From homeless support to community hub
In the heart of Barking and Dagenham stands the John Smith House (JSH) Consortium, a building which has undergone rapid change over the last few years. Formerly operating as the office of the Local Authority Homeless Advice Service, this space has been transformed thanks to the dedicated efforts of the JSH Consortium and it now serves as a vibrant community hub.
This collective of diverse operations has breathed new life into the building, driving social value for local businesses and residents, in particular for the young people who now have a space where they can receive counselling, take part in arts, sports and cultural activities or receive advice around debt, housing or have a healthy meal. To provide resident-led activities space in which to operate, and services that address residents’ needs, the JSH Consortium could be just what the Borough needs.
The tendering process: A community asset
During the Pandemic, all homeless services moved to an online model. Once COVID restrictions had eased up and there was no longer a use for this building, a tender was put out for it to become a community asset.
Sarah Robertson, CEO of FMC (Future M.O.L.D.S Communities) stepped in as the lead and worked alongside other organisations to apply. Originally applying as nine different organisations, the group now proudly consists of eleven diverse organisations. Transferring this from a council building to the voluntary sector was no easy feat, with rigorous paperwork involved.
Leading the charge
At the forefront of this initiative are two key drivers: Future M.O.L.D.S Communities and Barking and Dagenham Youth Dance. Georgina Alexiou, the B&D Youth Dance Founder and Project Manager, has been working alongside Sarah Robertson, with the two organisations playing a crucial role in shaping the consortium’s mission and activities. Their commitment to addressing local needs and fostering a sense of community has been instrumental to their success.
Led by the idea that the residents take the lead on projects, activities and events, this space is a crucial capacity-building provision with many smaller groups in the Borough of Barking and Dagenham struggling to find space to deliver their activities and have an administration office.
Bringing these voices together allows each organisation to become part of a stronger force that aims to use its collective power to bring about change and equality. Instead of operating in a silo, coming together has created a distinctive feeling of belonging and community.
Resident-led activities and services
Addressing inequalities, disadvantages, and discrimination is at the heart of JSH’s mission. The consortium offers services that target these issues directly, providing support and resources to those who need it most. Whether job training, mental health support, or physical activity programmes for youngsters, JSH is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable community.
Joining the Future M.O.L.D.S Communities and B&D Youth Dance Group are Tawhid Academy, Right Development Foundation, Mums on a Mission, Recyclothes, Elevate Her UK, Triangoals, UKON Careers, JDS Striving for Excellence and Ultimate Counselling Therapy Services, with a full weekly calendar that offers anything from music lessons in a fully equipped media suite to Islamic education and Yoga to boxing and fitness, complete with a boxing ring.
There is an activity to suit almost anyone, offering the residents an outlet and a space to meet like-minded individuals and seek guidance or counselling. With programmes to train and motivate and a network that connects young people and promotes their well-being and employability, the volunteer space is making a difference in the lives of this vibrant borough.
Collective impact
Along with holding regular meetings that allow for different voices to be heard, the consortium lends itself to collaboration with its ability to apply for joint bids. Having been awarded money from the Mayor of London allocated towards their efforts in reducing violence, they were also awarded funds from the National Lottery that will see to the consortium overheads for the next five years, allowing them to focus their efforts on the real work that needs to be done within the community.
Although it may seem dire to be facing poverty, systemic school issues and food insecurity, it’s heartening to know that their projects are affecting many people in the Borough. Their Health Inequalities Commissioning work saw them helping 200 young people increase their resilience, and their Violence Reduction Unit work saw them helping 168 young people combat violence.
The young people who may have been leaning towards anti-social and even criminal behaviour have now got a safe space where they can be heard, one which tries to make up for instances where a lack of family support or a wider social support network is felt.
A unified effort: Looking ahead
As JSH continues to evolve, its vision for the future remains clear. The consortium aims to expand its services, reach more residents, and deepen its impact. Plans include developing new programs, and forging additional partnerships, whilst influencing and advocating for policies that address the root causes of inequality.
Although funding and coordination efforts are always challenging, increasing their reach through their unified approach drives each of these organisations to keep working and evolving alongside the community they serve.
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