Asian communities are being urged to pay tribute to the determination, energy and bravery of local people who have tackled disrespect and taken a stand against anti-social behaviour by nominating them for the 2007 Respect Awards for Taking A Stand. The awards honour various kinds of action to combat anti-social behaviour problems such as vandalism, nuisance neighbours, harassment, intimidation and graffiti. Winners will receive £1,000 to be spent on improving their local area.

Recipients of the 2005/6 Awards include Jas Singh from Coventry, Manisha Patel from Ilford, Rizwan Khan from Luton and Mohammed Ahad from Tower Hamlets

JAS SINGH

The area of Stoke in Coventry suffered from youths hanging around and causing a range of problems for local residents: litter, swearing, fighting, racist remarks and noise. Locals were scared to walk down their own street and any attempts at communication with the youngsters were rudely ignored.

Jas Singh had enough and approached the youths to find out what they wanted. An interest in football and sport was shown and, taking this into consideration, Jas set up a youth football club which the young people are now members of, playing on a regular basis. They no longer hang around the streets causing disruption to the residents and the tension between the two groups has eased. As a result of Jas’s efforts, the area is a lot cleaner and people feel much safer.

Jas Singh said of his award: “It’s a privilege to have received a Respect Award but there are many more people out there who are taking the time and effort to do something to challenge anti-social behaviour. It’s really important they get some recognition too.”

MANISHA PATEL

Loxford is the most deprived ward in Redbridge, where anti-social behaviour such as drug taking and dealing, physical abuse, vandalism, and arson take place on a daily basis.

37 year old Manisha, despite being a parent of two with a full time job, became chair of the Loxford Tenants and Residents Association. On a daily basis she liaises with various different voluntary and statutory agencies in order to help tackle the yobbish behaviour in her area.

Manisha has continued to fight to make things better in Loxford and her tenacity and commitment has seen many new initiatives and improvements, including engendering a culture of recycling on the estate. Manisha has encouraged parents to be more accountable for the actions of their children as well as encouraging residents to report incidents to her and the police, which has made a huge difference.

RIZWAN KHAN

A lack of facilities and provision of recreational and educational activities for the Pakistani/Kashmiri and Bangladeshi young people of Dallow and Biscot wards in Luton meant that the summer holidays were rife with problems such as anti-social behaviour and substance misuse.

A youth diversion programme called the Crescent Summer School Project (CSSP) was set up to provide young people in the area with opportunities that would engage them in a positive way.

Volunteers aged between 16-24 – including Rizwan Khan - organised a four week summer scheme that included workshops by agencies such as the Prince’s Trust, trips to the BBC studios and Madame Tussauds in London and accredited courses such as emergency first aid and food hygiene.

The CSSP attracted over 300 young people and their involvement in constructive activities meant a positive contribution to community safety and a reduction in anti-social behaviour during the summer holidays.

MOHAMMED AHAD

Since early 2004, issues between the local police and Asian youths on the Ocean Estate in Tower Hamlets had led to feelings of distrust and unhappiness. The problems related to police harassment and maltreatment; three separate incidences occurred which fuelled the situation and leaders from the ethnic community argued that these youths were being targeted out of Islam phobia or racism. Residents became very resentful and angered.

In order to resolve the issues, several community meetings were held with community workers and senior police figures. One particular meeting was also attended by young community activists such as Mohammed Ahad, civil rights workers and 30 influential youths. The outcome of this meeting was significant with everyone agreeing to cooperate on matters related to general community safety, anti-social behaviour and joint work on community and youth projects.

Since this meeting there have been no reported incidences between the police and youths on the estate with virtually no anti-social behaviour affecting the area. The process of developing a police monitoring mechanism has also begun – the aim is to make police more sensitive and accountable to young people.

NOMINATE FOR THE RESPECT AWARDS 2007

Home Secretary, John Reid, said: “The Respect drive is all about tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour head on. This Government has given local agencies the powers necessary to stop bad behaviour and to bring respite to our communities. However local residents also have a vital role to play to make sure that anti-social behaviour does not go unchallenged.

“We already acknowledge the contribution made by public servants to their communities, but we want to recognise ordinary people who are prepared to stand up for their community and to work with their local agencies to hand the streets back to the law abiding majority. They are a shining example to us all that we should not be afraid to challenge those who think it is okay to intimidate people and disrupt our communities. We need people around the country to tell us who is deserving of this award.”

Louise Casey, the Government’s Co-ordinator for Respect, said: “Up and down the country there are many people with a strong sense of community spirit who do a great deal to make their streets safer places to live. These awards are about saying thanks to those people for the contribution they make - recognising that they are the ones who are putting the neighbour back into neighbourhood.”

To nominate someone call 08080 002030 for a nomination form or log on to www.respect.gov.uk/awards. The deadline for nominations is 31st January 2007.

Top