Making Brent’s Neighbourhoods Safe: PLIAS Resettlement

Addressing a significant gap in the boroughs of Brent and Harrow, as well as across West London, PLIAS extends support to ex-offenders, vulnerable individuals, and their families as these groups often slip through the cracks of traditional support systems due to the intricate and multifaceted nature of their circumstances.

Through a series of workshops and one-on-one sessions under the OFOB programme, PLIAS focuses on gender-based violence, empowering young women with crucial information, guidance, and skills necessary to combat and end violence against women in Brent. Partnering with Start Easy, a local organisation with extensive experience working with youth in Brent, the coalition of both initiatives helps gain better access to new clients while continuing to support young girls and women from their previous projects.

The dynamics of emotions

In the first She Surfs workshops, PLIAS engaged with young girls from St. Margaret School. Through hands-on activities and reflective exercises, participants delved into the dynamics of relationships, exploring emotions and values. They were equipped with the ability to identify signs of dependency and abuse, empowering them to make informed decisions and respond effectively in similar situations in the future. These workshops embody the shared dedication of OFOB and its partners in nurturing and guiding young individuals toward a brighter future.

“Recognising the significance of partnership working, especially in supporting young girls to navigate and report dangers safely, is paramount. Through collaboration, we create a robust network that fosters the discovery of healthy relationships and provides real-life examples,” says Norma Hoyte, the director of PLIAS Resettlement, and adds, “the emphasis on partnership is crucial in our collective efforts to empower and protect young individuals.”

Increasing youth confidence

As PLIAS records, many of the young people they encountered had intersectional and additional needs, often reporting low self-esteem, mental health challenges, and social isolation or exclusion. To face such challenging and complex issues, the organisation stresses how crucial the partnerships created during the OFOB programme are in addressing those effectively. The organisation continues to ‘empower young individuals to recognise signs of abuse and understand power dynamics within relationships.’

Additionally, PLIAS has focused on delivering sessions to develop competencies in identifying and addressing cyberbullying and sexist hate speech online. Through the workshops, the organisation aims to equip young people with the skills required to navigate online spaces safely and responsibly.