wealth of knowledge gained through collaborative efforts, Peabody seeks to pave the way for more significant impact and sustainable community transformation. In the months to come, Peabody plans to capture the diverse stories of Brent’s communities, the work of the steering groups (including the formation of partnerships before the OFOB programme) and the shared history of learning to increase the local offer and hyperlocal knowledge and facilitate the long-lasting impact.

Peabody's remarkable partnership with One Flow One Brent reminds us of the power of collective action and the transformative potential inherent within communities. Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard, every need is met, and every individual thrives. By embracing the complexity of local communities and nurturing genuine partnerships, we can truly unlock the full potential of our neighbourhoods.