One Flow One Brent Welcomes Six Youth Board Members to Drive Positive Change
Initially comprised of six dedicated members, the OFOB Project Board has now grown to include an additional six young individuals aged between 17 and 19, effectively doubling its strength to 12 members. This expansion echoes OFOB's unwavering commitment to youth engagement, inclusive decision-making and building stronger community networks as a means of tackling the drivers of violence affecting young people across Chalkhill, Stonebridge and Church End estates in Brent.
The newly inaugurated Youth Board members – Ayan Abdi, Haneen Al-Kinani, Taisha Miller, Varniga Paramananthan, Vishani Vigneswaran and Ziham Mohamud – bring unique perspectives, lived experiences and fresh insights to the programme.
“From previously being a [OFOB] Steering Group member, I participated in different activities across London, and learned a lot about violence and how it can actually begin with young people,” says Vishani, a 17-year-old from Stonebridge who is passionate about youth work and community.
“I would like to help create platforms to educate young people on how violence begins, facilitate their access to further education or job opportunities, and foster togetherness in the community through youth clubs and events,” she adds.
Haneen and Vishani at a One Flow One Brent meeting
Varniga, who’s also 17 and lives in Stonebridge says, “Youth voices are important. I want to help voice my peers’ opinions, given the current violence in the community. I would like for girls and women to be able to walk around safely, without fear of being attacked.”
“I want to be part of the change.”
The active participation of the Youth Board is set to create a dynamic exchange of ideas, enriching the decision-making process with a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by Brent's young people. This will be facilitated by the Youth Board’s engagement of other young people in their estates, to ensure that their voices are heard.
Youth Board members are also poised to become ambassadors of OFOB's mission, not only raising its profile but in contributing to its strategic direction and development. Collaborating closely with the OFOB programme team, they will play a pivotal role in driving positive change through their input on strategic planning, governance, and engagement with key stakeholders – including housing associations and local authorities.
“By participating in monthly board meetings, reviewing funding applications, and attending grant panel meetings, the Youth Board are directly involved in shaping the initiatives that will foster stronger community networks and more inclusive decision-making,” says Chidinma Nwodo, the OFOB Project Manager.
This experience thus also offers them a unique opportunity for personal growth, professional development, and a deeper understanding of community dynamics.
Ziham, 16, a resident of Stonebridge with an interest in corporate law, says, “this role will give me an opportunity to further develop my public speaking and debating skills as we discuss different issues that affect our community. I will require these skills in my future career as a solicitor.”
Haneen, 17, from Chalkhill, envisions her board role as an opportunity to make meaningful impact within her community. She adds, “I hope the networking opportunities will help me to gain clarity in my career path. I’m currently leaning towards studying economics or international relations.”
One Flow One Brent is led by a consortium including the Young Brent Foundation, local young people, and three of the country’s largest housing associations: Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, Hyde and Peabody. It is funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit.
As the One Flow One Brent family grows, so does the resolve to transform Brent into a safer, more united community. The addition of these Youth Board members is a testament to the fact that change begins with collaboration, and it thrives when the voices of the youth are heard, respected, and empowered.