Grenfell must bequeath legacy of collaboration
Derren Hayes
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Looking for silver linings to come out of a disaster such as Grenfell Tower would be churlish. However, the way community groups and charities have responded to the tragedy, which claimed 71 lives, 19 of them children, on 14 June last year, is an example of what can be achieved when organisations work in collaboration.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, children's charitable grant givers made offers of support (See Analysis). A coalition was formed bringing together large national funders, government agencies and private companies and matching them up with the small community organisations working with children and families affected by Grenfell. Through this, more than £2m has been provided to projects offering seaside trips and fun experiences, giving children a vital chance to focus on positive activities.
Kensington and Chelsea Council was widely criticised for its initial response to the disaster, but has also played a crucial role supporting those directly affected, providing therapeutic services and practical help to around 300 children. In addition, the council has provided advice and guidance to the wider population of children and young people in the borough.
However, Brendan O'Keefe, managing director of Epic CIC, says trust in the local authority among young people has been badly damaged. They feel "disenfranchised and not heard or valued", explains O'Keefe, whose organisation has delivered youth services in the area since 2014. The council must address this urgently.
For its part, Epic is developing a community leaders programme for young people affected by the disaster. Such projects will be crucial in helping heal the community.
The council says it plans to learn from the response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans to ensure it tracks the progress of children affected by the tragedy at crucial points in their lives. Youth services such as Epic working with young people outside of school will play a vital role in identifying those most at risk of negative outcomes. The council needs to ensure there is sufficient youth provision to take on this role effectively.
The collaborative approach developed by children's sector organisations in response to the Grenfell disaster should not be seen as a one-off response. It should be adopted by all the key agencies working to meet the needs of children, young people and families in Kensington and Chelsea for years to come.
